Feature
Transforming the future of insurance
Insurers responded well to the economic crisis by turning their focus to core underwriting, but as pressure continues to mount Jean Lassignardie asks how insurers will differentiate themselves in the future and whether policy administration could help.
In series Competitive edge: A ring of steel to combat fraud
Insurers must have systems in place to prevent fraud, but many have taken this to a higher level and are gaining a competitive edge over their peers.
Regulation: The dangers of duplication as the FSA splits into two
The Financial Services Authority has mimicked the forthcoming twin peak regulation model ahead of its implementation in 2013, but will it prepare the industry for change?
Brands and rebranding: What's in a name?
Many insurance firms overhaul their brands, but what impact does it have on their business?
In series Competitive edge: Tackling fraud with geographic intelligence
In the fight against fraud, geographic intelligence is a powerful weapon in any insurer's armoury.
Are you listening to your customer?
The perception in the insurance market is that all customers care about is price but, as Geoffrey Godding and John Cooper reveal, a recent survey highlighted that brand, financial security and insurer interaction are just as important.
Asian aviation: risk or opportunity?
The Asian aviation market is set to grow rapidly in the next 20 years, bringing many opportunities for insurers. But Edward Murray asks whether underwriters are taking all the future risks into consideration.
The challenges of the solar market
Solar power is a firm part of the green movement in Europe but, with government cuts becoming increasingly common, Jakki May asks whether this renewable energy will continue to be affordable and efficient.
Text pests: Is the MoJ failing to crack down on inbox invaders?
With the pressure on to act against text pests, this time last year the Ministry of Justice announced its intention to establish a working group to tackle the problem.
In Series Competitive Edge: Geographic intelligence offers a competitive edge
How do you gain an advantage in a crowded market? Recent research by Ordnance Survey revealed that one-third of underwriters feel threatened by a growing number of competitors entering the sector.
In Series Competitive Edge: Size isn't everything in underwriting
In the cut-throat property market, the agility of smaller insurers can give them an edge over their larger rivals when underwriting.
Broking SME: Battle stations in the fight for the little guy
Brokers are facing increased competition for SME customers, but they're not going down without a fight
Energy: Overcapacity causing problems as market rates stagnate
It has been a tumultuous few years for the insurance industry, and not many sectors have been affected as much as energy.
Rating agencies: The rating game
Nations and businesses alike are growing critical of rating agencies, so is a downgrade as damaging as it used to be?
Environment: The importance of environmental impairment liability cover
With environmental legislation becoming ever more onerous and liabilities ever more costly, businesses are beginning to wake up to the importance of having environmental impairment liability cover.
Non-standard risks: looking for an alternative
With a large number of insurers wary of taking on non-standard personal lines risks, specialists are carving their own niche.
Penny speed meets ... Malcolm Smith, commercial lines director, Groupama
Being an insatiable socialite, Penny Black is always eager to probe the personalities behind the professional veneer of her industry friends.
Bloodstock insurance: a breed apart
Recent horse sales in Newmarket and Kentucky, and last week's Cheltenham festival, have brought bloodstock insurance back into the limelight
Customer service: Brand reputation and the power of social media
Poor customer service in the social media age can be terrible for a firm's reputation, especially in the ultimate grudge purchase: motor insurance.
Application fraud: prevention is better than cure
The industry is beginning to tackle fraud at the application stage, effectively stopping fraud from taking place before a claim can be lodged
Roundtable: Technology collaboration - will the industry ever learn?
Could insurer and vendor fears over losing unique selling points be hampering the wider good of the industry?
Application fraud: deliberate use of inaccurate information on the rise
The number of opportunistic fraudsters has rocketed with the use of aggregator sites, as some customers deliberately provide inaccurate information in an attempt to get cheaper premiums.
In Series Emerging Markets: Asia has the right ingredients
Asia has all the key elements for an emerging market, with a number of countries in a vast and diverse area at various stages of development. How can insurers crack this market?
Affinity: Managing relationships is vital
Affinity business is a growing area for insurers, but how can the industry avoid its pitfalls while making partnerships work?