Personal loans: £5,000 loans over three years

The table below shows the best deals available for a £5,000 loan paid back over three years. If you're looking for a way to spread the cost of a big purchase, you may also want to consider a deal.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Sainsbury's Nectar Loan	4.2%	£5,324.04	£147.89	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.2% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Sainsbury's Bank Non Nectar	4.3%	£5,331.60	£148.10	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.3% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Hitachi Personal Finance	4.4%	£5,339.16	£148.31	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.4% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Clydesdale Bank	4.4%	£5,339.47	£148.32	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.4% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Yorkshire Bank	4.4%	£5,339.47	£148.32	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.4% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Cahoot	4.4%	£5,342.40	£148.40	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.4% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Total repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help	Early repayment penalties arly repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Marks & Spencer Money	4.5%	£5,347.08	£148.53	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.5% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over term Tal repayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) Monthly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Risk-based pricing help		Homeowner Homeowner help
Tesco Bank Clubcard Loan	4.7%	£5,362.56	£148.96	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.7% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years APR help	Total repayable over termtepayable over term help	Monthly repayment (£) ntly repayment help	Risk-based pricing Rkasd ricing help	Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner lp
Santander	4.9%	£5,381.28	£149.48	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 4.9% APR Representative.

Provider	APR £5000 over 3 years	Total repayable over termp			Early repayment penalties Early repayment penalties help	Homeowner Homeowner help
Tesco Bank Standard Loan	5%	£5,385.60	£149.60	Yes	Yes	No

Representative example: The table shows the monthly repayment and total cost of a £5,000 loan at a fixed rate of 5.0% APR Representative.

source -  http://www.which.co.uk

How to get best and cheap Car insurances.

1. Use comparison sites to get quick quotes

Price comparison sites are a good place to start as they allow you to get multiple quotes quickly. The sites are not always 100% reliable, though, so make sure you double check the policy you're interested has everything you need when you click through to the website of the provider. Remember, not every provider appears on comparison sites – check Direct Line, Aviva and Zurich as well to see if they can offer you cheap cover.

2. Set the right excess

If you're willing to fork out more on your excess – the amount you have to pay yourself in the event of a claim – your insurer will reward you with lower premiums. However, make sure you select your excess carefully.
Setting the bar too high, especially if starts getting too close to your claims limit, might make claiming on your car insurance either pointless or too expensive.

3. Choose your occupation carefully

Insurers look at many factors when calculating the cost of cover including what you do for a living. However, the job categories used can be broad meaning that many drivers could fit into many different segments.
For example, if you work in publishing as a writer and put your occupation as journalist you're likely to pay more than you would if you put down editor, copywriter or even reporter. If you're unemployed, but are a housewife or househusband, putting yourself down as a homemaker instead can help you save money.
However, remember that you should never lie about job. Don’t say you butcher if you’re a baker. This is considered fraud and you could be prosecuted.

4. Avoid modifying your car

Don’t be fooled into thinking that insurers only consider boy racer cars as being modified. Even a small modification to your car, such as new alloys, can cause your premiums to rise. If you're going to make any changes to your car always discuss them with your insurer first.
Conversely, any modification to your vehicle that increases it safety could save you money. Installing an alarm, tracker or immobiliser – especially if approved by car safety research firm Thatcham – can set your car insurance premiums tumbling.

5. Pay for your cover annually (if you can afford to)

Insurers will give you the option to pay for you cover in two ways - on a monthly basis or in annual lump sum. While paying monthly might seem like a sensible way to spread the cost, it can cost £100 more than paying annually.
Paying for cover on a monthly basis involves taking a loan, usually at high interest, from your provider. APR can vary but it can be as high as 40%. Some insurers will also charge you a fee for setting up a monthly payment plan. Kwik Fit, for example, charges £35 for providing you with credit.
Always check pay-monthly fees and the compare the cost against annual cover. It's not always clear on comparison sites what APR you'd pay, so check with the insurer direct before accepting a quote

6. Avoid auto renewal

Insurers reserve the best deals for new customers and often push up the premiums for their loyal policyholders. Rather than just allowing your policy to roll into another year shop around and see if you can find yourself a lower premium. Even if you want to stay with your provider you can use this as a platform to haggle.

