Analysis
Half-baked reform
Andrew Milne examines the radical changes originally proposed by the Civil Law Reform Bill on limitation, highlighting the problems that would have beset the construction sector as a result.
Digital revolution
Fraud investigations are often hampered by traditional methods of recording and transcribing interviews. Simon Jones examines the advances made in digital recording and explains how this could help insurers cut fraud bills.
Crime scene investigation
Amy Ellis reports on how police forensic investigations can delay the reinstatement process for buildings and examines the implications this has for major loss claims.
Motor insurance: Pay as you go?
Motor insurers have faced a barrage of bad publicity over the costs associated with spreading premium payments over a year, rather than in one lump sum. Jakki May reports on the issues.
Don't shoot the messenger
When a company goes under, it is easy to blame the auditor that signed off the accounts, but it may not be that simple, explains Richard Highley.
Enough being done?
November's flooding in Cumbria once again highlighted this growing risk and coincided with publication of the Flood and Water Management Bill. Tony Hutchins assesses the proposals and asks if the government is doing enough to manage flood risks.
Contamination frustration
The appropriate methods for the clean up of contamination are not always followed to the letter. Martin Richell reports on the liability issues that can occur when this is the case.
Final curtain for cowboys
A lot has changed over the past 10 years in the damage management industry, with new technology, procedures and professionalism taking centre stage. Sam Barrett reports on the changes.
Keep schtum
Rachel Gordon looks into contingent commissions, questions why so many brokers and insurers refuse to explain their strategies, and queries whether the Financial Services Authority's stance is strong enough.
Yet more regulatory burden
Changes to capital requirements are not the only element of Solvency II that insurers should be concerned about. Neil Coulson details the proposals for onerous information sharing.
Time for change?
Phil Bird highlights the continued cultural and philosophical divide between many underwriting and claims teams, and argues that closer working can only benefit the industry as a whole.
Vital ingredient
Despite claims handling being an intrinsic part of every insurer's reputation, Leigh Jackson ponders why the discipline is so under-represented at board level.
Unruly waters
The Gulf of Aden has been plagued by pirate activity, with more than 240 attacks in 2009. But Andrew Moulton reveals how cargo providers and insurers are fighting back in a bid to reclaim the seas.
Crisis kickback
The continued credit crisis has set in motion a raft of alterations to accounting standards. John O'Neill outlines these changes and their impact.
An explosive finale
2009 looked like being a quiet year for loss adjusters, writes Leigh Jackson. However, the floods that hit Cumbria over a three-day period at its tail-end have provoked a surge in activity.
Review of the year - general insurance: Watch the green grass grow
Jonathan Swift looks back at how general insurers have developed over the past 12 months and polls industry leaders on the successes and failures of 2009 as well as what they see in store for 2010.
Under strain
Rising complaints about the solicitors' indemnity scheme have prompted calls for change. Hugh Price and Roger Flaxman explain why varying the renewal date alone will not solve the problem.
Different strokes
With insurers facing many challenges, no two are in the same situation. Richard Collard and Tony Boobier report on how firms are unlocking the value in their data and bringing together existing technology intelligently.
Turning point
An increased focus on transparency and the auditing of placement negotiations are just two of the market factors that have fuelled the latest trend towards electronic trading, writes Chris Dobson.
Cyber threat or opportunity?
Data loss and data theft are real risks for insurers — but could they also be an opportunity? Patrick Hill reports.
Don't just stand there, do something
Dr Manda Holmshaw examines why critical incident debriefing may be the wrong approach to meet the needs of emotionally distressed people after a major disaster.
Fine-tune required
The Sentencing Guidelines Council recently published its thinking on fine levels for corporate manslaughter cases, which could disappoint pressure groups. Peter James reports on what these recommendations entail.
Calm on the surface
Although 2009 may have seemed a relatively quiet year in the insurance legal arena, Lynn Rouse reports that furious paddling has been underway, with change around the corner.
Better,faster,stronger
The Lloyd's market is seeking to further enhance and modernise its processes with a claims transformation project. David McCarthy considers the proposed reforms, the pilot scheme about to commence and their potential impact.
