Personal
Insurance Fraud Awards 2012 - The winners
Guests were welcomed to the 2012 Insurance Fraud Awards at The Brewery in London by Jonathan Swift, chairman of the judging panel, who congratulated the industry on its efforts to raise the profile of insurance fraud as a topic worthy of debate and…
Damages uplift is ‘moot’ point for Direct Line Group IPO
Accountancy firm BDO has claimed the Direct Line Group floatation is unlikely to be affected by the Court of Appeal’s decision to stop personal injury claimants, who have entered a conditional fee arrangement before 1 April 2013, qualifying for a 10%…
Exaggerated claim thrown out in entirety on grounds of "abuse of process"
A woman who exaggerated a personal injury claim has walked away with no compensation at all after a court declared her actions represented an abuse of process.
RSA victory prompts rival rethink on repair strategy
RSA has seen off one potential dispute relating to its controversial motor repair model after signing a bilateral agreement with Groupama Insurances, although it is unclear whether this will survive the completion of Ageas' acquisition of Groupama.
Gregory becomes latest high-profile addition to CFC board following MBO
Newly independent CFC Underwriting has bolstered its board with another industry heavyweight in the form of former HSBC Insurance Brokers chief executive Philip Gregory.
Interview: David Mairs - my side of the story
Breaking a seven-year silence on the firm he founded, David Mairs defends the sale of Merlin, then Ashworth Mairs Group, to Hermes for £62m, offering his insight into the loss adjuster's downfall, the state of the market and why the time is right for his…
Thai floods: Lessons learnt
The floods that hit Thailand last year devastated the country and its economy. They also hit insurers hard in the pocket. Now the industry must make sure it is not caught by surprise again.
Editor's comment: Stars of the small screen
With the British public's general view of the industry leaning towards a default 'big bad insurer', any opportunity to tip the balance back a couple of notches should be jumped on for maximum effect.
Giles recruits ex-Towergate director to chair real estate division
Giles chief executive Brendan McManus has bolstered his expanding team with the appointment of former Towergate director Nick Crocker as chairman of the firm's new real estate division.
Allianz casualty boss wants MoJ fixed fee clarification
Allianz has become one the first major insurers to comment on the Court of Appeal's decision to revise the judgment made following the Simmons v Castle case relating to a damages uplift.
Claims 2012: ABI brands Riot Damages Act "inadequate"
Last year's riots in England demonstrated the need for radical reform of the Riot Damages Act, according to Aidan Kerr, head of property insurance at the Association of British Insurers.
Revised uplift judgment sparks impassioned responses from ABI and APIL
The Court of Appeal decision to revise its initial judgment relating to a 10% uplift in general damages has drawn contrasting responses from two of the key stakeholders from the hearing.
AMG founder Mairs returns to insurance fold with Merlin quartet
The founder of the now defunct loss adjusting group Merlin is poised to return to the insurance market in the first quarter of 2013 as an investor in a new building repair network.
ABI wins 10% damages uplift challenge
Claimants that have entered a conditional fee arrangement before 1 April 2013 will not qualify for the 10% uplift in damages after the Association of British Insurers won a challenge in the Simmons v Castle case.
Homeowners expose themselves to unpaid claims, report finds
Almost 60% of homeowners still expect their insurer to pay out for any weather-related damage to their home, no matter what its state of repair, Axa's winter claims research has revealed.
Groupama parent downgrade "irrelevant" to UK insurer
Groupama Insurances's chief executive has said that a revision of the security rating of its France-based parent Groupama Group has "no relevance" on the UK insurance operation.
Autonet welcomes new motor dealer to affiliate network
Van insurance broker Autonet has unveiled a new affiliate partner collaboration in a deal that will see Perrys Group join the firm's networking scheme.
DLG shares attract surge in interest
Stockbrokers have reported a surge in interest in Direct Line Group shares ahead of its flotation tomorrow.
Barclays acquires ING Direct UK
Dutch bank and insurer ING has sold its UK savings and mortgage business to Barclays, generating an expected loss after tax of €320m.
AM Best delivers verdict on 'under pressure' Spanish non-life sector
Spanish insurers could face deteriorating technical results as they compete on price, despite the sector chalking up a profitable 2011.
DLG to apply for alternative business structure
Direct Line Group is to make an application to have an alternative business structure later this year in a bid to boost customer choice.
ALC Health launches claims monitoring service for customers
International private medical insurance provider ALC Health has launched an online member service that allows policyholders to check details as well as submit, manage and monitor claims 24 hours a day.
Uninsured motorists in Scotland face having their cars crushed
Experts from the Motor Insurance Bureau are being drafted in to provide specialist training to Strathclyde Police officers ahead of a new campaign in which uninsured drivers face having their cars crushed.
Covéa fears surge in motor subrogation practices after RSA ruling
Covéa has warned that some insurance businesses may adopt motor repair subrogation cost structures similar to RSA's after a high court found in favour of the insurer.