RBSI saw its total income, operating profit and policy growth all rise by 3% consecutively during 2006.

Its insurance premium income rose to £5.67bn from £5.48bn in 2005, while it posted an operating profit of £750m against £728m in 2005.

Overall policy growth was 3% for its European businessess though Spain outperformed the sector, with a policy rise of 14% to 1.34 million customers.

Having implemented price rises in the second half of 2005, its UK core motor book increased by only 1% though the bank said it "focused on more profitable customers" hooked by its direct brands such as Direct Line and Churchill.

Non-motor personal lines also rose by 3%, with "good progress" in its Tesco personal Finance affinity deal. SME business grew by 10% through the intermediary channel.

RBSI admitted that a number of its partnership books were "aging" and renewals had declined. This resulted in partnership policies dropping by 8% in motor and 9% in home.

The discontinuation of these partnerships and a higher loss ratio, led the division to report a combined operating ratio of 94.6% in 2006 compared with 93.4% in 2005.

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.