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Commercial insurer RSA has today officially rolled out its industry-tailored services and expertise to customers in Madrid.

This new Spanish base will be the sixth European offering for RSA’s Risk Solutions Europe division which also has offices in France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

The new office in Madrid will provide brokers with all of the aspects of the Risk Solutions Europe offering including a site to site transfer of knowledge, expertise and technical capability from UK and the rest of Europe.

Decisions will be made locally in the local language and brokers will have access to many of RSA’s European multi-niche propositions such as Marine, Retial, Logisitics and Manufacturing amongst others. Given that Spain has the third largest wind energy market in the world, RSA is in a strong position to provide its market leading Renewable Energy expertise.

Chris Smith, RSA’s Risk Solutions Europe Director, explained, “Combining an intricate knowledge of our customers’ industries and needs with a deep understanding of the local markets, our intention is for the European offering to match the high standard of RSA’s trading unit structure in the UK.

“Spain represents a good fit for Risk Solutions Europe’s existing niche market strategy whilst providing us with an opportunity to build on our experience of working with clients with exposure in Spain.”

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    RSA survey reveals that at least 1.4 million Britons think that committing insurance fraud is more acceptable now than 12 months ago because of the challenging economic climate.

    • 4.7 million Britons do not think making a false claim is wrong, one million more than nine months ago
    • Only just over half of those surveyed strongly agree that lying on an insurance claim is wrong

    Two pieces of research carried out by RSA, in March 2008 and January 2009, have suggested that the economic climate could be creating a more lax public attitude towards insurance fraud.

    In March 2008, RSA’s research showed that a surprising 3.6 million Britons did not think it was wrong to lie on an insurance claim. Having researched the matter again this month, it is clear that the public opinion of insurance fraud has shifted. It now seems that 4.7 million do not think making a fraudulent insurance claim is wrong.

    Additionally, 1 in 12 surveyed admitted that their attitude towards committing insurance fraud had changed in the last 12 months with an implied 1.4 million people viewing it to be more acceptable due to factors such as the current economic woes.

    A typical example of insurance fraud is failing to disclose motoring convictions or previous claims when applying for cover.

    John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, said, “I am concerned that people are still failing to acknowledge that committing insurance fraud is a serious offence. Many that commit this crime do so in the belief that it is a victimless way to make money but, ironically, they are costing honest customers over £1.6bn a year.

    The Insurance Fraud Bureau and the rest of the industry are working hard to crack down on insurance fraud. By introducing new sophisticated detection technology, sharing fraudulent case data and working together we believe we are gradually winning the battle and the fraudsters are facing the consequences with the prospect of criminal convictions and the fact that they might find it difficult to obtain insurance cover or other financial services in the future”.

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    RSA Insurance Group plc (RSA) announces the completion of the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Intouch Insurance Group BV from Direct Insurance Financial Investments (DIFI) for €70m in cash, following receipt of formal regulatory approval.

    About RSA
    With an almost 300 year heritage, RSA is one of the world’s leading multinational quoted insurance groups. It has the capability to write business in over 130 countries and with major operations in the UK, Scandinavia, Canada, Ireland, Asia and the Middle East and Latin America. Focusing on general insurance, it has around 22,000 employees and, in 2008, its net written premiums were £6.4bn.

    About Intouch Insurance Group BV
    Intouch Insurance Group BV owns direct insurance operations in Poland, the Czech Republic and Russia. Link 4 was established in Warsaw in 2003 and is the leading Direct insurer in Poland with a 60% share of the direct motor market. Direct Pojistovna, based in Prague was launched in May 2007 and Intouch was launched in Russia in April 2008.

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    Aviva today announces that its UK Life business will be sponsoring the prestigious ITV Drama Premieres series. The campaign is designed to drive up consumer awareness of its life insurance, investments, retirement and healthcare solutions, alongside the already strong association in the UK with general insurance.

    Viewers will see the first Aviva-branded advertising idents* on their screens during ITV’s prime-time Drama Premieres programmes in early July 2009. Featuring the strapline, “For life’s little dramas”, the idents are built around life-defining moments to showcase the range of propositions Aviva is delivering to customers.

