Legislation
Analysis: The claims sector in a post-reform world
The launch of the whiplash portal has made it more difficult for firms to make money handling small claims, leading to firms reassessing their models. Post investigates what the sector will look like in a post reform world.
Listed insurtech market cap surpasses $22bn; motor start-up Adiona plans to take on 'outdated' incumbents; Dale Partners gets Lloyd's green light; and Zurich unveils £750m MGA capacity deal
For the record: Post wraps up the major insurance deals, launches, investments and strategic moves of the week.
Government names John Edwards as preferred pick to lead ICO
The government has named John Edwards, currently New Zealand’s privacy commissioner, as its choice to succeed Elizabeth Denham as the next information commissioner and revealed plans to consult on reforms to the UK’s data regime.
Flood Re confident on lowering levy to £135m for next financial year
Flood Re is confident that its build back better proposals and reduced insurer levy will soon get government approval, CEO Andy Bord has confirmed, as he detailed plans for the organisation to buy lower limits in its own reinsurance programme.
Insurers urge government to revise height-based remit of proposed building safety regulator
Insurers have repeated their calls for the scope of the proposed building safety regulator to be broadened after the government pushed ahead with proposals that met with criticism last year.
Government watching Bill to remove effects of Vnuk ruling 'with interest'
A Bill that aims to remove the effects of the European Court of Justice’s controversial Vnuk ruling from British law has been introduced to parliament.
QOCS comes into force in Scotland prompting claims uptick concerns
Insurers are expecting claims volumes to rise in Scotland as Qualified One Way Costs Shifting goes live.
Analysis: The CMCs out of scope
When the Financial Conduct Authority took over claims management company regulation in 2019, it fired warning shots at the sector. Should the regulator’s remit be widened to cover those firms that don’t come under its surveillance?
Treasury Select Committee calls for fraudulent ads to be tackled in Online Safety Bill
The Treasury Select Committee has criticised the government for a “missed opportunity” to tackle fraudulent online adverts and prevent customers being scammed by fake financial products.
BGL’s Peter Thompson on why the insurance industry must batten down its hatches
Peter Thompson, CEO of insurance, distribution and outsourcing at BGL Group, addresses the crucial importance of operational resilience in a fast changing landscape for the industry.
Cross-sector working group seeks clarity on mixed injury whiplash portal claims
A cross-sector working group has been set up with mixed injury whiplash test cases set to make their way through the courts.
'No doubt' whiplash portal will need tweaking after launch: ABI’s James Dalton
Association of British Insurers director of general insurance policy James Dalton told Post there is “no doubt” the whiplash portal will need fine-tuning, but he is optimistic about the launch.
Aviva faces leaseholder ire over mounting fire safety concerns
Aviva has drawn anger from leaseholders in residential properties owned by an investment fund over the management of fire safety issues.
Briefing: From Who Evans? to Huw Da Man - How the understated DG made his mark at the ABI
As Huw Evans plans to step down as director general of the Association of British Insurers to join KPMG as a partner at the end of the year, Jonathan Swift looks back at his time at the trade body and assesses how he has helped both modernise it and keep…
Changes to small claims track limit branded 'token gesture'
The £500 increase to the small claims track limit for non road traffic accident-related claims has been branded a "token gesture" by an insurer claims boss, who flagged concerns that it may not stop claims management companies from bringing speculative…
Government will hold insurers' 'feet to the fire' on whiplash savings: MoJ's Chalk
Whiplash rules have edged closer to their 31 May commencement, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk said the government and regulator will hold insurers' "feet to the fire" on consumer savings if necessary.
Analysis: Could pet damage insurance soften landlords' 'no pets' stance?
With pet ownership on the rise, could pet damage insurance persuade more landlords to allow their tenants to keep an animal companion?
Small claims track limit changes as whiplash rules get Lords committee green light
Parliamentary under-secretary for the Ministry of Justice, Lord Wolfson has said it is “better late than never” as whiplash regulations passed through the House of Lords with changes to small claims track limit plans.
Analysis: The Scottish redress Bill's waiver conundrum
Scotland's redress Bill was passed by the Scottish parliament in March and sets out a fresh way for residential care abuse survivors to access compensation. But attempts to involve insurers and encourage organisations to contribute have left it with a…
Intelligence: EU Trading - Doing business in Europe
With no post-Brexit equivalence or passporting regime available to UK brokers, they have had to explore other avenues to continue to trade across the European Union. David Worsfold explores the options open to intermediaries and the benefits they can…
LIP whiplash portal guide to 'hopefully' arrive by early April
The litigants in person guide for the whiplash portal will "hopefully" be published by early April, according to a Ministry of Justice update.
PI Analysis: Construction sector locked out by high rising premiums
Many companies in the construction sector are struggling to obtain professional indemnity insurance cover, with the Grenfell Tower fire and the building safety crisis key drivers of premium hardening and exclusions.
Brokers urge push back on soaring contributions as FSCS levy total poised to break £1bn
Brokers have called for the insurance industry to kick back against the increase in their Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy with the sector’s bill set to more than triple to £146.8m in 2021/22.
MoJ publishes long awaited pre-action protocol as it confirms May debut for whiplash reforms
The Ministry of Justice has published vital rules for the whiplash portal, including the pre-action protocol and practice direction.