Allianz UK Transfers Insurance Book to Howden’s Lark Music

The Allianz Musical Insurance book offers products covering the full range of musical instrument insurance for professional and amateur musicians

The insurance intermediary group Howden has acquired the customer base, marketing, and operations teams of Allianz UK’s Musical Insurance book, which will be incorporated into Howden’s own music scheme, Lark Music.

Howden’s recent acquisition complements Lark Music’s existing book of business, which services higher value instruments, and offers products covering the full range of musical instrument insurance for professional and amateur musicians of all ages and levels.

Trading for over 60 years and specializing in musical instrument and equipment insurance for musicians in the UK, Allianz Musical Insurance will remain an exclusive capacity provider to the newly named Lark Music Keynote product, which combines the Allianz Music Protect and Lark Music Essential products. Lark Music will oversee the operations of customers’ musical instrument policies and claims.

Additionally, this new acquisition follows Howden’s recent acquisition of the leading British specialist performing arts insurance broker, Hencilla Canworth. 

“Allianz Musical Insurance is well known to our Lark Music business, and is held in high regard,” said Howden’s Divisional Director, Schemes Division, Dean Wright in the press release. “Combined, our two businesses represent £7.3mn GWP and will service 68,000 customers, providing them with access to a full spectrum of musical instrument insurance products, both in the UK and internationally.” 

“This step with Howden presents an excellent opportunity for growth in the musical insurance space and we’re confident that it will successfully expand and improve the offerings available for customers,” commented Kieran O’Keeffe, Allianz UK’s MD for Specialty. “We’re proud to be the UK underwriter for Lark Music’s new Keynote insurance product, a testament to our expertise and reputation in the industry. 

“With their strategic focus and investment and our underwriting expertise, the goal is to create a seamless experience for all to ensure that Allianz Musical Insurance’s excellent service is not just maintained but enhanced,” O’Keefe added. “Our specialist marketing and operations colleagues who are moving across to Lark Music will continue to look after customers and the wider music industry through partnerships and sponsorships.”