Aviva general insurance profits down 9%

Aviva saw its UK general insurance operating profit fall by 9% in its H1 2018 results.

Profit was at £195m for the first half of 2018, but this represented a combined operating ratio of 94.3%, compared to 93.2% for the same period last year.

Chief executive Mark Wilson put the fall down to the Beast from the East, but said he was “happy to pay claims.”

On the personal lines side of the business revenues dropped by 2% to £1.25bn.

This was made up largely from a 4% fall in personal motor net written premiums from £580m to £559m.

Personal non-motor remained steady at around £687m.

There was stronger growth on the commercial lines side – up 3% to £864m.

There was also strong growth in the number of direct customers - rising by 17% to 5.2m.

Wilson said: ”During these choppy market conditions, it is reassuring that Aviva’s results are consistent, dependable and growing.

”We remain on track to achieve our financial targets.”