GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

UK Insurance Industry Statistics

The UK insurance industry reported total gross written premiums of £160.1 billion in 2019, experiencing a growth rate of 2.6% compared to the previous year.

Highlights: Uk Insurance Industry Statistics

  • The UK insurance market is the largest in Europe and the fourth biggest in the world.
  • In 2019, the insurance sector in the UK contributed around £29.5 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.
  • In the United Kingdom, there were 33.5 million households with home insurance in 2020.
  • The UK insurance sector is the largest in Europe for premiums written, accounting for 31% in 2019.
  • In 2020, the biggest general insurance company in terms of gross written premium was Aviva, writing over £3.5 Billion in premiums in the UK alone.
  • In 2020, approximately 17.1 million households in the United Kingdom had contents insurance
  • In 2019, the insurance industry employed around 340,000 people in the UK.
  • The UK motor insurance market was worth nearly £14 billion in annual premiums in 2019.
  • In 2019, there were about 26.6 data breaches per 1,000 employees in the UK insurance sector.
  • The pet insurance industry in the UK payed out a record £815 million in 2020.
  • In 2019, premium income for life insurance in the UK was approximately £170.7 billion.
  • In 2020, travel insurance companies in the UK paid out about £210 million for travel insurance claims, compared to £400 million the previous year.
  • The professional indemnity insurance industry in the UK was worth £1.5 billion in net written premiums in 2019.
  • The top three car insurance companies in the UK in terms of market share in 2020 were Admiral Group, Direct Line Group, and Aviva.
  • In 2020, the average home insurance premium in the UK was about £144.
  • The average pet insurance premium in the UK in 2020 was £287 per year.
  • Property and casualty insurance represented the largest portion of the insurance market in the UK in 2020, with net written premiums of £58.4 billion.
  • In 2020, insurance companies in the UK spent around £1.2 billion on IT.
  • As of 2020, the UK had one of the highest insurance densities in the world, at $3,247 per capita.

Table of Contents

The Latest Uk Insurance Industry Statistics Explained

The UK insurance market is the largest in Europe and the fourth biggest in the world.

The statistic indicates that the insurance market in the United Kingdom is the largest among all European countries and ranks as the fourth largest globally in terms of its overall size and economic significance. This suggests that the insurance industry in the UK plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, providing extensive coverage and financial protection to individuals and businesses. The size and magnitude of the UK insurance market demonstrate its competitiveness and importance on both a regional and global scale, reflecting a high level of insurance activity and consumer demand within the country.

In 2019, the insurance sector in the UK contributed around £29.5 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the insurance sector played a significant role in driving the UK economy by generating approximately £29.5 billion in gross value added (GVA). Gross value added represents the value of goods and services produced by an industry, subtracting the cost of inputs and raw materials. This £29.5 billion figure reflects the direct contribution of the insurance sector to the overall economic output of the UK, highlighting the sector’s importance in creating wealth and driving economic growth. As a key player in financial services, the insurance industry’s substantial GVA underscores its vital role in sustaining the UK economy and its potential for further expansion and development.

In the United Kingdom, there were 33.5 million households with home insurance in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in the United Kingdom in 2020, there were a total of 33.5 million households that had home insurance coverage. This suggests that a significant portion of households in the UK recognized the importance of protecting their homes and belongings against potential risks such as theft, natural disasters, or accidents. Home insurance provides financial security and peace of mind to homeowners by offering coverage for property damage, personal liability, and additional living expenses in case of unforeseen events. The high number of households with home insurance in the UK reflects a culture of risk management and preparedness among homeowners in the country.

The UK insurance sector is the largest in Europe for premiums written, accounting for 31% in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the UK insurance sector generated the highest premiums among all European countries in 2019, comprising 31% of the total premiums written in Europe. This showcases the significant size and importance of the UK insurance industry within the European market. The high volume of premiums written suggests a strong insurance market presence in the UK, highlighting the country’s role as a major player in the European insurance sector. This statistic reflects the scale of the insurance business in the UK and its influence on the overall European insurance landscape.

In 2020, the biggest general insurance company in terms of gross written premium was Aviva, writing over £3.5 Billion in premiums in the UK alone.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, the insurance company Aviva was the leading general insurance provider in the UK based on the gross written premium, with a total of over £3.5 billion in premiums collected. Gross written premium refers to the total amount of premiums earned by an insurance company before deducting reinsurance costs and other expenses. This statistic highlights Aviva’s significant market presence and the scale of their insurance operations within the UK, suggesting that they were a key player in the insurance industry during that year.