    Gary Pepler, marketing, brand and communications director for UK Life, Aviva, says: “This is a great opportunity for us to engage with consumers and increase awareness of Aviva as a market leading provider of life insurance, investments, retirement and healthcare solutions. As the UK’s biggest insurer, most of our television advertising has been focused on motor and home insurance. By adopting this new approach we believe our customers can benefit from understanding the full range of solutions Aviva has to offer.

    “Through the sponsorship, we will start to create a greater understanding of the Aviva brand and what it is that makes us different. This is part of a long term strategy to build a strong, distinctive brand that began with the high profile name change campaign in December 2008. We are delighted to be taking our message into millions of homes in this way and building on already strong foundations over the next 12 months.”

    The sponsorship deal also includes online, interactive and merchandising activities which will enable Aviva to create a dialogue with viewers and tailor the content to the audience and to specific dramas. It will also feature advertorials and newsletters.

    Bhavit Chandrani, sponsorship manager, ITV said: “Our ITV Drama Premieres sponsorship package features some of the best of ITV’s content and talent and we are delighted to have secured as prestigious a client as Aviva as the sponsor.”

    * Idents are short advertisements which appear either side of advertising breaks.

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    Home & Legacy has teamed up with forensic security experts, SmartWater, to become the UK’s first home insurance provider to supply its policyholders with the company’s unique theft deterrent.

    As of June 1, all new and renewing policyholders will receive a SmartWater Theft Prevention System which is proven to reduce burglary by actively deterring criminals. Recent research has shown that 74% of criminals would not enter a building if they believed SmartWater to be present*.

    SmartWater is a forensic property marker with a unique chemical ‘code’. It can be applied to anything deemed of value from jewellery to electrical items, is virtually impossible to remove and provides irrefutable evidence of ownership.

    Commenting on the partnership, Barry O’Neill, managing director, Home & Legacy, said: “Recent Home Office figures prove that domestic burglaries in England and Wales are on the increase. We are taking a proactive measure by including an innovative risk management solution for our clients.”

    He added: “SmartWater is proven to dramatically reduce the threat of burglary and will help prevent our policyholders from suffering the trauma caused by theft or loss of sentimental items. In the long-term, SmartWater can help to reduce claims and keep our premiums competitive.”

    Phil Cleary, chief executive, SmartWater, added: “SmartWater is used by 95 per cent of UK police forces to target criminals and obtain convictions. Our personnel work with law enforcement agencies on covert operations, identify stolen property, and attend court hearings to pursue prosecutions.

    “This activity is all geared towards benefiting SmartWater customers by heightening its power as a criminal deterrent. We are delighted that these benefits will now be available to all Home & Legacy policyholders.”

    SmartWater is a crime reduction strategy with a proven track record in reducing and deterring crimes such as burglary and robbery. SmartWater uses state-of-the-art forensic technology to link criminals with the crime scene, and property to its owner, providing police with irrefutable forensic evidence to aid the prosecution of offenders. Responsible for more than 500 convictions across the UK, SmartWater maintains a 100% conviction rate when used as evidence in court. For more information about SmartWater, visit www.smartwater.com

    *A report for SmartWater Technology Limited by Professor Martin Gill, Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International Limited, January 2008.

    SmartWater is a crime reduction strategy with a proven track record in reducing and deterring crimes such as burglary and robbery. SmartWater uses state-of-the-art forensic technology to link criminals with the crime scene, and property to its owner, providing police with irrefutable forensic evidence to aid the prosecution of offenders. Responsible for more than 500 convictions across the UK, SmartWater maintains a 100% conviction rate when used as evidence in court. For more information about SmartWater, visit www.smartwater.com

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    Following a successful pilot phase, Allianz Insurance has centralised its commercial motor trade claims operation and created a bespoke team to handle all claims.

    Based at Allianz’s claims handling centre in Birmingham, the dedicated motor trade team will provide a single point of notification to improve turnaround times and offer market-leading levels of customer service.

    The new team has undergone specialist training, utilising the expertise of Allianz Commercial’s underwriting team, to develop specific technical capabilities required to deal with all new and existing motor, motor personal injury, material damage and casualty claims.

