Association of British Insurers (ABI)
The ABI is the trade body for the UK’s insurance and long-term savings industry. It represents insurers, gathers the data that measures the market, and shapes policy on behalf of its members.
What the ABI is and its role
The ABI is the leading trade association for the UK insurance industry. It represents around 200 member firms that provide the bulk of general insurance sold in the UK. It is not a regulator. It is a membership body funded by its members.
The ABI’s role is to represent the industry to government, regulators and the public. It produces the market data that journalists, policymakers and analysts rely on, and it campaigns on issues such as flooding, motor repair costs and fraud.
The ABI does not set conduct rules, handle complaints or pay claims. The FCA regulates its members. The ABI gives them a collective voice.
How the ABI affects your insurance
For you as a customer, the ABI shapes the market you buy from, even though you never deal with it directly. Its data shows how much the industry pays out, where claims are rising and what is driving premiums.
When the ABI warns of record weather claims, that signals the pressure on home premiums. When it reports on motor repair costs, that explains why your car insurance moves. Its public positions on flood cover and whiplash reforms feed into the cover you can buy.
For insurers and brokers, the ABI is the channel for collective policy engagement. It negotiates with government on tax, regulation and crime, and it sets voluntary codes that members follow.
The ABI’s data and research are a primary source for market analysis. Firms use its figures in pricing, planning and regulatory submissions.
Key recent ABI interventions
In 2026 the ABI reported record weather-related home claims, with more than £1.3bn paid in the first half and escape-of-water claims running at around £1.8m a day. Read our coverage of its record weather claims.
Its first-quarter motor data showed £2.9bn paid and £1.9bn in repairs, against a reported 111% net combined ratio.
The ABI also contributes to the Motor Insurance Taskforce and the debate on claims efficiency that the FCA has prioritised. For the regulatory backdrop, see our explainer on the FCA and PRA.
How to engage with the ABI
You cannot complain to the ABI about an insurer. It does not handle individual disputes. Complain to your insurer first, then to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you remain unhappy.
The ABI publishes data, research and consultation responses on its website. Consumer-facing guides on flooding, scams and claims sit alongside its industry reporting. Members engage with government and regulators through the ABI directly.
Sources
ABI: UK insurance and long-term savings statistics, H1 2026. ABI: motor insurance data, Q1 2026. ABI: weather and escape-of-water claims, 2026. ABI website (abi.org.uk): research, consultations and consumer guides. Motor Insurance Taskforce.