Press Releases from the insurance industry - Latest at the top - please scroll down for ealier realeases - please click on a topic for the full Press Release

Please note, all details on any of the Insurance industry Press Releases displayed on this site are provided by insurance companies, organisations, Government departments and media and jml Property Services does not take any responsibilty for their content or accuracy.

See Also

jml Insurance Press Releases

Independent insurance Articles

Insurance Industry Press Releases 2001 -2007

jml villas.com Press Releases

jml villas.com / euro-rentavilla.com Media Coverage

jml Training and Consultancy Press Releases

August 2008: Student accommodation costs an average of £75 a week - Halifax Reseach - New research for the Halifax Student Account shows that the average student now pays almost £75 a week for accommodation. The study also revealed that spending on food was almost £40. Back to top

August 2008: Irish Financial Regulator warns consumers to check the excess on home insurance policies - Ireland - For the first time, the home insurance cost comparisons feature the excess that applies to each quote. This is the amount of each claim that consumers must pay themselves and may only apply on certain types of claims. The comparisons show that, depending on the provider, the excess can vary between €100 and €500, for standard claims on a home insurance policy. Back to top

August 2008: Tourists risk card theft - British holidaymakers are often complacent with their debit and credit cards when abroad, a card fraud expert has claimed. Research by CPP revealed that over a third of all card offences committed against UK citizens now occur in foreign destinations, so holidaymakers need to be increasingly aware of the dangers when using a card abroad. Back to top

August 2008: New landlords advised to seek lettings protection and Lettings market shines bright in housing gloom - Property owners who are turning to the rental market should make sure they are protected against potential hazards of letting properties, a lettings insurance provider has warned. The advice from HomeLet for landlords and tenants follows The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey of residential lettings published on the 19th August. Back to top

August 2008: Flash Floods Hit Ireland on Saturday 9th August 2008 - The equivalent to a month's average rain fell in parts of Dublin. Met Éireann said that in the 24-hour period from midnight Friday until midnight Saturday 76.2mm of rain was recorded at Dublin Airport, a new record for August. Back to top

August 2008: NatWest Student Living Index 2008 - NatWest unveils the fifth Student Living Index - an annual study examining student spending habits and how students offset these costs and unveiling a league table of Britain's major university towns. Back to top

August 2008: EIS Completes Rebranding Exercise to Become Barbon Insurance Limited - Erinaceous Insurance Services Limited (EIS) is delighted to announce the completion of its rebranding exercise and from today will operate as Barbon Insurance Group Limited. The name change and unveiling of the new corporate identity reinforces the company's position as one of the UK's leading independent property and commercial insurance brokers. Back to top

August 2008: AXA research reveals increasing numbers unable to afford their rent - UK - As the housing market focuses on mortgage arrears and repossessions, AXA can reveal that the private rental market could also be heading for a bumpy ride. According to research from the insurer, the number of private renters slipping into arrears because they simply can't afford the rent is rising. Back to top

August 2008: Soaps Are Missing The Truth Over Convictions -Emerdale has Andy, Coronation street has David & Kevin, East enders has several ! Charecters who have recentley been released from prison. A plea to the producers of these shows to please also show thissues faced by ex offenders and their families. All of the charecters who have served prison sentences return to their virtual familiy life & virtual family Has no producer thought to go beyond the "box" and show the true effects & reality of how a criminal conviction and the effects on the familiy and their home. Back to top

July 2008: Allclear Travel Insurance to be headline sponsor of Travel Convention ABTA is delighted to announce that AllClear Travel Insurance - the Bishopscourt Group's flagship brand, has become a Headline Sponsor of the 2008 Travel Convention. Back to top

July 2008: Liverpool Victoria Banking Services to pay £840,000 fine plus compensation to PPI customers following FSA investigation and Liverpool Victoria fine proves PPI mis-selling is still a problem, says Which? Back to top

July 2008: FSA fines Hastings Insurance Services Ltd (Hastings) £735,000 for not treating customers fairly - During two separate periods between July and September 2007, Hastings discovered that due to an internal system error, inaccurate insurance quotations were given to customers, which resulted in some of them paying significantly lower premiums than they should have. Hastings cancelled the policies but in doing so failed to give sufficient consideration to paying the premium shortfall to the insurance provider or investigating other possible remedies Back to top

