Analysis
In series - property claims: I'm sticking with you
Insurers have sometimes been criticised for not doing enough to retain existing clients. Sam Barrett investigates how advances in property claims handling are helping to address this cost-efficient issue.
Legal update - NHS funding: The right to free care
A Primary Care Trust recently argued that a woman injured in a road accident was not eligible to receive NHS care due to winning a payout from her insurer. Glyn Jones explains the facts and implications of this case.
In series - property claims: Everybody's talking
Word of mouth is still the most effective way to retain or gain market share, argues James Grant and, with the rise of social media, more emphasis should be placed on keeping current customers happy.
Commercial property - valuations: Wide of the mark
With recent figures suggesting as many as 77% of buildings are currently underinsured, Rachel Gordon investigates the root causes and potential solutions.
High net worth - distribution: Defending their niche
Following reports in Post that the mid and high net worth markets have been experiencing an increase in competition and downward pressure on rates, Ralph Savage discusses what reaction this has elicited from insurers and brokers in terms of their…
Insurance Insight country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
In series - Property claims: Wait less programme
Technology has the ability to deliver improvements and increase efficiency in property claims handling. Sam Barrett reports on some of the advances being made and the benefits they can bring.
Lloyd's - Communication: London's calling
Once a necessity at Lloyd's, the job of the caller has slowly been replaced by technology. Bob Dee takes us through the history of this fascinating role.
Environmental liability - Toxic sludge: No fudge over sludge
The recent high profile toxic sludge incident in Hungary has been described as a 'tragedy' by the country's government. Ralph Savage reports how experts from the rural insurance and legal communities and further afield are assessing the situation.
Claims - Private equity backing: Unlocking private equity
Private equity is not just the preserve of the insurer and broking sectors. Daniel Dunkley looks at how the claims sector has seen a fair share of PE investment, asks why this is the case and what it means for the firms involved.
Law report - Commentary: The thorny issue of exaggeration vs over-estimation
The key issue here is whether the claimant has made a genuine over-estimation or exaggeration. If exaggeration is proved, then there can be substantial costs issues for the claimant to face.
Career development & CSR news: Financial services firms urged to claim fresh apprenticeship funding
Financial services employers have been urged to come forward and stake a claim for the new apprenticeship funding.
Career development: Business still looks bad in the insurance industry
A new report by the Chartered Management Institute has revealed that managers in the insurance sector fear a bleak and uncertain future. As the downturn continues to cast its shadow, optimism has collapsed and managers are questioning whether the…
Law report: Willis case unlikely to lead to a relaxation of the rules
This law report has been contributed by national low firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Career development & CSR news: Home Let activity initiative
Home Let is trialling an initiative that allows employees to take one day's paid leave per annum to undertake community activities and projects in support of the Prince's Trust.
Technology - Now & then: Do you remember the first time?
Technology is a way of life today, with insurance policies underwritten, sold and paid for in the blink of an eye, but not that long ago it was a whole new world for the industry. <BODY><p>Post</p></BODY>, therefore, asked some of the major insurance…
In series - Property claims: Tracking the changes
Rigorous pricing research can eliminate the risk of overpaying or underpaying property loss claims. Scott Beatty details how data analytic developments are helping insurers to verify rates.
Law report: Hospice compensation casecould open claim floodgates
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Career development & CSR news: Lloyd's pledges brighter London futures
Lloyd's has installed an eight-foot high signpost in its underwriting room to advertise its new three-year partnership with local charities Bromley by Bow Centre and the Prince's Trust.
Coverholders - Client money: Keeping it separate
Proper segregation of client money is a burning issue at the Financial Services Authority. Ben Hobby looks at what coverholders and their underwriters can do to make sure a clients' money is held correctly.
Technology - Catastrophe claims: Reaching high expectations
Although insurers cannot consider catastrophe events routine, by using the latest technology they can make proactive claims management a reality, argues Laura Drabik.
Post Europe: Anticompetitive practices in Ukraine
Insurance companies in Ukraine generate 40% of their profits through bank products, leaving many at the mercy of the banks restrictive accreditation procedures. Oleksander Dyakulych and Mykhailo Pergamenshchyk report on how an investigation by the…
Anticompetitive practices in Ukraine
Insurance companies in Ukraine generate 40% of their profits through bank products, leaving many at the mercy of the banks restrictive accreditation procedures. Oleksander Dyakulych and Mykhailo Pergamenshchyk report on how an investigation by the…
Major loss: Repair or replace?
When a business suffers an unexpected catastrophe, Veronica Cowan looks into the decision making behind the option to repair or replace damaged premises, stock or machinery.