Trading Update for the third quarter of 2018
Highlights
· Motor in-force policies grew by 1.9% (own brands: 3.0% growth) compared to the prior year, driven by strong retention levels, particularly in Direct Line. Premiums were lower by 1.2% (own brands: 0.5% lower) as a result of lower average premiums, primarily due to changes to propositions in the price comparison website channel, partially offset by positive rate movements. Underlying claims inflation was at the upper end of the Group's long-term expectation of 3% to 5%.
· Home own brands in-force policies grew by 0.3% and premiums grew by 0.9% compared to the prior year. Retention levels improved in the quarter while new business volumes declined. Premiums in the partnerships channel decreased by £51.3m, primarily due to the exit from the Nationwide and Sainsbury's partnerships. The Group expects claims inflation to remain within the Group's long-term expectation of 3% to 5% and that subsidence claims, including those associated with the dry summer weather in the UK, will not materially be above normal annual expectations.
· The Group's investment in its direct Rescue and Commercial brands, Green Flag and Direct Line for Business, continued to make good progress, as premiums grew by 13.1% and 7.6% respectively. In Commercial, NIG and other premiums fell by 3.2% due, in part, to exiting several larger risks which were not expected to achieve target returns.
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