July 2008: Renters on the Rise and Americans Face Increasing Risk for Property Loss - As the number of Americans renting homes increases with the current housing foreclosure crisis, a new survey released today by Allstate finds most renters are inadequately prepared to protect their belongings. Back to top

July 2008:Sainsbury's Home Insurance is warning cyclists that there is a significant risk of their bike being stolen whilst stored at home, not just while they are out and about. Back to top

July 2008: swiftcover.com uncovers Britain’s car-theft hot spots - The insurer has compiled a list of the ‘most likely’ victims of vehicle-related theft from its claims database from April 2007 – April 2008. The figures incorporate both theft (attempted and actual) of the vehicle itself and personal belongings Back to top

July 2008: UK lending institutions may chase up to €32 million in unpaid car loans in Ireland - There have been almost 40,000 vehicles imported from the UK & Northern Ireland in 2008 and 8% of these are still on finance. Back to top

July 2008: BIBA wins prestigious sector representation award - The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has won the Sector Representation Award at the prestigious Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards. Back to top

July 2008: Accident Prone British Teenagers in Jeopardy as they Holiday Uninsured - 100,000 British teenagers are to jet off on holiday this year without their parents or insurance. An estimated half a million teenagers will take their first parent free holiday this summer. Back to top

July 2008: Irish Government's health insurance risk scheme set aside - The Supreme Court has ruled that the Government's risk equalisation scheme for health insurance is based on a wrong interpretation of the law and should be set aside - Statement from Vhi Healthcare re: Supreme Court Decision Back to top

July 2008: Additional investment of over £700 million needed to address flood issues across UK - £800m government commitment inadequate - AXA calls for clear accountability and increased investment to deal specifically with drainage problems that cause flooding, along with a larger financial commitment from central and local government to address infrastructure issues. Back to top

July 2008: BIBA Brokers offer cover for flood prone properties not protected by the Government and insurance industry agreement - The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has welcomed today's agreement between Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to ensure that flood insurance remains widely available. Despite this, BIBA believes that there are still properties that will be excluded from this agreement and will need specialist advice from an insurance broker. Back to top

July 2008: Research released from Sainsbury’s Car Insurance highlights dangers of bad driving habits - In 2007 there were an estimated 182,115(2) accidents in which people were injured on Britain's roads; new research released today from Sainsbury's Car Insurance indicates why this is perhaps not surprising. Back to top

July 2008: Lloyds TSB launches pick-and-mix home insurance -Lloyds TSB Insurance has launched a new buildings and contents policy aimed at the customers aged 50+ who is keen to select the exact cover they need, without paying for unwanted extras. It is called The Personal Home Plan. Back to top

July 2008: Martin & Co announces three year deal with HomeLet - The UK's number one letting agent Martin & Co has signed an exclusive three-year deal with HomeLet - the market-leading insurance provider for the lettings industry. The lettings franchise group is now HomeLet's largest client. On Monday 7th July 2008 HomeLet's parent company, EIS, announced that it will be changing its name to Barbon Insurance Group Limited in August as part of a rebranding exercise following a change of ownership. Back to top

July 2008: Agreement on Flood Insurance is good news for customers - The ABI (Association of British Insurers) and the Government have reached agreement that ensures flood insurance remains widely available now and in the long term. Back to top

July 2008: New ABI consumer guides on HIV and insurance published - The ABI has published an updated version of its Consumer Guide for Gay Men on HIV and Life Insurance, and a new Guide on countries with high HIV prevalence and insurance. Back to top

July 2008: Fuel theft breakdowns double since January 2008 - says RAC - RAC has released new figures which show that breakdowns caused by fuel being stolen from vehicles has doubled since the beginning of 2008r. The RAC data reveals the extent to which the problem has swept over the UK in the past six months. Back to top

July 2008: Over three million drivers admit driving home tired after flying - Ending Your holiday with a bang - 3.2 million people admit to driving home tired after flying long-haul, posing a risk of accidents to both themselves and other road users reveals Saga Motor Insurance. Almost 1.3 million drivers also admit to usually drinking on long haul flights and then driving home when they land.Back to top

