The recession had hurt just about everyone, but the financial industry had been particularly pulled down. But then again, it saw high times as well. Insurers, however, did not seem to be too happy during recession as they ended up paying for most of the things, without getting anything in return.

In addition, they had to deal with backdates, unpaid premiums and huge financial losses. But as things started to turn around and the world bid farewell to recession, things started looking up for insurers as well. And now, they seem to be on the path to success as has been highlighted by a recent development concerning one of the world's biggest and most influential insurance firms.

On Friday, the UK based insurance company Aviva PLC embarked upon a definite expansion plan. The insurer is looking to expand significantly in the Asia general insurance market and is coming back to Singapore after a marked absence of 5 long years.

Under a non-compete clause, Aviva had been locked out of the markets across Singapore and some other Asian nations, but the clause expired about a year back. That, and the fact that the world's economic condition is now much better, came together to help Aviva expand its Asian business.

Starting Friday, the company has started selling car insurance online and plans are that it would soon include home and travel insurance as well.

This is definitely a good news for the financial sector of UK and the world overall and is being viewed as a marked sign of the fact that the world will now be more receptive of insurers and the struggling days are far behind.