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.

Lockton has signed a deal to take occupancy of 47 – 50 Mark Lane in the City of London. The 250,000 sq ft at premises will almost double the firm’s London footprint. Lockton is set to move in during Q1 2030 following the completion of construction work.

Data from the Association of British Insurers shows that the cost of the average household claim in Q1 2025 was £6,340. This is up by 20% on the same period last year and is the highest on record. Despite this, premiums fell for the fourth consecutive quarter with the average price for combined buildings and contents cover now sitting at £375. This is 5% lower than the same period last year.

Midas, which is the trading name of MDSCO Limited and part of URIS Group Limited, has launched Midas Let Property. The new residential landlord proposition is backed by Zurich and caters for accidental landlords and those in the professional lets market.

Professional liability underwriting manager Doe and Emuss has teamed up with CrisisRisk to provide policyholders with the option, available from the beginning of May, to pay a premium enhancement for access to its crisis support services.

Pet lifetime insurance premiums fell by 4.7% during Q1 2026, according to the latest pet insurance pricing index from Defaqto. This followed a drop of 2.3% in Q4 2025. On an annualised basis, premiums are down by 8.2%.

Source Insurance has revamped its quote process to make it faster and easier for advisers to get home insurance quotes from its panel. It has cut the number of declaration questions from 27 to 13 and increased the use of pre-population to reduce manual input.