ILC Breakfast News – Wednesday, 3 July 2024

ARC360 conference proves major success

ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference has been declared a major success. Bringing together over 250 of the motor claims sector’s leading professionals, the event provided an open forum for discussions around the evolution of the vehicle parc; technology advances and implications; business acquisition and growth; and ideas around future business models. Summaries of the discussions and findings will be made available in the coming weeks.

Steer Automotive Group completes Gemini acquisition

Steer Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of Gemini Accident Repair Centres, furthering its mission to provide unparalleled automotive repair services across the UK.

This acquisition includes all 38 sites of Gemini, expanding Steer’s footprint from Edinburgh to Cornwall.

Charge Up: EV Quartly Insights

To provide valuable insights into this evolving market, Activate Group, the accident management specialist, is launching a quarterly EV report, utilising data from Gecko Risk. This report aims to offer comprehensive and up-to-date information on the latest trends and developments in EV repair, from average repair costs to cycle times.

Solera announces free parts ordering offer

Solera is offering a free 30-day trial of its parts ordering platform APU, whichprovides repair shops with access to millions of OE surplus, aftermarket, and recycled green parts.

Stellantis repair network joins NBRA

Stellantis has announced that its entire accident repair network has joined the NBRA.

This significant development brings Stellantis and its accident repair programme, representing nine of the 14 global brands in the UK, into a formal association with the NBRA.

Parking code of practice not enough

The RAC has said that the new code of conduct launched by the parking industry will not be as effective at ending bad practice by parking operators as ‘the long-delayed official Private Parking Code of Practice that is backed by legislation.’

SYNETIQ colleagues scale Three Peaks for charity

Colleagues at SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading integrated vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling companies, have completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £4,000 for suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB.

CHO golf day supports Dementia UK

The CHO has raised £3,000 for families affected by dementia with its annual charity golf day, sponsored by True Solicitors.

The event was hosted at The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, with all proceeds donated to charity partner Dementia UK.

Material supply chain group statement

The latest report from the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group shows good levels of product availability across the board, but minor availability issues for certain profiles of concrete roof tiles, aircrete blocks, doors and some timber products.

Subsidence webinar announced

Geobear’s VP Engineering Andy Lee will host a webinar on 12 July to discuss the effects of clay subsidence and the technical details behind Geobear’s solution.

DAC Beachcroft considers Building Safety Act developments

DAC Beachcroft has assessed the latest building safety news in its June newsletter, including developments under the Building Safety Act 2022 and TCC guidance on Building Liability Orders.

ClaimsTech under the spotlight

Many of the insurance claim sector’s leading experts are set to meet in London today for ILC’s ClaimsTech event. Taking place in the morning, ClaimsTech – The Pitch will see seven claims technologies pitch to experts, each ready to vote on which they believe may have the greatest impact on the sector. Later in the day, ClaimsTech – The Journey will explore the perception Vs reality of technology and how it impacts customer experience.

Aviva reports a 39% increase in detected fraud

Aviva has reported a 39% increase in the number of claims declined last year because of fraud. It uncovered more than 11,000 suspect claims worth a combined £116m.

Embracing AI in claims management

Claims Consortium Group’s Data and Performance Director Wayne Calderbank discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in claims management and highlighted its pivotal impact on enhancing the claims experience for customers during a presentation at the British Damage Management Association conference.

EY study highlights responsible innovation in quantum computing

A new whitepaper published by EY and the University of Oxford’s Responsible Technology Institute has outlined the importance of responsible innovation and proactive risk mitigation when navigating the potential of emerging technologies, such as quantum computing.   

Qover launches AI-powered embedded insurance solution

Qover has launched an AI-enabled solution designed to streamline the claims experience, which it says can settle claims within minutes of approval.

MGAA Conference 2024 set for next week

The MGAA is looking forward to another lively face-to-face conference on 10 July 2024 at Old Billingsgate, London.

For 2024, The Power of Partnerships is the theme which seamlessly builds on last year’s Community in Action, in that successful partnerships across the MGA community continue to evolve through the natural energy, innovation and relentless focus of all partners contributing to the MGA sector.

Insights into MGA financial performance to be unveiled

Insurance DataLab’s upcoming MGA Performance Report 2024 will analyse the financial results of 41 MGAs across three key metrics: profitability, growth and productivity.

Albany Group signs strategic partnerships

Albany Group has announced two new strategic partnerships with DAC Beachcroft and Davies Group intended to enhance its technical capabilities and market presence.

Carpenters Group owner celebrates Women of the Year gong

Carpenters Group Owner and Director Donna Scully has won the Business Leader award at the 2024 Merseyside Women of the Year Awards.

Claims Consortium Group Jeremy Hyams unveils new podcast

Jeremy Hyams has announced a new podcast, Off Script, during which he will talk to people across the business to find out ‘what makes them tick’.

Tradex joins the IFB’s fighting-fraud membership

Tradex Insurance Company, which underwrites diverse personal lines and commercial lines, has joined the Insurance Fraud Bureau membership to play a key role in the industry’s collective fight against fraud.

Brokers building deeper relationships with the charity sector

More brokers are realising the value of charity partnerships, according to new research by Ecclesiastical, which surveyed 250 brokers to find out how they are making a positive contribution in their communities.

Zurich to acquire AIG’s global personal travel insurance business

Zurich Insurance Group has announced an agreement to acquire AIG’s global personal travel insurance and assistance business (AIG Travel) for £475m, plus a potential additional earn-out payment.

Zurich and Aon launch new clean hydrogen insurance facility

Zurich Insurance Group and Aon have launched a pioneering clean energy insurance facility providing comprehensive coverage globally for blue and green hydrogen projects with capital expenditures of up to £198m.

Eddie Longworth receives prestigious award

Eddie Longworth has recently been presented with the Claims Champion of the Year award at the 2024 Insurance Times Claims Excellence Awards.

People

Ben Childs has joined Gallagher Bassett as a Project Manager.

CET has appointed Dean James Taylor as new Insurance Project Specialist.

Gary Eager has been named Senior Claims Manager at Munich Re.

Lauren Pullen has been appointed Wiser Academy’s Director of Operations.

Ecclesiastical Insurance has appointed Lara Bealing as its Marketing Director for the UK.