Rebrand update
(2010-04-30)


Previously, we announced that the Fortis brand name will change in due course subject to shareholder approval. Fortis shareholders have now approved the new name "Ageas" with overwhelming support and the process of rebranding will begin across the Fortis group. In the UK, we will rebrand in a controlled way over a period of time with the plan to complete the process by Q1 2011. The proposed change of name does not affect customers or their policies in any way. Over time, policy documentation and other communication will change but it will not impact customers' cover with us. We will work with our brokers, partners, suppliers and clients to ensure a smooth transition and regular updates will be posted on our website.

Fortis UK acquires mobile phone quote and purchasing channel
(2006-07-27)

        

Fortis UK acquires mobile phone quote and purchasing channel

 

Fortis UK Limited has acquired a majority shareholding in Text2Insure. The balance of the shares will remain in the hands of Hastings Insurance Services and the founding management team.

 

Established in 2005, Text2Insure is a pioneering selling insurance via SMS text technology, providing fast and easy access to quotations and purchasing of insurance in the UK.. The initial proposition was designed to offer travel insurance to those who have not arranged cover before their trip, including the capability to buy when they are at the airport and this has now been extended to the delivery of a quick quote for Car insurance, with other products planned soon.

 

Recent research* into the purchasing of insurance by SMS text messaging suggests that in excess of 8 million people with mobile phones would consider buying insurance via text messaging, with more than half of these people expected to do so in the next three years.  In particular, 48 per cent of 16-24 year olds said they would consider SMS text as a way of buying insurance.

 

Commenting on Fortis UK’s latest acquisition, Barry Smith, Chief Executive says: “In the UK over 100 million text messages are sent each day and the mobile phone has become an indispensable part of many of our lives.  Our acquisition of Text2Insure complements our existing range of propositions to the affinity market and enables us to proactively respond to the demands of the mobile generation.” 

 

“With Text2Insure, we have the opportunity to further develop our relationships with affinities and offer additional areas for differentiation to their customer offerings, enhancing both customer experience and revenue opportunities.  In particular, we are keen to understand how we can penetrate affinity sectors that have a strong alignment with mobile phone users.”

 

Commenting on the deal, Nicholas Thurlow, Director of Text2Insure, reiterates Smith’s enthusiasm for the new relationship “We are absolutely delighted with Fortis UK’s decision to work with the Text2Insure management team.  We believe the mobile channel will continue to take an increasingly important role in the distribution of insurance products and our involvement with Fortis, with its strong presence in the UK and internationally is a vindication of this growing trend.”

 

Fortis UK’s acquisitions in the past 9 months and its new affinity partnerships are a clear indication of its strategy to successfully expand its product and service offering for the affinity market through ongoing development and organic growth combined with acquisition where the right opportunity arises. Fortis UK carefully selects companies, ensuring they add another dimension to its offering for the affinity market – Text2Insure does this through its SMS delivery model.

 

The company will operate under the Text2Insure brand, with the founding management team continuing to be responsible for the development of the business moving forward.

 

For further information about Fortis UK Limited  http://www.fortisinsurance.co.uk

 

 

 

MONDIAL UK JOINS FORCES WITH TEXT2INSURE
(2006-05-26)

        

1. MONDIAL UK JOINS FORCES WITH TEXT2INSURE

To combat the number of uninsured travellers Mondial UK is bringing its partners a new way to sell travel insurance, helping to reduce the number of people travelling without cover. Further cementing its position at the forefront of online travel and insurance sales, Mondial has signed a contract with the leading text-based service provider, Text2Insure. Under the new agreement, Mondial’s travel provider clients will be able to offer their customers the chance to buy insurance cover, instantly, by a simple SMS text message.

 Steve Hook, Director of Corporate & Travel for Mondial UK comments: “The partnership with Text2Insure will help us corner the last minute sales channel and encourage more people to ensure they’re fully covered before travelling. A large number of people travel without the appropriate insurance cover, but this new text message service means even the last minute customer will have the chance to buy insurance right up until the time their flight leaves.” Research1 by Text2Insure reveals that 8.59 million people with mobile phones would consider buying insurance via a text messaging service and that 4.99 million expect to have done this over the next three years. Having purchased a flight or holiday online and entered their details, the customer will receive a customer service text from Mondial before their departure. The text will remind them to take their passport, tickets and travel insurance. If the customer wants to buy insurance they text back with a “buy” message and Mondial will call them within five minutes to complete the sale. The service provides travellers with the essential insurance cover they need for their trip.

 A text is also sent containing emergency phone numbers should they be needed. In addition, customers can gain online access to their policy by the time they arrive at their destination. Nicholas Thurlow Director of Text2Insure comments: “We are delighted to have secured a partnership scheme with Mondial. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office estimates 8.3 million trips are uninsured and as many a 43% of all short trips are inadequately insured. With the use of our seamless travel insurance proposition Mondial will be able to help combat this worrying trend, whilst offering new opportunities to its travel clients.” Hook concludes: “As the World’s leading travel insurer, Mondial UK is dedicated to delivering solutions of the highest quality.

 Text2Insure provides us with the vital expertise and market leading technology to do this. By making the sales process as fast and convenient as possible we hope to appeal to those who don’t normally buy travel cover, such as younger travellers. We will be working closely with our customer base to maximise business opportunities and reach new parts of this market. A pilot scheme will shortly be announced, with a view to a full launch of the service later in the year.”