    Graham Gibson, director of claims, commented: “These changes are part of our aim to continually enhance the claims services we offer. By taking a one-to-one approach, ensuring that customers speak to someone who has a working knowledge of the claim, we can be more responsive to their needs.”

    Mark Ashwood, motor trade manager, Allianz Commercial, added: “The expertise of our motor trade claims handlers will enable us to ensure market-leading levels of customer service. The new team will provide real benefits to our clients and brokers by allowing us to react faster and more efficiently in the policyholder’s time of need.”

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      Hotter weather predictions this summer can lead to heavy downpours and businesses should be prepared for flash flooding, says Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS), the new name for Norwich Union Risk Services.

      The insurer has just signed up two new flood management suppliers to its preferred supplier network, which delivered significant savings to customers in 2008 through negotiated discounts.

      Ted Kenrick, technical & risk solutions manager, ARMS, says: “Although we are all enjoying warmer weather, with the predictions that this may continue throughout the summer, it is wise to bear in mind that this can bring increased risk of heavy rain and potential flooding.

      Although flooding may not seem an immediate risk, it is always wise to prepare for the worst rather than wait until it is too late, particularly as the cost of the damage caused could be even more devastating to businesses in the current economic climate.

      Checking the area you are in for prior flooding history is key, as well as proximity to rivers, streams and other water channels or surface water drainage systems.  If you discover your business is at risk, actions may be needed to ensure you don’t suffer a loss.

      We have a comprehensive range of services available to customers at discounted rates to protect not only against flooding, but the more common issues we identify from the thousands of surveys we do each year. These include environmental services, fire protection products, electrical inspections, building valuations, security products and services, and workplace and employee safety.

      More information on how to protect against flood and other risks can be found at: http://www.aviva.co.uk/risksolutions/riskadvice/  or contact our Helpline on 0845 3666 666.

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      Drivers with a speeding offence on their licence could be paying hundreds of pounds too much for their car insurance, according to online car insurance provider swiftcover.com.

      Comparisons of car insurance quotes by swiftcover.com show that drivers with a single speeding fine could see their insurance rise by as much as £50, £60 or even £70 on top of already high premiums. swiftcover.com, on the other hand, does not penalise drivers with just one speeding offence1 because the company says they do not pose an increased insurance risk.

      The following example quotes are for a 33 year old male driving a Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec and living in East London*:

      motorist speed

      Craig Staniland, underwriting director at swiftcover.com explains: “swiftcover.com uses detailed claims data to identify where the major areas of claims risk are, so that we can keep car insurance premiums low for those drivers that do not present a higher risk. Our claims data shows that drivers with a single speeding offence on their licence are no more likely to make a claim than drivers without a conviction.

      “Multiple speeding offences could end up with a driver being banned due to the totting up rules, so we find that responsible motorists with one speeding offence will probably drive even more safely to ensure they do not end up with further points and a ban. If a driver is banned, their insurance premiums will soar once they are allowed back on the road again.”

      Chris Bruton is one of many motorists who assumed that his insurance costs would increase when he was fined for speeding. However, he felt his existing insurance with Budget was far too expensive when the renewal notice came through, prompting him to shop around for a cheaper quote.

      Chris, 39, from Lindfield in West Sussex, explains: “Although I have three points on my licence and believed that would increase my premium, I thought that my renewal seemed very expensive so I went to the internet to compare prices and find a better deal.

      “Unlike other insurers I tried, swiftcover.com did not increase the price of my policy because I had a speeding conviction. swiftcover.com offered a very competitive price, actually knocking my premium down from £300 to £200, and saving me over a third on my renewal price. So I actually ended up paying a cheaper premium than before I had points on my licence.”

      According to recent research from swiftcover.com’s parent company AXA, 53% of Brits say that their driving is affected by the threat of getting points on their licence. Yet almost two million Brits received speeding tickets last year alone, forking out over £104.6 million in speeding fines. In the UK there are over 5,140 speed cameras, alongside hand held and mobile cameras, so the likelihood of being caught speeding is high.

