UK General Insurance Competitor Tracker Q4

Introduction

The UK General Insurance Competitor Tracker provides expert analysis and opinion on the strategic movements of leading competitors in the general insurance market.

Scope

• Information on new product developments, acquisition activity, distribution, new corporate partnerships and performance.
• Insight on the following competitors: Allianz, AXA, Fortis, Groupama, Norwich Union, RBS Insurance, Royal & SunAlliance and Zurich.

Highlights

The major news arising from the fourth quarter of 2007 was the purchase of Broker Network by Towergate at 605p per share. The move is consistent with Towergate's stated aim of establishing a network to accompany its existing distribution channels.

Allianz announced that it would be taking legal action against Yorkshire water for potential negligence regarding maintenance of drainage systems before the summer floods. Other insurers are also considering legal action, and if Allianz is successful, they may follow suit.

Reasons to Purchase

• Evaluate key competitor strategies
• Input in to your own competitor analysis research
• Identify new product development and acquisition activity among your competitors

• Catalyst
• Summary
• Analysis
• Overview
  • Cornhill Direct agreed its first aggregator relationship while Allianz Schemes established a number of new partnerships
  • Cornhill Direct agrees its first aggregator relationship
  • Allianz signs a new partnership with Amazon.co.UK
  • Allianz extends its partnership with GAME
  • Allianz launches risk initiative with Rospa
  • Allianz is considering legal action against a water company
  • AXA enters the medical insurance broking market and extends deal with Homeserve
  • AXA enters the medical insurance broking market through the acquisition of THIG
  • AXA successfully negotiates Homeserve deal
  • AXA launches new commercial products for small businesses
  • Fortis sees strong growth in its third quarter results on the back of its affinity and brokered business
  • Fortis reports 12% growth in GWP in third quarter results for 2007
  • Groupama reveals the reasons behind its broker purchases
  • Groupama chief reveals reasons for broker purchase
  • Norwich Union agrees to extend its HSBC deal, re-organizes its operating model and sets out its strategy for maintaining broker independence
  • Norwich Union and HSBC agree lucrative 5-year deal
  • Norwich Union is bringing its distribution channels under one management
  • Norwich Union announces a plan to help brokers to remain independent
  • Norwich Union sets up new broker club
  • RBSI sees Direct Line for Business launch several new products
  • Direct Line rolls out buy-to-let insurance
  • Direct Line launches commercial property cover
  • Royal & SunAlliance to benefit from the 2012 Olympic Games
  • Court of appeal ruling leaves Royal & SunAlliance with 1m legal bill
  • Royal & SunAlliance is to be one of the lead insurers for the 2012 Olympic Games
  • Zurich re-launches its home products and employs Experian to assist with marketing
  • Zurich plans aggressive new launch of its brokered home products
  • Zurich chooses Experian to manage marketing campaigns
  • Brokers see further consolidation
  • Kerry London launches risk auction site
  • Towergate set to take over Broker Network
  • Willis in push to expand its broker network
• Appendix
  • Ask the analyst
  • Datamonitor consulting
  • Disclaimer