Managing general agent Alps has teamed up with Nuvalaw, which provides resolution and arbitration services. Alps says the partnership will help drive faster, proportionate settlements and generate better outcomes for clients.

The average value of student claims has more than doubled from £781 in 2022 to £1,766 in 2025, according to data from Aviva. The carrier says theft accounts for more than half (56%) of student claims and that laptops and computers are the most commonly claimed for item (40%).

Pets Insurance, which is part of the Pets at Home group, has launched on comparison website Compare the Market and says the new product will subsequently be available via the Pets at Home website and app in September.

Specialist intermediary Source Insurance has appointed managing general agent Prestige Underwriting to its landlord panel as the first underwriter of its residential landlord insurance product. Prestige is already a member of Source’s household panel.

Marco Capital, which is the parent of PoloWorks, has inked a deal to acquire insurance services provider Pro Global, subject to regulatory approval. Following the deal, Marco Capital says it will combine PoloWorks and Pro Global to create what it suggests will be one of the industry’s largest specialist insurance services providers.

GAP insurance provider ALA Insurance has launched a pothole insurance product that provides up to £2,000 of cover for eligible pothole-related damage including tyres, alloy wheels, wheel alignment and balancing, suspension, bodywork and paintwork and headlights.

The results from Ecclesiastical Insurance’s latest broker wellbeing research show that during the past 12 months two-thirds (67%) of brokers experienced work-related stress with 44% reporting anxiety. The carrier said this was down on last year’s findings but warns there is still significant pressure on brokers.

Broker TH March has teamed up with ShieldMy Insurance Service to offer a digital wedding insurance proposition that offers cover for cancellation, supplier financial failure, ceremonial attire, photography and videography, wedding transport, personal liability and personal accident.

Simply Business has added Mission-backed managing general agent Ventis to its commercial landlord insurance panel. Ventis began trading in January 2024 and the deal marks the first time its has distributed its products through a direct-to-customer channel.

Cyber reinsurance and analytics specialist Envelop Risk is pushing ahead with plans to establish Envelop Syndicate 1925 after receiving in principle approval from Lloyd’s. The new syndicate will transition from its current status of Special Purpose Arrangement 1925 and will begin underwriting on 1st January 2027.

Peter Cullum backed Minority Broker Partnerships has acquired a minority shareholding in Eggar Forrester Insurance, which is an independent London-based broker. Managing director Tommy Hodgson leads the broker, which has a focus on the real estate, private client and media sectors.

QuestGates has acquired Richard Hartley Partnership, which is a specialist claims provider that focuses on complex losses in the power and construction sectors. Harrogate-based RHP was founded in 1999 and operates across the UK.

The National Insurance Awards 2027 are open for entries. Now in their 14th year, the awards highlight the very best in general insurance provision and management in the UK. Judged by an independent panel of experts for exceptional performance, the awards provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase their strategies, software and successes from the past year.

Aviva plc has reported an operating profit of £1,326m for the first six months of 2026 – a 24% increase on the £1,068m figure for the same period last year. The carrier's undiscounted combined operating ratio improved by 1.3 percentage points to 93.3%.

Jensten Group has struck an agreement to acquire Coversure Midlands in a move it says will expand its regional footprint and broaden its areas of specialist expertise. The broker is the largest firm in Jensten’s Coversure Network and has a team of 30 operating across personal and commercial lines.

Small business and landlord insurance specialist Simply Business has introduced a pet property damage product in partnership with Elevate Specialty. The cover offers up to £5,000 of protection with no excess.