Articles by Chris Wheal
Beazley's 623 reports 21% 2009 return
Beazley's managing agency Beazley Furlonge said its Names syndicate 623 returned 21% on capacity for 2009, but that 2010 would be nil return and 2011 just 2.5% because of catastrophes.
Markel buys Quay to launch into fine art
Markel International is to launch a fine art and collectibles niche range after buying Dorset managing agent Quay Underwriting's portfolio of business.
Academic calls for flood planners, developers and architects to be liable
A new academic paper has called for planners, developers and architects to be made "legally liable when they get it wrong and people are flooded" as a way of preventing further flood plain development.
Amlin chairman retires after £194m loss
Amlin has posted a pre-tax loss of £193.8m (2010: profit of £259.2m) and announced that Roger Taylor is to retire as chairman following the 2012 AGM. Richard Davey will succeed him.
Hiscox shuffles US management
Hiscox is to bring current US CEO Richard Watson, pictured, back to London to be deputy chief underwriting officer for the group and has promoted Ben Walter in his place.
London Market OKs electronic endorsements
The London Market Group has announced that the electronic endorsements initiative will extend to all classes of business from 5 March 2012.
Equifax links credit scores with claims risk
Credit information provider Equifax says it has spotted a strong link between claims behaviour and a customer's credit and identity profile.
Arc Legal to revamp IT with new role
Arc Legal Assistance has appointed Kevin Benton as technical services manager to boost technology developments across the business.
Coverbox data to convince insurers to change underwriting of motor risks
Telematics insurer Coverbox is to send selected insurers a report analysing 250 million miles of vehicle journeys that it claims will change the way car insurance premiums are set.
Cobra Network adds seven new members
The Cobra Network has claimed a record start to 2012 with seven new commercial insurance brokers as members.
CEA rebrands as Insurance Europe
The CEA, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has changed its name to Insurance Europe.
PPOs up motor excess of loss reinsurance
Fear that periodical payment orders for accident victims create uncertain liabilities has led to reinsurers refusing to offer excess of loss cover to motor insurers, the FT reports.
R&Q takes Syndicate 1208 from Equity
Randall and Quilter has reinsured-to-close the former 2007 year of account of Syndicate 1208 into the 2012 year of account of Syndicate 3330.
S&P upgrades RSA's credit rating to A+
Standard & Poor's has raised its long-term counterparty credit and financial strength rating on the core operating entities of RSA to A+ and said the outlook is stable.
QBE's results hit by catastrophes
Australian insurer QBE reported gross written premium in Europe of $4,828m (2010: £4,156m) but a combined ratio up five points to 95.5%.
Direct Line tops complaints league table
Direct Line Group's UK Insurance had the most general insurance complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service, according to figures out today.
Hiscox wants FSA as tough as Lloyd's
Robert Hiscox has demanded that regulator the Financial Services Authority call in and question any insurers offering to beat other insurers' quotes.
Direct Line welcomes new credit ratings
Direct Line Group finance director John Reizenstein, has welcomed UK Insurance’s A credit rating from Standard & Poor’s and A2 from Moody’s.
Moody's gives UKI an A2 rating
Rating agency Moody's has assigned a first-time A2 insurance financial strength rating to UK Insurance, the main (UK) operating subsidiary of Direct Line Insurance Group, which underwrites around 90% of DLG's business.
Equity affinity signs up Provident
IAG's UK affinity business Equity Insurance Partnerships has signed up Halifax-based Provident Insurance to its motor panel.
Allianz UK's profits defy recession
Allianz UK has reported 2011 GWP up more than 10% to £1832.2m (2010: £1663.7m) with operating profit up more than 6% to £168.7m (2010: £158.5m).
S&P warns on RBS sale of UK Insurance
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'A' long-term counterparty credit ratings and insurer financial strength ratings to Direct Line Group subsidiary UK Insurance, saying the outlook is stable but warning that the sell-off could change…
JLT Re nabs Lawrence from Aon Benfield
JLT Reinsurance Brokers has appointed Mark Lawrence from Aon Benfield as head of client and market development.
Hiscox says 92% fall in profit a 'good result'
Hiscox claimed that reporting a pre-tax profit down 92% to £17.3m (2010: £211.4m) was "a good result in the circumstances", as chairman Robert Hiscox announced he would complete one more year at the helm.