July 2008: Research survey says - UK: Holidaymakers scrimping on travel insurance - The credit squeeze may be pushing travel insurance to the bottom of the pile for hard-up holidaymakers. More than half of British holidaymakers (51%) say that travel insurance could fall off their list when planning their holiday this year as they feel the pinch of the credit crunch, according to new research out today.Back to top

July 2008: Insurers detect record amounts of motor fraud: £5 million a week - Driven to deception - insurers detect record amounts of motor fraud - Dishonest motorists who see insurance as a way to clear their debts or make money face a nasty surprise. Figures released today by the ABI (Association of British Insurers) show that last year insurers uncovered 24,000 fraudulent motor insurance claims worth £260 million Back to top

July 2008: RSA launches new bespoke Professional Indemnity product - Insurer RSA today launches a new ‘Solicitors' package, offering tailor-made Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance to medium sized solicitor firms. Aimed at firms with a practice of 10 to 40 partners, ‘Solicitors' has been designed to address the risks faced by those in the professional services industry requiring more than a standard PI product Back to top

June 2008: Nearly seven million people have never been on holiday outside of the UK as many as 15% of British adults – some 6.96 million people – have never been on holiday abroad. Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance - As many as 15% of British adults - some 6.96 million people - have never been on holiday abroad. Sainsbury's Travel Insurance(1), warns however that calamity can still strike whilst in the UK and that travel insurance is just as essential for UK holidays to cover instances such as lost or stolen luggage and belongings or travel delays. Indeed UK residents take more than 50 million domestic holidays a year, spending £10.9 billion. Back to top

June 2008: HomeLet staff gain promotions - HomeLet the Landlord and Tenant insurance provider and Tenant referencing company has promoted three members of staff. Kelly Sleight, Matthew Carter and Westley Marcham have climbed higher up the ladder at HomeLet in Lincoln. Back to top

June 2008: Resolution Hardens Among Buy to Let Investors - The Prime Investors in Today's Property Market - Buy to Let landlords are increasingly resolved to maintain their portfolios of residential investment property. This is despite the fall in house prices. Only a tiny minority, 1.3%, expects to sell because of current market conditions. 7.3% may alter their let portfolios, while four out of ten expect to increase them during the coming twelve months. Back to top

June 2008: ABI June 2008 Press Releases Flooding in UK - Pitt report on the 2007 summer floods must be acted on says the ABI and Scotland getting it right on managing flood risk says the ABI Back to top

June 2008: Hibernian Insurance - Ireland announces reorganisation to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and support growth - Hibernian, part of Aviva, and Ireland's largest insurer, has announced today that it will reorganise its business to increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs and support its continued growth. This announcement follows a comprehensive business review, which examined all aspects of the Company's operations. Over the next three years, Hibernian will gradually move part of its service and support functions to Aviva's well-established global services centre in Bangalore, India. Back to top

June 2008: Homeowners set to have a smashing time during Wimbledon 2008 - As Wimbledon Mania sweeps the nation once again, Halifax Home Insurance advises budding tennis aces to take care near the home to avoid accidental damage. Accidental damage cover could help hapless sports fans to protect their homes. Back to top

June 2008: Motorists warned to check they are fully covered before clocking up the miles abroad - Around 17% of people are planning to take their cars abroad over the next 12 months, according to new research from Sainsbury's Car Insurance. However, unless they inform their insurer before they set off, they could find that their fully comprehensive policy in the UK has diminished to third party. Back to top

June 2008: Framework for a Fairer Future – The Equality Bill - ABI - Association of British Insurers: Information, not legislation, is best way to help older insurance customers - Today's announcement of the Government's intention to publish an Equality Bill, which would include provision to outlaw unjustifiable discrimination based on age, ‘will not affect the differential provision of products or services for older people where this is justified.' Back to top

June 2008: Public demand more action to reduce flooding - opinion research published by the ABI - One year on from 2007's devastating floods three-quarters of people think that not enough is being done to tackle flooding, according to opinion research published today by the ABI (Association of British Insurers). Improving drainage is seen as the number one priority. There is also widespread support for the Government's target of three million new homes by 2020 to be reduced if it would lead to more homes at risk of flooding. Back to top