7. Check the specialists

Drivers over 50 and drivers under 25 are statistically more likely than other motorists to be involved in accidents, which means that they'll still pay more for cover.
However, black box car insurance, also known as telematics, can be used by any motorist looking to save money. A black box is fitted to your car, monitoring how you drive. If you can prove that you are a good driver you're rewarded, usually with cheaper cover.
If you're an older driver there are specialist providers, such as Saga, Age UK and RIAS, you can get quotes from.

8. Try a broker

If you’re still having trouble finding suitable car cover, use the British Insurance Brokers' Association's 'find a broker service'. Call them on 0370 950 1790 or check biba.org.uk for more. You can also contact the Which? Money Helpline for advice on finding cover.

The 5 Biggest Russian Insurance Companies

The Russian insurance market is dominated at the top by one-stop insurers offering an array of personal and commercial insurance lines. In 2014, the most recent year for which industry data is available, the top five insurers in Russia accounted for 45.8% of total written premiums in all market segments. This represents a one-year combined increase of 3.2% market share for Russia's biggest insurance companies. While the market remains competitive, industry analysts and Russian insurance professionals expect these market share trends to continue at the top. This list introduces the biggest companies in the market, as ranked by gross written premiums in 2014.

1. Rosgosstrakh

Rosgosstrakh (RGS) is Russia's largest insurance company. It reported nearly $3.4 billion in gross written premiums in 2014, good for a market share of over 15%. RGS traces its history back more than 90 years to Gosstrakh, the Soviet insurance monopoly. Today, RGS offers a wide variety of insurance products, including personal and business property insurance, business liability insurance, medical insurance and life insurance.
RGS and its subsidiaries serve more than 25 million consumers and 250,000 businesses across Russia. The company counts more than 100,000 employees, including about 35,000 staff and 65,000 agents. RGS is publicly traded on the Moscow Exchange. It has a market capitalization of nearly $2.51 billion.

2. Sogaz Insurance Group

Sogaz Insurance Group was established in 1993, quickly growing into the second-largest insurance company in Russia. In 2014, the 11 affiliated companies in the group reported combined gross written premiums of more than $2.7 billion for a market share of about 11%.
Sogaz Insurance Group offers more than 100 types of insurance to individuals and business customers. Life insurance, auto insurance, voluntary health insurance, and personal and business property insurance are among the group's largest business segments. The company employs nearly 12,000 people. Gazprom, the Russian energy conglomerate, holds a 40% stake in Sogaz. Rossiya Bank, Volga Group and other business entities also hold substantial stakes in the group.

3. Ingosstrakh Insurance Company

Ingosstrakh Insurance Company is another full-service insurer with diverse offerings for individuals and business customers. It captured 7% of the Russian insurance market in 2014, reporting gross written premiums of more than $1.7 billion. Nearly half of the company's premiums arose from its property insurance business. Personal injury insurance accounted for another 22% of premiums, while auto insurance made up 15% of 2014 premiums.
Ingosstrakh has approximately 5,500 employees working in eight regional offices and 83 branch locations across Russia. The company also operates offices in China, India, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Seven shareholders control more than 96% of Ingosstrakh's shares. The shares are not publicly listed.

4. Reso-Garantia

Reso-Garantia comes in just behind Ingosstrakh, with nearly $1.7 billion in gross written premiums. Founded in 1991, Reso has steadily gained market share over the years to solidify its position among the top tier of Russian insurers. The company offers more than 100 kinds of individual and business insurance. Its primary products include property insurance, auto insurance, travel insurance and mortgage insurance.
Reso-Garantia has more than 20,000 employees in nearly 800 sales offices across the country. It also operates in Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia and Kazakhstan. AXA Group, the French financial services giant, owns a 39.34% stake in Reso-Garantia, the bulk of which it acquired in 2007. The remainder of the company is held by company founders and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The shares are not publicly listed.

