Updated / Friday, 7 Aug 2026 14:22
Insurance group FBD Holdings has reported higher profits for the first six months of the year and said it remains focused on maintaining its momentum for the second half of 2026.
FBD said its half year insurance revenue rose by 7.6% to €253.1m compared to €235.1m the same time last year.
Gross written premium – the largest part of insurance revenue – was 3.8% higher at €258.4m from €248.9m the same time last year with growth across Farmer, Retail and direct Business sectors.
FBD said its overall average premiums increased by 3.4% compared to the same time last year, comprising a 2.5% increase relating to increased liability and property coverage.
It said that private motor average premium increased by 1.8%, reflecting inflationary pressures.
Meanwhile, farm and home average premiums increased by 7% and 5%, respectively, which it said reflected indexation applied to property sums insured and increased coverage requirements.
FBD noted that Motor Accidental Damage claim severity increased during the first half of 2026, with a higher incidence of vehicle write-offs, due to the growing prevalence of advanced vehicle technologies and increasingly complex repair methodologies.
The first half of 2026 also saw a higher proportion of injury claim settlements resolved at Circuit Court level, while it reported a reduction in pre-litigation costs.
“Together, these factors are contributing to signs of stabilisation in average injury settlement costs compared with 2025,” FBD said.
But it added that large injury claims, defined as a value greater than €250,000, notified to date in 2026 are higher than the average over the past 10 years.
Meanwhile, FBD said that its weather experience to date this year was more favourable compared with the previous year, which included the “significant” weather event of Storm Éowyn in January with a net cost to FBD of €30.8m.
FBD has approved a special dividend of 75 cent per ordinary share and said it remains committed to moving to its target range over time.
Tomás Ó Midheach, FBD’s group chief executive, said the company reported a strong performance for the first six months of 2026 as its customer focused strategy continues to deliver, with the strong momentum built over recent years carrying through into 2026.
“This follows a period in 2025 when severe weather, particularly Storm Éowyn, had a significant impact on many of our customers,” the CEO said.
“Growth continues across the business, with more customers choosing FBD, doing more with us and staying for longer,” he noted.
Mr Ó Midheach said the company continues to operate in an uncertain external environment, with geopolitical tensions and market volatility creating challenges for businesses and investors alike.
“Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, we remain focused on maintaining our momentum,” the CEO said.
“FBD continues to be profitable and growing, we remain confident that our relationship driven approach, supported by a digitally enabled and data-enriched organisation, will continue to deliver long-term value for our customers and all of our stakeholders,” he added.
FBD shares rose in Dublin trade today.
