HMRC seeks views on operation of Insurance Premium Tax

insurancebusinessmag | June 04, 2019

The UKs taxman has launched an open consultation into how the Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) operates as part of efforts to ensure fairness and efficiency.Closing on July 17, the call for evidence is focused on examining the administration and collection of IPT as well as the existence of unfair tax outcomes. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) stressed that current IPT rates and exemptions are not part of the reviews scope.

Spotlight

The Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance industry is being dramatically transformed by digital technologies that are shifting the customer relationship back to the carriers. Beyond working through third-party agents or brokers to purchase insurance policies, more customers are going directly to insurance carriers via their website and other digital channels. Driven by the convenience of online shopping, insurance companies are now expected to provide information that helps customers learn about policies, compare options and even complete an application from virtually any connected device, 24/7.

Spotlight

The Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance industry is being dramatically transformed by digital technologies that are shifting the customer relationship back to the carriers. Beyond working through third-party agents or brokers to purchase insurance policies, more customers are going directly to insurance carriers via their website and other digital channels. Driven by the convenience of online shopping, insurance companies are now expected to provide information that helps customers learn about policies, compare options and even complete an application from virtually any connected device, 24/7.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Branch Introduces Condo Insurance to Reinforce Its Bundled Offering

Branch | February 13, 2023

Branch®, a full-stack insurance business that uses technology, data, and automation to make home and vehicle insurance more accessible and affordable, has introduced condo insurance, increasing its selection of instantly bindable products. Condo insurance will be launched across Branch's accessible states, beginning with Ohio, in the coming months. Branch transformed the purchasing process by needing just a consumer's name and address to get an instant estimate for combined home and vehicle insurance. The National Association of Realtors reports that more than 10% of existing home sales in the last three years were condos. By offering a condo product, Branch can provide quick bundling to millions of more homeowners. Branch co-founder and CEO, Steve Lekas, said, "Bundling has always been at the core of what Branch can do, so we're thrilled to offer another product to help consumers quickly and easily bundle their insurance." He added, "By enabling more people to access Branch's bundle, and the deep savings that come with it, we're taking meaningful steps towards our mission of getting more people insured." (Source – PR Newswire) Including a condo product adds tremendous value to Branch's rapidly expanding independent agency channel, allowing Branch-appointed agents to meet their customers' insurance requirements better. Moreover, by increasing its product offerings, Branch provides its partners with a seamless, integrated experience. On the Branch website, consumers can rapidly acquire condo insurance with only a few pieces of information and bundle it with vehicle insurance. About Branch® Branch®, is a company that provides home and car insurance that is easy to purchase and designed to save money. Through its groundbreaking instant-bind capabilities, Branch eliminates all of the hassle involved with obtaining coverage, making it simple for clients to combine home and vehicle insurance. The Branch Insurance Exchange was designed as a reciprocal exchange to make insurance more accessible and inexpensive for everybody. Branch is a public benefit corporation and a certified B corporation dedicated to achieving the highest levels of social and environmental performance and responsibility.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

RVOS Insurance Company Choses Guidewire InsuranceNow for Engagement

RVOS Insurance Group and Guidewire Software | February 09, 2023

RVOS Farm Mutual Insurance Company (RVOS) has recently integrated Guidewire InsuranceNow for agent engagement and business growth. Guidewire InsuranceNow is for U.S. property and casualty insurers struggling with IT resources, providing core cloud-driven solutions. Through automation and integration, it is easily implemented and quickly upgraded from time to time with operational support and cloud delivery, enabling insurers to focus more on innovation and respond to market demands. In addition, it offers solutions for customer experience, upgrades, less time consumption, business agility, freedom from system maintenance, and risk mitigation. Vice President of RVOS, Wesley Jackson, said, "We selected InsuranceNow to modernize our systems to deliver better efficiencies to users. We were attracted to its lack of complexities. The screens are straightforward and very easy to work with. InsuranceNow will also provide a more robust interaction with our agents and allow them to have access to more data from the system, making it easier for them to do business with us." (Source – Business Wire) General Manager of Claims and InsuranceNow, Guidewire, Zachary Gustafson, said, "We celebrate RVOS' history of serving Texans for more than 120 years and its commitment to acting as 'neighbors helping neighbors'. We look forward to helping the company continue supplying quality property insurance to its membership, improving its current products, and developing new ones, and providing exceptional customer service." (Source – Business Wire) About RVOS Headquartered in Temple, Texas, RVOS, an insurance company that started as a single company offering a basic fire insurance protection program in 1901, is now an established insurance holding of different companies, meeting the needs of property owners, farmers, and ranchers across the state. As policyholders own this company, it meets policyholders' needs, adapting to new budgets and financial circumstances. It focuses on future surplus claims and offsets future premiums rather than profiting from out-of-state parent corporations. It specializes in home, ranch, farm, and personal liability insurance. About Guidewire Guidewire, a software development company, is dedicated to helping property and casualty insurers engage, innovate, and grow their insurance businesses. It integrates machine learning, data analytics, core and digital services, and cloud services. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, it has assisted over 500 insurers as a partner from over 38 countries to enhance their success worldwide since 2001. It provides integration, localization, and innovation for many applications. In addition, it has completed more than 1,000 projects through the support of research and development and partner networking in the industry.

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CORE INSURANCE, RISK MANAGEMENT

Inszone Insurance Completely Acquires Donna Ledwick Insurance Services

Inszone Insurance | March 08, 2023

On March 7, 2023, Inszone Insurance Services announced the conclusion of its acquisition of Donna Ledwick Insurance Services, previously owned and operated by Donna Ledwick. The move is part of Inszone Insurance's plan to increase its national reach and solidify its position as one of the best insurance companies in the United States. Donna Ledwick expressed, "I'm excited to join forces with Inszone Insurance, which will enable us to better meet the demands of our clients in every way." She continued, "Inszone Insurance places great importance on serving each client, especially those with extremely specialized needs, which aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear." (Source – Business Wire) Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, remarked, "Donna has been a strong leader in the insurance industry, and we are thrilled to have her on our team." "Our clients can expect the same personalized care they are used to, with the added benefit of extra resources offered by a larger agency. We look forward to working together to help streamline efficiencies, add resources, and continue expanding throughout the state," he concluded. (Source – Business Wire) Besides, Inszone Insurance Services is set to announce several high-profile acquisitions in the coming months. Even though the company has grown quickly, it is still committed to giving customers excellent nationwide service and new insurance options. About Inszone Insurance Services California-based Inszone Insurance Services has developed substantially in the insurance industry since 2002. It covers all 50 states, with offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois. Inszone Insurance Services, which offers both personal and business insurance, has expanded by prioritizing customer satisfaction and agent-customer relationships. Its edge in the insurance industry comes from its professional, disciplined agents and its partnerships with many different carriers. The competitive benefits of these long-standing ties allow Inszone to use its expertise and access to provide actual value to its customers.

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