Analysis
Technology - Mobile apps: The age of the app
App fever is infiltrating every aspect of our lives — and the insurance industry is no exception — but while the benefits a quality app can bring are undeniable, there are a number of pitfalls to avoid, says Ian Singer.
Rehabilitation - Therapy drift: Avoiding the blame game
After the heavy criticism the case management sector received at the hands of insurers last year, Lynn Rouse looks at the way rehabilitation professionals have responded to the concerns.
Shared service and competence centers for insurers
In order to reduce costs insurers are increasingly looking at shared service and competence centres. Hendrik Bremer examines the pros and cons of this model.
Rome II – Where are we two years on?
It is now over two years since the implementation of European Regulation 864/2007, better known as ‘Rome II’. Reviewing the legislation, Kelvin Farmaner and Paul Lavelle ask whether everyone is now clear on its scope and application.
Legal expenses - ATE: End of the road?
With the government giving the green light to implementation of Lord Jackson's civil litigation reforms, Leigh Jackson details the adverse reaction of legal expenses insurers and whether this sounds the death knell for the ATE market.
Claims Club dinner & awards 2011
Jonathan Swift, chairman of the judging panel and Post's editor-in-chief, welcomed guests to the 2011 Claims Club annual dinner at Grand Connaught Rooms, London by praising the hard work that the claims industry does and explained that in aiming to…
Lloyd's & London Market - Remuneration: War of the words
Lloyd's brokers are on the defensive after controversy surrounding commissions and fees re-emerged. But as underwriters demand clarity once and for all, are buyers happy as long as premiums stay low and their own charges stay transparent? Ralph Savage…
Cyber liability: the hardest threat to manage
Cyber security is becoming one of the greatest threats to global companies, and one of the hardest to manage.
The challenges of pan-European insurance programme
The European Single Market aims to bring harmonisation of goods and services, however, for insurers working on pan-European deals there are still challenges to overcome. John Bibby explains how working with the airline industry has its own special…
Schemes: Scheming for success
Schemes business requires significant investment to make it work and underwriters are not prepared to tolerate poor profitability. But, as Jane Bernstein reports, the benefits are many and it remains attractive to brokers.
Affinity partnerships: Perfect service
What makes a truly successful affinity partnership? Mike Caidan looks at how this market is changing, demands are rising and discusses how proactivity, innovation and flexibility are vital.
Solvenct II - Investments: Straight to the heart
Solvency II is about much more than simple regulation and is already preoccupying chief investment officers. Ciara Searle examines the implications it will have for asset allocation and fund transparency.
Damage management - Surge: Surging ahead
Recent surge events have shown insurers are getting better at coping with large numbers of claims but there is still room for improvement. Sam Barrett finds out what could make a crucial difference the next time an extreme event occurs.
Mentoring - risk managers: Passing the torch
The process of mentoring, where experienced people give advice and encouragement to younger professionals, can be hugely beneficial and cost virtually nothing. Elaine Heyworth details a new scheme about to launch to assist up-and-coming risk managers.
Dutch trading history paves the way for digital revolution
The Netherlands, one of the oldest established commercial and industrial insurance markets, is taking the lead in the digital transformation of the industry.
Insurance accounting rules and the impact on small insurers
The International Accounting Standards Board has finally issued a draft standard for the valuation of insurance liabilities, however, as Martin LePelley explains this may cause more problems than offer solutions.
Energy - overcapacity: Getting plugged in
The energy insurance sector is buzzing at the moment, but Rachel Gordon investigates whether the good times are sustainable.
In series: first-party fraud: Indicator or prohibitor?
Insurers are increasingly looking at options to help prevent fraud at the front end. Credit checks are common when assessing the ability to pay but Jane Bernstein asks whether they could also help as a fraud indicator.
Coalition government: State of the nation: one year on
Last week's overwhelming 'no' vote in the referendum on the UK's voting system has only served to deepen divisions and highlight political polar positions within government, but how does the insurance industry rate the coalition's first 12 months in…
Broker redomiciling: The case for migration
With the UK becoming an increasingly expensive place to do business, David Coupe questions whether more brokers will look to move abroad.
Rehabilitation: Embedding rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is now widely accepted by UK motor insurers, but its record continues to be mixed on implementation. Mark Baylis urges firms to consider the wider context of rehabilitation if further progress is going to be made.
Sponsorship - Olympics: The hard cycle
It's not just insurers that have caught Olympic fever and begun backing Britain's sporting talent. Daniel Dunkley details how loss adjuster Davies hopes to help cycling sensation Andy Tennant power his way to games glory.
Sponsorsip - Olympics: Fencing fantastic
Since securing a five-year sponsorship package with Lloyd's insurer Beazley at the beginning of the year, prospects for the British fencing team have never looked brighter. The Beazley deal is valued at £1m and runs until the end of 2015.
Energy - small operators: Oiling the wheels
Oil and gas is a high-risk industry and insurance prices reflect this. Gordon Patterson explains why this is a problem for smaller operators and what they can do to ensure they are not priced out of the market.