      A minor speeding offence usually results in a £60 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points, with most insurers pushing up a driver’s insurance premium significantly following a speeding conviction. However, if drivers do not tell their insurers that they have a speeding offence on their licence, the policy could be invalid in the event of a claim. The ‘totting up’ process of British driving licences means that if you get 12 points on your licence in three years you will probably be banned from driving.

      Insurance quote examples

      *Example one – Ford Focus
      33 year old man living in East London driving a five-door Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec petrol manual manufactured in 2005, works as an accounts manager, has five years no claims discount and uses the car for commuting/domestic purposes.

      motorist speed

      Example two – Ford Fiesta
      33 year old woman living in Wales driving a five-door Ford Fiesta 1.4 style petrol manual manufactured in 2005, works as an administrative manager, has five years no claims discount and uses the car for commuting/domestic purposes.

      3

      1One speeding offence means a speeding violation that does not result in a driving ban
      2One SP30 speeding offence (three points and £60 fine)

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      Petrol theft in the UK has dramatically increased, NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk reports that most car insurance companies also do not cover damage to cars that take place during incidences of petrol theft.

      Although petrol theft is a common occurrence, insurance companies do not replace the cost of petrol, because they state that their coverage is based on the exact terms of the policy. In other words, the policies cover actual theft of the car and/or items inside the vehicle or major damage caused by collisions. As the petrol is currently not classed as being “inside” the vehicle, it is not covered and neither is the petrol tank break-in damage as it was not an accident, it was vandalism.

      The BBC recently reported on petrol theft in the UK. In this report, the AA called the petrol theft situation a “nuisance, not an epidemic.” The implication is that insurance companies do not plan to cover petrol charges in the case of theft because the issue is not a major one.

      In response to the escalating incidences of petrol theft, many people have begun using anti-theft equipment, which protects unauthorized entry to the petrol tank cap through a lock or other device. However, petrol thieves are able to circumvent anti-theft equipment by tearing off petrol tank caps with lock breaking equipment or drilling a hole in the tank to siphon off the petrol. When thieves take these measures to steal, the result is often severe damage to cars. Often victims of the theft are left without cars that are significantly damaged, and that they can no longer drive.

      NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk pointed out to insurance customers concerned about petrol theft that a better solution “might be to simply leave your petrol tank unsecured. In the first place, again, it’s unlikely any protection you buy will really protect you from petrol theft; so buying such equipment may be a waste of money.” The cost of replacing a tank of petrol is less than the cost to potentially repair a car’s petrol tank.

      ABOUT NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk- NCD News covers insurance related news aimed at both the industry and consumers, providing a balanced look at developments that could affect its readership. You can find more information on the insurers covered in this article at http://www.noclaimsdiscount.co.uk/car

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      You Tube style ads herald a change in direction for comparison site. Confused.com, the insurance and energy comparison website, has launched a bold new advertising campaign designed to introduce customers to its new website.

      The campaign is the first of its kind, as it uses real people who have recorded their own reviews of Confused.com’s new site. The testimonial-style adverts feature prolific You Tubers who give their opinions on the new site.

      The adverts star real customers who agreed to review the new Confused.com site, while being filmed. The series of adverts focus on customers’ experiences of the new Confused.com website and particularly highlight four distinct areas in addition to its insurance services: new features of the site, its ease of use, the brands available to customers and the savings which can be made.

      As the campaign progresses, viewers will also be asked to film their own reviews of the site and upload them on the Confused.com website.

      Tom Bennett, marketing director at Confused.com, said: “The new campaign is energetic and engaging, while the absence of any kind of scripting and actors gives the adverts a real human edge.

      The campaign utilises the popularity of You Tube and has a genuine feel to it, as it features real-life customers who have genuinely benefited from using the new site. Confused.com is now easier and quicker to use, and the choices for consumers are more transparent.” The new adverts were created in-house, in collaboration with Wordley Production Partners.

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      For many businesses, having a van is an essential. You may use it to collect materials, deliver goods or do pick-ups from the cash and carry. Should anything happen to your van in the course of a day, the impact could vary from it being a minor inconvenience to being something that threatens to put you out of business. That’s why it’s crucial that you get the right level of insurance cover.

