Articles by Harry Curtis
Settle Covid-19 claims fast and make interim payments, FCA tells BI insurers
The Financial Conduct Authority has said it will assess how insurers are interpreting business interruption policies, as it urged firms to settle valid claims quickly.
Hiscox rejects 'Public Authority' clause interpretation as coalition of BI claimants threaten class action
Hiscox faces a potential class-action lawsuit from policyholders that have had business interruption claims rejected.
Proposed 7.1% increase to insurers' contribution to FCA budget will add to firms' 'financial burden' in difficult times
The Financial Conduct Authority is consulting on changes to its fees and levies which would see annual contributions by general insurers and general insurance brokers increase 7.1% and 3% respectively.
Whatever else, government must mandate e-scooter insurance, says panel
The government should require e-scooter riders to buy insurance, according to a panel of experts speaking as part of Post’s Motor Insurance World Live on Wednesday.
Six month coronavirus lockdown could force 'total reassessment' of motor insurance risks
Falling motor claims frequencies may mean insurers reconsider what they’re charging policyholders, though their ability to act proactively could be stymied by uncertainty over the length of the Covid-19 emergency, an event heard.
Sabre delays special dividend as profits shrink in 2019
Sabre has delayed its special dividend to shareholders, citing the need to wait for greater clarity around the impact of coronavirus pandemic.
Ex-Jelf boss Phil Barton to helm PE-backed broker agglomeration
Former Jelf boss Phil Barton is set to return to the market as CEO of Partners &, a private-equity backed broker that brings together five broking houses operating across the South East, South West and Midlands.
Insurer gender pay gaps shrink slightly
Insurers’ gender pay gaps narrowed marginally in 2019, with the difference between the median and mean pay of women and men shrinking by 0.94% and 1.46% respectively among a sample of top insurers collated by Post.
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.