News
Tata AIG in bancassurance tie-up
AIG's Indian joint venture has formed an agreement with India's Axis Bank to offer insurance products via the private bank's distribution network.
Merlin set for liquidation
Merlin Claims' joint administrators have recommended that the fallen loss adjuster enter liquidation once the administrative work is sufficiently complete.
DAS promotes from within to boost regional underwriting teams
Legal expenses insurer DAS is expanding its regional underwriting teams with the appointments of Peter Tierney and Neil McDermott as regional underwriters for the north and south respectively.
RSA backs revised CoA judgment but calls for more government action
RSA has added its voice to calls for the government to use the Court of Appeal's revised judgment in Simmons v Castle as a springboard for further industry reform.
DLG trading begins at 175p a share
Direct Line Group shares with an offer price of 175p have begun trading this morning on the London Stock Exchange.
Investing in the profession: CILA qualification passes milestone
The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters has revealed that 100 applicants have successfully passed its Ofqual-accredited insurance claims handling certificate.
Investing in the profession: Ageas Underwriting gains chartered status
Ageas Underwriting has been granted chartered status after meeting a number of criteria set out by the Chartered Insurance Institute, including an examination of its development programmes and training and competence scheme, which are part of the Ageas…
Market moves: FSJ, Liberty and RSA among main hirers in busy week for recruitment
This week FSJ continued its recent recruitment push by adding four new brokers to its growing team. Meanwhile, Liberty announced hires in its European underwriting arm and syndicates team, and RSA welcomed two new staff to its global speciality lines…
Animation could prove 'pivotal' to future risk analysis in insurance
Effective use of animation can convince underwriters to offer terms on risks they have declined to write previously, significantly reduce the time from risk assessment to contract and generate premium savings for the insured, according to a newly…
Industry fears homeowner panic as flood agreement expiration approaches
Brokers in high flood-risk areas have accused the Association of British Insurers of failing to "nail its colours to the mast" amid growing concern over the lack of a long-term replacement for the Statement of Principles.
Oval enters consultation with Vela to 'simplify' business
Oval Insurance Brokers has entered into consultation with senior management figures at its underwriting subsidiary Vela in a move aimed at "simplifying" the business.
Insurance blogger backs regulation of 'murky' loss adjusting practices
An insurance blogger and former broker has added his voice to calls for loss adjusters to be regulated, after criticising the broking sector for its part in supporting unscrupulous firms that promote a "black economy".
BBC documentary series debunks myth of 'easy crime' insurance fraud
A 10-part exposé of the work of insurance fraud investigators is to be screened on BBC One from Monday.
Analysts sceptical over reported success of RBS' Direct Line Group float
Analysts have expressed scepticism at the professed success of the Direct Line Group float, after reports that the insurer’s parent, Royal Bank of Scotland, found buyers for the full 33% of stock available within three days of its initial marketing drive.
Video: A choice based on expertise and value
Is sufficient focus given to the expertise and value provided by an insurer, and does it figure highly enough when the choice of underwriter is made?
Damages uplift is ‘moot’ point for Direct Line Group IPO
Accountancy firm BDO has claimed the Direct Line Group floatation is unlikely to be affected by the Court of Appeal’s decision to stop personal injury claimants, who have entered a conditional fee arrangement before 1 April 2013, qualifying for a 10%…
Top five Asian news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past ten days.
Top five European stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Howden completes Windsor Partners integration
Hyperion subsidiary Howden Broking is to transfer all business and assets from Winsor Partners effective 1 October.
Exaggerated claim thrown out in entirety on grounds of "abuse of process"
A woman who exaggerated a personal injury claim has walked away with no compensation at all after a court declared her actions represented an abuse of process.
GlobalOptions and IFIC Forensics form partnership
International anti-fraud investigator GlobalOptions has formed a partnership with British firm International Fire and Investigations Consultants, which provides forensic investigations for insurers, loss adjusters and solicitors.
RSA victory prompts rival rethink on repair strategy
RSA has seen off one potential dispute relating to its controversial motor repair model after signing a bilateral agreement with Groupama Insurances, although it is unclear whether this will survive the completion of Ageas' acquisition of Groupama.
Gregory becomes latest high-profile addition to CFC board following MBO
Newly independent CFC Underwriting has bolstered its board with another industry heavyweight in the form of former HSBC Insurance Brokers chief executive Philip Gregory.
Editor's comment: Stars of the small screen
With the British public's general view of the industry leaning towards a default 'big bad insurer', any opportunity to tip the balance back a couple of notches should be jumped on for maximum effect.