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Aviva boosts H1 2026 profit as general insurance premiums rise
Aviva reported an improved undiscounted combined operating ratio of 93.3% for H1 2026, and raised its interim dividend by 7% to 14.0 pence per share.
British insurer Aviva said its group operating profit for the first half of 2026 rose to £1.326 billion, up 24% from £1.068 billion in the first half of 2025. Total general insurance premiums climbed 29% to £8.093 billion, compared with £6.29 billion a year earlier, as performance improved across its UK and Canada general insurance operations.
Aviva’s undiscounted combined operating ratio improved to 93.3% in H1 2026 from 94.6% in H1 2025. On a discounted basis, the combined operating ratio fell from 90.4% to 89.5%, with the improvement largely driven by its UK&I general insurance business, where premiums rose 42% to £5.91 billion.
The company also pointed to progress in its UK personal lines after the Direct Line acquisition, with UK personal lines premiums increasing 98%. In commercial lines, UK premiums were 1% lower in the discrete quarter, reflecting strong April renewals and continued underwriting discipline.
In Canada, Aviva said general insurance premiums increased 3% to £2.183 billion, and the undiscounted combined operating ratio improved to 93.0% from 94.7% a year earlier. Aviva’s CEO Amanda Blanc said the company has quickly improved Direct Line’s profitability, grown sales tied to its price comparison website, and maintained customer service, while Aviva raised the interim dividend by 7% to 14.0 pence per share and reiterated confidence in meeting its three-year 2028 financial targets.