News
ABI welcomes national planning framework recommendations
The Association of British Insurers has welcomed the government's national planning framework recommendation for local authorities to follow flood risk guidance to help avoid unwise developments in flood risk areas.
Insurers face 20% VAT hike in police fees
Insurers can expect to see a 20% increase in the cost of police theft and accident reports after the tax man demanded they charge VAT that insurers cannot reclaim.
Caravanquoter insurer and broker panel expands to 19
The price comparison website has reported that an increasing number of insurers and brokers are keen to join its panel of providers.
Omega shareholders to reject Catalina offer
Omega shareholders could shun run-off business buyer Catalina Holdings' acquisition offer.
Abbey to buy law firm on ABS go-ahead
Abbey Legal managing director Chris Ward, pictured, has said the insurer will buy a stake in a law firm as soon as the Solicitors Regulation Authority gives the green light to its Alternative Business Structure application.
Aviva steps up underwriting focus with two new appointments
Aviva has recruited Hayley Robinson to the role of chief underwriting officer for personal lines, and David Dixey, previously head of liability development at Aviva, as chief underwriting officer for commercial, corporate and speciality lines.
Philippines Insurance Commissioner promotes benefits of microinsurance
The Philippines Insurance Commissioner has urged members of the public to buy microinsurance to prepare for the future.
Garwyn opens Bristol office
Liability adjuster Garwyn has opened a new operation in Bristol's Aztec West business district.
Allianz buys wind farms as part of renewables investment
German insurer Allianz has bought two recently completed wind farms in France from Nordex SE.
Liberty Mutual sponsors four athletes
Commercial lines insurer Liberty Mutual Insurance has sponsored four British athletes for the year.
Deductibles distrust blamed for Thailand's high motor premiums
A reluctance to apply deductibles may be keeping Thai motor premiums unnecessarily high, according to the country's General Insurance Association.
Nexus Underwriting sets up new Lloyd's MGA
Nexus Underwriting has launched its new Lloyd's managing general agency, Nexus Professional Risks.
Kwik-Fit's Green Insurance adds MMA to panel
The Kwik-Fit-owned Green Insurance Company has added MMA Insurance to its insurer panel.
China considers domestic shipping system to protect oil imports
China may create an integrated shipping system for imported oil via cooperative agreements among state-owned shipping lines, refineries and insurance bodies, with the goal of ensuring energy security.
Travelers starts job loss talks over re-jig
Insurer Travelers is proposing job losses after deciding to reorganise its UK underwriting and operations.
Ascot announces £12.6m loss
Lloyd's insurer Ascot Underwriting has revealed that a combined ratio hike to 104.7% (2010: 79.2%) caused a loss of £12.6m (2010: £97.1m).
LV scraps age limit on car insurance
LV has scrapped its upper age limit on car insurance.
Abbey Legal reports 5% profit rise but warns of tough year
Legal and professional fees insurer Abbey Protection has announced 2011 revenues up 4% to £36.2m (2010: £34.9m) and pre-tax profits up 5% to £10.1m (2010: £9.6m).
NFU Mutual returns to underwriting profit
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has turned an underwriting loss in 2010 of £150m into a profit in 2011 of £105m.
Malaysia sees improvements in corporate governance
Malaysia's quest to improve corporate governance in banks and insurance companies is seeing results, according to Malaysian news publication The Star.
Law firm Donns in administration with PI cases sold to Irwin Mitchell
Manchester personal injury law firm Donns has been forced into administration and its caseload has been bought by rival Irwin Mitchell.
Titanic centenary prompts safety concerns
Shipping loss rates have declined from one ship per 100 per year in 1912 to one ship per 670 per year in 2009, according to a report from Allianz to mark the centenary of the iceberg-hit ship.
Shipping sector faces new risks 100 years on from Titanic disaster
To mark the centenary of the Titanic sinking, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty has recorded what it views as the biggest risks to the shipping industry today.
Declined risk pool aims to reduce losses for India's motor sector
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority's decision to implement a declined risk pool system for third-party motor insurance is likely to reduce the losses for Indian insurers, according to industry insiders.