Articles by Harry Curtis
Supreme Court dismisses hull underwriters' attempt to recover $22m paid out for deliberately sunken ship
The Supreme Court has dismissed an attempt led by Aspen to recover $22m paid out by hull underwriters following the sinking of a ship in 2013 that was later ruled to have been deliberate.
Analysis: US insurers face 'thin end of the wedge' on mandated coronavirus BI cover
Lawyers remain confident the UK government won’t follow the US in mandating payouts for Covid-19 on business interruption policies after four US states tabled legislation that would require disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic to be covered.
Scor postpones under fire AGM due to coronavirus
Scor has postponed its annual shareholders’ meeting, scheduled for 17 April, until 30 June due to difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Analysis: After the flood
Storms Ciara and Dennis hit the UK on 8 and 16 February respectively, contributing to what was the wettest February since 1862. Post looks at the impact of the storms
Activist investor renews pressure on Scor over 'unjustified' AGM slot
Investment fund CIAM has renewed its pressure on Scor ahead of the reinsurer’s annual general meeting on 17 April, calling for the firm to publish a succession plan for its CEO position.
Q&A: Andrew Yeoman, Concirrus
Harry Curtis spoke to Andrew Yeoman, CEO and co-founder of Concirrus, about the increasing use of big data in insurance and the challenges facing the fleet and marine markets.
Aon-WTW merger expected to continue unabated despite pandemic
The deal struck between broking giants Aon and Willis Towers Watson to combine to form the world’s largest insurance broker is unlikely to be jeopardised by the coronavirus pandemic, a corporate advisory expert has told Post.
Lloyd's details coronavirus impact as it posts 2019 profits
The insurance industry must get better at explaining the products it offers, Lloyd’s CEO John Neal said, as the market’s aggregated results for 2019 showed it returning to profit on the back of large investment earnings.
Thingco tech boss launches platform to help the elderly and self-isolating
Thingco chief technology officer Jonathon Valentine has launched a platform to securely connect elderly people and people in self-isolation to volunteer groups, foodbanks and takeaway services.
Biba conference cancelled due to coronavirus
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has cancelled its 2020 conference and exhibition, scheduled to take place in Manchester between 13 and 14 May, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Arc Legal chases 20% growth following integration of Amtrust stablemate
Legal expenses insurer Arc Legal is aiming to capitalise on developments around whiplash reforms and fixed recoverable costs in commercial disputes, following the integration of fellow Amtrust subsidiary Composite Legal Expenses.
Ratings agencies assessing coronavirus impact on insurers' balance sheets
Ratings agencies have moved to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on insurers. Among them is AM Best, which is developing stress tests that will assess the impact on insurance companies’ balance sheets.
Non-damage extensions could provide BI cover but claims will be difficult, says Marsh
Businesses’ insurance programmes are most likely to respond to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic through non-damage extensions but only after a difficult claims process, Marsh UK practice leaders have said.
This week: The bad news
What a week. The coronavirus may be an invisible threat, but its fallout – both within and beyond the insurance industry – is hard to miss.
Updated: Insurers will continue to renew annual travel policies amid sales pause
Travel insurers that have pulled their products off the market due to the coronavirus pandemic will continue to offer renewals to existing customers.
FCA calls on insurers to show 'flexibility' in dealing with customers amid pandemic
The Financial Conduct Authority has said it expects insurers to show flexibility in dealing with customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Insurers' investment earnings face coronavirus blow
Insurers are facing depleted investment earnings this year, as the coronavirus pandemic translates to greater volatility in financial markets and falling bond yields.
Existing travel policies likely to be eligible for cancellation claims as FCO discourages 'all but essential' trips
Direct Line reported facing increased calls from travel insurance customers on Tuesday after the Foreign Office advised against all but essential international travel in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
RIMS cancels US conference for first time in 70-year history due to coronavirus concerns
North America’s Risk Management Society has cancelled its annual conference and exhibition in light of growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
QBE to close UK offices to test coronavirus readiness
QBE will shut nine UK offices on Wednesday as it stress tests its remote working contingencies in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Updated: Admiral, Aviva and Direct Line latest to pull travel cover
Aviva, Admiral and Direct Line have joined a growing list of insurers that have pulled travel insurance products off the market due to the coronavirus outbreak.
LMA publishes coronavirus disruption clause as Lloyd's conducts stress test
The Lloyd’s Market Association has published policy language that aims to ensure policyholders aren’t left without cover if the coronavirus outbreak disrupts renewal discussions.
Analysis: The insurtechs crossing the Channel
This winter, three European insurtechs have signalled their ambitions to expand to the UK market. Post investigates whether they are outliers or likely to be the first cohort of an insurtech invasion.
'Disappointing' Aon/WTW merger could see risk managers turn backs on broking giants, warns Airmic CEO
The UK risk management association Airmic has voiced disappointment at Aon’s merger with Willis Towers Watson, warning that its members are prepared to turn to alternative modes of risk transfer if they feel they aren’t getting value for money.