Post - 2011-04-28
Articles in this issue
Post magazine – 28 April 2011
The latest issue of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Law report: clear guidance given over disclosure of surveillance evidence
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Bolt concern over charges
Bosses at Lloyd's insurers have received a letter from director of performance management Tom Bolt, addressing fears over extra broker remuneration charges.
CSR & career development: board game boosts student interest in industry to 70%
The Chartered Insurance Institute has launched an interactive board game in its latest effort to encourage young people to consider a career in insurance.
Legal update - data protection: best practice
Strict rules govern disclosure of personal or sensitive data, even within legal proceedings. Emma Foxon reviews relevant case law to advise on best practice.
Firms face ruin after court ruling
The insurance industry has been warned some firms could face ruin after a legal challenge to the Financial Services Authority's measures to deal with payment protection insurance complaints was rejected.
Claims Club news: Wallis admits success is difficult to gauge
The 'behaviour' committee pilot launched in March to help mediate disputes between claimants and compensators is being tipped to be become a permanent fixture.
Two senior roles axed as Axa continues shake-up
The roles of head of specialist markets and distribution director will cease to exist under Axa Commercial's new management structure, as the firm confirmed two senior redundancies.
Postbox: Winning the battle for hearts and minds
It was really interesting to read the archived Post article highlighting comment made 50 years ago by Noel Hickey, chairman of the Galway Centre of the Insurance Institute of Ireland, on how the insurance industry was failing to gain consumer and media…
In series - first-party fraud: keeping fraud in check
Writing quality risks in volume, while giving customers great customer service and preventing fraud, is a never-ending struggle, but new checking systems can help insurers strike the right balance, writes Graham Odiam.
ICO joins text pest group to boost regulatory power
An Information Commissioner's Office with "bigger teeth" and greater regulatory powers is set to become the latest member to join the Ministry of Justice-led anti-claims text group.
View from the top: invest in the long term
"It's tough out there" is probably the most overused phrase of the last year.
Legal update: the final call for success fees?
Success fee recoverability may be facing extinction but recent cases continue to clarify and confirm why there is widespread support for reform,explains Michael Feakes.
Equity expansion still on track despite 185 jobs under threat
Equity Insurance Group has insisted its branch network and plans for regional expansion are safe, despite putting 185 jobs within its underwriting and distribution operations at risk.
Post history - 30 years ago: NU invests £10m to redevelop site
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this article from 30 years ago reveals.
Bent credit hire case faces appeal court hearing for second time
The credit hire legal wrangle involving Aston Villa footballer Darren Bent is set to continue after permission to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal was granted.
Accounting - International standards: standardised accounts
Insurers accounts are prepared on different bases around the world. Neil Coulson looks at plans to make contracts consistent.
CSR & career development: LV backs kit scheme to help disadvantaged kids
A scheme to see that unwanted rugby and cricket kit is given to disadvantaged young people instead of going to waste is being supported by insurer LV.
CSR & career development: Plantec invests in technicians
Plantec Holdings has invested thousands of pounds in its motorcycle technicians by putting them through accreditation from service maintenance technician to diagnostic technician and, most recently, the master technician qualification.
Claims Club news: Market beginning to embrace telematics
The use of telematics technology is a vital tool in combating "dodgy claims" —and securing first notification of loss information almost instantaneously — according to Mike Brockman, joint CEO and founder of Insure the Box.
Post history - 20 years ago: Institute vetoes name change plan
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this article from 20 years ago reveals.
Post history - 10 years ago: ABI TV ad campaign considered
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this article from 10 years ago reveals.
Claims Club news: Expansion plans slowdown urged
The Ministry of Justice must not act hastily to extend the RTA Portal to liability cases, Tim Wallis, its independent chairman warned.
Law report: withdrawal application allowed in near-drowning case
This law report has been contributed by national law firm berrymans Lce Mawer.
Ancile MBO refocuses plans
A management buyout of personal lines intermediary Ancile Insurance Group was always the intention, according to its managing director.
Allied World plans Glasgow branch after Chubb defection
Magnus McGurk has left his role as Chubb's financial lines boss in Glasgow to join Allied World Europe, with a view to setting up a new operation in the city.
Penny Black's insurance week
After devoting 44 years of his life to Allianz and its previous incarnations, it would seem that technical claims manager Roy Hebburn deserves a decent send off, having announced his retirement.
Editor's comment: Beware the brain drain
Sometimes it's good to go against the grain — it can signal creativity, innovation and a desire to differentiate. And then there are the times when mirroring market trends undoubtedly brings the best outcome for individuals concerned.
Ask the expert - how valuable is experience of Solvency II in both the short and long term?
The regulatory clock is ticking once again, and the countdown to Solvency II is now well advanced.
Business process outsourcing: innovate and invigorate
Innovation is a much prized commodity for any company with ambition, yet insurers still seem to be treading a cost-cutting backwater when it comes to outsourcing, writes Colin Gray.
Legal giant reveals ABS plan
Irwin Mitchell has stepped closer to forming a licensed alternative business structure and securing external finance.
Telematics insurer targets 60 000 policies by year end
Curfew-based telematics products for young drivers will not only fail to improve behaviour and accident statistics, but the business model is also flawed. That was the warning issued by Mike Brockman, founder and joint CEO of Insure the Box, as he…
Hanover confident Chaucer bid momentum will not stall
US firm The Hanover Insurance Group remains confident it will succeed in its bid for Chaucer, despite Pamplona's refusal to sell its stake in the Lloyd's insurer.
Interview - Mike Brockman: telematics - the future of motor insurance?
Many predict telematics will be the future of motor insurance. Mike Brockman, founder and joint chief executive of Insure the Box, talks to Lynn Rouse about his success so far.
Brand building - advertising: channelling advertising opportunities
Television remains the most powerful tool in the advertising armoury of insurance companies — but they must adapt to changing view patterns and innovations to survive in the market, says Ralph Savage.
In series - first-party fraud: would they lie to you?
Third-party claims fraud may make all the headlines but insurers are increasingly targeting customers who seek to abuse the applications process. Jane Bernstein investigates.
Claims Club news: claimant solicitors to pick up portal bill share
Claimant lawyers are set to start funding the RTA Portal to the tune of 50%, according to its independent chairman Tim Wallis.
Claims Club news: even larger corporates are failing to review risk profiles
Commercial insurance in a post-economic crisis environment is "not fit for purpose" for many large corporate firms, Bruce Hepburn, chief executive of Mactavish, asserted.
Law report: cross examination key aid in tracking fraudster assets
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Post history - 50 years ago: IAM offers prizes for skilful drivers
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this article from 50 years ago reveals.
Legal update - product liability: contractual obligations
The recent case of Omega Proteins v Aspen Insurance UK raised an interesting issue for product liability insurers and liability insurers generally. Colin Peck reviews the case and its potential implications.
Comment - pre-nuptial agreements: breaking the marriage bond
As the world gears up for a Royal wedding, Jonathan West explores the practicalities of what happens when marriages go wrong and whether insurance will soon play its part.