News
North of the Border: no fault compensation
On 20 February 2011 the report of the No Fault Compensation Review Group was published. The group, headed by Professor Sheila McLean, has backed a Scottish government plan to reform the system of clinical negligence claims, by introducing a no-fault…
Irish firm looks to acquire UK brokers
UK brokers are attractive acquisition targets for European players now that valuations are "more sensible" according to one Irish broker.
Career development & CSR: BGL backs debt advice
BGL Group has offered financial backing to a newly established debt advice service in Peterborough that has been set up by The Salvation Army.
H&S cuts worry for insurers
Insurers have expressed concern at government plans to cut health & safety inspections.
Application fraud: provider info handover is 'gob-smackingly' bad
There remains a serious issue concerning the "question set mapping challenge" between insurers and aggregators. Indeed, Pinsent Masons head of insurance John Salmon told delegates that, in some cases, it is "gob-smacking how badly this is done".
Application fraud: insurance defence approaches outlined
Martyn Kyle, head of insurance at SAS, outlined a number of potential defence approaches to combating application fraud. These included using the media, screen warnings and capturing suspicious behaviour.
View from the top: a recipe for disaster
Some companies' belief that insurance policies can be sold like loaves of sliced bread makes a difficult situation worse.
Law report: clarity needed to determine 'special relationship' status on defects claims
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: judge finds in favour of solicitor over mental health doubts
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
News analysis: alarming revelations for commercial cover
The recent Mactavish-Pricewaterhouse Coopers report that declared commercial insurance 'not fit for purpose' is a wake-up call to the market. Insurers, brokers, company boards, government and the buying community should all take note, says John Hurrell.
News analysis - mesothelioma: getting the right guidance
In light of a recent Supreme Court judgment, which failed to produce the sought after clarity, Brian Goodwin argues that defendants should continue to strive for authoritative guidance on mesothelioma cases.
Application fraud: insurers 'oblivious' to extent of issue warns IFB boss
Many insurers are totally oblivious to their exposure to application fraud, according to Insurance Fraud Bureau director Glenn Marr. And one of the prime reasons for this, he added, is its complexity and scope.
Erwin: growth to come from broking firm uncertainty
Westinsure's incoming chief executive Norrie Erwin has said regulatory uncertainty in the broking sector will boost the firm's growth.
Application fraud: customers need to understand seriousness of purchase
There is a fine balancing act between "the legal guff, educating customers and having a slick online process", when it comes to preventing ignorant or opportunist application fraud, according to John Salmon, head of insurance at Pinsent Masons.
Aviva boss: earthquake will not impact GI rates
Global general insurance rates will not be dramatically affected by Japan's earthquake and tsunami, according to Aviva's chief underwriting officer.
Editor's comment: hard work starts here
The British Insurance Brokers' Association must be feeling pretty vindicated and pleased with itself right now — and justifiably so.
Application fraud: shift in culture and focus needed to start tackling application fraud
The insurance industry "will need a shift in culture and focus" before it can start recording successes in application fraud similar to those it has already achieved with claims.
Career development & CSR: RSA Group helps fund climate change park
RSA Group has helped fund a climate change park in Dagenham as part of a public private partnership.
Wood sets sights on underwriting profit
Ecclesiastical has targeted an underwriting profit for 2011, despite its exposure to last month's earthquake in New Zealand.
Fraudster jailed after landmark ruling
A Bury man has been imprisoned for six months for his part in a complex motor insurance fraud in a landmark civil judgment.
Sweeney blasts low HNW rate rises
Sterling director of personal and commercial insurance David Sweeney has welcomed "common sense" rate rises in the household insurance market but has called for tougher rating action in the high net worth sector.
CBG eschews acquisitions after tough 2010
CBG will not make any acquisitions in 2011, following a challenging year in which the Manchester-based broker's revenue dropped to £7.71m (2009: £8.96m).
Software start-up eyes 500 000 policies
Start-up broker software provider Wanna Insure has set a target to write 500 000 policies by the end of its third year of trading.
Thatcham-style caravan platform set to launch
Motor caravan broker Victor Millwell is piloting a new technology platform that provides access to a detailed ratings database of motorhomes currently in use throughout the UK.