Analysis
Roundtable - mergers & acquisitions: Cautiously navigating the upturn
Recession and recovery, global ambition, super-mergers, market appetite, pricing, marrying business cultures and managing brokers' expectations were all topics of deeply involved discussion as a panel of industry big-hitters jousted at a recent Post and…
PSTF: Technology was vital to LV's resuscitation
Technology was "the single biggest obstacle to success — and the biggest enabler" in turning around the insurer's fortunes, according to LV's general insurance managing director.
PSTF: Allianz warning over long-term IT problems
A senior insurance technology specialist has criticised the effect that outsourcing is having on the pool of IT talent within the UK market.
PSTF: Senior execs at IT turning point
Jem Eskenazi, chief information officer at Groupama, told delegates the advent of technology in the insurance market was "nothing new", but added senior management are more receptive than ever to embrace technology.
Personal injury - Government reform: How far will they go?
With Lord Jackson's and Lord Young's reports both being delivered in close succession, the question is now whether or not the government has the appetite to deliver change to the personal injury space with some or all of the recommendations being…
Engineering - Technology: Powering change
Fast-paced technological developments in the energy field are presenting challenges for insurers but, as Neil Clutterbuck explains, the industry is finding ways to stay ahead of the game.
Solvency II - Data directories: An essential directory
Rob Stavrou argues that centralised data directories should form an integral part of implementing Solvency II, not only to fulfil regulatory requirements but to make business operation easier too.
Comment - redundancy: Old skills, new start
Being made redundant when you've been working in an industry for several decades is tougher than when just starting out. Trevor Brittain offers sage advice about exploring new avenues after finding himself in such a situation.
Post Europe: Environmental damage - who pays?
Now that the Hungarian toxic spill is no longer making headline news, what are the longer-term implications of this environmental catastrophe? Tony Lennon looks at the potential ramifications that this recent environmental disaster will have on the…
Environmental damage - who pays?
Now that the Hungarian toxic spill is no longer making headline news, what are the longer-term implications of this environmental catastrophe? Tony Lennon looks at the potential ramifications that this recent environmental disaster will have on the…
In series - property claims: I'm sticking with you
Insurers have sometimes been criticised for not doing enough to retain existing clients. Sam Barrett investigates how advances in property claims handling are helping to address this cost-efficient issue.
Legal update - NHS funding: The right to free care
A Primary Care Trust recently argued that a woman injured in a road accident was not eligible to receive NHS care due to winning a payout from her insurer. Glyn Jones explains the facts and implications of this case.
In series - property claims: Everybody's talking
Word of mouth is still the most effective way to retain or gain market share, argues James Grant and, with the rise of social media, more emphasis should be placed on keeping current customers happy.
Commercial property - valuations: Wide of the mark
With recent figures suggesting as many as 77% of buildings are currently underinsured, Rachel Gordon investigates the root causes and potential solutions.
High net worth - distribution: Defending their niche
Following reports in Post that the mid and high net worth markets have been experiencing an increase in competition and downward pressure on rates, Ralph Savage discusses what reaction this has elicited from insurers and brokers in terms of their…
Insurance Insight country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
In series - Property claims: Wait less programme
Technology has the ability to deliver improvements and increase efficiency in property claims handling. Sam Barrett reports on some of the advances being made and the benefits they can bring.
Lloyd's - Communication: London's calling
Once a necessity at Lloyd's, the job of the caller has slowly been replaced by technology. Bob Dee takes us through the history of this fascinating role.
Environmental liability - Toxic sludge: No fudge over sludge
The recent high profile toxic sludge incident in Hungary has been described as a 'tragedy' by the country's government. Ralph Savage reports how experts from the rural insurance and legal communities and further afield are assessing the situation.
Claims - Private equity backing: Unlocking private equity
Private equity is not just the preserve of the insurer and broking sectors. Daniel Dunkley looks at how the claims sector has seen a fair share of PE investment, asks why this is the case and what it means for the firms involved.
Law report - Commentary: The thorny issue of exaggeration vs over-estimation
The key issue here is whether the claimant has made a genuine over-estimation or exaggeration. If exaggeration is proved, then there can be substantial costs issues for the claimant to face.
Career development & CSR news: Financial services firms urged to claim fresh apprenticeship funding
Financial services employers have been urged to come forward and stake a claim for the new apprenticeship funding.
Career development: Business still looks bad in the insurance industry
A new report by the Chartered Management Institute has revealed that managers in the insurance sector fear a bleak and uncertain future. As the downturn continues to cast its shadow, optimism has collapsed and managers are questioning whether the…
Law report: Willis case unlikely to lead to a relaxation of the rules
This law report has been contributed by national low firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.