British insurer Aviva has reported a 19% increase in general insurance (GI) premiums to £11.8 billion in the first nine months of 2026, compared to £10 billion in 9M 2025, and a group undiscounted combined ratio of 93.8%, which improved 0.6 percentage points from the same period last year.
Country-wise, UK&I GI premiums rose 27% to £8.5 billion, up from £6.7 billion in 9M’25, with 54% growth in personal lines, supported by the acquisition of Direct Line and continued growth in Intermediated business.
Commercial lines were 5% lower as Aviva maintained underwriting discipline to focus on profitability in current market conditions.
In Canada, GI premiums reached £3.3 billion, reflecting a 2% increase in constant currency compared to the £3.3 billion reported for 9M’25. Personal lines expanded by 4%, driven by strategic pricing adjustments in auto and property.
Conversely, commercial lines remained stable, as significant scheme acquisitions in GCS were partially counterbalanced by a competitive rating landscape.
9M26’s group undiscounted combined operating ratio of 93.8% compares to the 94.4% reported for 9M’25. For 9M’26, Aviva also reported a discounted COR of 89.8%, down from 90.4% in 9M’25.
This performance was driven by robust rate adequacy and positive prior-year reserve development, which helped mitigate the impact of increased weather-related losses in Canada during the third quarter, according to the firm.
Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Aviva is in great shape. Our performance has been excellent in the first nine months of 2026, demonstrating once again the benefits of scale across our diversified business. We continue to deliver strong, profitable growth, particularly in the capital-light areas of General Insurance and Wealth.
“We grew General Insurance premiums by 19% and, at the same time, improved profitability. In the UK, premiums are up 28%, boosted by our home insurance partnership with Nationwide and the great progress we are making with Direct Line.”
She continued: “We see many opportunities to continue our profitable growth in General Insurance, including growing Direct Line motor and home policies on price comparison websites, the launch of Aviva pet insurance this year, and through our market leading businesses in Canada and Ireland. We are also continuing to deliver for our customers. Last month we started rolling out our AI virtual assistant for customers and our new multi-vehicle cover is now live, so a family with several cars can now insure them all under one policy.”
Aviva also reported an estimated Solvency II shareholder cover ratio of 179%, which benefitted from total capital generation over the quarter (+8pp), partly offset by the interim dividend (-5pp).
The insurer expects the solvency ratio to be in the high-180s by the end of 2026, including >7pp from the remaining Direct Line capital synergies, subject to market movements.
