Post - 2011-05-05
Articles in this issue
Post magazine – 5 May 2011
The latest issue of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Claims - controlling costs: inventive intervention
With motor rate rises slowing down and bodily injury claims growing, Tim Roberts questions whether current innovation and investment is enough to get insurers back on an even keel.
QBE sets sights on $5bn PCM target
QBE Europe's property, casualty and motor division has set its sights on becoming a $5bn (£3.03bn) business by the end of 2015. Ash Bathia, PCM chief underwriting officer, said the business is growing from its current premium level of $2.7bn, while still…
Legal update - expert witness: the end of guns for hire?
A recent case has stripped expert witnesses of the immunity they have always enjoyed. Philip Tracey reports on the implications of this significant decision.
ARM launches building valuation service
Aspen Risk Management has launched a free building valuation assessment service for its broker partners and clients.
Post history - 50 years ago: new home for insurance trade bodies
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 50 years ago reveals.
Broking supplement - Biba talking points: Viva la Biba
With the biggest event in the broking diary, the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference, almost upon us, Stephanie Denton spoke to a selection of commercial and personal lines brokers to get the lowdown on what the likely talking points will…
Broking supplement - Online commercial: Changing times
The insurance industry has been slow to embrace the internet for commercial, with the exception of offerings for the SME market. Graeme Newman looks at what this means for brokers.
Career development & CSR: finding & retaining the stars of the future
The global economy is still shaky, but showing signs of recovery. To manage to get through the recovery and lay the foundations for future success, organisations need the right talent in the right roles. That sounds like common sense, but more planning…
Career development & CSR: Harlequins stars tackle QBE questions
Staff at QBE's London office have been treated to some insight into teamwork and motivation from the stars of the rugby premiership.
Indie broker strengthens Scottish position
Central Insurance's £2.6m acquisition of Aberdeen broker Collins Halden & Burnett has cemented its position as Scotland's largest independent broker.
Legal update - clinical negligence: substantial speculation
A recent future loss of earnings case saw the claimant awarded substantial damages for a business they had not even started. Clare Malpus reports on the insurer implications.
Irish brokers wary of Quinn business model after takeover
Uncertainty remains over the business model of the former Quinn Insurance, following its takeover by Liberty Mutual and Anglo Irish Bank, according to Irish brokers.
Lawyers welcome joint RTA Portal funding proposals
Lawyers on both sides of the personal injury fence have welcomed proposals for the financial upkeep of the Ministry of Justice-supported road traffic accident portal to be shared.
Post history - 30 years ago: Sun Alliance makes return to Austria
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.
Broking supplement: Interview – David Flux: The lie of the land
Lured off of a tractor and into the family business with the promise of an extra £4-a-week, David Flux has worked his way to the top of the firm. He talks to Amy Ellis about life in the niche motor market.
In series - first-party fraud: banging the drum
The industry is slowly changing public perceptions that insurance fraud is a victimless crime. Jane Bernstein looks at recent initiatives and asks what more the market can do in terms of prevention?
Legal update - motor fraud: overcoming the obstacles
Recent court guidance should help liability insurers overcome some of the hurdles in the fight against motor fraud. Roger Mackle reviews recent cases that have helped clarify matters.
Penny Black's insurance week
It is always nice when a familiar face reappears on the heady insurance circuit, so it was with some pleasure that Penny heard Zurich's former European CEO Annette Court is currently scouring the UK insurance market for her next big move.
Post history - five years ago: Churchill pulls out of sponsorship
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from five years ago reveals.
Career development & CSR: hospice charity target smashed as £250 000 raised in two years
Allianz Insurance has raised £250 000 for hospice care in less than two years, beating its self-imposed target.
Interview - Ash Bathia: building the profitability platform
QBE Europe kept competitors on their toes as it built the business and branched out. Underwriting boss Ash Bathia tells Mairi MacDonald where his sights are now set.
View from the top: kill the costs monster
I'm delighted the government is backing Lord Jackson's suggested overhaul of civil litigation costs — but the champagne remains on ice.
Post history - 20 years ago: motor blamed for £220m NU downturn
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 20 years ago reveals.
Overseas market - Saudi Arabia: full of Middle Eastern promise
With a fast-growing insurance sector, Saudi Arabia is a country on the move. Dexter Morse gives a detailed overview of market developments and potential.
RSA targets HNW top spot after Oak deal
RSA is aiming to become the number one player in the high net worth market, following its acquisition of Oak Underwriting.
Comment - e-trading: the future of commercial
E-trading in the commercial market is on the way. Dawn Dillaway looks at why this innovation will be a game-changer for the sector and why the critics are wrong.
Broking supplement - Commercial rates: A war of words
The soft commercial lines market has heated up recently, as insurers accuse each other of failing to put prices up. Rachel Gordon reports on this bitter war of words.
In series - first-party fraud: everyone's a loser
Few consumers see insurance fraud as the criminal offence it really is. Graham Odiam looks at research to find out why this is and explains how everyone will lose out until this perception is changed.
AJ Gallagher beats 15% target in Q1
AJ Gallagher has recorded revenue of $446.9m (£269.7m) in the first quarter of the year, marking a $47m increase compared to the same period in 2010.
Government claims ELIB plans are 'not forgotten'
The coalition government has been urged to make a decision on the Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau after maintaining a year-long silence on the issue.
Rural reveals 5% agricultural market share aim
Specialist underwriting agency Rural Insurance is aiming to double its gross written premium and win a 5% share of the agricultural insurance market within three years.
Towergate hints at global acquisition plans in 2011
Towergate Insurance Group has not ruled out an acquisition outside the UK before the recently refinanced consolidator achieves its long-term goal of flotation.
Bin Laden death will not affect terrorism rates
The death of Osama bin Laden is "unlikely to have a material effect" on terrorism insurance rates in the short term, market figures have said.
Broking supplement - Biba 2011 preview: Speakers'corner
This year's British Insurance Brokers' Association conference held in Manchester on 11 and 12 May will see attendees from brokers, insurers and service providers descend on Manchester Central to network and debate the major issues affecting the broking…
Website Review: Bell Insurance
In the latest of its ongoing series, web performance specialist Gomez looks at Bell Insurance's website.
Post blog: A smaller catch after the one that got away
With many in the insurance market taking advantage of the double bank holiday whammy you would have thought the past week would have been a good time to bury bad news.
R&Q: underwriting team hires will drive growth
Insurance investment company Randall & Quilter has outlined plans to boost its fledgling underwriting management division with new team hires during 2011.
Editor's comment: tying the knot
The rest of the world may remain obsessed by romance or reactionaries but the UK insurance industry has unveiled its own all-consuming love affair this week. Acquisitions abound in the headlines and bullish talk is nothing short of bountiful.
Broking supplement - Private motor: The drive to succeed
Aggregators, question marks over referral fees and a squeeze on margins are all challenging those in the intermediated personal lines space. But, as Leigh Jackson reports, it is not all doom and gloom.
Legal update - unsigned contracts: invisible ink
Letters of intent have become accepted business practice while the finer details of contracts are worked out — but a recent court case has highlighted the pitfalls, reports Russell Behn.
People moves - 5 May 2011
A round-up of people moves and new appointments in the industry, as featured in the 5 May 2011 edition of Post.