Aviva plc’s UK and Ireland business reported premiums of £2.5bn for Q1 2026, up by 26% on the same period last year. In personal lines, the growth of 59% was supported by the acquisition of Direct Line. Commercial premium income was down by 7%, which it attributed to the softening market.

Price comparison platform GoCompare has launched a ChatGPT app to enable customers to search and compare deals from car, van and home insurance providers. GoCompare says the new app returns quotes faster and customers can then edit and re-run quotes as needed.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched a new cyber insurance broker directory to enable businesses to find support to manage, mitigate and transfer their cyber risks. BIBA developed the directory in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched a new national advertising campaign to promote brokers to businesses. The campaign puts a focus on cyber risks and the importance of expert advice in managing and insuring these exposures. It features ‘Ben the Broker’, a character used by BIBA in previous campaigns.

Transport and logistics insurer, TT Club has urged facility owners and operators to prepare for this year’s hurricane season, which will bring 13 named storms, according to the forecast from Colorado State University. This is slightly below the 1991-2020 average of 14.4.

Managing general agent and Lloyd’s coverholder Hive Underwriters has launched an aviation reinsurance division, which will begin underwriting in October this year. Scott Bradbury and Joshua Down will lead the new proposition, which feeds into the firm’s multi-class growth strategy.

Software specialist VIPR has agreed a three-year partnership with Lockton Companies LLP that sees the broker deploy VIPR Intrali, its AI-enabled bordereaux management platform, VIPR Data Cloud, its delegated data warehouse infrastructure and VIPR Insights, its AI-powered reporting analytics tool for London Market specialty insurance operations.

Intact Insurance has launched a new claims charter that sets out the carrier’s focus on providing a fast response, supported by clear ownership and proactive communication when dealing with claims. Intact hopes the charter will give brokers greater confidence in its ability to support clients after a loss.

Willis has launched a sensor-based parametric flood insurance solution for UK racecourses. The broker has collaborated with flood forecasting firm Previsico, managing general agent Descartes Underwriting and insurer Generali to create the product.

The Bspoke Group has partnered with SchemeServe, which powers its own online platform, to offer a white-labelled digital trading solution – Delegated Authority in a Box – that brokers can use to launch and trade their own schemes. The proposition supports brokers seeking to create schemes in property, private clients and commercial lines.

Antares Global has launched Scorpius MGA, which is a platform providing access to capacity, services and oversight for managing general agents. The carrier says the move will broaden its distribution network, enlarge its presence in specialist and niche markets and make it easier to connect MGAs with capacity from Antares Insurance Company.

Markerstudy Group has said it has completed the restructure of its commercial insurance division, Markerstudy Business. The team is targeting gross written premium of £200m under the leadership of chief executive officer Ross Barrington, whose appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Aviva has invested in an enhanced digital proposition for its regional specialty team as we as recruiting 15 new personnel to the unit. The regional specialty team sits within Aviva’s global, corporate and specialty business. It focuses on mid-market risks that need specialist underwriting and local decision-making.

Avantia Group, which is the parent of managing general agent Homeprotect, has reported turnover of £57m in 2025, up by 22% on the previous year. Underlying EBITDA was up 42% to £24m. It now provides cover for more than 350,000 customers and generates gross written premiums of £175m.

Hiscox UK has announced insurance contract written premiums of £181.2m for the three months to 31st March 2026. This is up by 8.9% on the same period last year. The carrier’s art and private client franchise delivered double-digit growth for the seventh quarter in a row. Hiscox UK achieved strong growth in commercial sectors such as dentists and vets, specialist and independent retail as well as sports and leisure.

JMG Group has acquired Jukes Insurance Brokers, RP Lovatt and Nene Valley Insurance Practice. The trio of deals will boost its presence in the Midlands. Jukes Insurance brokers has offices in Bromsgrove and Warwick and employs 17 people. RP Lovatt has offices in Banbury and Brackley and works across commercial and personal lines. Northampton-based Nene Valley Insurance specialises in fleet and trades insurance.