Stop press...Asda pet cover

Asda pet coverAsda has rolled-out pet insurance to all of its 265 stores following a pilot in 40 of its supermarkets. Asda financial services director David Rutley said the average pet insurance claim is now about £200, prompting the supermarket to step up its pet insurance campaign. The product is underwritten by Allianz Cornhill.

Willis recruitmentThe Willis Commercial Network has signed up its 60th member, Leicester-based Martin Brown & Co. The network has a growth target of more than 100 members within the next few years, generating a premium in excess of £500m. Willis said recruitment for the network during 2004 would include Scotland as well as continued growth in England and Wales.

Hiscox jewellery dealHiscox has signed an agreement with jewellery replacement specialist Guild Claims Service after a pilot to improve its household claims handling. The long-term deal will provide validation and replacement services to Hiscox high and mid-net worth books.

Ace partnering Lord'sAs revealed by Insurance Times (19 February), Ace has signed a deal with the MCC to become an official Lord's partner. Under the deal, Ace will benefit from global advertising opportunities throughout the cricket season, plus year-round access to the excellent conference, banqueting and other facilities at Lord's.

Composite BTE partnerComposite Legal Expenses has appointed Groupama Insurances as its risk carrier for before-the-event legal expenses insurance distributed through brokers and specialist affinity groups. Composite had to find a new insurance partner after its previous carrier, NIG Special Risks, announced the cessation of its legal expenses portfolio.

InsurE-com dealInsurE-com has formed a partnership with Close Premium Finance to provide users of insurE-com's Windows-based back office systems with a real-time integrated premium finance solution. The package will initially be offered to insurE-tam and insurE-tamCentral users in April, followed by a roll-out to insurE-office users in the following months.

Singer promotionThird party finance provider Singer & Friedlander Insurance Finance said it was launching a sales promotion, offering brokers the chance to win luxury gifts for premium finance deal signed between 1 March and 31 May 2004.