      Counting the cost

      There are certain things that you should never skimp on when it comes to running a business and vehicle insurance is one of them.

      If your van is off the road through an accident and you were not suitably insured you would have to pay for repairs or in the case of a write-off a replacement. If you were responsible for an accident, you might have to pay to repair or replace the other vehicle involved as well.

      Then, sadly, there is the possibility that your van might be vandalised, your windscreen might be smashed, or the van itself could even be stolen.

      Flexible options available

      You can choose from third party fire & theft or comprehensive cover :

      • With third party fire & theft (TPFT) you are covered if other people claim against you for injury or damage to their vehicle or property, and if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
      • Comprehensive van insurance obviously gives you much broader cover. Not only are you insured for the same parts as a TPFT policy, you are also covered for accidental damage to your van plus cover for personal belongings, windscreen repair, medical expenses and other personal accident cover (subject to the level of cover you take out). You can also opt for legal protection, which can help you claim back any uninsured losses.

      Travelling abroad?

      Be careful and check with your insurer you are also insured if you drive your van abroad as part of your business. Van insurance policyholders can also be insured when they are driving in Europe but it’s better to call your insurer before you leave to have more information on your cover for driving abroad.

      More than one van?

      If you insure more than one van, you may qualify for a multi-van discount as well as getting an extra discount off top two levels of breakdown cover.

      Related information:

      • Tradesman insurance – if you carry any tools or equipment in the back of your van, it won’t be covered under a van insurance policy – you’ll need to take out a tradesman insurance policy.
      • Employers’ liability insurance – it’s a legal requirement for all UK employers to take out this type of business insurance.
      • Public liability insurance – imagine you’re repairing a roof and something falls and hurts a passer by. It’s for accidents like this that you need to have public liability insurance.

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      Two policies are available to provide protection for a wide range of computer and other electronic equipment.

      The Computer Policy is designed to insure computer equipment whether a stand alone personal computer, networked system or mainframe installation. For example, this includes radio and television studio recording and broadcasting equipment, security systems, medical equipment, telephone exchanges or mobile telephone ground stations

      Cover is available for loss or damage to Computer Equipment on an All Risks reinstatement basis.

      The Electronic Equipment Policy is aimed at a wider range of equipment. This policy provides similar cover to the Computer Policy described above plus liability under the terms of a hiring agreement and loss of revenue resulting from an insured event.

      The above policies are subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions, for example costs resulting from the use of unproven software.

      Click here to view policy wordings.

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      UK solicitors have been urged to adopt a proactive stance towards risk management by Allianz in response to increasing professional indemnity exposures.

      In a speech to over 250 UK solicitors and delegates at the inaugural ‘Allianz Solicitors’ Conference’ held at the British Museum in London on June 3rd, Mark Carver, Head of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty’s Financial Lines team, pointed out the need for solicitors to establish an active risk management strategy for their businesses.

      Carver explained that “Prevention is better than cure. Professional indemnity risks are increasing across many sectors and particularly so for the legal profession. These exposures can be protected by insurance but this should not be regarded in isolation, but as part of a comprehensive strategy which addresses risk proactively. As professional indemnity insurers, what we are looking for from our clients are long-term relationships based a culture of risk awareness and management, combined with open dialogue and transparency.”

      The conference was organised by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty to mark the company’s entrance into the £226m UK Solicitors’ Indemnity insurance market. The conference was also supported by presenters from CMS Cameron McKenna, Mills & Reeve, Kennedys and Mayer Brown International. Topics ranged from ‘Recession and Risk’ to ‘Regulatory Risk for Law Firms’. Over 250 solicitors and brokers from across the country attended the day and had the opportunity to meet the team of dedicated Professional Indemnity underwriters and claims handlers.

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      Allianz Commercial has announced June the 11th that it has secured a multi-year partnership with Lloyds Banking Group to provide insurance solutions to Lloyds TSB (LTSB) and Bank of Scotland’s (BOS) 850,000 small business customers.

      Following a competitive tender, LTSB and BOS will now offer Allianz business insurance policies to new customers from November 1, 2009 and to existing customers at renewal.

