Analysis
Motor claims: Can insurers stem the rising cost of whiplash claims?
With 93% of GPs seeing patients they believe to have exaggerated injuries in order to make a claim, Leigh Jackson asks how insurers can stem the rising cost of whiplash cases.
Natural catastrophes: A model example of assessing earthquake exposure
Earthquake costs are rising steadily. Jane Bernstein examines insurers' current use of modelling, recent event responses and solution sustainability.
Legal update: Countering claimant credit hire charges
Credit hire cases are notoriously difficult to defend, even when liability is admitted, says Emma Massey, but insurers can and are securing some success in the courts.
View from the Top: A way out of the crisis through exports
Following poor economic growth in Spain over the past year, the media has recently reported some good news – news which could, at least in part, be a quick fix for many Spanish companies' balance sheets.
Post Europe: View from the Top: A way out of the crisis through exports
Following poor economic growth in Spain over the past year, the media has recently reported some good news – news which could, at least in part, be a quick fix for many Spanish companies' balance sheets.
Captives in Europe: A certain value in an uncertain environment
Businesses and insurers face times of change and uncertainty but as Frederick Gabriel explains captives’ core values and advantages remain the same.
Post Europe: Captives in Europe: A certain value in an uncertain environment
Businesses and insurers face times of change and uncertainty but as Frederick Gabriel explains captives’ core values and advantages remain the same.
Risk modelling - Underwriter responsibility: Model behaviour
Models have quickly become a valued tool for underwriters. Matthew Washington examines how the advent of Solvency II could really make them fly.
Legal update - Litigants in person: Does representing yourself give you an advantage in court?
Judges may often appear more lenient on claims brought by litigants in person. However, Nick Weston reports on a recent case that shows procedural latitude does not prevent substantive issue scrutiny.
Taxation - IPT changes: A taxing issue across Europe
2011 brings with it many changes to insurance premium tax across Europe and a big headache for insurers operating locally in different countries or across multiple European territories. Edward Murray explains why it is crucial for insurers to stay on top…
Commentary - Winter freeze: Burst pipe problems
The industry is currently paying out an estimated £7m a day over burst pipe claims. Graeme Fitzpatrick asks if insurers are doing enough to help customers prevent them.
Comment - Brokers & claims: Claims expertise - the future of broking?
2011 is shaping up to be tough for brokers. John Greenway argues claims expertise is an area ripe for differentiation and the best way to solidify client relationships.
Subsidence - Tree preservation orders: Addressing the root cause
Legislation for tree preservation orders will be changing in the coming year. Keiron Hart examines what these changes mean in practical terms, and whether some opportunities have been lost.
Damage management - Winter freeze: Preparing for problems in the frozen pipeline
With property claims surging due to the recent cold snap, Rachel Gordon looks into the specific challenges thrown up by freezing conditions for those tasked with managing the damage.
Post Europe: Dutch moves on IPT reflect European trend
While the legal requirement for insurers in Europe to have fiscal representation seems to be on the decline, Mike Stalley explains why the need for their presence could be great than ever.
Dutch moves on IPT reflect European trend
While the legal requirement for insurers in Europe to have fiscal representation seems to be on the decline, Mike Stalley explains why the need for their presence could be great than ever.
Claims update - Professionalism: Providing peace of mind
The insurance industry sometimes forgets why people buy their products — to be guaranteed a service when they need it. David Bonehill goes back to basics.
Legal update: Whiplash claims: A pain in the neck
With whiplash costs on the rise, despite safer driving conditions, Steve Caffrey questions the role of claims management firms in commoditising claimants.
Claims update: Calculation challenges
The path for a subrogation claim by Air France was cleared when the French court found Continental Airlines responsible for the 2000 Concorde crash. Frédérique Hardy examines the obstacles and challenges inherent in complex recovery actions.
Legal update - Transatlantic triggers: The same but different
Mark Burton and Don Ramsey examine whether the UK can glean potential solutions from the US as the courts continue to wrestle with the thorny issue of what triggers a disease-related EL policy.
Data protection & breaches: Breaches of security
The Information Commissioner recently issued huge fines for data protection breaches. Edward Murray reports on additional costs that could well flow from new notification laws.
HNW - film & celebrity memorabilia: No business like showbusiness
The memorabilia sector is a growing market. Veronica Cowan examines why it can be so hard to value items in this burgeoning industry.
Legal update - surveyors: Fighting back
As lenders attempt to claw back shortfalls in their security, Robert Crossingham explains how surveyors and their insurers are fighting the banks at their own game.
Risk update - Health foods & supplements: A healthy risk
Forecasts suggest the global food supplement market could be worth $90bn by 2013. Shaun Randell examines the opportunities and risks insuring this market can bring.