5. AlfaStrakhovanie Group

AlfaStrakhovanie Group reported about $1.25 billion of gross written premiums in 2014, amounting to 5.9% of the Russian market. The company offers more than 100 types of insurance for consumers and businesses, including property, health, life and liability insurance products. It also offers tailored insurance products for corporate customers with complex insurance needs. AlfaStrakhovanie Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alfa Group Consortium, a privately held investment group with business holdings across the Russian economy.

Top UK INSURANCE companies in 2015

AIG Europe = Same as last year

Customer website: www.aig.co.uk

Number and names of UK executive members: 12 - Jacqueline McNamee, managing director; Sean Mannion, property; John Hopper, financial lines; Stuart Sutherland, casualty; Mark Heath, specialty; Ian Robinson, consumer; Charlie Kitson, client engagement; Jeremy Sharpe, broker engagement; Geoff Godwin, chief operating officer; Netsai Mangwende, finance; Peter Handford, HR; Martin Cornhouse, compliance

Names of non-executive directors: Antony Hope; Camilla Kampmann; Jean-Marie Nessi; Martin Bowers; Philippe Tromp

UK brands: AIG; AIG Direct; AIG Medical Management Services (UK); Lex London; Travel Guard; AIG Life

UK reserves: £3458.5bn (total equity for AIG Europe Limited at 30 November 2014)

Total staff: 1600 in UK

Male/female ratio: Male 56%, female 44%

Diversity groups in company: African Caribbean Inclusion Group (ACIG) & Allies UK; disAbilities & Allies UK; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) & Allies UK; Women & Allies UK; Working Families & Carers UK

Social media addresses:
Twitter
@AIGemea 3000 followers

AIG globally has:
Facebook - AIG (26,800 likes)
LinkedIn - AIG (238,000 followers)
YouTube channel - AIG (3750 subscribers)

Aviva Insurance = Same as last year

Customer websites: www.aviva.co.uk, www.quotemehappy.com, www.generalaccident.com

Number and names of UK executive members: 12 - Maurice Tulloch, chairman global general insurance and CEO UK & Ireland GI; Teresa Copping, UK and Ireland HR director; Stephen Pond, UK and Ireland strategy director; Colm Holmes, UK and Ireland GI chief finance officer; Julian Woodford, GI chief risk officer; Dave Lovely, global GI claims director; Steve Treloar, managing director personal lines; Angus Eaton, managing director commercial lines; Phil Bayles, chief sales officer; Lindsey Rix, chief operating officer; Robin Barker, UK life & GI strategic partnership director; Hugh Hessing, CEO Ireland

Names of non-executive directors: Sir Adrian Montague; Glyn Barker; Patricia Cross; Michael Hawker; Michael Mire; Bob Stein; Scott Wheway; Belén Romana Garcia

UK brands: Aviva; Quotemehappy.com; General Accident

UK telematics brands: Aviva Drive App, although not strictly telematics

UK reserves: £7.4bn as at June 2015

Total staff: 7500 approx (GI staff in UK)

Male/female ratio: Male 49%, female 51%

Diversity groups in company: Aviva Pride network

Social media addresses:
@avivaplc 12,700 followers
@AvivaUK 17,300 followers
www.facebook.com/aviva 750,000 likes

Name of broker club: Club 110

Location of UK regional offices: 45 properties in 28 locations - Aberdeen, Amersham, Belfast, Birmingham, Bishopbriggs, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Dorking, Eastleigh, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Perth, Salisbury, Sheffield, Southend, Worthing, York

AXA Insurance = Same as last year

Customer website: www.axa.co.uk

Number and names of UK executive members: 7 - Paul Evans, group CEO Axa UK and Ireland; Amanda Blanc, executive director and CEO Axa commercial lines and personal intermediary; Bertrand Poupart-Lafarge, executive director and group chief financial officer; Keith Gibbs, executive director and CEO Axa PPP Healthcare; Mike Kellard, executive Director and CEO Axa Wealth, John O'Neill; executive director and CEO Axa Ireland; Yves Masson, executive director and CEO Axa direct and partnerships