June 2008: UK: Residential property owners need to be vigilant, with cannabis farming on the increase, warns Norwich Union - Residential landlords may not be covered if their property is damaged by tenants using it for cannabis production, warns Norwich Union. Mike Colmans, underwriting manager, property owners, Norwich Union, said: "As with most insurance policies, the duty of care element means a landlord must protect his investment and minimise his losses. This means it is important to be aware of the warning signs and make sure all ‘reasonable precautions' are taken." Back to top

June 2008: Insurers widen access to home insurance in the North East -The ABI has teamed up with insurer RSA and brokers Marsh to bring together housing providers from councils and housing associations at an event in the North East today, with the aim of widening access to home contents insurance. Back to top

June 2008: Drivers Down Under Hit by biggest Car Hire Excess Charges – Don’t go the distance without protection, warns INSURANCE4CARHIRE.COM - Excess charges incurred by drivers in Australia disproportionately high compared to other motorists - Drivers charged as much as £2,000 for damage excess - Save £££'s by taking out an annual worldwide Excess insurance policy Holiday makers hiring a car Down Under are presented with the biggest excess charges for car hire compared to anywhere else in the world, according to independent excess cover provider Insurance4carhire.com. Back to top

June 2008: New Customer relations manager for EIS Insurance Solutions -The Property and Commercial Division of EIS Insurancey Solutions has announced the recent appointment of Matthew Wiles as Customer Relations Manager for its Property and Commercial Division. In this wide-ranging new role Matthew will be responsible for the management of several key accounts as well as maintaining and enhancing the partnership between BIBA and Letsure's Bibalet scheme.Back to top

June 2008: No Soaring Rents as Supply and Demand Levels come into Balance, Quarterly ARLA Survey shows - Marginal falls in rental returns for houses and flats are reported in the latest quarterly survey of ARLA's member letting agents published today, June 9. This, ARLA believes, is due to the number of new developments coming on-stream. The Association also points out that this demolishes the myth that rent levels are soaring. Back to top

June 2008: Norwich Union Insurance (Aviva) announces update on major operational transformation and Unite reaction to Aviva (Norwich Union) job loss announcement. Aviva, the owner of Norwich Union, will cut up to 1,800 jobs by 2010 as it restructures its insurance operations. Unite reaction to Aviva (Norwich Union) job loss announcement Back to top

June 2008: Insurance industry responds to Competition Commission’s findings on Payment Protection Insurance (PPI).. Back to top

June 2008: Lack of Euro fever gives warning to drivers - Euro 2008 begins this weekend but with no home nations qualifying this year, research by online car insurance expert elephant.co.uk has revealed that this could also be bad news for drivers as well as football fans. Back to top

June 2008: Ex-offenders charity speaks out over industry policy of exclusion The aggregator market has been criticised for failing to make it clear to ex-offenders that they must declare convictions. The criticism followed the launch of a campaign by charity Unlock - the National Association of Reformed Offenders - to remove the blanket exclusion by most insurers for people with convictions, and to introduce risk assessments to create more suitable policies for ex-offenders. Back to top

June 2008: Research from Halifax Home Insurance reveals Gadgets graveyard: £2.6 billion of unused kitchen appliances. Over a quarter of a million British households have more than £500 worth of abandoned kitchen gadgets stored away. Back to top

June 2008: Workers fear consequences of being off sick - Saga Insurance Research - A study by Saga Private Medical Insurance* has revealed that almost half (43%) of workers are embarrassed or worried about the negative effect on their career or feel paranoid when they return to work after a period of illness. Despite these fears, 29% of all workers have been off ill for more than five consecutive days in the last two years and over a third (38%) admit to having pulled a ‘sickie'. Back to top

May 2008: New FSA travel insurance regulation will protect consumers. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today published a Policy Statement setting out the final rules for regulating travel insurance sold alongside a holiday - known as Connected Travel Insurance (CTI). This is mainly sold by travel firms and holiday providers. Back to top

May 2008: Insurance rates at 25-year low but reform benefits fully absorbed - Irish Insurance Federation - Dangers of Over-Regulation Highlighted - Brendan Murphy has been elected President of the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) for 2008/09 at the IIF's AGM on the 23rd May 2008 Back to top

May 2008: Cartell.ie now offers complete UK and Irish car history check service - now offering buyers a car history check on vehicles imported from the UK and Northern Ireland. This new service, which is only available from Cartell.ie, will provide much needed reassurance for car buyers by giving them all the information they need about a vehicle before they purchase it. Back to top

