News
France lags European neighbours for aggregator use and online sales
Aggregators are the fastest-growing distribution channel for motor and household insurance in Europe while online purchases have grown rapidly across the continent, according to research from Finaccord.
Optimism stalls as hopes for recovery fade
Eight-seven percent of businesses do not expect the economy to recover within the next two years, according to research by QBE.
Rehab code use in PI claims continues to rise
The Rehabilitation code is now “a fully established part of the claims process”, according to a report by the International Underwriting Association and the Association of British Insurers.
Towergate names Barclays retail boss Duggan as Network Division CEO
Gary Duggan has been appointed the Towergate network division’s chief executive. He joins the executive committee of the firm and will lead the network business, which comprises Broker Network and Countrywide.
Sterling renews DAS legal expenses partnership
Sterling Insurance has renewed a deal with legal expenses provider DAS to provide legal expenses cover to its customers.
United India sells crop insurance
Publicly owned United India Insurance is now selling crop insurance products as part of a tie-up with Agriculture Insurance Company.
Arista recruits Peake to drive North East push
Commercial lines specialist Arista has appointed a senior commercial underwriter in Leeds as it tries to bolster growth in the North East.
Joint ventures are best plan to target emerging markets, says PWC’s Howe
PWC's new UK insurance lead Jonathan Howe has advised UK insurers to enter joint ventures in order to best access emerging markets and protect themselves in the future.
RSA releases home offering in China
In response to the growing popularity of home insurance in China, RSA’s private client insurance plan is now available through Globalsurance.
Ten backs chartered plans with training hire
Independent broker network Ten Insurance has appointed a training manager in its bid to receive chartered status.
Amlin-backed cyber risk MGA opens doors
Amlin is to lead capacity provision for a new cyber risks managing general agent.
Fraudster who claimed manhole fall sentenced
A fraudster who claimed he had fallen down a manhole has been hit with a suspended prison sentence as well as unpaid work and £85 of costs.
Fixed costs scheme to reduce liability costs by 50%
The introduction of fixed fees for personal injury cases conducted through the road traffic accident portal could bring the defendants’ costs down by 50%, according to Garwyn.
Vandalised Louvre painting uninsured
The vandalised French painting Liberty Leading the People, was uninsured according to art market sources.
Senior US casualty reinsurance duo joins Towers Watson
Mark Higgins and Fraser Howard will Towers Watson from Aon Benfield, in a move that seeks to cement the firm’s position in the US casualty treaty reinsurance broking in the London Market.
Blizzard alerts raised on US East Coast
The US National Weather Service has sent out text message alerts to US East Coast residents warning of a blizzard due to hit the region over the weekend.
Brightside rebrands as One Insurance Solution
Insurance broker Brightside Group has amalgamated a number of brands under the name One Insurance Solution.
Beazley brings data breach solution to UK
Specialist insurer Beazley has imported its data breach solution to the UK four years after its US launch.
Boeing 787 grounding claims could prove costly
All Nipon Airways has estimated the grounding of its 17 Boeing 787 aircraft has had a ¥1.4bn (£9.6m) impact on its revenue between 16 to 31 January.
Zurich GI appoints head of customer, distribution and marketing
Zurich Insurance Group has named Dirk De Nil as head of customer, distribution and marketing for its general insurance business.
Tropical cyclone Oswald writes off Bundaberg homes
Homes in the city of Bundaberg, Queensland are likely to be a total loss following the passage of Tropical cyclone Oswald according to Cunningham Lindsey
Superstom Sandy strikes Aspen results
Aspen Insurance Holdings reported a combined ratio of 108.0% or 72.0% excluding catastrophes, pre-tax and net of reinsurance and reinstatements, for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with a combined ratio of 114.3% or 85.9% excluding catastrophes for…
Catlin strategy results in growing non-UK GWP contribution in 2012
Catlin recorded a 12.6% improvement in its combined operating ratio for 2012, in a year in which 49% of the firm’s total annual gross written premium of $4.97bn (£3.16bn) was produced by non-London/UK hubs.
Lockton expands in Australia
Lockton has expanded in Australia with the purchase of Melbourne-based niche insurance broker Strategic Insurance & Risk Solutions.