Analysis
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.
In Series On Data: Insurers putting policyholder data on a diet
In a competitive market, validation is key to making data leaner and more reliable — but can it level the playing field for brokers, as well as insurers?
Credit hire: Collision course
The thorny issue of credit hire continues to tax insurers — but should they be doing more to control costs?
In series - On data: Data driven
Insurers must seize the initiative and make Europe’s mandate to remove gender from premium calculations work for them.
In series - On data: An era of androgyny
With gender set to disappear from the underwriting landscape at the end of 2012, what factors will insurers turn to when accessing risk?
Directors' and officers': Under the spotlight
With boardrooms coming under increasing scrutiny, the potential for expansion in the D&O market is being recognised by savvy insurers, especially in the SME space.
Riot claims: Disorderly conduct
The fallout from last summer’s riot continues to rumble on, with consequential loss claims against the police relying on principles that can be traced back to the age of Robin Hood.