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RSA Insurance exits UK private motor market

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By John Healy of Healy Insurances

RSA Insurance has announced it will exit the UK personal lines car insurance market over the next year, with a sale arranged to rival insurer, Swinton.

RSA Insurance was formed through the merger of Sun Alliance and Royal Insurance in 1996 and was acquired by Canadian multinational, Intact Financial Corporation in November 2021. RSA said the motor market in the UK remained competitive yet “requires significant scale to drive meaningful outperformance”.

The RSA motor business in the UK represents about £120 million of annual premium but the 'Insurance Times' reported that the RSA’s private motor segment was operating at a loss, meaning the lost premium does not represent an operating loss to the business.

“When we completed the acquisition of RSA, we were clear that we would take necessary actions to drive sustainable outperformance in UK and Ireland," Charles Brindamour, CEO of the Intact Financial Corp, said. "[The] announcement represents a further step in delivering against our strategic roadmap to optimise our footprint around Personal Lines, Home and Pet, and our Commercial and Speciality lines businesses.”

Car premiums in the UK have increased by 21.1% from February 2021 to February 2022. Market sources concluded that inflation and supply chain disruption are pushing up the costs insurers face in fixing and replacing vehicles. The average annual car insurance premium in the UK is £929 which rises considerably in London to £1,419.

At the time of writing, it has just been announced that RSA are also exiting commercial mini fleet insurance in the UK from June 1, 2023.

RSA have not made any comment on their Irish operations. In the Republic of Ireland, RSA Insurance offer car insurance products via Insurance Brokers and Bank of Ireland. RSA also own 123.ie.

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Spa and Glenflesk GAA clubs in Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals

Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals. Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, […]

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Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals.

Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, will carry the hopes of the county as they compete for national titles.
Representing Spa GAA is the Rince Seit (Set Dancing) team, who secured their place in the final after being crowned Munster champions in November.
Joining them in the finals are the Glenflesk GAA Ballad Group.

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End of an era as High Street restaurant closes after 30 years

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It is the end of an era for High Street this week as Marguerite’s Restaurant, still fondly known to generations of locals as Scéal Eile, has closed its doors for the final time.


The closure marks the end of more than 30 years of business at the popular town centre landmark.


The restaurant underwent a major refurbishment and name change in 2021.


Operated by the Condon family of Marguerite’s Home Bakery in Newcastle West, the café was rebranded from Scéal Eile to Marguerites at that time, though the name Scéal Eile remained synonymous with the premises for many locals.


In a poignant closing notice shared on social media, manager Annette Horgan expressed how difficult it was to put the restaurant’s legacy into words.

She described the business as far more than just a workplace, calling it a “second home” filled with treasured memories and lasting friendships.


Annette extended a sincere thank you to the loyal customers and friends whose kindness and familiar faces supported the business over the decades.

She also paid tribute to the professionalism and teamwork of the management and staff, both past and present.


The message included a special tribute to two late colleagues and dear friends, Kaye and Marie, who were remembered with love.

Annette also extended her thanks to the Condon family, wishing them success in their future retirements.


“As this chapter comes to a close for me, I will carry with me the wonderful memories and the many special people I have had the privilege to meet throughout the years,” she added.

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