US government intervention saves AIG for a second time

Monday, 10 Nov 2008, 6:31pm
US government intervention saves AIG for a second time

The US government announced today that it would take an additional $40 billion (£26 billion) stake in AIG, to stop the beleaguered insurance giant from collapsing.

The US government announced today that it would take an additional $40 billion (£26 billion) stake in AIG, which sponsors Manchester United, to stop the beleaguered insurance giant from collapsing.

AIG, which was formerly the world's largest insurance broker, has already benefitted from the US government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (Tarp) and this latest announcement brings the total invested in the company to $150 billion, according to the BBC.

Today AIG announced losses of $24.5 billion in the third quarter, which may have triggered the government's move.

US officials said that their priority was intended to "keep the company strong and facilitate its ability to complete its restructuring process successfully".

The $700 billion Tarp program designed by federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke and treasury secretary Henry Paulson was initially intended to help banks through the financial crisis.

AIG is the first insurance broker to benefit from the package.

The move could be good news for customers who have cheap life insurance or cheap car insurance policies with AIG's affiliated UK companies.

© Copyright

Related Articles

  • Scots get best auto insurance deals - 7th December, 2009

    A new survey looking at the cost of auto insurance across regions of delete the UK has revealed that Scotland is home to some of the cheapest policies in the country.
    Carried out by moneysupermarket.com, the research placed seven postal areas of Scotland in the top ten most inexpensive list - Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Aberdeen, Grangemouth, Elgin and two in Dundee...

  • Car loan customers reminded of scrappage scheme benefits - 13th January, 2010

    The government's car scrappage scheme has led to almost 290,000 new car registrations in the UK, it has been confirmed.
    With auto sales figures dwindling, the initiative was launched last year to provide consumers with discounts if they exchanged their old vehicles when purchasing newer, more fuel-efficient offerings...

  • How to save £1,000 on auto insurance - 16th December, 2009

    A financial advice website has offered some money saving tips for auto insurance customers hoping to bring down premiums during the recession.
    Moneysupermarket.com said that while car cover is vital on a day-to-day basis, consumers should not be paying over the odds for it - especially with purse strings tightening as Christmas comes ever closer...

  • AXA launches auto insurance iPhone app - 29th December, 2009

    Auto insurance customers have received a boost after AXA confirmed that it has launched a new iPhone app to provide support in the event of a car accident.
    The insurer conducted research which found that a worryingly high 66 per cent of drivers are unsure about what action to take if they are involved in a collision with another vehicle...

  • UK consumers 'stubborn' over service providers - 5th January, 2010

    Almost 20 million Britons decided against moving to a new provider of everyday financial services and utilities in 2009, it was claimed today (January 5th).
    A new study by GoCompare.com has indicated that, despite the tough economic landscape, 41 per cent of consumers have not reacted by attempting to seek better deals...

  • Britons' car neglect 'highlights need for auto insurance' - 17th December, 2009

    Auto insurance should be at the forefront of Britons' minds as the winter weather draws in, according to a new report released today (December 17th).
    The Post Office conducted a study which found that 48 per cent of car owners have neglected their vehicles to an extent this year in an attempt to tighten their purse strings...

  • Auto insurance claims '40 per cent higher in December' - 24th December, 2009

    Auto insurance customers have been warned that 40 per cent more claims occur during December than in other months.
    A study by leading firm AA Insurance found that the sizeable rise in the cases it witnesses can largely be explained by the hazardous conditions brought about by snow and black ice...

  • Insurance claims hamper car loan customers - 18th January, 2010

    An insurance company has revealed nearly a quarter of young drivers who have only had paid lessons have suffered an accident that required an insurance claim.
    According to research by Aviva, a lack of experience amongst car loan customers means they are often at risk of being injured or killed on the roads...

  • Auto insurance customers urged to get breakdown cover - 6th January, 2010

    Auto insurance customers should ensure that they have breakdown cover as part of their policies in the current wintry conditions, it was suggested today (January 6th).
    A 'big freeze' has descended on the UK in recent weeks, with heavy snow falling in various parts of the country and temperatures dropping far below normal for this time of year...

  • Car insurance consequences of drinking and driving highlighted by moneysupermarket.com - 23rd December, 2009

    Motorists looking to maintain their cheap car insurance in the future have been told to avoid the temptation to drink and drive over the Christmas period.
    According to moneysupermarket.com, male motorists are the most likely to have suffered a drink-driving conviction, with those aged between 31 and 40 in London coming top of the tree...


Puzzle Corner