Individual Protection

Aviva has reported a buoyant first quarter in protection, with sales up a fifth on last year.

Consumer watchdog Which? has today called on the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke to investigate creating tougher regulation around the activities of claims management companies (CMCs).

FIVE THINGS

Royal London saw a 10% decline in new life and pensions business in the first quarter, citing difficult market conditions.

Lloyds Banking Group has set aside an extra £375m to cater for an influx of compensation claims related to the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI).

The faster resolution of income protection (IP) claims has been put forward as one way to increase take-up of the "undersubscribed" products.

Friends Life has increased the commission advisers receive on its income protection policies by approximately 15% in a bid to bring it into line with commission received on critical illness and life products.

CANCEL XMAS!

KEVIN CARR

Consumer group Which? has listed absolute return funds and task-based income protection cover among a list of 'financial products to avoid'.