News Analysis
'Crash for crash' gangs increasingly target rural drivers
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has warned that motorists in rural communities are increasingly becoming targets for 'crash for cash' fraudsters.
Hastings CEO Fitzmaurice replaced by NBNK boss
Hastings Insurance Group has appointed Gary Hoffman as group chief executive with effect from 1 November 2012.
Indian FDI progresses, but hurdles remain
Insurers hailing the Indian cabinet's approval of a bill raising the foreign direct investment limit in insurers to 49% may be celebrating prematurely, as opposition parties could still block the bill's passage through parliament.
Aria Assistance teams up with Pannone Affinity Solutions on legal services
Aria Assistance, the newly independent firm that has evolved from the management buyout of the UK and Ireland arm of Europ Assistance, has appointed Pannone Affinity Solutions, to provide legal advice and services support.
Rising liability claims forces Allianz to reduce exposure
Allianz Insurance has linked an increasing number of unemployed people making large liability claims to a decision to cut its exposure in the liability market.
Geddes unmoved by PE takeover talk as DLG divestment date looms
Direct Line Group chief executive Paul Geddes has distanced himself from speculation linking the business with a private equity-backed divestment, insisting that his focus remains on securing a second-half public flotation.
Single accounting framework is an 'ideal' that would take 'years'
The benefits of a single set of accounting standards have long been debated, but a recent report has revealed a surge in insurer support. Francesca Nyman considers the feasibility of this goal.
Hardy latest Swiftcover exec to quit Axa PL prompting start-up rumours
The departure of personal lines boss Steve Hardy from Axa has prompted concerns not only of a culture clash between the original Axa Personal Lines business and the Swiftcover staff it inherited following the 2007 takeover, but that an overly controlling…
Legal analysis: Brokers should rethink fee structure in light of duty of care ruling
The ruling earlier this month in which a judge in the Royal Court of Jersey awarded damages of £528 500 against a leading insurance broker demonstrates that perhaps brokers need to charge more for their services as well as reconsider their role and…
A century after the Titanic sank, human error remains marine insurers’ biggest foe
The Titanic disaster left over 1500 dead and the industry facing a record payout.
QBE move for Brit secures broker backing as deal doubles regional GWP
Acquiring Brit UK's renewal rights is Australian insurer QBE's biggest UK deal in more than 10 years, and signifies its commitment to becoming a major player in the regional broker market insuring SMEs.
Bonuses take a bash but salaries for the top industry jobs continue to rise
Total salaries for insurance chief executives increased across the board, according to insurers’ annual reports for the year ending 2011, despite a drop in total remuneration.
Website review: Admiral
Web performance specialist Compuware Gomez puts Admiral to the test
Talking point: unlimited damages for late settlement of claims
The Law Commission's review of insurance contract law has proposed the introduction of unlimited damages for late settlement of claims. But what does the industry think?
Landmark asbestos ruling puts an end to EL 'black hole' concerns
Supreme Court judgment means run-off firms cannot avoid liability.
Case underlines compliance dangers for brokers selling 'package' products
A Jersey Royal Court judgment against the Channel Island's largest insurance broker, Giles-owned RA Rossborough, should act as a warning to insurers and brokers.
Lloyd’s witnesses new wave of MGAs due to Solvency II and M&A activity
In recent months the industry has witnessed a renewed surge in the number of Lloyd's insurers teaming up with managing general agents to access new lines of business.
Autofocus Legal Action: Rival CHOs line up to take on insurers as Autofocus employees face prison
Long-running legal battle could bring the credit hire industry and the insurance industry closer together
Private equity: Parabis secures Duke Street backing as links are made to prospective ABS bid
Duke Street takes a majority stake in the Parabis Group, opening the way to achieve ABS status
Market moves: XL rings the changes
XL led the way in the recruitment space this week, as insurers made a number of key appointments. While XL added four new staff members to its ranks, Liberty Mutual, Canopius, CNA Europe and Axa also had a busy seven days. In comparison, the broking…
EC insurance unit head explores further regulation for claims activities
More than a decade after the idea of regulating loss adjusters and other claims-related service providers was first mooted, a new European Commission proposal could see the plan resurrected, Post has learnt.
Marine hull insurers await rating impact in wake of cruise ship sinking
The Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster has been called the largest insurance loss in maritime history with some suggesting it could be “bigger than the Titanic”.
Law report: Unwelcome result for BTE market
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: Judicial review dismissed in disability discrimination case
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.