Insurance premium is being lost as buyers look for independence from the marker, warned Aon UK deputy chairman Max Taylor.

In a speech at the RIMS conference in San Diego Taylor said the over-correction of insurance premium rates in 2001 significantly undermined the confidence of insurance buyers.

He said many buyers had since worked to manage their risks independently from the market. “This change of attitude represents significant premium lost from the insurance market,” he said.

Taylor then addressed the resurgence of the London market and the work to instil greater underwriting discipline. “The industry needs greater discipline to help tame the cycle and I believe that much of the work, the Lloyd’s Franchise Board being an example, already in progress in the London market is taking things in the right direction.

“There is, however, still a great deal of work to be done and an important balance to be struck between offering the innovative underwriting that London and Lloyd’s has traditionally offered and in its ability to offer a sustainable product.

Taylor also said emerging insurance markets such as in India, Eastern Europe and China represented a huge long-term opportunity for the insurance industry, and would have particular importance for the London market.

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.