FBD, Ireland’s only indigenous general insurer, has approved an almost €27 million special dividend, which will be paid to shareholders later this year after a sharp rise in profits against a backdrop of declining insurance claims costs. In its half-year report, the group said its gross written premium increased by 4 per cent to €258.4 million in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2025.At the same time, FBD incurred claims of €147.8 million, down €81.8 million from the first half of 2025, due to “improved weather” in 2026.This was partially offset, it said, by an increase in the severity of motor insurance claims, “with a higher incidence of vehicle write-offs, driven by the growing prevalence of advanced vehicle technologies and increasingly complex repair methodologies”. Still, FBD reported a more than doubling of its first-half profits before tax to €43 million. Against this backdrop, it said the board has approved a special dividend of 75 cent per ordinary share. The payment, which will cost the group €26.96 million, will be paid in October.More to follow...