Names of non-executive directors: Ian Brimecome; Henri de Castries; Bob Dench; Denis Duverne; Peter Hazell; Rosalyn Wilton; Howard Posner

UK brands: Axa; Axa Insurance; Axa PPP Healthcare; Axa Wealth; Swiftcover; Bluefin; Sun Life; Health-On-Line

UK telematics brands: Drivology

Total staff: 10,500

Male/female ratio: Male 43%, female 57%

Diversity groups in company: Yes

Social media addresses: Twitter
@AXAUK - 2200 followers
@AXAPPPhealth - 14,200
@axainsurance - 8800

Facebook ·
AXA Insurance - 11,100 likes ·
AXA PPP -21,500 ·
AXABusinessInsurance - 1,700 ·
SunLife - 12,700 ·
Swiftcover - 41,500

Location of UK regional offices: Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bolton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cobham, Eastbourne, Glasgow, Gloucester, Haverhill, Ipswich, Jersey, Leeds, Leicester, London, Lytham, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Morecambe, Newcastle, Reading, Stockton, Teeside, Tunbridge Wells

If your company were a British tradition, what would it be?
Barbecues in the rain - no matter how bad the weather gets, we will persevere and see it through.

Which famous film/novel sums up your company?
Toy Story, the first successful, fully computer-animated film. It broke the mould and lead the way for its industry, in a similar way that Axa has done with referral fees and renewal pricing

RSA Insurance=Same as last year

Customer websites: www.rsagroup.com, www.morethan.com

Number and names of UK executive members: 9 - Steve
Lewis, CEO, UK & Western Europe; Jon Hancock, managing director, UK commercial; Mark Christer, managing director; UK personal lines; Bill Paton, claims director, UK & Western Europe; Neville Howe, general counsel; Darren McKenzie, chief operating officer; Sean Lowther, chief financial officer; Helen Lloyd, HR director; Ralph Daals, chief auditor

Names of non-executive directors: Johanna Waterous; Alastair Barbour; Kath Cates; Enrico Cucchiani; Hugh Mitchell; Joseph Streppel UK brands: RSA; More Than

UK telematics brands: More Than; Smart Wheels

Total staff: approx. 7000

Male/female ratio: Male 48%, female 52%

Social media addresses:
@rsagroup - 7200 followers
RSA Facebook - 3700 likes
RSA Linked In - 65,000 followers
RSA Youtube - 53,000 views

Name of broker club: Platinum brokers

Location of UK regional offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Douglas, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Halifax, Horsham, Ipswich, Leeds, Leicester, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Peterborough, Redhill, Sunderland.

If your company were a British tradition, what would it be?
Afternoon tea.

Why? It's a family favourite, traditional, multi-layered and always delivers. 

K Insurance/Direct Line= Same as last year

Customer websites: www.directline.com, www.churchill.com, www.privilege.com, www.greenflag.com, www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk, www.nig.com

Number and names of UK executive members: 9 - Paul Geddes, CEO; John Reizenstein, chief financial officer; Mike Holliday-Williams, managing director personal lines; Steve Maddock, managing director claims and business services; Humphrey Tomlinson, general counsel; Jose Vazquez, chief risk officer; Simon Linares, human resources director; Jonathan Greenwood, managing director commercial; Angela Morrison, chief information officer

Names of non-executive directors: Mike Biggs; Jane Hanson; Andrew Palmer; Clare Thompson; Priscilla Vacassin; Sebastian James

UK brands: Direct Line; Churchill; Privilege; Green Flag; Direct Line for Business; NIG UK telematics brands: Direct Line, Drive Plus, Drive Xpert, Drive Sure - Churchill

Total staff: 11,263

Male/female ratio: Male 50.6%, female 46%, transgendered female 0.01%, undisclosed 3.2%

Diversity groups in company: Diversity Network Alliance

Social media addresses: @DirectLine_UK - 5900 followers
@GreenFlagUK - 3500 followers
@ChurchillTheDog - 2900 followers
@PrivilegeUK - 100 followers

Location of UK regional offices: 16 accident repair centres across the UK and 22 offices with key locations including: Bromley (head office), London, Birmingham, Bristol, Doncaster, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Pudsey

If your company were a British tradition, what would it be?
We would be the 2012 Olympics. (2012 was a huge year for us as we successfully separated and floated DLG.) The whole event was a huge British success story where a diverse bunch of talented people worked hard but had a lot of fun overcoming many practical hurdles to deliver a great customer experience! The Olympics also represent the fact that being great at general insurance requires multi-disciplinary excellence and we want each of our brands to be winners.

