Skip to main content

Throwback Thursday: Das’s birthday; Prudential’s motor push

Throwback Thursday

Insurance Post’s Throwback Thursday steps back in time to April 1980 to remind you what was going on this week in insurance history when Das celebrated its 5th birthday and the Man from Pru was pushing motor insurance.

10 April 1980: Das celebrates its 5th birthday

After five years in operation, Post reported Das Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited was now writing approximately £100,000 in premiums every month.

Tony Holdsworth, Das’s general manager, shared that the insurer had achieved a profitable underwriting result in its last two trading years.

When Das started business in April 1975 it offered only two policies.

The Arag Group bought Das UK, Ergo’s legal protection insurance business, at the start of 2024.

Das UK today comprises a legal expenses insurance provider and a law firm servicing legal expense claims, both of which are supported by an administrative services company.


Man from the Pru serves motorists

“Home service for the motorist” was the theme of the latest Prudential advertising campaign.

At the time, Prudential had insured half a million motorists but the provider’s bosses claimed the campaign was required as they felt there were still many drivers unaware of the service its 11,000 field staff could offer.

Prudential, at that time, had nearly 500 recommended repairers.

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.

Why MGAs need to hold the line in 2026

Trade Voice: Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association, says the softening market gives MGAs the opportunity to prove their mettle – but they must show underwriting discipline.

Four biggest challenges facing insurers in 2026 revealed

Insurance Post reveals the four main challenges general insurers face in 2026 and the solutions experts from EY, the International Underwriting Association, AM Best, Moody’s, S&P, KPMG, Pathlight Associates and Sicsic Advisory say will matter most in the year ahead.

Why can’t the FCA see and act on the full claims picture?

Editor’s View: Emma Ann Hughes argues the Financial Conduct Authority can either continue to defend its frameworks after Which?’s super-complaint or accept that collecting data is meaningless unless it triggers earlier, tougher and more visible intervention against providers that repeatedly fail policyholders.

Forces set to reshape home insurance pricing into 2026

From climate impacts and subsidence surges to fraud trends, electric vehicle fire risks, regulation and artificial intelligence, Peter Farrelly, chief operating officer of Sedgwick, outlines the key forces set to shape home insurance pricing and development in 2026.

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have an Insurance Post account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here