Analysis
Europe: Too big to fail?
The recent release of the Financial Stability Board's GSII list has led to complaints that insurers are not being differentiated from banks. Francesca Nyman explains.
Europe: Continental catastrophes
An EC Green Paper proposing harmonisation of catastrophe insurance across Europe has faced strong criticism from the market. Edmund Tirbutt explains why.
International: Entering cyberspace
Will the potential implementation of the EU Data Protection Directive lead to growth in the cyber liability market in Europe?
Mesothelioma: Bearing the burden
With the Mesothelioma Bill due to come into operation early next year, just how much strain is the compensation scheme likely to put on insurers?
Gender Directive: New Tricks
The EU Gender Directive has given rise to a new generation of ‘girly’ motor insurers – but are the practices sustainable in the long term?
Europe: Aggregation domination
Research suggests that the use of aggregators in Europe is growing but can the continent replicate the price comparison success seen in the UK? Mark Sands investigates.
Europe: Subscribing to cyber
Will the potential implementation of the EU Data Protection Directive lead to growth in the cyber liability market in Europe? Carolina Parra-Serrano investigates.
Supply chain: A closer look
Insurers must understand the microeconomics of supply chains to thrive during the downturn.
Consolidators: Dead or alive?
Critics say the consolidation model is unsustainable, while its proponents argue it is yielding admirable results during difficult economic times. So, are consolidators heading into the future fighting fit, or are they falling apart?
Private Equity: With the same brush
Industry insiders say that a recent report prescribing the pitfalls of private equity backing misrepresents the bigger picture. Are they right? Or is there hope on the horizon?
Europe: Tapping new risk
Is there a potentially untapped market on the continent for non-standard customers? Katie Marriner investigates.
Redomiciling: Insurer’s paradise?
With continued uncertainty over Solvency II, could more firms be tempted to follow the lead of Randall & Quilter and split their tax and regulatory domiciles?
Household: On shaky ground
With cracks beginning to show in the profitability of the household insurance market, is the sector set to crumble or are its foundations solid enough to see it through?
In Series: Claims: Joining forces
Bilateral agreements and a better use of technology can help insurers operate more efficiently when it comes to subrogation.
In Series: Claims: A moral dilemma
The industry is split over the ethics of subrogation. Will Competition Commission intervention resolve the situation once and for all, or can insurers find their own solution through bilateral agreements?
Europe: Accordant accounting
The IASB has published its latest proposals for consistent accounting for insurance companies but the industry will have to act quickly to make its voice heard, David Foster says.
Vision 2020: Full steam ahead
Despite the report fading from memory, the insurance industry is still on track when it comes to achieving Vision 2020’s key aim to progress the industry
Independent Broking: Back to basics
With tough times facing the industry, insurers and brokers have to embrace their traditional roles to be successful
Telematics: Ask the experts
Insurers should be wary of rushing into the telematics market alone – pricing, legacy technology and cost mean collaborating may be a wiser strategy.
In Series: Claims: Don’t let go
Firms that go the extra mile to ensure customers feel valued at all points of interaction will reap the benefits when it comes to renewal.
In Series: Claims: Problems shared
In a price-sensitive environment, can claims service with an emphasis on communication play a role in retaining customers?
Employment: Port in a storm?
Does the insurance sector’s resilience in a difficult economic climate make it a safe haven for employees, or are industry staff in as much peril as the rest of the UK workforce?
In Series: Claims: A step ahead
The industry must work together in the fight against insurance fraud.
In Series: Claims: Investigating the investigators
What will the FCA’s examination of insurers’ use of private investigators uncover – and will it affect industry efforts to combat fraud?