May 2008: Flash floods hit west of England 29th May 2008.Half of Somerset was hit by flooding on Thursday night after a bout of torrential storms. Fire crews tackling flood emergencies in Somerset said it was their "busiest night in living history". Firefighters evacuated homes in the worst hit areas of south Somerset after a sudden and heavy burst of rain between 6.30pm and 7pm yesterday Back to top

May 2008: More homeowners at risk than in 1992 recession - AXA Insurance research. Nearly 16 years since the last major economic downturn in the UK, research published by AXA1 reveals that UK homeowners have failed to learn the lessons of 1992 - there are more people at risk of falling into mortgage arrears or having their home repossessed, and the vast majority of homeowners have no protection in place to guard against possible financial hardship. Back to top

May 2008: The Supply of Rented Housing - Select Committee Could Have Gone Further, says ARLA. Although welcoming the Select Committee report into the supply of rented housing, published today, ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, believes that it could have said more to help consolidate and build on the successes of the Private Rented Sector over the past decade. Back to top

May 2008: Travel Trouble Ahead! - Travel insurance policy holders prioritising cost over cover. - 48% of those travelling, are doing so without travel insurance - Claims paid for emergency treatment abroad reach €11 million Back to top

May 2008: Ombudsman service publishes annual review of personal finance disputes.The Financial Ombudsman Service - the independent organisation that settles disputes between consumers and financial companies – today publishes its annual review for the 2007/08 financial year. The review shows that during the year, the ombudsman: Back to top

May 2008: Drivers pressured to take crash blame - New report reveals different crash reaction types. New report reveals different crash reaction types and provides advice on dealing with an accident Back to top

May 2008: Lack of insurance in small business. New research commissioned by Insurantz.com has revealed that 29% of small businesses are eschewing business insurance. The unexpected finding means that almost three in ten firms are exposing their customers, staff and business to unnecessary risk. Back to top

May 2008: Gocompare.com welcomed into BIBA membership. BIBA calls for all comparison sites to follow the Gocompare.com model as comparison site welcomed into BIBA membership. Back to top

May 2008: RSA launches Fashion Insurance Solutions - Insurer RSA has today announced the launch of Fashion Insurance Solutions, a new product designed for large Italian fashion houses and luxury fashion companies. Back to top

May 2008: Nationwide Building Society offers Twenty percent discount now and next year on combined Buildings and Contents insurance. Nationwide Building Society offers 20% discount now and next year on combined Buildings and Contents insurance -Plus a 10% saving when purchased online Back to top

May 2008: AXA launches new Independent Travellers insurance for growing market of 'go-it-alone' holiday makers -AXA launches new Independent Travellers insurance for growing market of 'go-it-alone' holiday makers 24/05/2008 Despite the increasing economic gloom, the holiday season is approaching and millions of Brits will be preparing to travel abroad over the summer months. But AXA warns that increasing numbers of people arranging their own holidays may be leaving themselves exposed despite taking out travel insurance. Back to top

May 2008: RSA survey reveals over half (56%) of Britons think it’s unlikely people who commit insurance fraud will get caught. But the possibility of a black mark on their financial record would make 78% of people think twice about committing fraud. Back to top

May 2008: Norwich Union urges employers to give young people a safe start - Norwich Union is urging employers to be aware of their responsibilities when taking on any young people in the workplace. "Accidents are the greatest single threat to the life of children and young people." Back to top

May 2008: ABI welcomes Government plans for a floods and water bill - Today’s announcement in the draft Queen’s Speech that the Government plans to consult on a draft floods and water bill, following publication of the Pitt Review into last summer’s floods, shows that the Government is recognising the scale of what needs to be done says the ABI (Association of British Insurers). Back to top

May 2008: More transparency needed in comparison websites says BBA -The British Bankers' Association (BBA) today called for more clarity in comparison websites, although it acknowledged that the Financial Services Authority (FSA) had made a step in the right direction in its review of insurance comparison websites, published today. Back to top

May 2008: New findings highlight concerning pet insurance misconceptions - Over 5.5 million pet owners believe they “do not need” cover for their dog or cat(1) Over 11 million dog and cat owners have no pet insurance cover for their pets... Back to top