      Chris Hanks, general manager, Allianz Commercial, commented: “We are confident that our broad product portfolio, innovative solutions and value-added offerings provide a market-leading small business proposition. Despite strong competition, our tender was successful as we were able to respond to the needs of the client.”

      Chris added: “Our position of financial strength, allied to our commitment to service, makes us a partner to do business with and we are delighted that LTSB has chosen to work with us.”

      Phil Loney, managing director, General Insurance, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are delighted to announce that we have selected Allianz to be our chosen provider of small business insurance. With our combined industry and customer expertise, we believe that this will provide us a great opportunity to build on our strong market share and offer the very best policy to customers.”Phil added: “In these uncertain economic times, insurance has never been more important. This new partnership ensures that we are able to offer our 850,000 small business customers the option of flexible protection, designed to suit their individual needs.”

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      churchill--the-bulldogAfter years of dreaming of a top four place, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Aston Villa have finally made it. However, on this occasion they have not bagged the Premier League crown but have come out top of the league of car insurance claims.

      Car insurer Churchill* looked at claims over a four year period to establish which Premiership grounds are ‘off-side’ when it comes to car insurance claims. On analysing the postcode areas around Premiership football grounds, it found that motorists living near sixteen of the top twenty clubs in the country had an increased likelihood** of having to claim for car accidents, theft or accidental damage to their vehicles.

      Whilst Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane has come top of the league, Wigan Athletic’s JJB Stadium is the real champion as motorists in the area are least likely to have to make a car insurance claim.

      Churchill’s league table for claims near football grounds:

      car claiming

      James Murray, spokesperson for Churchill Car Insurance and Spurs fan, comments:

      “Spurs may not be finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season but White Hart Lane has come top of our car insurance league of claims.”

      “Our research shows that motorists living near Premiership football stadiums are more likely to make a claim on their car insurance. This is because traditionally, football stadiums have been built in inner city areas with high population densities. Areas with high population densities are more likely to experience car insurance claims, possibly more so on match days when the areas are crowded. On the flip side, the newer grounds in non-residential areas see less car insurance claims.”

      “Don’t pay the penalty when your local team plays at home; make use of any off-road parking and ensure your car is locked and personal possessions are out of sight.”

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      abilogoThe ABI Board has unanimously decided to extend the tenure of the Association’s current chairman, Archie Kane, until spring 2010, to enable him to continue to play a leading role in shaping the next stage of the ABI’s response to the financial crisis and help UK financial services pull through the recession.

      The Board has been discussing the possibility of extending Mr Kane’s tenure for some time as it would allow him to continue to lead the ABI as it responds to a large number of reviews on the future of financial services regulation and other important issues, including the Chancellor’s Insurance Industry Working Group.

      Archie Kane said:

      “I am pleased to have been asked by the Board to stay on as ABI chairman and I have accepted their invitation. Circumstances remain challenging for all financial services sectors, and while the insurance industry is in a good position to weather the continuing storm, it is not immune from difficulties. The ABI has a vital role to play in guiding it through these tough times and, with its continuing focus on the consumer, seeing it through to future success.”

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      aig-logo

      AIG UK Limited announced it has been named as having the ‘Best Product Range’ in Euromoney’s second annual Insurance survey conducted towards the
      end of 2008.

      Alexander Baugh, CEO of AIG UK Limited, said, “We are honoured to have the ‘Best Product Range’.

      We find these results especially rewarding because we were selected by the very executives making the insurance decisions. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to meeting our customers’ insurance needs by providing disciplined underwriting, claims-paying ability and superior service.”

      AIG UK Limited is part of the AIU network of companies, which was ranked first in more categories than any other company included in the survey. Globally, AIU was named Top Insurance Provider in the World and ranked first in four global categories: product range, innovation, price and claims resolution.

      More than 400 risk managers, treasurers, chief financial officers and other direct buyers of insurance at the top companies in 59 countries were polled for the survey. Respondents were asked to rank the best insurers, brokers and also the best companies providing alternative mechanisms for risk  ransfer.

