Articles by Francesca Nyman
Insurance ranked worst industry for customer experience, survey finds
The insurance sector has once again been slammed for its poor customer service, ranking bottom for customer experience in a survey by service design consultancy Engine.
Goldman Sachs could pocket 400% return on Hastings investment
Goldman Sachs could bank a return of 400% on its stake in Hastings following the UK motor player’s stock market floatation next month, if investors respond as expected, according to reports.
Hastings IPO tipped to benefit from recent M&A activity
The timing of Hastings Insurance Group’s initial public offering could attract investors with surplus cash following the recent spate of insurance mergers and acquisitions, according to industry analysts.
Turkish market still overly reliant on underperforming motor says Fitch
The Turkish insurance sector's profitability remains driven by the performance of the motor insurance segment, according to a new report by Fitch.
Most solicitors tipped to find rated cover in ‘buoyant’ PI market
Solicitors have seen a benign professional indemnity renewal period after the turbulence of the last few years; however a recent court ruling could increase pressure to introduce an aggregation limit, according to legal specialists.
Ecclesiastical swoops for Covéa's former real estate head
Ecclesiastical has appointed Chris Withers as property investors development manager.
Canopius and Sompo to launch merged reinsurance unit via Lloyd's and Zurich platforms
Canopius Group has formed an integrated business unit to manage the reinsurance business previously written by Canopius and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance.
European run-off market to be worth £181bn this year
The non-life European legacy insurance market is estimated to reach run-off reserves worth €247bn (£181bn) this year, an increase of €5bn compared to 2014, according to PWC.
Aon Benfield and RMS develop marine and energy model
Aon Benfield has invested in a catastrophe model to help marine and energy insurers assess their cargo risks more accurately, in conjunction with model vendor RMS.
Bermuda's ILS Capital Management opens London office
ILS Capital Management, the Bermuda-based investment manager in insurance-linked securities and collateralised reinsurance, has opened an office in London.
Unipol launches Dublin-based reinsurer
A reinsurer targeting property and casualty business in continental Europe has been launched in Dublin, Ireland, by Italy-based Unipol Sai Assicurazioni in order to capitalise on the rewards for diversification under Solvency II.
Fraudster handed seven-year sentence after faking death to claim life insurance
A fraudster has been sentenced to seven years in jail after faking a woman’s death to claim nearly £1.7m in life insurance.
Lloyd's FD Parry pessimistic on rate pressures subsiding
Lloyd’s finance director John Parry sounded a cautious note regarding rate pressure after Lloyd’s reported a 28% fall in profit for the first six months of 2014.
Woodgate and Clark strategy to remain 'exactly the same'
Woodgate and Clark’s style, culture and method will remain "exactly the same" following its acquisition by Dutch loss adjuster Van Ameyde Group, according to managing director Michael Woodgate.
Fire trumps flood as biggest threat to UK businesses
Flooding is the most common form of disruption for UK businesses, however fire poses the more serious threat, according to FM Global’s UK claims data research.
Hackers pitched as remedy to driverless car vulnerabilities
Motor manufacturers should reward hackers for uncovering vulnerabilities in autonomous vehicle systems as cyber security remains a major stumbling block to widespread adoption of driverless cars, according to a report published this month.
RSA’s Corrigan joins HDI Gerling’s energy, construction and engineering division
Industrial insurer HDI Gerling has appointed David Corrigan as UK and Ireland property underwriting director and has launched a new engineering, construction and energy division.
Howden gets green light for Perkins Slade Forrest takeover
Hyperion-owned Howden UK has completed the acquisition of sports and recreation specialist Perkins Slade Forrest Holdings following shareholder and regulatory approval.
Insurers must find right balance with millions of policyholders up for grabs
The threat of motor insurance customers switching providers more frequently creates a dilemma for insurers on how to differentiate their policies on factors other than price, according to market insiders.
IFB's Cheatline received 500 reports per month in 2014
Honest consumers are taking a stand against insurance cheats by reporting known fraud cases to the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s confidential Cheatline, new data has shown.
Q&A: Robert Fletcher: Presidential priorities
Elected as the Chartered Insurance Institute’s 119th president last month, Robert Fletcher tells Post that building trust, remaining relevant and finding a suitable successor for outgoing CII CEO Sandy Scott are among his top priorities for the year…
Hastings uninterested in 'international forays', says Hoffman
Hastings has no plans to emulate its rivals and expand into overseas markets, according to CEO Gary Hoffman.
Iran sanctions removal may present early opportunity for EU insurance firms
Non-US owned insurance companies may look to steal a march on their competitors if sanctions prohibiting trading with Iran are not lifted simultaneously by all countries.
Former Brit active underwriter Turner appointed Pen chairman
Jonathan Turner has been appointed as executive chairman for Pen Underwriting, the specialist UK underwriting business within the Arthur J Gallagher group.