European insurers extend roles across claims, underwriting and advisory

Claims turnaround cut to days in Spain partnership

European insurers extend roles across claims, underwriting and advisory

Claims

By Rod Bolivar

Insurance firms extend their role beyond traditional brokerage into claims, underwriting and advisory services, changing how value is delivered across the European market.

Adelaïde Group reported aggregated turnover of €495M in 2025, up 10%, with activity spanning consulting, intermediation, management, distribution and services. The group’s brokerage and consulting operations, led by Verlingue and Angelus Courtage, generated €344M, an increase of 9.5%.

Management activities through Génération recorded €134M in turnover, rising 10%, while insurance distribution and underwriting units Cocoon and Dune posted €17M in revenue, up 20%.

The group employed 3,100 staff and reported a customer satisfaction rate of 88% and retention at 95%. International business accounted for 24% of turnover, with €5.1 billion in premiums negotiated for clients.

“In a market that is still being affected by geopolitical tensions, and sluggish economic growth, our progress confirms the strength of our model and the confidence of our clients. All the indicators are giving us the green light to accelerate our development,” said Gilles Bénéplanc.

Claims processes move closer to brokers

Alongside brokerage activity, claims handling models are also shifting. Collinson Insurance entered a partnership with Bujaldon to introduce a revised claims operating model in Spain.

Under the agreement, Bujaldon will take greater ownership of claims service delivery, with resolution times reduced from several weeks to around three days. The model applies to travel insurance and is intended for customers and travel agencies in the Spanish market.

Collinson Insurance operates across 22 EU markets and said the agreement forms part of its activity in Europe.

“We’re thrilled that our specialised travel insurance expertise can transform claims delivery in Spain for customers through our partnership with Bujaldon. This collaboration represents an important milestone as we continue to expand our travel insurance portfolio across Europe, strengthening our presence in the Spanish market in partnership with such a well-respected organisation,” said Mike Caidan.

“In today’s travel insurance market, it is essential to work with partners who share our values; a firm commitment to customers and continuous improvement. Collinson Insurance share this commitment to excellence, and we are excited to work together to address a longstanding challenge in the Spanish market. This is a major turning point for us, and for the wider travel insurance sector in Spain,” said Aleix Bujaldon.

Specialist lines respond to demand

In the UK, LBB appointed Jamie Milne as head of bonds, returning after serving as director at Morphose Capital Partners. He previously worked at LBB from 2018 to 2022, progressing from junior broker to senior broker.

Milne will oversee bond and surety offerings, including deposit release bonds, performance bonds, Section 106 bonds, retention bonds, bid bonds and advance payment bonds. The role includes working with surety providers across construction and development sectors and introducing additional bond structures.

“I’m delighted to return to LBB and build on the strong foundations already in place. The bonds market is evolving rapidly, and there is a clear need for tailored solutions and expert guidance. I’m looking forward to working with clients and surety partners to expand our offering and deliver real value,” Milne said.

Giles Fallan said the appointment comes at a time when councils and stakeholders are increasing requirements for security, with developers facing more complex conditions.

Structure, partnerships and capability build-out

Adelaïde continued activity across its operating units. Verlingue reported €323M in turnover, with 37% generated internationally, and introduced a structure comprising Verlingue Entreprise, Specialties & Affinities, and Verlingue International, which covers operations in the UK, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. Angelus Courtage recorded €21M, up 30%.

Génération managed 2.8 million health insurance policyholders and 1.3 million employees covered by life insurance, paying €1.9 billion in benefits. The company opened new sites in Caen and Coimbra, bringing its total offices to six.

Cocoon reported €14M in turnover, rising 10%, supported by demand for individual health insurance. Dune generated €3M in revenue, up 50%, following new partnerships, diversification of risk carriers and the launch of a digital underwriting platform.

The group also completed several transactions, including the acquisition of EBCam in the UK, continued portfolio acquisitions in Italy, an increased stake in Angelus Courtage and an investment in Antoma Courtage alongside Thomas Castaignède and Antoine Dupont.

“Our objective remains unchanged: to build a leading and independent European group by leveraging the strength of our business model, the quality of our teams and a structured, sustainable growth strategy,” said Benjamin Verlingue.

Across brokerage, claims and specialist products, firms are adjusting how services are delivered, with changes spanning organisational structure, partnerships and product lines across European markets.

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