Analysis
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.
NHS reforms: healthy, wealthy or wise?
As UK nurses issue an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the Health Secretary's management of NHS reforms, Richard Sear considers the implications of the government's plans for the NHS, private health providers, insurers and patients.
Claims - prize indemnity: who dares wins
In a sector where rates have held up well, due in part to limited appetite to write such business, Amanda Lewis discusses the art and science of prize indemnity cover.
HNW - water damage: who reigns when it pours?
High net worth homeowners need to be aware of the optimal conditions and prevention measures that can be taken to keep art collections, antiques, contents and buildings in the best condition possible. As April showers loom, Annabel Fell-Clark advises on…
Regional review - Cardiff: a sleeping dragon?
Despite being the largest city in Wales, the Cardiff insurance sector faces daunting challenges in the future. Daniel Dunkley finds out how it plans to face them.
HNW - rates: costs under control
The customer is currently winning in the mid and high net worth sectors, with rates only climbing slowly. David Sweeney looks at what the industry must do to price for profit and continue to provide great service.
Rehabilitation - state of the market: a long road ahead
The UK rehabilitation sector continues to strive to become mainstream. Lynn Rouse reports on remaining barriers and how the journey could unfold.
Legal update - jury trials: judge, jury and compensation
Personal injury claimants in Scotland have long enjoyed the right to a jury trial to determine liability and damages, but record-breaking awards over the past six months has seen their popularity with claimant lawyers surge. Julie Keenan looks at the…