May 2008: One in 10 UK adults has no home contents insurance - Sainsbury’s Home Insurance is currently offering 12 months’ home insurance cover for the price of nine (subject to conditions(2)) Some 4.7 million UK adults do not have any home contents insurance, new research from Sainsbury’s Home Insurance has revealed... Back to top

May 2008: Norwich Union Health Care -UK employees admit that regular drinking affects their jobs - UK employers believe that ‘Booze Britain' is contributing to a lack of productivity in workplaces up and down the country, according to research released today. Back to top

May 2008: Insurance comparison websites must give customers clear and accurate information says the ABI - Responding to the publication today of the FSA's review of insurance comparison websites, Stephen Haddrill, the ABI's Director General, said: "Comparison websites help customers get a good deal. The best are those that provide clear, accurate and up-to-date information about the policy cover as well as price... Back to top

May 2008: 1.15 million people admit to driving without insurance over the past 12 months -Alarming new research from Sainsbury's Car Insurance reveals that 1.15 million people(1) have admitted to having driven a car in the last 12 months, without having insurance. Nearly two-fifths of these people were aged 17 - 24 and a further 22% were aged 25 - 34. Back to top

May 2008: HomeLet and Letsure to build on successful start to 2008 - Following the news in April that it's parent company Erinaceous Group had gone into administration, HomeLet and Letsure, as part of the highly successful insurance division of the Group, have been sold to an investment company (Caley Limited) owned by three major banks - HBOS, HSBC, and Lloyds TSB. Back to top

April 2008: Aviva drops Norwich Union brand - Aviva announces today the final phase of the company's move to a worldwide brand, Aviva, as part of its strategy to grow and transform the business to compete on a global scale. Back to top

April 2008: EIS sale completed - New and stable long term ownership for Rental insurance brands like HomeLet and Letsure in the UK - The Board of EIS announces that completion has now taken place of the sale of EIS to a new investment company (Caley Limited) wholly owned by leading banks HBOS, HSBC, and Lloyds TSB. Back to top

April 2008: Cartell.ie welcomes new open approach from insurance industry but vows to continue lobbying for a safer system - Cartell the only independent car history checking company , today welcomed the Irish Insurance Federation's (IIF) decision to share information on a car's history with the government Back to top

April 2008: Drivers Abroad are stumped by hefty Car Rental Excess costs, but could save £££’s on the holiday budget with an annual policy - Holiday season kicks off this May bank holiday as thousands of Brits look forward to a weekend in the sun, but standalone Excess insurance specialist Insurance4carhire.com warns of costly excess waivers that could leave you spending more than you bargained for. Back to top

April 2008: Tripartite system of financial regulation needs to improve, say insurers. The special resolution regime is not the way. - The ABI (Association of British Insurers) today proposes new statutory responsibilities for the Bank of England to promote financial stability. The Association is responding to the consultation paper from the Tripartite Authorities - Government, FSA and Bank of England - following the Northern Rock saga. Back to top

April 2008: Private Medical Insurance coverage rises again - The number of people covered by Private Medical Insurance (PMI) broke the six million mark for the first time in five years, according to latest figures from the ABI (Association of British Insurers). Back to top

April 2008: Top 10 Boat Insurance Claims Revealed Saga Insurance Research -Contrary to popular belief, theft is not the biggest risk faced by boat-owners according to new research revealed by Saga Boat Insurance. In fact boat-owners are 24% more likely to hit a submerged object than become the victim of crime, with the average collision claim amounting to £2,419. Back to top

April 2008: Confusing car rental jargon, unclear insurance policies and excessive excess – The Big 3 pitfalls that can leave you out of pocket when hiring a car on holiday, warns Insurance4car.com - Wise-up and learn the car rental company's terminology before you leave home to avoid costly mistakes Back to top

April 2008: Cashback available for landlords for buy-to-let mortgages - The National Landlords Association (NLA), the UK’s leading trade association for landlords, has launched a brand new service for all landlords, called NLA Mortgages. Back to top

April 2008: RBS Considering selling insurance Division - Following RBS's announcement of asking it shareholders for up to £10 billion in rights isues late last week, it is expected that the insurance division might now have to be sold. The RBS Group (Royal Bank of Scotland) owns NatWest, Ulster bank (in Ireland) and Coutts (the Queen's bankers) and well known insurance brands - Direct Line , Privilege and Churchill. Back to top

