News
DfT denies driverless convoy trial plans
The Department for Transport has denied that the UK government is plotting trials of convoys of driverless lorries on UK roads next year.
Construction insurer launches ECS-backed liability covers
Construction industry insurer Trade Direct has partnered with the UK Electrotechnical Certification Scheme to launch a new range of liability products.
Allianz creates new role to forge closer ties between claims and retail division
Allianz has appointed Richard Nettleship to the newly created role of proposition and change relationship manager, in a bid to forge greater links between its claims team and its retail division.
Helvetia shareholders urged to support Nationale Suisse takeover bid
Shareholders of Swiss insurance company Helvetia have been summoned to an extraordinary shareholders meeting where they will decide on the capital increase required for the takeover of Nationale Suisse.
Telematics M&As tipped to hit peak as Admiral mulls Insure the Box purchase
Rumoured deal follows those involving Wunelli and Ingenie in recent months.
Compre expands German footprint with HIR acquisition
Reinsurance legacy specialist Compre has completed the acquisition of Hamburger Internationale Rückversicherung from Tawa after obtaining approval from German regulator BaFin.
Biba launches MP guide to promote benefits of brokers
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has launched a guide for MPs to help constituents with insurance and promote the benefits of using a broker.
Analysts criticise insurers’ use of reserve releases for distorting H1 results picture
Admiral boss Engelhardt calls focus on reserves in financial reporting ‘bizarre’
Gallagher plots Welsh jobs following first instalment of £1.13m government grant
Arthur J Gallagher has received the first instalment of a £1.13m grant from the Welsh Government to be put towards establishing a centre of excellence in Wales and creating jobs for local people.
ABI gets industry backing after L&G’s decision to withdraw membership
Trade body tight-lipped on whether L&G exit will impact membership fees.
ABI welcomes LSB delay on 'misguided' PI cover reduction
The Association of British Insurers has described the decision by the Legal Services Board to prevent a reduction in the minimum terms for solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance ahead of the October renewal period as “a victory for common sense”.
Quindell begins legal proceedings against Gotham in the US
Outsourcing company Quindell has confirmed that it has started legal proceedings against US short sellers Gotham City, as well as a blogger that repeated “defamatory” claims about the company.
AM Best concerned over reinsurance underwriting discipline
AM Best has revised its outlook for the reinsurance sector to negative citing several headwinds.
Lee joins KPMG China from Towers Watson
Anthony Lee has joined KPMG China to become director of business development, financial services, with a focus on insurance.
QBE Europe sees GWP drop 13%
QBE Europe's first half gross written premiums fell 13% to $2.69bn (£1.62bn) from $3.1bn in the same period of 2013.
Iceland raises new ash cloud warnings
The Icelandic Met Office has warned of an increased risk of volcanic ash following powerful seismic activity at Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano.
SRA fails to gain approval for PI cover change ahead of renewals
A reduction in the limit for mandatory professional indemnity cover will not take place before the October renewals after the Legal Services Board issued a warning notice delaying its decision on the change by up to twelve months.
Swinton acquires books of business from Welsh broker
Swinton has acquired the commercial and personal lines books of Welsh broker EW Southall Insurance and Estate Agents.
ITV HR director Linares to take on identical role at DLG
Direct Line Group has appointed ITV’s group director for human resources Simon Linares as HR director.
West Midlands broker banned from financial services industry
A former West Midlands insurance broker and mortgage adviser has been banned from working in the financial services industry after a tribunal upheld an initial ruling by the conduct regulator.
Allianz Worldwide Care unveils My Health app
International health insurer Allianz Worldwide Care has launched an app that allows members to submit medical claims quicker by providing key details and taking a photo of medical invoices.
Uber’s Berlin ban overturned
A ban on smartphone taxi firm Uber operating in Berlin has been suspended until further notice following a decision by the presiding judge of the Berlin Administrative Court.
China is highly sought after market for reinsurers, says Fitch
According to ratings agency Fitch, foreign reinsurers see Asia as having great growth potential.
50% premium reductions in Australia, says Marsh
An abundance of capacity in the reinsurance market is helping keep renewal rates soft in Australia according to international broker Marsh.