Politics
Ken Livingstone to open the British Insurance Summit
Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone will deliver the opening address at this month’s British Insurance Summit, Postonline can reveal.
Industry associations back Government regulation reform
Insurance and broker associations have welcomed the Government’s proposed regulatory reforms in their consultation responses. However, they have also expressed concern its plans could be too “ambitious” and potentially cause delays.
MoJ to split referral ban enforcement role between industry regulators
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed the government’s proposed ban on referral fees is likely not to be centrally administered, but instead enforced by a collection of disparate regulatory authorities.
Editor's comment: The devil is in the detail
Just when consensus was building across the insurance industry that banning referral fees alone will not cure the UK civil litigation system of all its perceived ills, reduce car insurance premiums, or single-handedly wipe out personal injury claims…
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.
Explosion in whiplash claims highlights the need to tackle cause not symptoms
Last week’s Claims Club meeting saw a heated debate on referral fees, a call for members to lobby against the EU tax review and heavy criticism of the SRA
IUMI 2011 preview: The problem of piracy
The annual International Union of Marine Insurance conference takes place in Paris next week. Topping the agenda is the ongoing scourge of piracy on world trade .
Exposure to sovereign debt could led to more downgrades
A worsening of the economic or investment landscape could result in an increase in negative outlooks or downgrades for insurers and reinsurers operating in Europe a report has found.
UK Government bans referral fees
The UK government has decided today that it will ban referral fees as part of its commitment to curb the compensation culture.
Groupama and Cost Advocates fear referral fee ban not enough
Groupama Insurances and Cost Advocates have welcomed the Government’s decision to ban referral fees but say it is only part of the compensation culture probem.
Pro Legal warns MoJ over “dangerous” referral fee decision
London-based law firm Pro Legal has hit out at the Ministry of Justice over its “dangerous” decision to ban referral fees claiming that the move would hurt consumers.
Asbestos families campaign against compensation reform
More than 400 families affected by asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma have written to the Forum condemning the planned reforms to the way compensation claims for industrial diseases are funded.
Parabis slams MoJ over referral fees
Parabis has criticised the Ministry of Justice’s decision to ban referral fees.
Axa urges MoJ to cut legal costs
Insurer Axa has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s ban on referral fees but has urged the government to tackle lawyers fixed fees.
Government bans referral fees
The government has announced today that it is to ban referral fees as part of its commitment to curb the compensation culture, but is yet to specify a date.
Biba calls for riot notification changes
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has urged the government to change the Riot Damages Act notification period permanently from 14 to 42 days.
Costly referral fee ban rejected as claims firm details lobbying alternative
Ai Claims Solutions is set to lobby MPs with a four-point plan to reform the referral fees system in place of the "costly and timeconsuming legislation" of an outright ban.
News analysis: Personal injury lawyers on the defensive over litigation claims
Allegations of inflated legal claims cost submissions have found backing from insurers
Expert opinion: A world of information
Enthusiasm for the National Address Gazetteer has waned since it was announced this would not be free
Insurance-linked securities market poised for continued growth
The market for insurance-linked securities is poised for continued growth according to Swiss Re.
Post history - five years ago: Young driver scheme needs shaking up
Looking back through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this article from five years ago reveals.
Comment- mutuals: Public preference
Mutuals can be overlooked or underused by public bodies, but Allan Guest argues that they are the most cost-effective and appropriate choice for public sector risks.
BIS Countdown - Patrick Snowball: A hostile climate
Faced with unsettled stakeholders and challenging operating environments, Patrick Snowball argues insurers must still prove they can lead reform from the front.
Business interruption - recessionary impact: Predicting the unpredictable
An uncertain economic climate is making the quantification of business interruption claims even more problematic. Tony Levitt explains.