Politics
Zurich appoints Bouchard head of government and industry affairs
Zurich Financial Services Group has appointed Francis Bouchard as the group head of government and industry affairs, with effect from 1 April 2012.
LMA and government reach agreement on export licences
The Lloyd's Market Association has reached agreement with the UK government to speed up the authorisations Lloyd's and other London market underwriters need to insure the international movement of weapons and military equipment used by the United Nations.
Quarter of Indian consumers think life insurance is not important
Insurers in India face an uphill struggle to persuade consumers of the need for life insurance, a recent study indicates.
Ferma advisor made Dexia director
The Belgian government has appointed a former president of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations as an independent director to state owned bank and insurer Dexia.
Insurers in the Philippines reject tax waiver
Non-life insurers and reinsurers in the Philippines have rejected a government offer of a 10% reduction in annual aggregate tax, according to reports in the local press.
Axa UK CEO warns PM Cameron telematic rates are not a silver bullet for young drivers
The CEO of Axa UK & Ireland Paul Evans has warned PM David Cameron that telematics is not a silver bullet to sort out the issue of restrictive insurance prices for young drivers.
Video is next step for telematics
Technological advances in the world of telematics are expected to continue apace, following the claim that miniature in-car cameras could soon be installed to identify the number of potential claimants.
Motor claims: Senior Labour MP dismisses LASPO as a ‘Christmas Tree’ Bill
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill has been criticised for limiting access to justice for poorer claimants and disguising the abuses of insurers and claims management companies as a compensation culture.
Comment: Keep calm and carry on
The industry needs to keep its sense of perspective about the current market turmoils
RTA Portal extension divides opinion due to lack of clarity and timescales
ABI welcomes changes but industry raises concerns over timescale for implementation.
Brokers unconcerned as RBSI rebrands as Direct Line
Brand Finance heralds move as sensible
Market fears for unintended consequences as first ABS approval nears
The first alternative business structure could be greenlighted as early as next week.
Government rules out legal curfew for young drivers
The government has dashed insurer hopes of legal intervention to curtail and curfew young drivers.
Fraud IFED: Funding the fraud force
While early results have been impressive, some still believe the industry funding the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department is a step in the wrong direction
Ingenie backs government's telematics measure
Telematics brand Ingenie has welcomed government plans to use technology to tackle spiralling motor insurance premiums.
Bennetts urges bikers to sign petition calling for driving test change
Bike insurance specialist Bennetts are hoping to secure 100 000 signatures toward a petition which bosses at the firm hope will persuade the government to include bike-related questions in the UK driving test.
Inter Resolve boss points to mediation as answer to legal cost cutting
Mediation is the key component in the battle to bring down legal costs in personal injury claims.
New year European windstorm damage estimated at €267m
Perils has today disclosed an initial loss estimate for windstorm Andrea, which occurred in Western Europe from 4-5 January 2012, of €267m.
Business continuity plans can save companies, Biba research reveals
New research from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association and the Cabinet Office has revealed business continuity plans are likely to stop companies from failing after a major disruption such as a flood or fire.
PM and insurers unveil six point plan after motor premium summit
The Prime Minister has committed to tackling the compensation culture, reducing legal costs and cutting health and safety red tape.
RSA disappointed in lack of clarity for RTA portal extension
Neil Lightbown, RSA's underwriting director for the UK and Western Europe, said however that it is a "step in the right direction".
Apil criticises ‘short-sighted’ civil justice change
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has said that introducing further change to a civil justice system which is already in the throes of a series of major reforms would be short-sighted.
Government announces RTA portal extension
The Road Traffic Accident portal for motor personal injury claims will be extended to include claims worth up to £25 000 and, for the first time, employers’ and public liability claims.
Autofocus Legal Action: Rival CHOs line up to take on insurers as Autofocus employees face prison
Long-running legal battle could bring the credit hire industry and the insurance industry closer together