Managing general agent Optio Group is offering a new political violence and terrorism product that is backed entirely by capacity from Lloyd’s. It has and limit of $150m providing cover against physical and financial threats faced by businesses and organisations. It also includes an active assailant add-on.

The London and International Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched its new Emerging Claims Committee. It said the initiative was aimed at providing support to people working in the London insurance market who were in the early stages of a career in claims. The committee will seek to promote claims as a career, engage with the market on key claims issues and promote education and development in the sector.

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced that from today Chris Pond will serve as the chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel. He was previously an MP (1997-2005) during which time he was and Work and Pensions Minister.

Stellantis Financial Services, which provides finance and insurance for new and used vehicles, has teamed up with Wrisk to provide its branded direct-to-consumer car and ban insurance offering. The multi-year deal will support Stellantis customers across 12 brands - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, FIAT, FIAT Pro, Jeep, Leapmotor, Maserati, Peugeot, SPOTiCAR and Vauxhall.

Personal lines insurance provider Niche Box Group has acquired Next Generation Insurance Group trading as Cycler, which caters for bicycle and e-bike risks. Cycler was launched by Alan Hickman in 2021 and he will continue to lead the brand. It caters for cyclists with bikes and equipment that often exceed the limits offered by standard policies.

Hiscox has appointed Peter Clarke as its chair designate. He will join the board on 1st June and succeed Colin Keogh as chair on 1st July. Clarke is a qualified solicitor and has served as both group chief financial officer and chief executive officer of Man Group. He has also been a non-executive director of Axa Investment Managers SA, Sainsbury's Bank Plc, and most recently served as chair of Lancashire Insurance Holdings Ltd.

Integra Insurance Solutions has agreed terms with Cavere Insurance to underwrite and handle claims for its home insurance product, which seeks to differentiate itself through enhanced cover levels and claims limits. Cavere also provides white label solutions.

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc has launched underwriting business Tokio Marine GX to offer insurance and risk management solutions to clients decarbonising their operations. It will offer cover of up to $500m and support businesses in multiple sectors ranging from renewable energy and conventional power to construction and industry.

The Association of British Insurers has updated its Salvage Code of Practice to reflect advancements in vehicle technology. The updated code was developed with input from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau and Thatcham Research. It provides more detailed guidance on vehicle categorisation and disputes processes, and reflects changes created by more sophisticated vehicle technologies.  

Hedron Network has launched a new suite of property insurance products to its partner brokers from specialist providers Vasek Insurance and Intasure. Vasek offers covers for landlords, unoccupied homes, holiday homes, non-standard home insurance and blocks of flats and apartments. Intasure specialises in holiday homes and offers a Brexit solution for policyholders in the EEA who have properties in the UK.

Tool supplier Toolstation has teamed up with digital broker Superscript to offer customers access to a range of covers including public liability insurance, employers liability insurance, contract works cover, tool insurance and accident and illness. Insurance is available via the Toolstation Club platform.

Chaucer is looking to develop its underwriting strategy for its renewable energy portfolio and create cross-class solutions that help clients achieve their energy transition goals. The carrier has appointed Jordan Ray as head of renewable energy and energy transition to lead this work. She will be based in London.

The Association of British Insurers has said its pet insurer members paid out £1.23bn in 2024. It said this was the third year in a row annual settlements had exceeded £1bn. The 2024 figure was up by 4% on the previous year and has more than doubled over the past decade. Claims for dogs accounted for £933m in 2024. Cats cost insurers £232m with £61m being paid out for claims relating to other animals.

In its latest outlook publication, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme has confirmed that general insurance brokers will not have to pay an annual levy for 2025/26. The levy for general insurers was confirmed at £85m, down from the £90m previously estimated. The FSCS said the total levy payable by firms for the 2025/26 financial year had decreased from £394m to £356m.

Ryan Specialty has snapped up managing general agent 360 Underwriting, which is based in Ireland and has a focus on construction sector risks. It was founded in 2017 by Paul Sherry and Tommy Byrne. Following the deal, it will become a part of the Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers division of Ryan Specialty.

The Financial Conduct Authority is looking to streamline the complaints notification process for regulated firms and reduce the number of reports they have to complete. It is seeking to roll five forms into one and has published a consultation paper (CP25/13) detailing its proposed changes. The deadline to respond to this consultation is 24th July 2025.