Which famous film/novel sums up your company?
James Bond. Like the movie franchise, we're constantly reinventing ourselves to stay relevant. We love new technology, yet also believe that people are always the best way to save the day. We also like to think we have a bit of style with a good sense of humour.

Top 10 Insurance Companies By The Metrics

Largest Public Insurance Companies by Market Capitalization
Investors can buy shares of publicly traded companies in the insurance industry. The largest insurance companies as of Q1 2014 by market capitalization on the world stock exchanges are:
Non-health Insurance Companies:

Company Name	Market Capitalization
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)	$308 billion
China Life Insurance (LFC)	$80 billion
Allianz (AZSEY)	$76.8 billion
American International Group (AIG)	$72.3 billion
Ping An of China (PNGAY)	$65.6 billion
MetLife (MET)	$59.4 billion
AXA (AXA)	$57.8 billion
AIA Group Hong Kong (AAIGF)	$54.4 billion
ING Groep (ING)	$54.4 billion
Zurich Insurance (ZURVY)	$45.4 Billion

(Source: Thompson Reuters)
Health Insurance and Managed Health Care Companies:

Company Name	Market Capitalization
United Healthcare (UNH)	$91.8 billion
Wellpoint (WLP)	$34.3 billion
Aetna (AET)	$29.8 billion
CIGNA Corp. (CI)	$26.8 billion
Humana (HUM)	$21.1 billion
Centene Corp. (CNC)	$5.7 billion
Health Net, Inc. (HNT)	$3.9 billion
WellCare Health Plans (WCG)	$3.1 billion
Healthspring (HS)	$3.7 billion
Molina Healthcare (MOH)	$2.4 billion

(Source: Thompson Reuters)
Not all insurance companies are publicly traded. In fact, many insurers are structured as mutual companies where policy holders of participating policies are essentially partial owners of the company. The mutual company model for an insurance company dates back hundred of years, and there are certain benefits conferred on policyholders that do not exist with publicly traded (stock company) insurers. (For more, see: The Industry Handbook: The Insurance Industry.)
Largest Insurance Companies by Sales and Product Line
It is useful to differentiate between the type of insurance, or line, that is being considered when considering the largest insurance companies. Using sales data is helpful as some of the largest insurance companies in the United States are not publicly traded and therefore their market value is not easily ascertained.
Property & Casualty
Property casualty insurers write policies covering property such as real estate, dwellings, cars and other vehicles. They also write policies dealing with liabilities that may be incurred by accident or negligence related to those properties to defray the cost of lawsuits or medical damages resulting from such incidents.


The top U.S. property casualty companies in 2013 by net premiums written (the amount of money that non-life policies can expect to receive over the life of the contract, less commissions and costs) are:

Company	Net Premiums Written
State Farm Group	$50.8 billion
Allstate Insurance Group (ALL)	$24.8 billion
Liberty Mutual	$21.5 billion
Berkshire Hathaway (includes GEICO)	$21.4 billion
Travelers Group (TRV)	$20.6 billion
American International Group (AIG)	$19.7 billion
Nationwide Group	$14.5 billion
Progressive Insurance Group (PGR)	$14.5 billion
Farmers Insurance Group	$14.1 billion
USAA Group	$10.7 billion

(Source A.M. Best)
Life Insurance Companies
Life Insurance companies promise to pay out a lump sum benefit upon the death of the insured. Although actuarial science has created mortality tables to accurately estimate the future liability of policies to be paid, having financial strength ensures that these companies can meet all of their obligations while still earning a profit.
Life Insurance companies in the U.S. can be ranked by direct premium written (the amount of new policies written directly and not re-insured). For 2013:

Company	Total Direct Premium	Market Share
MetLife (MET)	$11.5 billion	7.98%
Northwestern Mutual	$9.4 billion	6.55%
Prudential of America (PRU)	$8.4 billion	5.79%
New York Life	$7.8 billion	5.42%
Lincoln National	$6.1 billion	4.27%
MassMutual	$5.1 billion	3.52%
John Hancock	$4.8 billion	3.37%
Aegon (AEG)	$4.1 billion	2.82%
State Farm	$4.0 billion	2.79%
Guardian Life Insurance Co.	$3.4 billion	2.34%

(Source: NAIC)
Health Insurance Companies
Health insurance companies provide policies to cover all or part of policyholder's health and medical costs. Policies may be purchased individually or through an employer. Technically, the United States government is the largest health insurance provider in America through the Medicare program, Social Security and with Medicaid administered by individual states. (For more, see: 5 Things You Need To Know About Obamacare.)
The largest non-government sponsored U.S. health insurance companies measured by total direct premium collected in 2007 was:

Company	Total Direct Premium	Market Share
United Healthcare (UNH)	$66.8 billion	11.70%
Wellpoint Group (WLP)	$55.7 billion	9.75%
Kaiser Permanente	$43.7 billion	7.66%
Humana (HUM)	$21.7 billion	3.81%
Aetna (AET)	$21.7 billion	3.81%
Health Care Service Corp	$14.9 billion	2.60%
American Family	$11.6 billion	2.04%
Highmark	$11.4 billion	2.01%
Blue Cross/Blue Shield	$9.8 billion	1.72%
Cigna (CI)	$9.6 billion	1.69%

(Source: NAIC. Caveat emptor: The sales data on health insurance companies is from 2007, the last year of available data. The Affordable Care Act (aka 'Obamacare') may have altered these standings.)

Top 10 Best Insurance Companies In The World In 2015

Insurance company is way of risk management through hedging the loss or damage of any uncertain situation by paying some amount to company. In recent era the Insurance companies are emerging and become any integral part of life of any individual or corporation which covers any of loss by offering different specialized plans to its customers.
Insurance companies provides exclusive policies including automotive, property, tangible or intangible goods, health and life insurance with respect to time, money or premium becoming efficient and effective respondents to change which enables risk.
There are numerous insurance companies serving the customers worldwide making it difficult for any person or business firm to choose the best one. Here we listed top ten best insurance companies in the world below for you.

10. Zurich Insurance

Zurich insurance group is one of the leading companies in the world which operate on a truly global basis with mission to help its customers by realizing and protecting themselves from uncertain risk. The firm has been ranked among world’s largest public company and 94th in Interbrand’s top100 brands, also added in the list of top best insurance companies in the world with $45.4 Billion shareholders equity. Having 60,000 employees in nearly 170 countries, the insurance group is providing quality services to its customers with wide range of specialized plans to firms, individuals, small business and multi-national companies since 130 years.

9. ING Group

The ING Group is a Dutch banking and financial services corporation which primary businesses include direct banking, retail banking, asset management, commercial banking, investment banking, and insurance services. Headquartered in Amsterdam the ING Group is providing its services in about 40 plus countries with workforce of nearly 85,000, however, its insurance related services are especially in United States, Asia and Europe. With net shareholder’s equity of $63.22 Billion the group is standing among the top best insurance companies in the world, offering life insurance, retirement services, fixed annuities and products insurance.

8. AIA Group

AIA Group is a real life insurance company originated in Hong Kong with operations in Australia, New Zealand and East Asian and South Asian countries and subsidiaries in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, and Korea. With employees of more than 21,000 the insurance in another leading corporation in the world that also enrolled in the list of top best insurance companies in the world. The group insurance services include Credit insurance, wealth management plans, retirement schemes, saving and investment services.

