British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba)
Brokers warned about potential for commission fee mis-selling scandal
Brokers could find themselves at the sharp end of the next mis-selling scandal owing to commission and administration fees distorting their recommendations, according to one industry entrepreneur.
Second motor summit puts whiplash and young drivers at top of agenda
A proposed panel of independent medical practitioners to tackle whiplash, and affordable cover for young drivers, topped the agenda at the second motor insurance summit at Whitehall, as Transport Secretary Justine Greening lamented there is "no one…
Proposals for standardised contract law spark debate among UK insurers
Industry leaders have vowed to keep a close eye on EU proposals to harmonise insurance contract law across the continent, amid concerns that brokers could face policy wording headaches.
View from the top: Making the middle market work
Insurers cannot afford to be all talk and no action; creative ideas must become underwriting realities, says Andrew McKee.
Biba launches Find a Broker app
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched a Find a Biba Broker mobile application for iPhones and iPads to help customers locate Biba members and promote general insurance brokers.
Contingent commissions: The reasons behind the latest u-turns
With Willis the latest broker to perform a u-turn on contingent commissions, how will the market react?
RSA leads charge as Northern Ireland sheds no-go image among insurers
RSA last week pledged to invest £5m in Northern Ireland, intent on becoming the country's leading insurer, but local analysts are divided as to whether this will prompt a flurry of interest in the market or whether its small size will continue to…
Transport Select Committee seeks to clear up transparency
The Transport Select Committee's reports on motor insurance have proved contentious, with calls for transparency not resonating with insurers. Will the 13th report clear things up?
Second insurance summit set for May
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has confirmed that a second government-hosted insurance summit has been tabled for 2 May.
Biba demands action on whiplash claims
The British Insurance Brokers Association has called on the government to commit to a timescale and announce details of its work to reduce the number and cost of fraudulent whiplash claims.
DAS launches Loss Assist that will hire adjusters to help businesses with claims
Legal expenses insurer DAS is launching a Loss Assist product sold as an add-on to business insurance that will provide a chartered loss adjuster to help firms compile valid and accurate claims.
Travel insurance: Expedition exclusions
With the popularity of overseas breaks showing no sign of abating, travel cover has the potential to grow. However, insurers in the sector are never far from controversy.
Battle for broker schemes hots up as players bolster ranks of expertise
Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has secured four new broker schemes, just weeks after pledging to refocus its efforts on intermediary deals, as insurers scramble to pick up lucrative broker schemes.
Regulation: The dangers of duplication as the FSA splits into two
The Financial Services Authority has mimicked the forthcoming twin peak regulation model ahead of its implementation in 2013, but will it prepare the industry for change?
Industry unveils older driver initiative as Direct Line follows LV's age limit stance
The decision by LV to scrap its age limit of 86 for new car insurance customers has struck a chord with industry bodies behind the launch of a new signposting model, yet market rivals appear largely unconvinced.
Broking SME: Battle stations in the fight for the little guy
Brokers are facing increased competition for SME customers, but they're not going down without a fight
Signposting service for older drivers given Home Secretary seal of approval
Theresa May has thrown her support behind an Association of British Insurers and British Insurance Brokers Association agreement geared towards ensuring older drivers are able to obtain car insurance.
Brokers fear possible negative impact of Scottish independence on industry
As the Scottish National Party's campaign for independence in the 2014 referendum gets underway, the insurance industry has expressed concern about how it might be regulated in an independent Scotland.
Biba's budget submission slates regulators
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has warned the Chancellor that the value of insurance "is being eroded through inappropriate, disproportionate and costly regulation".
Academic paper suggests England learn from Scotland about flood risk prevention
An academic made a splash this week by publishing a paper calling for planners, developers and architects to be held "legally liable when they get it wrong and people are flooded" as a way of preventing further flood plain development.
Experts play down fears of wider trend as two brokers slip into administration
Fears that smaller brokers are coming under increased pressure — after two independent firms slipped into administration in a week — have been downplayed by Eric Galbraith (pictured) who claims "the market is as competitive as ever".
Broker Focus: Schemes - Time to get scheming?
Specialist insurance schemes can offer enormous benefits for niche customers. But do they represent good business — and how can brokers make them successful?
High Net Worth: Opportunities abound to target the top
Despite the economic conditions, high net worth insurance continues to thrive. But will this lead to a host of new entrants in the market?
Editor's comment: A call to arms - for some
In a week where some of the news could have come from the pages of a spy novel with hidden cameras and tracker devices being used, it is with some comfort that one story appears a simple case of black and white.