Politics
Flood Risk: Pours for thought
The 2007 floods were a major UK weather event, costing the insurance industry billions. However, despite similarities, the 2012 floods caused much less damage. What is the reason behind the change?
Your Say: Insurers can influence metal theft
While parliament is yet to agree the scope and specifics of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill, what is certain is the scrap metal industry is facing tighter controls than ever before.
Your say: More metal theft debate is needed
I’m pleased to see MP Richard Ottaway’s private members bill, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, receive Royal Assent. Its aim is to regulate the industry, crack down on cash payments and eliminate rogue traders.
Scotland's future: Change is already afoot in Scotland
If the insurance industry needed a reminder that the Scottish Government already has significant power to affect insurance operations, it need look no further than last month’s announcement of a consultation on the Scottish court system. The draft Courts…
View from the Top: Correcting the balance
Cut the middle man out of motor insurance for lower premiums and better service, says Dominic Clayden.
Apil: Insurers will ‘call the shots’ under whiplash proposals
Insurance companies are set to “do the best for themselves” by paying less than the fair level of personal injury compensation in the small claims court, according to the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
AIG shareholders win class-action status in lawsuit against the government
An American judge granted class-action status to two groups of AIG shareholders in a $25bn (£16.7bn) lawsuit by former chief executive Maurice “Hank” Greenberg over alleged losses arising from the bailout the insurer received from the US government,…
Law Society: insurers’ propaganda will deny access to justice
The Law Society has warned the government that its proposals to increase the small claims limit in personal injury cases will deny access to justice to thousands of genuine accident victims.
Judical review rejection paves the way for Jackson reforms
The High Court’s rejection of a judicial review into the road traffic accident personal injury fees scheme has cleared the road for the implementation of the remaining civil justice reforms, unless an appeal is lodged.
Editor's comment: Can’t we all just get along?
A mother’s word is often law. Both sides of whatever argument are heard, and then a ruling is made. Brief mutterings may ensue but these are quickly quashed and life goes on, hopefully in a more peaceful manner.
ABI: young driver proposals could cut premiums by 20%
Teenagers' annual motor premiums could be cut by up to 15% if the government adopts proposals to improve young driver safety, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Industry called to pay for Metal Theft Taskforce as initial fund set to expire
The government is aiming to call on the insurance industry to contribute towards funding the British Transport Police Metal Theft Taskforce.
RSA eyes wind farm opportunities after government gives greenlight
RSA has welcomed the government’s decision to approve the expansion of the Kentish Flats wind farm off the Kent coast.
Late notice means Marsh may miss Efra committee flood meeting
Marsh has confirmed it may have to pull out of a government select committee meeting on flood defence funding, leaving the Association of British Insurers and Aon Benfield as the insurance industry’s only representatives.
Efra chair McIntosh moves to calm fears over raising IPT to cover flood risks
Industry players have been reassured that a proposal to use a proportion of insurance premium tax to resolve a flood debate impasse relating to contingent liability will not result in a rise in IPT.
Editor's comment: Welcome to Scotland
While Scotland is keen to encourage visitors by promoting its major selling points — such as the beautiful highland scenery, Edinburgh castle, the home of golf in St Andrews and the history of quality whisky making — it should beware of introducing a…
Consultation could see Scotland get different personal injury discount rate
Insurance and legal observers are considering the possibility that different discount rate for personal injury claims could be set in Scotland from the rest of the UK.
Scottish powers already affect industry
The independence debate has been dominating headlines in Scotland, but insurers should keep in mind that the Scottish Parliament already enjoys significant power over issues that are relevant to their business.
Scottish Independence: Scot free?
With a referendum on Scottish independence due next year, will an independent Scotland cause problems for the insurance sector, or is it business as usual?
North of the Border: SLC proposals look to strike balance
The Scottish government has given a manifesto commitment to reform the law of damages.
Motor Claims 2013: Panellists at loggerheads over credibility of medical evidence
Aviva claims director Dominic Clayden has questioned whether medical evidence is required in all low level whiplash claims, after expressing disillusionment with the current system.
MP hails "significant victory" against metal thieves
Richard Ottaway MP has hailed the success of his Scrap Metal Dealers' Bill, which was passed yesterday in the House of Lords and is due to receive royal assent before Easter.
Pothole claims double in January
The number of insurance claims for pothole-related damage to cars more than doubled in January to 1000, compared with the same month last year, according to estimations by AA Insurance.