Analysis
Legal update - unsigned contracts: invisible ink
Letters of intent have become accepted business practice while the finer details of contracts are worked out — but a recent court case has highlighted the pitfalls, reports Russell Behn.
Broking supplement - Private motor: The drive to succeed
Aggregators, question marks over referral fees and a squeeze on margins are all challenging those in the intermediated personal lines space. But, as Leigh Jackson reports, it is not all doom and gloom.
Broking supplement - Biba 2011 preview: Speakers'corner
This year's British Insurance Brokers' Association conference held in Manchester on 11 and 12 May will see attendees from brokers, insurers and service providers descend on Manchester Central to network and debate the major issues affecting the broking…
In series - first-party fraud: everyone's a loser
Few consumers see insurance fraud as the criminal offence it really is. Graham Odiam looks at research to find out why this is and explains how everyone will lose out until this perception is changed.
Broking supplement - Commercial rates: A war of words
The soft commercial lines market has heated up recently, as insurers accuse each other of failing to put prices up. Rachel Gordon reports on this bitter war of words.
Comment - e-trading: the future of commercial
E-trading in the commercial market is on the way. Dawn Dillaway looks at why this innovation will be a game-changer for the sector and why the critics are wrong.
Overseas market - Saudi Arabia: full of Middle Eastern promise
With a fast-growing insurance sector, Saudi Arabia is a country on the move. Dexter Morse gives a detailed overview of market developments and potential.
Legal update - motor fraud: overcoming the obstacles
Recent court guidance should help liability insurers overcome some of the hurdles in the fight against motor fraud. Roger Mackle reviews recent cases that have helped clarify matters.
In series - first-party fraud: banging the drum
The industry is slowly changing public perceptions that insurance fraud is a victimless crime. Jane Bernstein looks at recent initiatives and asks what more the market can do in terms of prevention?
Broking supplement: Interview – David Flux: The lie of the land
Lured off of a tractor and into the family business with the promise of an extra £4-a-week, David Flux has worked his way to the top of the firm. He talks to Amy Ellis about life in the niche motor market.
Legal update - clinical negligence: substantial speculation
A recent future loss of earnings case saw the claimant awarded substantial damages for a business they had not even started. Clare Malpus reports on the insurer implications.
Broking supplement - Online commercial: Changing times
The insurance industry has been slow to embrace the internet for commercial, with the exception of offerings for the SME market. Graeme Newman looks at what this means for brokers.
Broking supplement - Biba talking points: Viva la Biba
With the biggest event in the broking diary, the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference, almost upon us, Stephanie Denton spoke to a selection of commercial and personal lines brokers to get the lowdown on what the likely talking points will…
Legal update - expert witness: the end of guns for hire?
A recent case has stripped expert witnesses of the immunity they have always enjoyed. Philip Tracey reports on the implications of this significant decision.
Claims - controlling costs: inventive intervention
With motor rate rises slowing down and bodily injury claims growing, Tim Roberts questions whether current innovation and investment is enough to get insurers back on an even keel.
Comment - pre-nuptial agreements: breaking the marriage bond
As the world gears up for a Royal wedding, Jonathan West explores the practicalities of what happens when marriages go wrong and whether insurance will soon play its part.
Legal update - product liability: contractual obligations
The recent case of Omega Proteins v Aspen Insurance UK raised an interesting issue for product liability insurers and liability insurers generally. Colin Peck reviews the case and its potential implications.
In series - first-party fraud: would they lie to you?
Third-party claims fraud may make all the headlines but insurers are increasingly targeting customers who seek to abuse the applications process. Jane Bernstein investigates.
Brand building - advertising: channelling advertising opportunities
Television remains the most powerful tool in the advertising armoury of insurance companies — but they must adapt to changing view patterns and innovations to survive in the market, says Ralph Savage.
Business process outsourcing: innovate and invigorate
Innovation is a much prized commodity for any company with ambition, yet insurers still seem to be treading a cost-cutting backwater when it comes to outsourcing, writes Colin Gray.
Accounting - International standards: standardised accounts
Insurers accounts are prepared on different bases around the world. Neil Coulson looks at plans to make contracts consistent.
Legal update: the final call for success fees?
Success fee recoverability may be facing extinction but recent cases continue to clarify and confirm why there is widespread support for reform,explains Michael Feakes.
In series - first-party fraud: keeping fraud in check
Writing quality risks in volume, while giving customers great customer service and preventing fraud, is a never-ending struggle, but new checking systems can help insurers strike the right balance, writes Graham Odiam.
Legal update - data protection: best practice
Strict rules govern disclosure of personal or sensitive data, even within legal proceedings. Emma Foxon reviews relevant case law to advise on best practice.