Public sector
EL trigger litigation: 'Live' insurer reponse
Zurich has applauded today's Supreme Court decision, which has deemed that all employers' liability policies should be interpreted on a causation basis.
Budget 2012: Local authorities to receive support amid risk concerns
Zurich Municipal’s director of public services has played down fears of deteriorating risks within “overstretched” local authorities following claims that roads across the UK are in need of a £10bn upgrade.
All in the execution: Interview with Zurich's Stephen Lewis
Having "fixed the fundamentals" and realigned Zurich into three distinct divisions, Stephen Lewis is now seeing his plans come to fruition. So where does he go from here?
Corporate Underinsurance: Improving understanding of business interruption cover
Last year's riots brought the problem of a lack of business interruption cover to the fore. What are the solutions to underinsurance in this area?
Child abuse claims: Victims facing uphill battle for compensation
Local authority, church and legal expenses insurers have a role to play in sexual abuse litigation. However, government reform and a recent legal ruling may see this change.
Spotlight on environment: Getting protected
When the Statement of Principles on the provision of flood insurance expires next year, how will insurers address the 200 000 high-risk households left struggling for cover?
Unified response called for as metal theft cases see substantial increase
Insurers are demanding a unified fight for changes to scrap metal sales to cut a spate of thefts, thought by the police to be worth more than £800m — but insurers argue consequential costs could run much higher.
Editor's comment: Time for a scrap over metal
As an avid music lover, the year end is always a good time to catch up with the inevitable flurry of ‘best of’ lists to make sure that I have not missed out on any gems.
Law report: Education authority not vicariously liable for independent contractor
This law report has been contributed by national law firm berrymans Lace Mawer.
Health & safety: A matter of interpretation
Health and safety reform is high on the government’s agenda, but is the problem with application rather than legislation?
Fire protection sprinklers: The market needs saturating
Despite research showing sprinklers significantly reduce economic damage and environmental impact following major fires, hopes for mandatory legislation remain low.
Tottenham MP blasts insurer response to riots
Zurich has been forced to defend its alleged “woeful” response to the riots as small businesses fail to “fully understand” how to claim government funding.
Comment: Delivering definitive data
The ability to know precisely where property risks are located and what risks surround those locations are vital elements of successful and accurate underwriting and pricing. To know that such data is regularly updated and maintained – and meets ISO…
Parametrics simplify public entities insurance in nat-cat areas
Parametric trigger insurance is making it simpler to insure public entities in natural-catastrophe prone countries, says Cooper Gay’s Steve Jackson.
NAO call on greater flood risk expertise at local level
The National Audit Office claim that local authorities must increase their technical expertise if they are to be given increased powers to identify flood risk and target investment.
Event insurance: Dancing in the street
Next year could be huge for the events industry, with the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics taking place. With a host of celebrations occurring, can the events insurance sector capitalise?
View from the top: Time for action
Insurers must fight to protect their fundamental purpose faced with the threat of external interventions, says Barry Smith, CEO, Ageas UK.
Atmospheric tanks: The big bang theory
The UK has recently seen a number of explosions involving atmospheric tanks, with major incidents at Buncefield and Pembroke. What caused the explosions and how can the risks be reduced?
Expert opinion: A world of information
Enthusiasm for the National Address Gazetteer has waned since it was announced this would not be free
Editor’s comment: A heavy downpour
It never rains but it pours. Cliche that may be but it’s one that works on multiple levels across the insurance industry this week.
Biba and government join forces over flood risk
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association is working with the government to ensure people in high-risk flood areas can still obtain insurance once the Association of British Insurers’ statement of principles expires.
BIS Countdown - Michael Tripp: From the heart
Charities are refocusing their efforts and business models away from simply relying on donations and towards building mutually advantageous partnerships with businesses. Michael Tripp asks whether the insurance industry can share their vision.
Disaster recovery - SME: Dealing with disaster
SMEs would flounder in the face of a disaster, with a large proportion going out of business completely. Edward Murray asks why, therefore, it remains so hard to get them to engage with disaster recovery planning.
Post history – 30 years ago: Government to pay out over riots
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 30 years ago reveals.