Articles by Chris Wheal
One in seven have 'fronted' car insurance
One in seven drivers have 'fronted' on their car insurance policy, and almost a quarter think the practice is legal, according to a survey from aggregator Money Supermarket.
Hyperion sells stake in CFC underwriting
Hyperion is selling its 60% stake in CFC Underwriting to a consortium of private investors and the management team.
VFM gets its anti-fraud conversation management training accredited
Counter fraud firm VFM Services has had its New ERA 'conversation management' training programme that helps spot fraudulent insurance claims on the phone accredited by Portsmouth University.
Barrister Fiona Neale moves to Hailsham
Clinical negligence and regulatory barrister Fiona Neale, pictured, is leaving 3 Serjeants' Inn to take up tenancy at Hailsham Chambers from 23 April.
Microinsurance up as insurer interest rises
Microinsurance schemes worldwide now reach an estimated 500 million people.
Lancashire renews $350m of finance
Lancashire Holdings has arranged a $350m five-year letter of credit and revolving facility with Lloyds TSB for Lancashire Insurance Company.
March cat claims topped $1.1bn in the US
Reinsurance broker Aon Benfield has reported that US storms in March will cost insurers more than $1.1bn, while catastrophes hit Mexico and Australia as well.
Co-op claims telematics cut accident rates by 20% and cost of claims by 30%
Co-operative Insurance has reported a 20% drop in car accidents among young drivers using telematics.
Mapfre names Pablo Alvert as UK boss
Mapfre’s UK arm Mapfre Assistance has named Pablo Alvert as CEO and regional director.
Cooper Gay Australia promotes Calverley
Cooper Gay Australia has announced that Jon Calverley will take over from Peter Blunden as managing director with immediate effect, after Blunden "left to pursue other interests".
THB moves Colemont into its City home
THB has taken the first step towards integrating Colemont Insurance Brokers since both came under the ownership of Amwins by moving it to the THB Group's building opposite Lloyd's.
Jelf claims "positive start to the year"
Broker Jelf has issued a statement saying it "has enjoyed a positive start to the year" and continues to trade in line with expectations.
Guy Carpenter reports reinsurance rises
Research by Guy Carpenter shows reinsurance rates rose at the 1 April round of renewals as the market continues to work through the impact of the events of 2011.
AM Best downgrades Brit after QBE sale
Rating agency AM Best has downgraded the financial strength rating of Brit Insurance Limited to 'A- (Excellent)' from 'A (Excellent)' and the issuer credit rating to 'a-' from 'a' and placed the ratings under review with negative implications.
Insurecom recruits new tech chief
Brighton based software house Insurecom has recruited Neil Brooks, pictured, as chief technical officer and David Templeman as chief financial officer.
OFT demands Competition Commission review of private healthcare provision
The OFT has referred the market for privately funded healthcare services in the UK to the Competition Commission for investigation.
Fitch issues warning over Brit Insurance
Fitch Ratings has placed Brit Insurance Limited's insurer financial strength rating of 'A' on rating watch negative after the sale of its UK regional business to QBE.
Alan & Thomas buys Emery Little
Brokerbility member Poole-based Alan & Thomas Insurance Group has bought Salisbury and Eastbourne-based aviation broker Emery Little.
Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford reports 5% growth in first full year accounts
Wholesale and reinsurance broking group Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford has released its first full year results for the year ending 31 December 2011, reporting revenues of $344m, net earnings of $31m and EBITDA of $69m.
Axa sells Bluefin's employee benefits arm
Axa is selling Bluefin's employee benefits consulting business, Bluefin Corporate Consulting, to Capita for £50m.
ZFS becomes Zurich Insurance Group
Insurance giant Zurich has officially changed its name to from Zurich Financial Services to Zurich Insurance Group.
Marsh's Project Noah will not work and has no insurer support, claims ABI
The Association of British Insurers has slated the flood reinsurance idea floated by broker Marsh and Guy Carpenter, claiming that it won't work and insurers don't back it.
Brit UK regional sold to QBE
Australian insurer QBE's European operations has bought Brit UK's regional operations with 130 staff transferring.
Zurich says admin officer Orator to quit
Zurich has announced that Christian Orator, chief administrative officer, has decided to "pursue new opportunities outside Zurich" and will be leaving the group by the end of the year.