In 2020, approximately 17.1 million households in the United Kingdom had contents insurance

The statistic that approximately 17.1 million households in the United Kingdom had contents insurance in 2020 indicates a significant proportion of the population had taken steps to protect their personal belongings. Contents insurance provides coverage for items within a home such as furniture, electronics, and personal belongings against incidents like theft, fire, or damage. This statistic suggests a widespread recognition among UK households of the importance of safeguarding their possessions through insurance. Additionally, it indicates a level of financial preparedness and risk management as individuals and families seek to mitigate potential losses and adverse events related to their personal property.

In 2019, the insurance industry employed around 340,000 people in the UK.

The statistic ‘In 2019, the insurance industry employed around 340,000 people in the UK’ is a numerical representation of the total workforce within the insurance sector in the United Kingdom during that year. This figure provides insight into the industry’s scale and its contribution to the country’s economy in terms of employment opportunities. By highlighting the number of individuals directly employed by the insurance industry, this statistic underscores the sector’s significance as a major employer within the UK labor market. Furthermore, it serves as a point of reference for understanding the industry’s workforce dynamics, potential growth trends, and potential impacts on related industries and the overall economy.

The UK motor insurance market was worth nearly £14 billion in annual premiums in 2019.

The statistic that the UK motor insurance market was worth nearly £14 billion in annual premiums in 2019 indicates the total amount of money collected by insurance companies from customers for motor insurance policies in the UK during that year. This figure is a reflection of the size and significance of the motor insurance industry in the UK, highlighting the substantial financial transactions that occur within this market on an annual basis. It signifies the financial scale and importance of motor insurance as a sector of the economy, impacting both consumers and insurance providers while also serving as a key indicator of the overall health and activity of the insurance market within the UK.

In 2019, there were about 26.6 data breaches per 1,000 employees in the UK insurance sector.

This statistic indicates that in the year 2019, the UK insurance sector experienced an average of approximately 26.6 data breaches for every 1,000 employees working in the industry. This metric highlights the vulnerability of the sector to cyber threats and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and protocols within insurance companies. The frequency of data breaches in relation to the number of employees provides insight into the potential risks faced by the industry, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, employee training, and proactive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyberattacks.

The pet insurance industry in the UK payed out a record £815 million in 2020.

The statistic that the pet insurance industry in the UK paid out a record £815 million in 2020 indicates a significant increase in the amount of payouts made by insurance companies to policyholders for veterinary care and other pet-related expenses. This suggests that more pet owners are availing themselves of pet insurance coverage and making claims for their pets’ medical treatment and well-being. The growth in payouts could be attributed to a variety of factors such as an increase in pet ownership, rising veterinary costs, and heightened awareness of the benefits of pet insurance among consumers. Overall, this statistic highlights the importance of pet insurance in helping pet owners manage the financial burden of unexpected veterinary expenses and ensuring the health and welfare of their furry companions.

In 2019, premium income for life insurance in the UK was approximately £170.7 billion.

The statistic states that in 2019, the total premium income generated from life insurance policies in the United Kingdom amounted to around £170.7 billion. This figure reflects the total amount of money paid by individuals or businesses to insurance companies in exchange for coverage on their lives or the lives of others. Premium income is a key metric in the insurance industry, indicating the overall value of policies sold and the financial health of insurance companies. The substantial amount of premium income in the UK life insurance market underscores the importance and widespread adoption of life insurance protection among the UK population.

In 2020, travel insurance companies in the UK paid out about £210 million for travel insurance claims, compared to £400 million the previous year.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, travel insurance companies in the UK paid out approximately £210 million for travel insurance claims, which is a significant decrease compared to the £400 million paid out the previous year. This substantial decrease highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry, as travel restrictions, lockdowns, and cancellations led to a decline in travel insurance claims being filed in 2020. The decrease in payout reflects the reduced travel activities and a lower number of travel-related incidents or disruptions during the year. The sharp contrast between the payouts in 2020 and the previous year underscores the economic challenges faced by the travel insurance sector and the wider implications of the global health crisis on the travel insurance industry in the UK.

