Royal & SunAlliance (R&SA) said pre-tax profit for the three months to 31 March, surged 29% to £207m, overthe same period last year, and ahead of the average analyst forecast of £193m.
R&SA said the improvement reflected an efficiency drive that has so far reduced annual costs by £250m.
R&SA said it had also benefited from a 4m insurance profit at its discontinued US operations, reversing a £14m loss a year earlier.
Net written premiums for the quarter were unchanged year-on-year at £1.4bn.
The combined operating ratio stood at 91.6% in the first quarter, little changed from 91.8% a year earlier.
Chief executive Andy Haste, said: "Our key objective is to deliver sustainable profitable performance and each of our core businesses have again delivered strong results".
R&SA shares are currently up 1.96% at 143p.
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.
