Aviva premiums surge as Direct Line takeover drives growth

Aviva has recorded a boost in general insurance premiums after its acquisition of Direct Line granted it more command over the UK market. Total group premiums rose 19 per cent in the first nine months of the year to £11.8bn, up from £10bn the prior year. UK and Ireland premiums also grew 27 per cent to £8.5bn. Its personal lines segment, which covers motor, health and travel insurance, increased 54 per cent to £5.5bn, after receiving a boost from its acquisition of Direct Line. The £3.7bn acquisition, which was completed in July 2025, has allowed Aviva control of a fifth of the UK motor insurance market. Chief executive Amanda Blanc said she is eyeing “many opportunities to continue our profitable growth in general insurance”. She noted further extension of Direct Line policies, the introduction of pet insurance and growing it reach in international markets Canada and Ireland, where it is among the leaders of general and life insurance. But commercial lines insuranc