7. AXA

The multinational, investment banking group AXA is headquartered in the 8th arrondissement of Paris deals in investment banking, capital management, insurance, and other financial services. AXA Group has nearly workforce of 102,960 has primary insurance services include Life and Savings, Property & Casualty, International Insurance and Asset Management. Founded in 1816 the firm owns approximately $61.55 Billion, considered as one of best Insurance Corporation in the world which operation spread in North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East region.

6. MetLife

MetLife is another largest multinational insurance giant headquartered in New York which provides insurance, employee benefit programs and annuities, has nearly 66,000 employees in more than 60 countries. MetLife is leading firm in United States, Japan, Latin America, Europe, Asia’s Pacific region, and the Middle East, enlisted in the top best insurance companies following its specialized and elite plans for its customers. The firm is offering Life insurance, Accident insurance, health insurance, Credit insurance, Disability income insurance, Auto insurance and Home insurance with total equity of about $63 Billion.

5. Ping An insurance

The China based insurance company Ping An provides Life Insurance, Property and Casualty insurance, Banking services, Securities and Corporate. With market capitalization of $65 Billion is also named in the list of top best insurance companies in the world which has its headquarters in Shenzhen and Shanghai. The public company is one of the leading insurance companies in Asian region which has around 190,000 which are serving to provide its services to customers worldwide.

4. American International Group (AIG)

American multinational insurance corporation American International Group (AIG) is world leading property-casualty, life insurance and retirement and general insurance firm, serving more than 70 million clients in 130 countries. With one of the industry’s most wide ranges of plans and policies and exceptional financial strength enables its customers to manage any risk efficiently. AIG is the 42nd-largest public company in the world having market capital up to $78.48 billion, also the most preferred and best insurance firm all over world. The individual insurance services include Health and Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Motor Insurance, and Lifestyle Insurance.

3. Allianz Insurance

Allianz is a German financial services company with over 147,000 employees offering services to 80 million customers in 70 plus countries. The multinational corporation is one of leading German insurance firm holding market with $76 Billion around world, considered as one of best insurance company in the world. Allianz personal insurance include Life insurance, Health insurance, Motor insurance, family insurance and home insurance while it also serves small, medium and large sized corporation by providing credit insurance, asset management plans and firm related other insurance policies.

2. China life Insurance

China Life Insurance Group has headquarter in Beijing, that offers life insurance, property & casualty insurance, pension plans, asset management, and industrial investment, also provides participating and non-participating life insurance and annuities to individuals. The first insurance company triple-listed in New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai, it is one of the leading firm in world with respect to its market share which is more $80 Billion. The exclusive customized plans, policies and efficient claims responses enable China life Insurance to stand among the top best insurance companies in the world.

1. Berkshire Hathaway Insurance

The multinational conglomerate American based Berkshire Hathaway has its headquarters in United States, Omaha and Nebraska, has nearly 302,000 employees. About $ 224 billion market capitalization made it the largest global corporation owned BNSF, Helzberg Diamonds, Lubrizol, Dairy Queen, Flight Safety International, GEICO and NetJets. The company has private and public insurance policies to attract the maximum customer with easy and reliable claim procedures adding it into the list of top best insurance companies in the world.


SOURCES - http://www.abcnewspoint.com

List of United States insurance companies

Largest Public Insurance Companies by Market Capitalization
Investors can buy shares of publicly traded companies in the insurance industry. The largest insurance companies as of Q1 2014 by market capitalization on the world stock exchanges are:

Non-health Insurance Companies:

Company Name	Market Capitalization
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)	$308 billion
China Life Insurance (LFC)	$80 billion
Allianz (AZSEY)	$76.8 billion
American International Group (AIG)	$72.3 billion
Ping An of China (PNGAY)	$65.6 billion
MetLife (MET)	$59.4 billion
AXA (AXA)	$57.8 billion
AIA Group Hong Kong (AAIGF)	$54.4 billion
ING Groep (ING)	$54.4 billion
Zurich Insurance (ZURVY)	$45.4 Billion

(Source: Thompson Reuters)
Health Insurance and Managed Health Care Companies:

