Articles by Chris Wheal
Catlin hires new admin officer
Insurer Catlin has announced that Swiss Re’s Adrian Spieler will join in February as group chief administrative officer.
Axa warns of Christmas motor fraud
Axa has claimed December prompts huge jumps in fire and theft motor claims as one in ten consider defrauding their insurer to ease the financial pressures of Christmas.
Beazley confirms interest in Hardy
Beazley has confirmed it is interested in buying fellow Lloyd’s insurer Hardy, put up for sale after large Thai flood claims.
Equity Red Star names Dodd for fleet
Equity Red Star has appointed Andrew Dodd as its new motor fleet class underwriter, charged with growing key accounts.
Eiopa says insurers failed stress test
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority has warned that its low yield stress test showed that the insurance industry would be hurt if yields remain low for a prolonged period of time.
Swiss Re reports on 'promising' future for emerging markets
Swiss Re’s latest sigma report claims insurance in emerging markets has experienced strong growth over the past decade and the outlook for the next decade remains promising.
Total insurer IPT bill close to £30bn
Insurers handed over £2.4bn in insurance premium tax in the year 2010/11, a rise of more than 6% on the previous year (£2.253bn), government figures reveal.
MEP wants cheap premiums for women
Conservative member of the European Parliament Marina Yannakoudakis has vowed to change EU rules to allow insurers to offer women lower insurance premiums.
Crash-for-cash contempt ruling victory
Insurers will be able to pursue crash-for-cash fraudsters through the courts more easily thanks to a legal precedent set yesterday, according to Esure solicitors Horwich Farrelly.
Swiss Re reports on emerging markets
Swiss Re’s latest sigma report claims insurance in emerging markets has experienced strong growth over the past decade and the outlook for the next decade remains promising.
Axa sells Denplan to focus on PMI
Axa has sold dental payment plan business Denplan to the Simply Health Group for £115m on a debt free cash free basis.
Zurich puts low cost motor cover online
Zurich has launched a branded online motor insurance product to be sold direct and through price comparison website Confused.
Liberty Mutual promotes Richard Coxon
Liberty Mutual Insurance, the commercial lines division of Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe, has appointed Richard Coxon to the role of chief underwriter, commercial operations.
AEGIS names non-exec director
AEGIS London has appointed Michael Onslow to its board as a non-executive director.
Solvency II will drive UK M&A, Fitch predicts
Fitch Ratings expects Solvency II and low valuations to result in further merger and acquisition activity in the UK non-life insurance sector in 2012.
First Assist in Legal 4 Landlords deal
First Assist Legal Protection has signed a deal with Legal 4 Landlords to provide up to £50 000 of legal expenses insurance for property disputes, including eviction, and ongoing rental payments in the event of tenant default.
MPs demand changes to riot payments
MPs on the Home Affairs Committee have demanded the government speed up payments to victims of future riots and permanently extend the application deadline to 42 days.
RK Harrison appoints Rennick for HNW
Employee-owned insurance broker RK Harrison has taken on Marcus Rennick, the former head of private clients at Marsh and HSBC, to grow its high net worth business with a particular focus on the South East.
Insurers warn of Christmas car crashes
According to Axa there has been a 45% rise in accidents between 20 and 24 December over the past two years compared with the rest of December, meaning up to 56 000 drivers could be involved in a collision during this period.
Credit hirers worry OFT review is unfair
The Credit Hire Organisation said it feared the OFT’s review of credit hire costs might not reach a full and fair set of valid conclusions.
Ajag wanted OFT to go further
Compensation claimants’ body the Access to Justice Action Group has said the OFT review into the cost of car insurance does not go far enough.
LMA welcomes OFT claims cost review
The London Market Association has welcomed the Office of Fair Trading’s decision to examine personal motor claims costs.
ABI says OFT could cut claims costs
The Association of British Insurers claims the Office of Fair Trading investigation into motor claims is an opportunity to improve the personal injury compensation system.
Ferma produces EU risk guidance
Practical guidance on implementing European company law requirements on risk management, internal control and internal audit will cut the risk of further regulation, the Federation of European Risk Management Associations and European Confederation of…