News
Natural Catastrophes poll
The sequence of earthquakes and large number of weather-related catastrophes have led some insurers to brand 2011 the costliest year ever in terms of natural catastrophes.
More M&A expected in Thailand after reinsurers review flood losses
Heavy losses from Thailand’s recent floods are dampening the appetite of global reinsurers to write business in the region.
PI broker launches commercial lines smartphone app
A professional indemnity insurance broker has launched a PI smartphone application that allows IT professionals to receive insurance quotes and buy cover.
LV Broker makes double promotion
LV Broker has promoted Kevan Aubrey and Mark Campbell to the positions of head of commercial distribution and head of key commercial accounts respectively.
FM Global appoints Rod Fisher senior VP for underwriting
Commercial property insurer FM Global has appointed Rod Fisher as senior vice president of underwriting and reinsurance.
Axa calls in extra claims staff as extreme weather batters Britain
The head of household claims at Axa has revealed that extreme weather conditions over the past few days have forced the firm to draft in extra claims handling staff to deal with an influx of calls.
Winter weather costs commercial property owners up to £225m a year
Cadogan Keelan Westall has revealed that Winter damage due to the severe UK weather is costing commercial property owners up to £225m a year, research has found.
FOS to set £350 surcharge for mis-sold PPI
The Financial Ombudsman Service has published its proposed plans and budget for the next financial year.
Apil president raises 'grave concerns' following PM's promise
The president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers fears that David Cameron’s vow to clamp down on the perceived UK compensation culture could leave workers exposed to unnecessary risk of injury.
XL gets green light for Brazilian insurance company
XL Group has announced that it has received final approval from the Brazilian insurance and reinsurance regulator, Superintendencia de Seguros Privados, to establish an insurance operation in the country.
DWF completes Crutes merger
Law firm, DWF, has completed its merger with Crutes and says it plans to further invest in its Newcastle presence.
Axa Assistance wins Hastings deal
Axa Assistance has signed a five-year deal to provide motor assistance and specialist insurance covers to Hastings Insurance Services.
UK General files High Court writ against former partner Am Trust
A UK General Insurance Group spokesman has confirmed that the company has filed a High Court writ against Am Trust.
Cameron to ‘kill off’ health and safety culture
Prime Minister David Cameron’s New Year’s resolution is “to kill off the health and safety culture for good”.
Industry called on to restore consumer confidence
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has called on the industry to play a “powerful role” in restoring consumer confidence.
Poland, Hungary and Ukraine lead the way in Coface top 500 ranking
For European financial services companies 2010 saw a return to profitability and a significant growth in turnover, with Polish, Hungarian and Ukrainian companies leading the way, according to Coface's top 500 rankings.
Malaysian M&A activity to continue in 2012
The high volume of merger and acquisition activities in the Malaysia financial services sectors is expected to continue in 2012, particularly in the area of insurance, a Pricewaterhouse Coopers official has said.
Paul Napier hires Cross for world push
Lloyd’s Broker Paul Napier has taken on Edward Cross as divisional director responsible for the development, distribution and marketing of commercial, professional and financial lines worldwide.
Windstorm Ulli expected to hit Scandanavia then dissipate
Windstorm Ulli is passing through Scandinavia and is expected to dissipate as it moves over the Baltic Sea today.
Chartis and Generali back launch of Chinese aggregator site
CNinsure, an independent insurance intermediary company operating in China, has launched a comparison website under the name of Baowang (www.baoxian.com).
85% of Omani consumers want Islamic finance products
There is strong appetite among Omani consumers for Islamic finance with many keen to take it up as soon as it becomes available on the market, according to a study published by the Islamic Finance Advisory & Assurance Services.
Travel insurers criticised over ongoing medical warranties
A rising number of Britons travelling overseas are being left without cover by insurers implementing medical clauses after policies are sold, according to consumer watchdog Which?
Stormy weather creates conditions for household rate rise
The recent winter storms in England and Scotland could lead to further rises in household premiums, according to PwC.
Ageas's Asian subsidiary has ratings affirmed
Ageas Insurance Company (Asia) has had it’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating affirmed at 'BBB+', and insurer financial strength rating affirmed at 'A-' by Fitch.