Suicide bombers in Casablanca - with around 40 deaths reported - and terrorist threats on British Airway flights to Kenya have struck another blow to the troubled travel insurance industry.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) reported a 50% drop in sales this month blaming the impact of SARS and terrorism as the main culprits.

The events following the Iraq war have forced underwriters to cut back on the number of policies they are writing.

Columbus Insurance managing director Bryan Warburton said sales are down by between 20% and 30% this year, compared to last year, but travel sales to America have risen this week.

AXA travel manager Alison Patrick said: "There was a surge in travel insurance sales when Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled last month.

"But that did not last long."

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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