News
APC unveils SME shopkeeper product
Underwriting agency APC has launched a new product aimed at shopkeepers in the SME space.
Sainsbury's and RBSI confirm deal
Sainsbury’s Finance has confirmed that it has signed heads of agreement with Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance with a view to appointing it as its motor insurance provider.
Post blog: not so sweet on a supermarket sweep
This week Esure became the latest insurance group to shrug of the loss of a multi-million pound deal with one of the UK's largest supermarket chains, with a response which might as well have come from Little Britain's Vicky Pollard.
Swiss Re to increase dividend by 175%
The Swiss Re board of directors has proposed the approval of a dividend for 2010 of CHF 2.75 - a 175% increase compared to 2009.
Swiss Re to increase dividend by 175%
The Swiss Re board of directors has proposed the approval of a dividend for 2010 of CHF 2.75 - a 175% increase compared to 2009.
Ageas acquires Castle Cover for £53m
Ageas UK has acquired over 50s specialist Castle Cover in a £52.8m deal. The insurer said that the purchase will increase its customer numbers to around eight million.
Walter hints at new business proposition
Outgoing Insurecom chief executive Phillip Walter has revealed he is in talks with venture capitalists about launching a new business once he exits the firm in May.
Career development & CSR: investment in skills a must after unemployment rises
The Financial Skills Partnership has urged businesses to invest in training and skills to stimulate the economy after youth unemployment rose to a record high.
North of the Border: no fault compensation
On 20 February 2011 the report of the No Fault Compensation Review Group was published. The group, headed by Professor Sheila McLean, has backed a Scottish government plan to reform the system of clinical negligence claims, by introducing a no-fault…
Irish firm looks to acquire UK brokers
UK brokers are attractive acquisition targets for European players now that valuations are "more sensible" according to one Irish broker.
Career development & CSR: BGL backs debt advice
BGL Group has offered financial backing to a newly established debt advice service in Peterborough that has been set up by The Salvation Army.
H&S cuts worry for insurers
Insurers have expressed concern at government plans to cut health & safety inspections.
Application fraud: provider info handover is 'gob-smackingly' bad
There remains a serious issue concerning the "question set mapping challenge" between insurers and aggregators. Indeed, Pinsent Masons head of insurance John Salmon told delegates that, in some cases, it is "gob-smacking how badly this is done".
Application fraud: insurance defence approaches outlined
Martyn Kyle, head of insurance at SAS, outlined a number of potential defence approaches to combating application fraud. These included using the media, screen warnings and capturing suspicious behaviour.
View from the top: a recipe for disaster
Some companies' belief that insurance policies can be sold like loaves of sliced bread makes a difficult situation worse.
Law report: clarity needed to determine 'special relationship' status on defects claims
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: judge finds in favour of solicitor over mental health doubts
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
News analysis: alarming revelations for commercial cover
The recent Mactavish-Pricewaterhouse Coopers report that declared commercial insurance 'not fit for purpose' is a wake-up call to the market. Insurers, brokers, company boards, government and the buying community should all take note, says John Hurrell.
News analysis - mesothelioma: getting the right guidance
In light of a recent Supreme Court judgment, which failed to produce the sought after clarity, Brian Goodwin argues that defendants should continue to strive for authoritative guidance on mesothelioma cases.
Application fraud: insurers 'oblivious' to extent of issue warns IFB boss
Many insurers are totally oblivious to their exposure to application fraud, according to Insurance Fraud Bureau director Glenn Marr. And one of the prime reasons for this, he added, is its complexity and scope.
Erwin: growth to come from broking firm uncertainty
Westinsure's incoming chief executive Norrie Erwin has said regulatory uncertainty in the broking sector will boost the firm's growth.
Application fraud: customers need to understand seriousness of purchase
There is a fine balancing act between "the legal guff, educating customers and having a slick online process", when it comes to preventing ignorant or opportunist application fraud, according to John Salmon, head of insurance at Pinsent Masons.
Aviva boss: earthquake will not impact GI rates
Global general insurance rates will not be dramatically affected by Japan's earthquake and tsunami, according to Aviva's chief underwriting officer.
Editor's comment: hard work starts here
The British Insurance Brokers' Association must be feeling pretty vindicated and pleased with itself right now — and justifiably so.