Opinion
Your say: The real postcode lottery
Jack Straw’s Bill has not been particularly well thought out, specifically the point relating to postcode rating. In my view there are two very good reasons why this part of the bill should be changed.
Editor's comment: Out of our hands?
With the bullish comments made by even the most cat-exposed insurers still echoing in our ears, declaring the global insurance market resilient in the face of one of the costliest years ever, the storm clouds are now gathering on multiple fronts from…
North of the border: UK-wide outbreak of common sense?
After reviewing the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Lord Young made the point that, despite significant progress and the undoubted success of the Act, the standing of health and safety in the eyes of the public has never been lower. There is a growing…
View from the top: Time for action
Insurers must fight to protect their fundamental purpose faced with the threat of external interventions, says Barry Smith, CEO, Ageas UK.
Exporting to the US: pitfalls and potential
Exporting to the US could be a solution to Europe’s economic problems but as Pat Drinan explains brokers looking to help out firms venturing into this market need to watch their own back as well as their clients.
View from the top: Environmental variations cause issues
Differing approaches adopted by individual European countries have added complexity to the issue of environmental liability.
My best 11 - David Williams, Axa Commercial Lines
Axa Commercial claims and underwriting chief David Williams picks his best XI for a potential insurance start-up company. Relying on his vast management experience Williams has selected a mix of sporting, celebrity and insurance personalities.
Your Say: Restoring confidence
We read with interest the report on the market survey carried out by LAS Claims Management, described as a ’damning assessment’ of restoration companies in particular.
Editor's comment: Overcoming the barriers
If there’s one thing we can say for sure this week, it’s that the latest round in the subrogation set-to over disputed motor repair bills will not be the last.
Expert opinion: A missed opportunity
MP for Blackburn Jack Straw's proposed bill will have no effect on fraud or premiums, says Philip Dicken, strategic partnersip director, New Law.
View from the top: Sleepwalking to a fleet nightmare
New business discounts, cross subsidising and top-line chasing remain rife, says Laurent Matras, managing director, Groupama Insurances.
View from the Top: Keep up the momentum for a global solution
We’ve identified the problem and a solution. We must keep up the momentum to complete the process.
Penny Black’s insurance week
Penny is a firm believer in it never being too late to spice up life a little.
Your say: Breaking old ground
I could have taken exception with Keith Stern giving the impression he is a pioneer in the UK provinces attracting business into the Lloyd’s market, but that would have been counterproductive.
Comment - Civil litigation: You’re part of the problem
When the insurance industry launches a campaign to reform our “broken civil litigation system” it predictably wheels out dodgy statistics – including that complete nonsense of a report from Frontier Economics again — and dubious ‘facts’. It conveniently…
Ask the Expert
With all the recent turmoil in the markets, how is the insurance industry faring in terms of new job creation?
View from the top: Business as usual
In May, when I last wrote this column, all eyes were on mid-year reinsurance renewals given the pummelling that the year’s natural catastrophes had already delivered to reinsurers.
Travel clinic fraud: a growing problem
Thousands of holidaymakers who receive medical treatment while travelling abroad are at risk of being overcharged, according to Mike Keating.
Your say: Sports stars car coverage
The recent ‘The Olympic challenge' feature in Post emphasised the raft of opportunities for the insurance industry when it comes to the various possible disruption triggers, such as the weather.
Editor's comment: A new way of looking at things
Usually I reserve my commentary for the market’s latest developments, seeking to pinpoint emerging trends or highlight questionable practices – both those within the industry and, more often than not, those that adversely impact upon it.
My best 11: Bobby Gracey, Crawford & Company
The inaugural manager to select his best XI for a potential start-up company is Bobby Gracey, vice president for global counter-fraud solutions and UK business development director at Crawford & Company. A heavy reliance on his claims and fraud…
Comment: The more things change...
Thirty years ago we saw recession, a royal wedding and riots. Sound familiar?
North of the boarder: Redesigning structured settlements
In the recent case D’s Parent & Guardian v Greater Glasgow Health Board (2011), a 10 year old child, D, suffered catastrophic neurological trauma during forceps delivery at birth.
View from the top: Rebuilding after the riots
The recent riots are the perfect opportunity for insurers to turn customers into ambassadors