News
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.
Rias to launch on aggregator
Over-50s insurer Rias is set to move onto aggregator websites for the first time in a bid to keep up with the competition.
Website Review: Compare The Market
In the latest of its ongoing series, web performance specialist Gomez looks at Compare The Market's website.
Auto Windscreens to sign first major partner 'in weeks'
Auto Windscreens expects to sign up its first major insurance partner since its acquisition by Markerstudy "within weeks".
Application fraud: gaming the system accounts for 50% of online fraud
Half of all online application fraud comes from what is known as "gaming". That was the view of Martyn Kyle, head of insurance at SAS, who added the other 50% could be attributed to organised criminals.
Disappointment over 10% increase in FSA funding
The insurance market has expressed disappointment at a 10% increase in the Financial Services Authority's funding requirements during 2011/2012.
Application fraud: step forward in fraud fight
The fact that underwriters are now starting to wake up to the issue of application fraud is a step in the right direction towards effectively combating the issue.
Law report: tribunal claimant case fails over causation hurdle
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Crawford fraud boss pinpoints social media as ideal weapon
Crawford & Company vice president of counter-fraud solutions Bobby Gracey has highlighted social networking websites as a new weapon that insurance companies can use to combat fraud.
No-fault forum shopping fears calmed by lawyers
Insurance lawyers have played down fears that proposals to introduce a no-fault system for clinical negligence claims in Scotland could result in forum shopping.
RBSI ousts Esure as Sainsbury’s signs up new motor insurance underwriter
Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance has won a multi-million pound contract to replace Esure as motor insurance provider to Sainsbury’s Finance.