Opinion
Penny Black’s insurance week
Penny was not at the Conservative Party conference this week but couldn’t help but notice her chums at Lloyd’s broker Windsor, which does a bit of business with the Tories, had pulled a blinder on the publicity front.
My best 11: Alistair Steward, Questgates
Alistair Steward, director at loss adjusting company Questgates, names his Best XI for a potential start-up insurance company. Steward has chosen from the insurance elite, the celebrity world and the galaxy of football stars to select his dream team.
View from the top: It’s no accident
The number of claims for accidental damage has fallen sharply in the past few years, which has far-reaching implications for the motor insurance, body shop and vehicle recovery sectors alike.
View from the Top: Collaboration and partnership essential for leadership
The efforts of any one organisation can often be enhanced by the cooperation of another.
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny was very close to whipping out her cheque book at the sight of the all the diamond jewellery up for auction at Sterling Insurance’s open day.
Your say: The real postcode lottery
Jack Straw’s Bill has not been particularly well thought out, specifically the point relating to postcode rating. In my view there are two very good reasons why this part of the bill should be changed.
Editor's comment: Out of our hands?
With the bullish comments made by even the most cat-exposed insurers still echoing in our ears, declaring the global insurance market resilient in the face of one of the costliest years ever, the storm clouds are now gathering on multiple fronts from…
North of the border: UK-wide outbreak of common sense?
After reviewing the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Lord Young made the point that, despite significant progress and the undoubted success of the Act, the standing of health and safety in the eyes of the public has never been lower. There is a growing…
View from the top: Time for action
Insurers must fight to protect their fundamental purpose faced with the threat of external interventions, says Barry Smith, CEO, Ageas UK.
Exporting to the US: pitfalls and potential
Exporting to the US could be a solution to Europe’s economic problems but as Pat Drinan explains brokers looking to help out firms venturing into this market need to watch their own back as well as their clients.
View from the top: Environmental variations cause issues
Differing approaches adopted by individual European countries have added complexity to the issue of environmental liability.
My best 11 - David Williams, Axa Commercial Lines
Axa Commercial claims and underwriting chief David Williams picks his best XI for a potential insurance start-up company. Relying on his vast management experience Williams has selected a mix of sporting, celebrity and insurance personalities.
Your Say: Restoring confidence
We read with interest the report on the market survey carried out by LAS Claims Management, described as a ’damning assessment’ of restoration companies in particular.
Editor's comment: Overcoming the barriers
If there’s one thing we can say for sure this week, it’s that the latest round in the subrogation set-to over disputed motor repair bills will not be the last.
Expert opinion: A missed opportunity
MP for Blackburn Jack Straw's proposed bill will have no effect on fraud or premiums, says Philip Dicken, strategic partnersip director, New Law.
View from the top: Sleepwalking to a fleet nightmare
New business discounts, cross subsidising and top-line chasing remain rife, says Laurent Matras, managing director, Groupama Insurances.
View from the Top: Keep up the momentum for a global solution
We’ve identified the problem and a solution. We must keep up the momentum to complete the process.
Penny Black’s insurance week
Penny is a firm believer in it never being too late to spice up life a little.
Your say: Breaking old ground
I could have taken exception with Keith Stern giving the impression he is a pioneer in the UK provinces attracting business into the Lloyd’s market, but that would have been counterproductive.
Comment - Civil litigation: You’re part of the problem
When the insurance industry launches a campaign to reform our “broken civil litigation system” it predictably wheels out dodgy statistics – including that complete nonsense of a report from Frontier Economics again — and dubious ‘facts’. It conveniently…
Ask the Expert
With all the recent turmoil in the markets, how is the insurance industry faring in terms of new job creation?
View from the top: Business as usual
In May, when I last wrote this column, all eyes were on mid-year reinsurance renewals given the pummelling that the year’s natural catastrophes had already delivered to reinsurers.
Travel clinic fraud: a growing problem
Thousands of holidaymakers who receive medical treatment while travelling abroad are at risk of being overcharged, according to Mike Keating.
Your say: Sports stars car coverage
The recent ‘The Olympic challenge' feature in Post emphasised the raft of opportunities for the insurance industry when it comes to the various possible disruption triggers, such as the weather.