Direct Line Group

Direct Line Group and Aviva announce acquisition agreement. Quote from Adam Winslow: “Bringing Direct Line and Aviva together offers the opportunity to create a strengthened and enlarged business, with both organisations sharing a deep passion for serving customers and for supporting their people.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eDkzPRPS  

We’re delighted to announce the launch of Direct Line on Price Comparison Websites, initially launching exclusively on Compare the Market. This milestone is a key step in delivering the Group’s strategic plan, first unveiled in July 2024, which set out our commitment to introduce Direct Line branded products onto PCWs where 90% of new motor insurance policies are purchased.   The launch introduces three new products, designed to meet the unique needs of customers purchasing through PCWs. These offerings include a range of cover options, from Essentials to Premium, and focusses on digital-only servicing, apart from claims, where a telephone service remains.   Direct Line will continue to sell products directly to consumers, providing a wide range of cover with the access to telephone and online customer service that direct customers expect and enjoy. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eamVvX6z

Here at DLG we understand what matters most to our customers and aim to deliver above and beyond, which is what Graeme, Allan and Michael were commended for last month. “It’s heartening to find a company who values customer care so highly, and from my point of view, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend DLG Auto Services for any work they are able to do”. Lovely words from a happy customer who wrote in to thank our team at DLG Auto Services Perth for going above and beyond on a recent repair job – even retrieving a lost diamond ring in the process!

Do you know what the warning light on your dashboard means? Have you been ‘meaning to get it looked at’ for weeks? You’re not alone. A recent survey for Green Flag revealed that 43% of UK drivers have ignored dashboard warning lights, with around 18% experiencing a breakdown as a result. Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, warns, “Despite dashboard warning lights playing a critical role in safety and vehicle performance, many drivers are neglecting or unable to recognise these vital alerts.” “Ignoring warning lights can lead to an increased risk of breaking down, so always be sure to check your vehicle’s manual when a warning light appears, and if you’re unsure, then a professional can help.”

For the fourth year running, DLG is proud to have been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 50 Inclusive Companies. The rankings identify the best employers in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this year, we've moved from 17th to 12th place in the list. The judging panel was impressed by our progress in leadership and employee engagement with D&I work. This includes the development and mentorship of our DNA (Diversity Network Alliance) strands, training in inclusive best practices for our people managers and senior leaders, and our commitment to setting key targets and priorities to measure progress.

Can you see yourself working in insurance? We’ve asked that question to over 1,300 students in our unique two-day business simulation programs, in partnership with MDA Training. At the start of day one, an average of 29% of students said yes. By the end of day two, that number was up to a whopping 89%. So, what changed? Across the two days, our students took part in a range of activities that simulated what life is like inside the insurance business, from underwriting to marketing and everything in between. They also built valuable connections to those already working in the industry. DLG’s Student Engagement Consultant, Claire Flannery, explains why this is so important - "Improving social mobility in the UK has many contributing factors, but a key one that DLG has focused on is enabling young people to build social capital. Prior to attending these sessions only 16% of attendees had any connections to someone who worked in insurance. By the end they all had several connections, on top of gaining the knowledge, confidence and aspiration to follow up with these connections in the sector and eventually apply to jobs." Watch our video for a snapshot of what our students got up to.

“It’s concerning to see that many people believe Emergency Roadside Telephones no longer exist or work.” – Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance. That’s after a survey* which revealed that over half (56%) of UK adults are unsure or don’t think Emergency Roadside Telephones still function, while over two-thirds (69%) of drivers don’t know how to locate them. In the UK, emergency telephones are situated at one-mile intervals along motorways. On average, callers can expect a response in less than 10 seconds. Nicholas continued, “The telephones connect directly to contact centres and help pinpoint the driver’s exact location so that emergency services get to breakdowns as quickly as possible. It’s important that drivers are aware of and know how to locate the nearest Emergency Roadside telephones if they breakdown.” *Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults by Opinium between 9th - 12th July 2024

Earlier this year, Green Flag announced ambitious plans to expand its Roadside Patrol fleet to over 300 vehicles in the coming years. But what’s it like to be at the helm of such a transformation? One of our recent recruits, Stuart, sat down with Damon Jowett , Director of Customer, Roadside and Network Services, to find out how he feels about the growth of Green Flag. Do you want to be part of a company that’s really going places? Green Flag is recruiting right now. Come and join us.

This morning, we shared the news that we have reached a preliminary agreement on the financial terms for a potential sale of Direct Line Group to Aviva. DLG is an extraordinary company with fantastic brands, people and a strategy to make progress on. For the time being we remain an independent business, and our focus is on delivering brilliantly for our customers everyday and moving forward with our transformation. Read the news here: https://lnkd.in/eiGDvteC

We’re proud to announce that DLG is home to the 2024 Professional Service Management Team of the Year! Our team beat fellow finalists to scoop the award at Europe’s largest annual IT Service Management conference in London last month. Mark Curry, Head of Service Architecture and Enablement said, “The judges were impressed with how our team’s work underpins our vision to become the customers’ insurer of choice”. Before adding, “It’s great to celebrate a true team effort”. We’d like to take a moment to congratulate Mark and his team for their hard work and effort throughout 2024. We know that this award is very well-deserved.