Opinion
FCA lets insurers lead as consumer protections weaken
The Association of Consumer Support Organisations’ director Matthew Maxwell Scott argues the Financial Conduct Authority's recent reports echo the Association of British Insurers' 18-month-old roadmap, risking consumer protections and repeating the…
Questioning the math behind FCA’s insurance price defence
The Financial Conduct Authority cites cost pressures, rather than profiteering, for motor insurance premium hikes but with record profits and low claims ratios, compliance consultant Branko Bjelobaba asks is that the full story?
Insurance’s role in the new nuclear age
View from the Top: Clifford Blayney, head of power and offshore sustainable energy at Markel, calls on insurers to innovate new products to support the nuclear renaissance.
Handling film production claims caused by climate change
Extreme weather is forcing film and television productions, insurers and loss adjusters to rethink cover limits for climate-related disruptions, according to Marion Jones, director of Spotlite Claims.
Brace yourself: Modernising the London market has just begun
Trade Voice: Joe Brace, the Lloyd's Market Association’s operations director, calls for shared standards, more collaboration and experimentation with data and artificial intelligence to move the market forward.
What the motor finance ruling means for broking pay
Editor’s View: After the Supreme Court ruling on motor finance sparked an £18bn redress scheme, Emma Ann Hughes asks could insurance broker commission be next under the Financial Conduct Authority’s spotlight?
How to use AI in insurance responsibly and ethically
View from the Top: Paul Hollands, Axa UK’s chief data and analytics officer, gives an overview of the guardrails and guiding principles the insurer has put in place as it embraces artificial intelligence.
How to fix the broker/insurer data gap
Zulf Raja, head of insurance at global data giant Dun & Bradstreet, examines why the data gap is felt most strongly between insurers and broker plus how both sides can solve this issue.
Why marine underwriters are demanding greater transparency on Israeli links
Trade Voice: Simon Jackson, member of London’s Forum of Insurance Lawyers and head of marine, energy and shipping at DAC Beachcroft, looks at what the recent sinking of two cargo ships in the Red Sea means for underwriting war risks cover.
Should premium finance firms be on high alert after motor finance decision?
News Editor’s View: Scott McGee looks at the approaches to commission disclosure taken by various premium finance firms, and how they might be feeling following the Supreme Court's motor finance decision.
Subsidence is surging yet policyholders remain unaware
Following the warmest and driest spring in more than half a century, Ashley Stevens, senior associate director at building and construction consultancy Brawdia, warns that the insurance industry must shift from a reactive to a preventative mindset on…
Insurers call for more regulation of electric vehicles
Petty Abrams, senior associate at law firm DWF, explores how new salvage rules, battery risks, repairability issues, charging liability, and increasing claims costs are reshaping motor insurance, and examines the need for more updates to legal frameworks.
Biba's Trudgill spots wins in government’s growth strategy
Trade Voice: Graeme Trudgill, CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, reflects on what more needs to be done in the wake of the government’s new financial services strategy.
FCA lacks ambition on insurance market reform
As claims service falters and essential cover vanishes, James Daley, managing director of consumer group Fairer Finance, warns the regulator is failing to deliver real change in a market increasingly stacked against consumers.
How confidence can give insurers an edge in broker service
View from the Top: Tovah Grosscurth, managing director of commercial lines at RSA, says brokers need partners who can offer a point of view, not wait for consensus.
The challenge of insuring asylum seeker accommodation
Oli Williamson, co-founder and chief underwriter at Aspect, explores how civil unrest and political tensions are complicating insurance for asylum seeker accommodation and highlights the vital role insurers, developers, and communities must play in…
CII’s Connell on how case studies are key to understanding vulnerability
Trade Voice: Dr Matthew Connell, director of policy and public affairs at the Chartered Insurance Institute, says insurers should use case studies, like those from the ombudsman, to better recognise, understand and respond to customer vulnerability.
Are broker share options worth the paper they’re written on?
Editor’s View: Emma Ann Hughes argues refinancing plus M&A talks at broking giants has provided a wake-up call to re-examine the share schemes used liberally to recruit and retain top talent.
View from the Top: Allianz’s Wyard on why insurers must share flood insight with customers
Alex Wyard, director of technical underwriting at Allianz Personal Lines, urges insurers to share data and guidance to help customers understand evolving flood risks and protect their homes as the climate changes.
Surge in film set thefts raises alarm for insurers
Marion Jones, director of Spotlite Claims at Woodgate & Clark, warns of a growing number of film set heists, urging stronger security to protect high-value kit and minimise production disruption.
Could AI alter the legal position of brokers?
Trade Voice: Professor Baris Soyer, director of the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law at Swansea University, explains why brokers using artificial intelligence will stay legally accountable, even when the technology's errors lead to…
What went wrong with Gallagher’s bid to buy PIB Group?
After talks between Gallagher and PIB came to an abrupt stop last week, Scott McGee asks what went wrong, and what does it represent?
Bupa Global MD on how issues plaguing public health systems hit insurers
Anthony Cabrelli, managing director of Bupa Global, explains the nature of claims, technological advances and prevention trends that are reshaping the international private medical insurance landscape.
Why FCA inaction on premium finance is unacceptable
Despite falling motor insurance premiums and political inertia, Rebecca Deegan, director of campaigners Fair By Design, argues inaction on premium finance isn't acceptable and the regulator must act now to end the poverty premium and ensure fair outcomes…