Politics
Axa chief urges French president to learn from British mistakes
Axa chairman and chief executive Henri de Castries has called for French president François Hollande to "learn the lessons of Britain's experience" in the 1970s and tackle the levels of debt in France's economy.
Biba conference 2013: News round-up
This year’s British Insurance Brokers’ Association conference attracted more than 4750 brokers and 168 exhibitors to the Excel Centre in London’s Docklands.
Flood clauses to be added to Water Bill as minister hints at ABI agreement
Environment minister Richard Benyon has suggested that additional clauses will be inserted into the government’s upcoming Water Bill, in order to serve as a legislative vehicle for the implementation of the Association of British Insurers’ ‘Flood Re’…
Editor's comment: Time for a new strategy
Last week some new battle lines were drawn, while others pulled back their troops, took stock of the situation and dug new trenches.
Scots disproportionately affected by new flood plan
The Scottish Parliament has been challenged to secure a greater voice in the UK flood debate following concerns the Association of British Insurers' Flood Re model represents a raw deal for residents north of the border.
ABI welcomes government strategy to promote the UK insurance industry
The Association of British Insurers has welcomed Greg Clark’s, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, announcement of a dedicated insurance industry strategy to enhance the industry’s position as leader in global business.
Whiplash: Whipping up a storm
As the debate about bogus whiplash claims rumbles on, opinion is divided on whether two investigations into the issue are warranted and what impact they will have
Scottish Water pipeline put in doubt after liability agreement failure
Scottish Water has come in for criticism after its failure to secure a standard liability agreement resulted in work on a £2.65m pipeline being abandoned.
DWP signs Biba collaboration deal
Work and Pensions secretary Mark Hoban MP has inked a deal to push collaboration and intelligence sharing between the UK government and the British Insurance Brokers Association.
Midwives professional indemnity: Communication breakdown with PI specialists leaves ball in coalition’s court
Government tasked to intervene as midwives’ insurance talks corrode
Tax Avoidance: Insurers warned over tax avoidance after WHA loses appeal in NIG VAT case
VAT not recoverable in offshore scheme involving NIG, Crystal and Viscount
Government introduces Mesothelioma Bill
The Government has introduced the Mesothelioma Bill which will pave the way for a ‘Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme’.
Top five European news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days,
Broking Supplement: Comment - Steve White
Biba's new chief executive Steve White looks forward to the challenges he will face in his new role.
Surgeons offered complication cover following breast implants scandal
A compulsory scheme providing cosmetic surgeons with complication insurance cover has been earmarked as an important step towards avoiding a repeat of the aftermath of the Poly Implant Prothèse scandal.
Lords’ EL U-turn brings uncertainty and will lead to satellite litigation
Insurers have been warned they may face increased indemnity spend for employers’ liability claims, as legislation passed by the House of Lords last week in the form of the Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Act 2012 will require time-consuming and costly…
Editor's comment: A bit of common sense
Last week, the House of Lords turned back the clock 100 years on employer liabilities for breaches of health and safety duties and passed what has been referred to in its very chambers as an “ugly” part of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill.
Telematics Expo: ABI pre-empts telematics regulation with new guide
Trade bodies can play an important role in the development of the telematics industry, particularly in warding off the threat of regulation, according to Association of British Insurers policy adviser Ben Gaukrodger.
Marketform to underwrite plastic surgery complications scheme
Members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons will be the first to benefit from an insurance scheme to cover complications arising from operations.
Interview: Frank Pinder: leading the fraud fight
With US investigation specialist Global Options seeking to bring its zero-tolerance approach to insurance fraud across the pond, its president explains why regulation and professionalism are key to better detection
UK is 'Europe's whiplash capital' states ABI select committee submission
The Association of British Insurers has published its submission to the Transport Select Committee’s recently closed whiplash inquiry, in which the association labelled the UK as “the whiplash capital of Europe”.
From the Belgrano to Brighton: An insurance boss's lunch with Lady Thatcher
On the day of her funeral, Postonline reports the recollections of one senior industry figure's lunch with Lady Thatcher.
Regulation: A heavy crown
The downfall of the Financial Services Authority was met with resounding support. However, as its successors take over sceptics ask whether the twin peak model might create more discontent in the industry.
Law Society: whiplash inquiry is not fair
The Law Society has said the Transport Select Committee’s whiplash inquiry is hearing only the insurers’ side of the argument on whiplash.