Feature
Top 100 UK insurers supplement - AM Commentary: An uphill struggle
With earnings down, falling reserves and diminishing returns on investments, the tough times continue for UK non-life insurers.
Atmospheric tanks: The big bang theory
The UK has recently seen a number of explosions involving atmospheric tanks, with major incidents at Buncefield and Pembroke. What caused the explosions and how can the risks be reduced?
Holidaymaker injuries: Making a splash
The popularity in unusual and dangerous crazes performed by holidaymakers has serious implications for the insurance industry.
Whiplash - Britain: The European whiplash capital
With its proportion of whiplash claims far outstripping any other European nation, what must the UK do to curb this cause of claims inflation?
MGAA launch: Changing perceptions
Delayed since 2010, the Managing General Agents Association launched this month, with a brief to ensure the insurance industry and regulators understand exactly what role MGAs perform.
The Prince's Trust Insurance Leadership Group: A reflection on its successes so far
Tonight the Prince’s Trust Insurance Leadership Group celebrates breaking the £5m fund-raising barrier with a reception at the Chartered Insurance Institute. Jonathan Swift reflects on the group’s achievements in its five year lifespan.
IUMI 2011 preview: The problem of piracy
The annual International Union of Marine Insurance conference takes place in Paris next week. Topping the agenda is the ongoing scourge of piracy on world trade .
IMIA 2011 preview: Setting the agenda
With Amsterdam playing host next week to the 44th International Association of Engineering Insurers annual conference, IMIA chairman Neil Clutterbuck previews the event.
9/11 A personal reflection: Remembering the unforgettable
As the horror of 11 September 2001 unfolded, the insurance industry was not only reeling from the inevitable financial consequences. It was struggling to conceive a much more immense loss, a personal one
BIS Countdown: Sir John Grieve - In the eye of the storm
As deputy governor of the Bank of England, Sir John Gieve was in the centre of the worst financial crisis for a century. What has hindsight revealed and what are his views on the subsequent regulatory shake-up?
Monte Carlo Rendezvous: A year of catastrophes
2011 has seen a series of serious natural catastrophes follow fast on those of 2010. How will this shape debate next week at Monte Carlo?
From the archives - 9/11 Terrorism: Ten years later...
A decade has passed since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. How has the market for terrorism policies responded and recovered in that time?
9/11 Contract certainty: The first steps taken
A rush of legal cases always followed a catastrophic loss before contract certainty was introduced. The attacks on 11 September 2001 thrust the issue into the spotlight but were other factors at play?
Embracing the mobile technology boom
Recent research suggests that with consumer demand for mobile devices on the increase insurance cover is set to grow. Jakki May reports on whether insurers are taking full advantage of this in emerging Europe.
Comment- mutuals: Public preference
Mutuals can be overlooked or underused by public bodies, but Allan Guest argues that they are the most cost-effective and appropriate choice for public sector risks.
Career development - opinion: Selling is still a dirty word
A stigma remains over the idea of being a salesman in the UK. Russell Ward challenges this notion and explains why sales should be established as a skill set.
Takaful insurance: A future full of potential
Despite the failure of the first domestic Shariah compliant insurer, the Takaful market is predicted to have a great future. Sam Barrett looks at its potential for growth.
Business interruption - recessionary impact: Predicting the unpredictable
An uncertain economic climate is making the quantification of business interruption claims even more problematic. Tony Levitt explains.
Broking - travel: Tailored travel
Brokers are struggling to keep pace in the travel insurance market, as aggregators take an ever-increasing share of the sector. Callum Brodie investigates the future of intermediaries in this highly competitive arena.
Fraud - pet insurance: Vetting animal claims
Animal-related fraud is on the increase, with exaggerated claims for treatment a common cause. Claire Laver and Carys Clarke examine ways to combat the problem.
Boulogne Bound: How a UK broker set established a foothold in France
Allen & Allen has been in France for over a decade. Jonathan Swift talked to CEO Tony Allen about how it exported its customer service ethos and best practices to make Autofirst a success.
BIS Countdown - British Gas: A closer bond
British Gas Insurance launched in 2009 with ambitions to become a major player, and fast. Jonathan Swift talks to Chris Stern and Edward Dutton about the challenges and opportunities they have encountered to date.
Solvency II - Implementation day: Putting the brakes on
The timetables for two key initiatives that will affect insurers have slipped recently. Neil Coulson examines the implementation delays to both Solvency II and the international insurance accounting standard.
Legal expenses - Commercial cover: Two sides to the story
With the legal expenses sector about to undergo a massive shake-up, Jakki May looks at the changes, why some are welcoming them with open arms and why others