Post magazine – 21/28 August 2014

In this week's issue, market analysts have warned reserve releases continue to play a part in bolstering the financial returns of motor insurers, and contributing to a distorted picture of the recently released H1 results.

Direct Line Group, Admiral and Esure were among the motor insurers to report improved profits for the first six months of the year, however certain UK motor insurers may not be performing as well as their top line figures suggest, say analysts.

In other news, insurance companies have rallied behind the Association of British Insurers in the aftermath of Legal & General's decision to resign from the trade body, with remaining members quick to highlight the dangers of fragmented representation; and the potential sale of Insure the Box to Admiral has been tipped as a prudent move for both businesses by market insiders, amid claims acquisitive interest in telematics firms is building as the sector enters a seminal period.

In the C-Suite, Steve Maddock, managing director, claims and business services at Direct Line Group, explains why he believes whiplash reforms can - and should - be broadened to other types of injury.

North of the Border, sees Simpson & Marwick associate Colette Finnieston look at the impact of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn 30 years of rulings over commencement date of prescriptive period; while in Trade Voice, following the government's recent announcement that driverless cars will be allowed on public roads from January 2015, Association of British Insurers director of policy and deputy director general Huw Evans looks at the challenges and opportunities this will provide for insurers.

Post's Katie Marriner meets Minova Insurance Holdings group chief executive Dane Douetil who tells of his ambitions for the company - including doubling its size in the next five years; and explains why heading up the insurer is a bit like running a relay race.

Also in this issue many insurers are salivating at the prospect of getting a bite at the £42.6bn High Speed 2 rail link cherry, but with inherent technical risks Edward Murray asks if it will taste as sweet once they get their teeth into it?

In the spirit of the holiday season, Post has gathered the good, the bad and the plain crazy from the world of claims - and ranked them according to wackiness. Think you've heard more bizarre? Join in the Linked In debate.

Enjoy the read!