April 2008: EIS separates from Erinaceous Group - New and stable ownership - EIS Insurance Solutions - Announcement 14th April 2008 The three major UK banks to Erinaceous Group plc (ERG) have today agreed to acquire EIS through a corporate vehicle owned by them. HomeLet and Letsure are owned by EIS Back to top

April 2008: Insurers withdraw cover for Terminal 5 travellers - Travellers passing through Heathrow’s Terminal 5 may experience difficulties purchasing insurance for flight delays and lost baggage. A number of companies are withdrawing cover for those using the £4.3 billion terminal, which has seen various states of chaos since it opened on 27th March. Back to top

April 2008: Endsleigh adds buy.at to affiliate marketing programme - Endsleigh adds buy.at to affiliate marketing programme 18 April 2008 New affiliate marketing programmes to drive applications for insurance quotes Endsleigh Insurance Services Ltd is extending its affiliate marketing activity with the addition of the buy.at affiliate network. The activity will increase quote applications for Endsleigh’s insurance products, ranging from car and home insurance to pet, landlord and tenant insurance. Back to top

April 2008: Erinaceous placed in administration - Erinaceous, the property services company, has been placed in administration.It is understood that KPMG has been appointed administrators and that creditors are likely to take control of some the group’s businesses, including insurance subsidiary EIS Back to top

April 2008: Endsleigh launches SME range - Endsleigh, the independent insurance intermediary, has launched a range of products for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Available online via the group’s Business Insurance Services division, cover can be provided for a wide range of risks across the SME market. Back to top

April 2008: Britons holidaying in a bubble - New research reveals that while millions of Britons are taking exotic package holidays, the majority spend their breaks in the ‘bubble’ of their resort. Back to top

April 2008: One million people believe their pet dogs or cats have been stolen - Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance provides up to £1,000 towards the advertising costs for a lost dog or cat and up to £750 compensation if the pet is lost or stolen and not returned Back to top

April 2008: South East England has most high maintenance Pets - Analysis by Saga Pet Insurance* has revealed that the South East is the most expensive part of the country for pet owners who may have to take their animals to the vet - the average vet bill in the South East is £98.64 (43%) more expensive than in the cheapest region, Wales... Back to top

April 2008: ABI Flood resilience kitemark needed for new homes - A new flood resilience kitemark is needed for housing developments planned in the floodplain, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) said today. Back to top

April 2008: BIBA Urges action from Government to safeguard UK Property - The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has today called for the Government to establish a single body to take overall responsibility for flooding and to co-ordinate a unified approach with the various stakeholders. The call comes as BIBA formally responded to Sir Michael Pitt's Flooding Lessons Learned Review. Back to top

March 2008: Trusting travelers tripped up by Holiday Car Hire pitfalls – Wise up or pay up, says Innsurance4carhire.com - As thousannds of families with school age children prepare to hit the road in hired vehicles this holiday period, standalone Excess insurance specialist Insurance4carhire.com warns of a number of key pointers drivers need to be wary of when using car rental firms at home and abroad. Back to top

March 2008: Calls grow for the Government to act now on reforming personal injury compensation - The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has today joined forces with the CBI and Citizens Advice to call for the Government to introduce its proposals for reforming personal injury compensation without delay. These will enable personal injury compensation to be paid more quickly to injured people.. Back to top

March 2008: Brits set to get stung this Easter with Sky-High excess insurance costs – EU car rental firms cash in on UK drivers with massive excess charges - Easter is likely to see thousands of Brits heading for the sun. But holiday makers driving rented cars in the Eurozone are vulnerable to huge Excess charges of up to £1,000 which car rental firms can swipe from their credit cards, reports standalone Excess insurance specialist Insurance4carhire.com... Back to top

March 2008: More motorists willing to accept lower speed limits in residential areas - The national 30mph speed limit in built up areas was first imposed 74 years ago this week, but research by car insurance expert, Admiral reveals that an increasing number of us would be in favour of reducing it to 20mph. Back to top

March 2008: Learn to drive, not drive to learn - latest ABI research shows the real risks faced by young drivers - Latest research from the