News
Zurich wins ‘landmark' meso case in Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has today (20 May) unanimously ruled in favour of Zurich in a judgment that means an insurer will only have to compensate a solvent employer for the years they were on risk in cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Axa to display previous year's premium on motor renewals
Axa has confirmed that it is now displaying last year's premium on motor renewals for its Axa Direct Brands.
Two thirds of SMEs unaware of D&O cover, Allianz survey finds
Allianz has jointly launched a white paper outlining the risks faced by company directors after a survey by the insurer found that two thirds of SME leaders are not aware of what directors & officers insurance is.
Allianz extends commercial offering via Applied Systems
Allianz has expanded its suite of commercial lines products available through software provider Applied Systems’ Applied TAM technology to include the insurer’s property owners, tradesman, and shop and office products.
Vienna Insurance Group sees first quarter GWP increase
Vienna Insurance Group has posted an increase in gross written premiums for the first quarter of 2015, but posted a decrease in profits before tax.
RFIB launches life reinsurance division
RFIB Group has launched a life reinsurance unit to be led by divisional director Michael Crawcour.
Product for non-insured Italian real estate risk developed
Besso Insurance Group have teamed up with Secure Legal Title to launch an insurance programme which mitigates a risk, never before covered by insurance, inherent in certain Italian real estate transactions.
Yorkshire broker to face jury on death by careless driving charge
The boss of a North Yorkshire broker Sean McClarron has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a 26-year-old motorcyclist through careless driving.
FP Marine's Bilney: 'Cargo rates are softest in my career'
Philip Bilney, CEO of Hong Kong-based marine specialist broker FP Marine, has warned that cargo rates are the softest he has seen in more than 30 years in insurance.
Conflict with Medco mooted as revised rehab code awaits summer launch
Draft proposals for the revised rehabilitation code have sparked calls for a “distinct pathway” to be established for low value whiplash claims so as not to conflict with the fledgling Medco scheme.
Changes at LV and Admiral fail to mask issue of succession planning
Succession planning and the promotion of internal talent remain key issues for the industry to address, according to analysts, who have played down the significance of recent leaderships announcements at Admiral and LV.
Paul Matthews leaves Thistle
Paul Matthews, the CEO of JLT’s managing general agent Thistle Insurance Services, has left the company, according to documents filed with Companies House.
ANV adds three to syndicate consumer products team
ANV Holdings has appointed three people to its eight-strong consumer products team within Syndicate 5820 reporting to recently appointed active underwriter Bruce Whitmee.
Role of PCWs highlighted as insurers hit back against premium finance criticism
The Financial Conduct Authority has been accused of failing to address consumer buying behaviour in the findings of its premium finance thematic review, which singled out insurers and brokers for criticism.
International Underwriting Association announces opposition to fees increase
The International Underwriting Association has voiced its disappointment with the proposed increase in regulatory fees imposed on UK general insurers.
PPI complaints continue to hamper FOS progress
Payment protection insurance complaints accounted for 63% of all grievances dealt with by the Financial Ombudsman Service in 2014/2015.
Notion of non-compulsory motor cover for driverless cars dismissed by experts
Public mistrust of driverless car technology and a potential influx of personal injury law suits have been cited by industry experts as the main reasons why the development of autonomous vehicles will not lead to the end of compulsory motor insurance.
Innovation Group reports revenue increase for latest six months
The Innovation Group, a provider of software and business process outsourcing to the insurance, fleet, automotive and property industries, has reported its interim results for the six-month period ending 31 March.
Wilson and Gourlay promoted at MSIG
Alan Wilson, Asia regional CEO of MSIG, and Michael Gourlay, vice president of business development, Asia have both been promoted.
Walker to join QBE as Hong Kong CEO in July
Mark Walker has left Allied World where he was CEO of its recently acquired Hong Kong division and will join QBE as its new Hong Kong CEO in mid-July after a period of gardening leave.
Insurance Institute of Southampton appoints solicitor as president
Trethowans Solicitors partner Kelvin Farmaner has been appointed as president of the Insurance Institute of Southampton.
Covéa to shift away from broker-only distribution model
Covéa is planning to make a change to its distribution channels and move away from its existing broker-only model, Post understands.
Postman jailed after music festival performance exposes fraudulent claim
A postman who attempted to defraud Esure out of hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation after exaggerating the effects of a workplace accident has been jailed.
Aviva policyholder demands answers from chairman on French arbitrage life contracts
The French life assurance holder who wants Aviva to honour his fixed-price arbitrage contract has sent an open letter to the insurer's chairman urging him to address four questions he claims were "avoided" at Aviva's annual general meeting in April.