Politics
Ecclesiastical offers VAT break to churches
Ecclesiastical has proposed increasing sums insured for all church buildings used for worship to reflect the new level of VAT without any charge.
Broking focus - Bribery Act: On the right side of the law
London market brokers transacting across international boundaries need to revisit their risk and compliance provision in the face of draconian new UK bribery legislation, reports Ralph Savage.
Conservative Party: no estimate exists for properties at risk of flooding
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Natural Environment and Fisheries), Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has admitted that no figure exists as to how many properties are at risk if the insurance industry withdraws from the statement of…
Government urged to take flood action
A group of MPs have told the government that more must be done to protect properties that are under threat from flooding.
Bruce Stevenson wins Ofgem contract
Edinburgh-based insurance broker Bruce Stevenson Risk Management has been appointed to work with Ofgem as part of the UK government’s support for offshore wind generation.
FSA fines hit record high
The Financial Services Authority handed down a record-breaking £88.4m in fines in 2010 (to 20 December).
Health insurance - review of the year: Care crisis or opportunity?
The past 12 months have been tough for health insurance, with a record contraction in policy numbers. Amy Ellis examines recent market developments and asks whether 2011 will be brighter.
Editor's comment: Don't count your turkeys
Insurers received an early Christmas present last month, when the government appeared to give firm backing to Lord Justice Jackson's recommendations on combating disproportionate civil litigation costs. The ministerial foreword to its consultation…
Local authorities cut back cover as spending review bites
Local authorities are already cutting their insurance spend as a result of the coalition government austerity measures, insurers have warned.
Interview - Roger Brown: Adding value for members
Roger Brown is nearing his second full year as managing director of the ECIC. Mairi MacDonald talks to him about the changes instigated and challenges ahead.
Warning over reserves as retirement age rises
Insurers have been urged to review their reserve levels, as the proposed abolition of the retirement age could see claimants seeking increased compensation in personal injury cases.
Post Europe: Data security – is Europe still lagging behind the US?
Some believe that Europe continues to lag behind the US in terms of data security. Matthew Hogg explores the likely triggers for improved levels of data security in Europe.
Postbox: Lord Sugar's comments need rethink
Having read the online story about Lord Sugar and no-win, no-fee lawyers, I would like to comment that he is simply out to grab headlines.
ABI backs Law Commission plans for consumer legislation
Law Commission proposals to update consumer insurance legislation for the first time in more than a century have gained the backing of the Association of British Insurers.
BoE questioned over insurance expertise
Political consultancy firm Cicero has questioned the Bank of England's ability to govern the insurance sector.
JLT boss draws parallels between terrorism and flood insurance
The Government’s £200m cuts on flood defences could have a catastrophic effect on the commercial property market by making flood insurance unavailable.
Post Europe: Iranian sanctions
Earlier this year the European Union was the first to proscribe sanctions against Iran specifically including insurance. Vic Wyman reports on the reactions and implications for the European insurance market.
Post Europe: View from the Top: The battle for Ireland
Ireland, along with most other countries, continues to experience the sharp impact of the global downturn. We are clearly in a recession, our property market has collapsed, the cost of borrowing for Ireland Inc has soared and two cornerstones of growth -…
View from the Top: The battle for Ireland
Ireland, along with most other countries, continues to experience the sharp impact of the global downturn. We are clearly in a recession, our property market has collapsed, the cost of borrowing for Ireland Inc has soared and two cornerstones of growth -…
Axa: homeowners in flood risk areas are underpaying for insurance by 58%
Household insurance for homes in high flood risk regions is being subsidised by £511 each year, according to Axa. This means that homeowners in affected regions are only paying 42% of the true cost of insurance to protect their homes against flooding.
Think tanks predict Euro withdrawals
The small, debt-ridden countries on the fringes of the European Union will soon start dropping out of the Euro, according to a new report by two economic think-tanks from both sides of the Atlantic.
Think tanks predict Euro withdrawals
The small, debt-ridden countries on the fringes of the European Union will soon start dropping out of the Euro, according to a new report by two economic think-tanks from both sides of the Atlantic.
Interview - Bart de Smet: Return to fitness
Despite being one of the most high-profile casualties of the financial crisis, Ageas is now focusing on the future rather than the past. Jonathan Swift meets group CEO Bart De Smet to discuss its UK plans, acquisitions and why big is not necessarily…
Career path & CSR: The value of mentoring
With the economy still teetering on the edge between recession and recovery, the advice and support that mentors can give to aspiring business leaders and managers can help shape immediate business prospects and future growth. Business leaders have a…