Aviva sells HPI to Solera

Aviva has sold HPI to Solera Holdings as part of its transformation programme for its UK general insurance business.

The gross assets of the business, which Aviva said is the leading provider of vehicle checking services in the UK, totalled £112m as at 31 October.

Aviva acquired HPI in 2004. The company has a comprehensive database of UK vehicles, offering customers a variety of services including vehicle identity and keeper checks; mileage verification; finance status and valuation.

Igal Mayer, Aviva's UK general insurance chief executive officer, said: "This sale is part of our on-going programme to transform our UK general insurance business through an increased focus on our core insurance and vehicle breakdown activities, allowing us to provide a first-rate service to our customers.

"I'm pleased that we'll continue to have a long-term contractual relationship with HPI - the company will provide us with vehicle checks and act on our behalf as an introducer of motor insurance to its customers."

HPI has sites in Salisbury and Harrogate and employs around 180 people, while Solera is an integrated group of automobile claims solutions companies, based in San Diego. In the UK, the company trades as Audatex. The sale of HPI follows the announcement of the agreement to sell Auto Windscreens to Arques Industries AG.