      About AIU
      American International Underwriters (AIU) is a global, pre-eminent network ofinternational property-casualty (P&C) operations. Stretching across Asia and the Pacific to Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, AIU member insurance companies market a full range of property-casualty products to both commercial and consumer clients. The AIU network is an established and successful business enterprise built over a period of nine decades. It operates in more than 80 countries with 10 regional offices in major cities. AIU insurance companies around the world are separately regulated entities, which remain financially strong and well capitalized.

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      Aviva has marked its re-brand with the launch of a new adviser website.

      Aviva for advisers launched its first phase on 1 June, the day Norwich Union became Aviva. The site replaces the old Norwich Union Adviser Sales Centre

      As well as reflecting the new brand, the website provides clearer information and is easy to navigate, two of the things which advisers have said are important to them. The site also includes:

      • a new fund centre with access to fund information, prices and performance across all life and legacy funds (life, pensions and collectives). Users can also compare and chart fund performance
      • access to product, legal, tax and technical support information.

      Users of the old site will be able to continue to access the site using their existing Aviva log-in details or Unipass. The new address for the site is www.aviva.co.uk/adviser.

      Angela Seymour-Jackson, distribution director for UK Life, Aviva says: “Our move to Aviva has given us the perfect opportunity to further engage with our advisers and design a new site which is built around them.

      Aviva focus their efforts on addressing the individual requirements of advisers and customers, and the new web site is one of the first steps to demonstrate this. Aviva worked with more than 300 advisers, gathering their feedback and input to the development of the service, so thery are quite confident to  have come up with a system which will service both their needs and those of their clients.”

      A second phase of Aviva for Advisers will see the re-launch of the site’s secure area later in the year. This will give advisers access to over 7 million policy records, including valuations, transaction history and the ability to create detailed reports for their clients. In addition there will be a range of new services allowing advisers to quote and apply for a range of life and pension products and track new business; all through a personalised homepage that recognises their relationship with Aviva.

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      UK motorists are potentially storing billions of pounds worth of items in their cars, despite the fact that a car is broken into every 13 seconds in the UK, according to the latest research from Confused.com.

      Using cars as extensions of homes is becoming increasingly common with a potential 7 million drivers storing items worth more than £200 in their cars, and 2.8 million drivers storing items worth more than £400.

      Nearly a third (29%) of Londoners use their cars for storage, due to a lack of room in their homes. However, Londoners are not the only ones who claim to lack storage in their homes. Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) 25-34 year olds are in the same predicament, with their boots being used to hoard items such as sat navs, books, glasses and even sports equipment like golf clubs.

      Another significant reason for drivers leaving valuable items in their cars is forgetfulness, with nearly three in four (72%) people claiming that they frequently leave items in their cars simply because they forgot to remove them.

      Will Thomas, head of motor insurance at Confused.com, says:

      “While cars can be viewed as providing extra storage space for some, especially in areas such as London where homes tend to be comparatively smaller, it is ill-advised to store expensive items such as golf clubs in cars for long periods of time.

      “If it is necessary to store personal possessions in cars, it is important that all precautions are taken to make sure that theft is prevented, not least locking the car and storing items out of sight – failure to do so could invalidate any insurance claim. But, undoubtedly, leaving any item in a car will increase the chances of theft.”

      “Should any items be stolen from cars, it is better to claim on home contents insurance as car insurance only typically covers belongings up to the value of £250. Although, homeowners will need to ensure they have added this option (personal items away from home) to their policy. Most providers will ask for any items valued at more than £1,000 to be specified on the policy.

      As with any insurance policy, people should check the terms and conditions to ensure that it is right for their needs.”

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      The policy will allow customers to leave loved ones a guaranteed tax-free cash lump sum. Customers who buy before 26th June will receive a free £20 gift card.

      Customers are guaranteed to be accepted and no medical is required for customers who are between the ages of 50 and 75. There are no complicated forms to fill in, customers can apply easily online or over the phone. Customers stop paying when they reach 90, but their cover will continue until death.

      “Increasingly, people are living longer than in previous generations,” says Jeremy Sutton, head of Tesco Life Insurance. “Customers have been telling us that they want a product that meets their needs for leaving something for their loved ones. We’re confident that our prices are the best value cover in the market.”

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