Company Name	Market Capitalization
United Healthcare (UNH)	$91.8 billion
Wellpoint (WLP)	$34.3 billion
Aetna (AET)	$29.8 billion
CIGNA Corp. (CI)	$26.8 billion
Humana (HUM)	$21.1 billion
Centene Corp. (CNC)	$5.7 billion
Health Net, Inc. (HNT)	$3.9 billion
WellCare Health Plans (WCG)	$3.1 billion
Healthspring (HS)	$3.7 billion
Molina Healthcare (MOH)	$2.4 billion

(Source: Thompson Reuters)

Not all insurance companies are publicly traded. In fact, many insurers are structured as mutual companies where policy holders of participating policies are essentially partial owners of the company. The mutual company model for an insurance company dates back hundred of years, and there are certain benefits conferred on policyholders that do not exist with publicly traded (stock company) insurers. (For more, see: The Industry Handbook: The Insurance Industry.)

Property & Casualty
Property casualty insurers write policies covering property such as real estate, dwellings, cars and other vehicles. They also write policies dealing with liabilities that may be incurred by accident or negligence related to those properties to defray the cost of lawsuits or medical damages resulting from such incidents.
The top U.S. property casualty companies in 2013 by net premiums written (the amount of money that non-life policies can expect to receive over the life of the contract, less commissions and costs) are:

Company	Net Premiums Written
State Farm Group	$50.8 billion
Allstate Insurance Group (ALL)	$24.8 billion
Liberty Mutual	$21.5 billion
Berkshire Hathaway (includes GEICO)	$21.4 billion
Travelers Group (TRV)	$20.6 billion
American International Group (AIG)	$19.7 billion
Nationwide Group	$14.5 billion
Progressive Insurance Group (PGR)	$14.5 billion
Farmers Insurance Group	$14.1 billion
USAA Group	$10.7 billion

(Source A.M. Best)


Life Insurance Companies
Life Insurance companies promise to pay out a lump sum benefit upon the death of the insured. Although actuarial science has created mortality tables to accurately estimate the future liability of policies to be paid, having financial strength ensures that these companies can meet all of their obligations while still earning a profit.
Life Insurance companies in the U.S. can be ranked by direct premium written (the amount of new policies written directly and not re-insured). For 2013:

Company	Total Direct Premium	Market Share
MetLife (MET)	$11.5 billion	7.98%
Northwestern Mutual	$9.4 billion	6.55%
Prudential of America (PRU)	$8.4 billion	5.79%
New York Life	$7.8 billion	5.42%
Lincoln National	$6.1 billion	4.27%
MassMutual	$5.1 billion	3.52%
John Hancock	$4.8 billion	3.37%
Aegon (AEG)	$4.1 billion	2.82%
State Farm	$4.0 billion	2.79%
Guardian Life Insurance Co.	$3.4 billion	2.34%

(Source: NAIC)
Health Insurance Companies
Health insurance companies provide policies to cover all or part of policyholder's health and medical costs. Policies may be purchased individually or through an employer. Technically, the United States government is the largest health insurance provider in America through the Medicare program, Social Security and with Medicaid administered by individual states. (For more, see: 5 Things You Need To Know About Obamacare.)
The largest non-government sponsored U.S. health insurance companies measured by total direct premium collected in 2007 was:

Company	Total Direct Premium	Market Share
United Healthcare (UNH)	$66.8 billion	11.70%
Wellpoint Group (WLP)	$55.7 billion	9.75%
Kaiser Permanente	$43.7 billion	7.66%
Humana (HUM)	$21.7 billion	3.81%
Aetna (AET)	$21.7 billion	3.81%
Health Care Service Corp	$14.9 billion	2.60%
American Family	$11.6 billion	2.04%
Highmark	$11.4 billion	2.01%
Blue Cross/Blue Shield	$9.8 billion	1.72%
Cigna (CI)	$9.6 billion	1.69%

(Source: NAIC. Caveat emptor: The sales data on health insurance companies is from 2007, the last year of available data. The Affordable Care Act (aka 'Obamacare') may have altered these standings.)