Analysis
Credit hire: Improving the engagement
The credit hire industry has traditionally had a rocky romance with insurers. Sam Barrett looks at what has gone wrong and how the two sides can reconcile their differences.
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny likes to think she scrubs up pretty well but she was certainly left in the shade when tan-tastic The Only Way is Essex star Amy Childs strutted past in Soho during a coffee break with Concise PR director Alex Wise.
Chartered broker: Status symbols
Over the past 18 months there has been an increased focus on professionalism in the broking industry and, as well as signing up to the Aldermanbury Declaration, the spotlight is falling on the topic of chartered status. Many individual brokers display…
Broking focus - Regulation: The new broom
The Financial Conduct Authority will assume responsibility for the regulation of brokers taking over from the Financial Services Authority at the end of 2012. The Institute of Insurance Brokers, the British Insurance Brokers' Association and the London &…
Mobile phone insurance: We've got your number
Mobile phone insurance is a high-frequency claims product but has been criticised by the ombudsman and consumer groups. Ralph Savage reviews the sector to discover if this niche is offering value for money.
Payment protection insurance: Crossroads for PPI
Three months ago the High Court rejected the British Bankers' Association's attempts to challenge new payment protection insurance regulations. With the controversial product already battling reputational issues, Tim Pope looks at the future of the PPI…
Fraud - Statistical analysis: Protect yourself
As analysis reveals the shifting depths and demographics of insurance fraud, identity validation and verification must come to the fore, writes Nick Mothershaw.
Fraud - Household: Opportunity knocks
Household fraud is on the rise according to insurers. Callum Brodie attempts to find out why and what the industry can do to prevent it.
Sport - Rugby World Cup: Shaken but not stirred
Robert Barron and Michael Owen look at the impact of the Christchurch earthquake on this year's Rugby World Cup and the lessons for contingency specialists involved in other major sporting events.
Sport - Olympics: The Olympic challenge
With only 12 months to go until the opening ceremony, Rachel Gordon attempts to break through the veil of secrecy and assess the insurance industry's role in the London 2012 Olympics.
Public sector - Insurance procurement: Strength in numbers?
Will the Insurance London Consortium succeed where its predecessor failed and provide the blueprint for public sector procurement? asks Edward Murray.
Commercial property - Business interruption: Dealing with disruption
Deficiencies in business interruption policies have long been a source of debate, but what can be done to improve them, asks Veronica Cowan.
Employment law: Tribunals and tribulations?
The increasing number of employment tribunals presents an opportunity for brokers able to offer advice and legal expenses insurance, writes Kevin Pallett.
Referral fees: End of the affair?
Despite recent calls for a ban on referral fees, the government must weigh up the wider considerations and consequences of its actions, explains Leigh Jackson.
Credit hire - Common structure: Under the bonnet of credit hire costs
Melanie Mooney looks at suspect commercial arrangements between credit hire firms and repairing garages and considers what the industry can do to fight the practice.
Bancassurance a growth channel for commercial insurance
Banks in Italy currently hold just 4% of the general insurance market, however, with significant growth in demand for commercial insurance such as directors’ and officers’ Maurizio Ghilosso explains why this might be the ideal channel to tap into this…
Legal update - Property surveyors: Surveyors under siege
The aftermath of the credit crunch has seen lending institutions turn on property surveyors in an attempt to recoup losses. Duncan Greenwood explores the potential to turn the tables back.
Insurance & social media: To tweet or not to tweet
The insurance industry has struggled in its early attempts to adopt social media, due to its staid reputation. Sam Barrett warns that being slow to capitalise on the benefits it can bring means the industry is missing a trick.
Legal update - Occupiers' liability: Who's in charge?
When an event is run, an insured must be clear who controls it. Caroline Elson looks at the tricky area of occupiers' liability claims and reports on a recent case.
Broker networks: Member merits
Brokers often highlight the merits of network structures but is their enthusiasm shared by insurers? Peter Knowles reveals what underwriters really think about the membership model.
Broker focus - Biba/IIB merger: Let's get together
Following the initial flurry of excitement when Biba and the IIB announced they were in merger talks, Chinwe Akomah talks to the market about their hopes and concerns for new a single body.
Post Europe – Aggregators: Passport to Europe
With the aggregator concept set to spread across the Channel, Jane Bernstein asks is Europe ready for it?
Post Europe – BPO: Too far East?
When it comes to business process outsourcing (BPO), the message has always been clear: go east. Although the likes of India, China and the Philippines may be the big hitters in this market, Edward Murray asks if insurers are looking too far east and…
Aggregators: Passport to Europe
With the aggregator concept set to spread across the Channel, Jane Bernstein asks is Europe ready for it?