The professional indemnity insurance industry in the UK was worth £1.5 billion in net written premiums in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the professional indemnity insurance industry in the UK generated £1.5 billion in net written premiums in the year 2019. Net written premiums represent the total amount of insurance premiums collected by an insurance company after deducting reinsurance costs and commissions. This figure reflects the significant size and importance of the professional indemnity insurance sector in the UK, which provides coverage to professionals against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in their services. The high value of net written premiums suggests a considerable level of demand for professional indemnity insurance among businesses and individuals relying on such coverage for protection.

The top three car insurance companies in the UK in terms of market share in 2020 were Admiral Group, Direct Line Group, and Aviva.

The statistic indicating that Admiral Group, Direct Line Group, and Aviva were the top three car insurance companies in the UK in terms of market share in 2020 suggests that these three companies held the largest portion of the car insurance market during that year compared to their competitors. Market share is a key indicator of a company’s competitive position within an industry, reflecting their relative strength and influence in the market. By being the top three companies in terms of market share, Admiral Group, Direct Line Group, and Aviva likely had a significant presence in the UK car insurance market, attracting a substantial number of customers and generating substantial revenue compared to other insurance providers.

In 2020, the average home insurance premium in the UK was about £144.

The statistic that in 2020, the average home insurance premium in the UK was approximately £144 indicates the mean cost individuals paid for their home insurance coverage during that particular year. This figure serves as a useful point of reference for evaluating the typical expense associated with safeguarding one’s property against potential risks and damages. It offers valuable insight into the overall financial commitment homeowners in the UK may have to consider when budgeting for insurance expenses, and can be used by insurance companies to determine competitive pricing strategies and assess market trends. Additionally, policymakers and researchers may utilize this statistic to understand the economic implications of home insurance costs on households and the broader insurance industry.

The average pet insurance premium in the UK in 2020 was £287 per year.

The statistic indicates that the mean, or average, pet insurance premium paid by individuals in the United Kingdom in 2020 was £287 per year. This figure represents the typical annual cost of insuring a pet in the UK during that time period. The average premium serves as a central measure of the cost of pet insurance coverage for UK residents, providing insight into the financial investment required to protect pets against unexpected veterinary expenses. It is important for consumers to consider this average premium amount when evaluating various pet insurance options to ensure they are making an informed decision based on cost and coverage benefits.

Property and casualty insurance represented the largest portion of the insurance market in the UK in 2020, with net written premiums of £58.4 billion.

In 2020, the property and casualty insurance sector dominated the insurance market in the UK, accounting for the largest share of net written premiums totaling £58.4 billion. This statistic emphasizes the significant importance of property and casualty insurance in the UK, highlighting the substantial amount of premiums paid by policyholders for coverage against various risks such as damage to property and liability claims. The substantial size of the market suggests a high demand for protection against property and casualty risks, indicating the sector’s critical role in providing financial security and stability for individuals, businesses, and other entities in the UK.

In 2020, insurance companies in the UK spent around £1.2 billion on IT.

The statistic “In 2020, insurance companies in the UK spent around £1.2 billion on IT” indicates that insurance companies operating in the UK allocated a significant financial resource of approximately £1.2 billion specifically for information technology expenses over the course of the year 2020. This substantial investment underscores the crucial role that technology and IT infrastructure play in the insurance industry, supporting various operations such as data management, customer service, risk assessment, and overall efficiency. The substantial spending also reflects insurers’ commitment to embracing digital transformation, innovation, and cybersecurity measures to enhance their competitiveness and meet the evolving needs of policyholders in an increasingly digital era.

As of 2020, the UK had one of the highest insurance densities in the world, at $3,247 per capita.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the United Kingdom had one of the highest levels of insurance density in the world, with an average of $3,247 spent per capita on insurance products. Insurance density is a measure that reflects the amount of insurance premiums paid within a given population or geographical area. A high insurance density suggests that a significant portion of the population in the UK utilizes various types of insurance coverage, such as life, health, auto, and property insurance. This level of insurance density could be driven by various factors, including a high awareness of risk management and financial protection among UK residents, comprehensive insurance regulations, and a robust insurance market offering a wide range of products to cater to different needs and preferences.

References

0. – https://www.www.abi.org.uk

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.thisismoney.co.uk

3. – https://www.www.moneywise.co.uk

4. – https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com

5. – https://www.www.insurancetimes.co.uk

6. – https://www.www.insightsforprofessionals.com

7. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

8. – https://www.www.boughtbymany.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!