Analysis
Food liability insurance in China: a promising market yet to take off
China has recently faced a number of food scandals leading to a public outcry for safer products. Artemisia Ng investigates whether insurers have the appetite to underwrite this market.
Russia struggles to impose compulsory hazardous objects cover
It is almost five months since the new compulsory hazardous objects liability insurance came into force in Russia, and it has faced significant challenges to date.
A survivor's guide to a Eurozone breakup
The Eurozone is experiencing instability that could threaten its very existence. As the possibility of a break up edges ever closer, insurers and other financial institutions must be ready to act, explains Robert Hall.
View from the Top - Insomnia risks
Every survey of 'risks that might keep a CEO awake at night' over the past 12 to 18 months has included 'cyber risk' and will continue to do so.
Solvency II: Equivalence versus non-equivalence
Solvency II has had more than its fair share of headlines recently but, as Fiona Le Poidevin explains, countries outside European Union jurisdiction or 'third countries' have to think carefully when considering whether or not to seek equivalence to the…
Friend or Foe: Q&A with Accident Exchange CEO Steve Evans
Steve Evans has spent four years bringing the activities of rate surveyor Autofocus to light, making him an unpopular figure in insurance circles.
Analysis: Major events in the Russian insurance market in Q1 2012
Problems in the motor insurance market, new legislation and major deals made the news in Russia for Q1 of 2012. Paul Koshik reports.
Insurance the micro way
Much of the world's population has now moved out of extreme poverty and into the lower middle class. Francesca Nyman examines whether there is a market for micro-insurance in this demographic.
Raising Chinese motor standards
As the newly affluent middles classes in China look to insurers to cover their cars, the market has been caught unawares in terms of service levels. Nicky Burridge investigates what the market must do to improve the situation.
EU law takes a hold on the UK motor insurance market
The conflict between EU law and individual country laws can be confusing for companies that operate in member states. David Holt discusses the increasing influence of EU law on the UK motor insurance market and the Directives that seek to clarify the…
Price-comparison model questioned as Admiral casts off Italian Chiarezza
Admiral's sale of its Italian aggregator Chiarezza on Monday demonstrates a failure adequately to invest in overseas ventures, and further withdrawal from European aggregators is a possibility for the insurer, according to one analyst.
Aggregator analysis: price comparison evolution reaches tipping point
With signs pointing to a soft market, questions abound about what will now drive a customer to use an aggregator to switch insurer.
Handling customer complaints
In an online exclusive, CMS Cameron McKenna partner Alison McHaffie outlines best practice for insurance firms dealing with complaints from customers.
Iran sanctions have unintended consequences
Economic sanctions against Iran are an important part of European Union and US attempts to force the country to curb its nuclear programme. But, as Francesca Nyman reports, increasing concern has been voiced in recent months that measures aimed at the…
The democratisation of technology
In an online exclusive, Michael Graham, sales and marketing director at Sequel explains how the growth of technology has impacted the insurance sector.
Croatian Insurance Market - Latest market trends
Challenging economic conditions saw most lines in the Croation insurance sector suffer. Hvroje Paukovic provides an overview of the market.
Survival of the fittest: The evolution of distribution
In an online exclusive, Chubb UK and Ireland manager Jeremy Miles discusses the future of insurance distribution and why the industry should heed the theories of Charles Darwin.
Christchurch one year on: a forgotten city?
A year on from the earthquakes in New Zealand, while the Christchurch disasters may be slipping out of public consciousness, the work to rebuild the city continues.
Asia-Pacific legal review
The legal profession and the insurance sector depend on each other throughout the world and as Chambers Asia-Pacific 2012 launches its editor Shi-Ning Koay provides an overview of the legal insurance specialists and the markets in this region.
The temporal scope of Rome II
Rome II was intended to bring about uniform choice of law rules but had left some uncertainty over when the regulation applied in cross border accidents. Tarek Uddin explains how the recent case of Homawoo has helped bring clarity.
RTA Portal extension divides opinion due to lack of clarity and timescales
ABI welcomes changes but industry raises concerns over timescale for implementation.
Employers’ liability: A fund of last resort
The need for a fund of last resort for employers’ liability claims still divides the insurance community. While plans to create an Employers’ Liability Insurance Bureau have stalled, it still has supporters who are determined to see these proposals come…
Liability - Cosmetic treatments: Smoothing out the wrinkles
With a rise in cosmetic treatments, there is more scope for problems, as the recent PIP implants scandal has shown - whether it is clinical negligence or a product defect, insurers must be wary.
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.