Analysis
Rough justice or a victory for freedom?
A European ruling on group actions looks set to change the legal expenses landscape. Leigh Jackson looks at the ramifications for insurers in the UK.
Protect your liquid assets
The wine cellars of high net worth individuals can be worth thousands of pounds - so why aren't brokers treating them in the same way as works of art or jewellery? asks Veronica Cowan.
Uncertain direction ahead
Beset by the global recession and a seemingly never-ending soft market, Tim Evershed reviews the state of and prospects for casualty lines.
Ignore creditors at your peril
A recent Scottish court ruling means that a significant piece of companies legislation in the UK has come under scrutiny with serious implications for schemes of arrangement, writes Simon Barnes.
Destination: France
Thomas Willkowei and Ralph Bunger of Global Re give a rundown of the French run-off market.
Run-off making tracks again
The run-off markets are far from spent, writes Jeremy Golden.
Making a splash
Roger Knight reports on the measures the insurance industry took to clamp down on those trying to defraud the system after the UK floods of 2007.
Local knowledge
With the annual cost of fraud estimated at £1.6bn, David Pickford looks at how local knowledge can help the fight against suspicious public liability claims.
In a bind
Ben Hobby asks whether technology can be used for the day-to-day management of binding authorities and, if not, what other tools are available to underwriters.
Policing the impossible
These days insurers will not turn a blind eye to clients that have failed to check the details of their sub-contractors' policies, says Ed Lewis.
Shining through the murk
With much higher rates of major injury than the average in all service industries, Daniel Dunkley looks at what the construction industry can do to combat this, including regulating gangmasters.
Unenviable positions
Brokers must keep up-to-date of the latest developments in the insurance market to be in the best position to obtain the most suitable cover for clients, argue Andrew Blair and Joanne Whyld.
Getting away with it
The recession has meant brokers are now spending more time challenging insurers on their customers' claims, but some see the current environment as a good opportunity to add value, as Ana Paula Nacif reports.
Access all areas
Last year's amendment of the Lloyd's Act 1982 was meant to pave the way for those brokers in the non-accredited regional community to do business in the London market. But, reports Edward Murray, the take-up of entry has been slow.
The front line of the market
At the forefront of international insurance, EC3 brokers are exposed to the buffetting that goes on here, James Simpson reports on the sector over the past 12 months.
Stark choices ahead
Many brokers who set up in the 1970s are heading towards retirement age, but as Rachel Gordon reports, some have failed to plan for their succession.
Get the balance right
If the insurance industry is to add real value to a client's package, the broker and insurer must have a true understanding of their business. Thus, the need to build a relationship with the client is more important than ever, reports Terry Whittaker.
Preparation is only half the battle
A recent survey found 98% of brokers would like to see business continuity planning as part of an insurance risk assessment. Stephanie Denton reports on a recent event where the possibility of this becoming a reality was debated.
Graduate gains: staying on top
Oversubscription does not equate to complacency on Lloyd's graduate recruitment scheme. Terry Hayday details developments designed to ensure top talent keeps on coming.
Criminal costs
The erosion of costs recovery in criminal cases could have profound effects, even to the extent of innocent parties pleading guilty to avoid substantial legal bills. Mark Skinner and Luke Blackburn detail developments.
At a total loss
Total loss management can cause headaches for claims handlers and policyholders alike. David Patten reflects on customer confrontations, insurer answers and whether there is a better way.
Going under
The method a company chooses to tackle its financial difficulties can influence whether the company survives, and what form that survival takes. Louise Butcher examines the implications this could have for business interruption insurers in light of the…