Insurance tycoons gracing The Sunday Times rich list include Sean Quinn, head of Quinn Group, Admiral's Henry Engelhardt and Brian Snowcroft, who boosted his millions by selling Swinton eight years ago now.

Jumping 11 places to position 438 is Esure creator Peter Wood, who has £160m to his name.

A new entrant is Hastings Insurance founder David Gundlach, who sold the company to IAG for £140m – which now rests in the bank account of the 51-year-old American.

And no surprises to see Admiral's David and Heather Stevens at number 608 with £115m. Benfield Group's Grahame Chilton and Nicholas Cooper's Sterling Insurance follow, and then William Brown, with his stake in Walsham Brothers. But down 242 places, just making the top 1,000 at 949, is Axis boss John Charman with his £70m.

His divorce last year probably didn't help matters. Millionaires take note – if you want to get richer, don't get married.

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