RSA swoops for Aviva's scraps

Aviva’s decision to terminate its preferred partner status with the Towergate-owned Broker Network in June has seen RSA pile in to try and mop up any network business.

Back in June, Aviva informed brokers it had withdrawn from the relationship in order to “simplify” the arrangement with its brokers, however there was speculation that a row following collapsed negotiations over commissions was to blame.

Former Aviva UK general insurance chief executive David McMillan claimed he couldn’t make enough money out of the Broker Network deal, though Aviva has had difficult working relationships with networks in the past.

Members reap benefits

Broker Network members have said RSA, who remain a preferred partner for the network, was offering them lower rates and higher commissions, with one adding: “If it’s got Aviva’s name on it, they’re in there like a shot.”    

RSA has played down the reports, though not denied them, with a spokesman confirming they would continue to make themselves available as an option to Broker Network members.

“Aviva has been removed from the partner panel; our commission strategy remains unchanged and we are making sure that our proposition is being offered to all BNL members,” the spokesman said.

RSA also announced their departure from mid-market motor this week, selling off Fyfe Group, a specialist motor insurer, to Aston Scott.

The moves highlight the strong lead of RSA UK commercial managing director Jon Hancock in losing dead weight and moving the business into more profitable areas, but where else will the axe fall before the company’s commercial book moves into profitability?