Legislation
Global insurers restricted in Ireland after downgrade
Allianz, Aviva and RSA Insurance have been restricted from providing cover for Irish state companies because Ireland has been demoted by credit rating agencies.
Claims event: Straw blasts 'made-up' whiplash injuries
Former Justice Secretary Jack Straw, pictured, has backed Ken Clarke’s proposals to make the payment of referral fees a criminal offence, while also branding whiplash a “made-up injury”.
View from the top: Diversity dilemma
Better gender diversity will boost the industry's understanding of cultural, social and economic issues, says Nicolas Aubert, managing director, Chartis Insurance UK.
Cyber liability: Getting hacked off
Back in 1983, when Hollywood produced a film about a young boy inadvertently hacking into military systems, the possibility of such an occurrence seemed the stuff of fantasy and doom-mongers.
In series: Lloyd's & London Market: Staying number one
Tightening regulation and a less advantageous tax regime are making it tough for Lloyd’s to retain its pre-eminence, but is protectionism the greater threat?
Insurance Insight weekly update live
Insurance Insight’s weekly update is live with an article on how European insurers will be affected by US Asbestos, Pollution and Health Liabilities when Solvency II is implemented; and a guest blog on brokers putting business out to auction.
Editor's comment: No news is bad news
Is it just me or are others growing tired of ‘news’ on the seemingly omnipresent – and supposedly incoming – Solvency II regime that adds nothing to the uncertainty over implementation deadlines?
BGL gears up European expansion plans
Compare The Market owner BGL has turned down acquisition opportunities in Europe, but continues to look to grow its presence on the Continent, with discussions in Italy and Spain ongoing.
News analysis: Insurers urged to negotiate with FSA as Solvency II confusion continues
The FSA has announced a delay to Solvency II but getting clarity remains a priority for government and insurers.
Japan - Post-earthquake: Aftershocks of the earthquake
New insurance legislation in Japan is set to be extensively tested six months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the country.
UK regulator expects Solvency II to be delayed
The UK's Financial Services Authority has said it expects insurers to have to comply with Solvency II rules from the delayed 1 January 2014 date.
European insurance guarantee schemes should be part of EU-wide body
The European Union should fund closer cooperation between insurance guarantee schemes in all EU countries, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority has said.
Editor's comment: Quotas quickly quashed
Having responded to Business Secretary Vince Cable’s call to take the lead in addressing the gender imbalance on company boards, the insurance industry has resoundingly rejected the notion of quotas as a mechanism to tackle this persistent problem.
Agriculture: Reaping the rewards
With a rise in the theft of agricultural plant equipment, the industry and police are striking back with new initiatives.
European contract law poll result
Does the European insurance market need an optional contract law?
International geocoding in insurance: The challenges and opportunities
Use of geocoding is common in insurers and has been for some time but Tim Spencer asks if insurers really understand the data they have at their fingertips and are making the best use of it.
European Council adopts road safety directive
The European Council has adopted a directive on cross-border exchange of information on road traffic offences, on the basis of a text agreed with the European Parliament.
BIS 2011: Regulation and balance sheet concerns blamed for below book trading
A combination of balance sheet concerns and the impact of Solvency II was identified as the main reason why insurers are trading below the book by delegates at the British Insurance Summit yesterday.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: A man for all seasons
As CEO of Ageas UK for the last decade, radical changes in distribution, more intelligent use of capital and the financial turmoil are just a few of the changes Barry Smith has witnessed.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement - brand analysis: Battle of the brands
With commercial pressures and tough business conditions putting the squeeze on insurance companies, the importance of the brand has never been more vital. So who is getting it right?
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: Referral fees roundtable: The hot potato
With barely a day going by without another opinion voiced on the adverse effects of referral fees, our panel of industry experts debated their contribution to cost inflation and the bigger issues*
MGAA launch: Changing perceptions
Delayed since 2010, the Managing General Agents Association launched this month, with a brief to ensure the insurance industry and regulators understand exactly what role MGAs perform.
Greek government issues second IPT penalty amnesty
The Greek parliament has passed a law that includes a further amnesty provision on penalties for insurance premium tax.
Insurers vow to pay squatting claims if informed of extended absence
Insurers have vowed to pay claims to policyholders whose properties are invaded by squatters — as long as they inform them if their home will be empty for long periods of time.