News
Law change in Japan could override policies
New insurance regulations in Japan could inadvertently heighten the industry's exposure to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami damage and, in some cases, override existing policy wordings, according to a specialist lawyer.
Law report: Parent company responsible for subsidiary action in asbestos case
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Career development & CSR: Top marks for Hastings pair
Two risk and compliance officers at Hastings Direct have gained top marks in a professional accreditation in compliance exam.
North of the Border: judicial awards in fatal claims
After six months of consistently increased Scottish civil jury damages awards for fatalities, Bellingham & Others v James Todd has now demonstrated the prospective impact on judicial awards.
Chaucer takeover set
The acquisition of Chaucer by The Hanover Insurance Group, set for completion by 1 July, will create a combined premium income of $4bn, and bring scale, diversity and financial strength benefits to all stakeholders, according to the Lloyd's insurer.
Career development & CSR: Giles in the Community launched to co-ordinate charitable efforts
Giles Insurance Brokers has launched an initiative to encourage staff involvement with charitable and voluntary organisations in the communities in which they operate.
Ageas to hike household rates to emulate motor
Ageas is set to continue hiking rates on its household insurance, on top of the 10% it has already pushed through in the first quarter of 2011, in a bid to replicate the improved combined ratio already seen in its UK private motor performance.
Gable CEO blasts FSA for large firm bias over SII
The chief executive of Liechtenstein-regulated insurance company Gable has accused the Financial Services Authority of failing to support small insurance companies in the run-up to Solvency II implementation.
Junction sees huge boost after B&B buy
A year after its acquisition of Bradford & Bingley's motor and home insurance business, Junction claims to have boosted new home policies by 200%, increased sales on its smaller motor book by 1000% and improved renewal rates by 25%. The firm has now…
Insurers rail against solicitors' PI burden
The insurance market should not bear the burden of "regulating the solicitors' profession" due to insufficient regulatory intervention, the Association of British Insurers has warned.
Website Review: Confused
In the latest of its ongoing series, web performance specialist Gomez looks at Confused's website.
Transatlantic to launch UK personal lines brand
Transatlantic Re is set to launch a new UK personal lines general insurance venture, as the US giant looks to capitalise on hardening premium rates in the motor market.
Career development & CSR: Bluefin wins regional apprenticeship award
Bluefin Insurance Services has fought off stiff competition, including underground maintenance firm Tube Lines and engineering specialist Babcock International Group, to be crowned large employer of the year in the London regional final of the…
Fish eyes boutique growth after ex-Lockton partner hire
Private equity-backed broker Fish Insurance is set to make a play for boutique commercial insurance, following the hire of a former Lockton partner to spearhead a new division.
Editor's comment: Still after a piece of the motor market action
Despite the horrendous combined operating ratios and losses that have piled up in the UK personal lines motor market in recent years, it still holds a fascination for many.
Bike aggregator expands in specialist motor niches
The new owner of The Bike Insurer is poised to expand into the specialist lines of caravan and classic car cover, with discussions underway with up to eight providers.
Insurers fight to avoid ash cloud backlash
As Post went to press, insurers were racing to publicly outline their claims positions on the latest volcanic ash eruption, in a bid to avoid the media backlash the industry suffered 12 months ago. More than a year after the extensive disruption caused…
Ford tackles credit hire fees with claims service
Car manufacturing giant Ford is to launch a dedicated 'credit hire free' accident management arm for its customers in a bid to help eradicate personal injury claims inflation.
Law report: 'Crime of violence' debate over suicide
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: False statements alone will not prove contempt of court
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Former HSBC boss returns with new motor start-up
Martyn Capewell, the former chief executive of HSBC Insurance, is set to return with a new venture, in a further sign of a resurgence in the intermediated motor market.
CEA publishes insurance guide
A booklet highlighting the financial awareness programmes national insurance associations across Europe are involved with has been published by the CEA.
PI claims costs to rise to £9.7bn by 2014
A report by Datamonitor has found that costs faced by the personal injury insurance industry are likely to keep climbing for some time – rising from £8.4bn in 2010 to £9.7bn by 2014 – driven by the growth in the number of motor personal injury claims.
CEA publishes insurance guide
A booklet highlighting the financial awareness programmes national insurance associations across Europe are involved with has been published by the CEA.