Opinion
How an uptick in deliberate fires is testing loss adjusters
Simon Jones, client services director at Woodgate & Clark, examines how the insurance industry is dealing with an uptick in the number of deliberate fires in public buildings.
Why Treasury’s £15 whiplash reform dividend doesn’t stand up to scrutiny
Trade Voice: Sue Brown, chair of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society, says that HM Treasury’s recent report on the effects of the Civil Liability Act raises more questions than it answers.
FCA’s premium finance conundrum: act or step back?
Editor’s View: With falling premiums, a stalled government motor insurance taskforce, and jittery markets, Emma Ann Hughes wonders if no action is now the most likely outcome of the Financial Conduct Authority’s premium finance market review.
Why a thriving independent broker market is more important than ever
View from the Top: John Read, managing director of WTW Networks, calls on broker networks, insurers and the Financial Conduct Authority to play their part in reinvigorating the dwindling independent broker marketplace.
Solvent exit planning: a crucial step for insurers
While the regulator has postponed the implementation date for the solvent exit planning rules for insurers to 30 June 2026, Sarah Ouarbya, partner for risk consulting and regulatory compliance at Forvis Mazars, warns providers shouldn't put off producing…
Why cutting instalment costs could be a win-win for insurers
As paying for home and motor insurance in instalments shift from a convenience to a necessity, Ian Hughes, CEO of Consumer Intelligence, insists fairer pricing could turn a regulatory requirement into a powerful growth strategy for providers.
Is Esure enough for Ageas?
News Editor’s View: After securing two acquisitions, Scott McGee asks if Ageas will look to acquire more rivals in the future to ensure it is a top three personal lines provider or whether it will focus more on organic growth.
Managing PI exposures amid Labour’s building push
When it comes to the government’s target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, Tinu Ayoola, senior professional indemnity underwriter at Collegiate Management Services, reckons more haste less speed is required to ensure adequate cover is…
Is the insurance industry ready for the full force of climate change?
Bharat Raj, head of London markets at insurance consultancy Broadstone, examines whether the insurance industry is adequately prepared for the magnitude of climate change-related losses.
Why is the insurance industry so reluctant to stand up for itself?
Trade Voice: Chris Hall, CEO of QuestGates and a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Claims Community Board, hits back at the bad press the industry can often receive – but observes that sometimes, the sector doesn’t help itself.
Allianz’s Hobbs’ call to action on lithium ion batteries
View from the Top: Nick Hobbs, chief distribution officer at Allianz UK, explores the insurance profession’s role in tackling lithium-ion battery risks and supporting safer innovation through broker collaboration.
Consumer Intelligence CEO argues 0% APR insurance needs a rethink
Ian Hughes, CEO of Consumer Intelligence, argues how 0% APR on insurance may breach regulatory requirements as those paying annually are effectively being penalised for not taking out credit.
What insurers should know about today’s cyber threats
Mark Kirby, director of Intersys, examines how the current cyber threat landscape is evolving and how insurers need to change their approaches to respond to the threat.
Why in-person networking is irreplaceable
Trade Voice: iCan’s Ajay Mistry on why in-person networking is more important than ever in the insurance industry.
How Trump’s tariffs could make motor insurers great again
Editor’s View: US President Donald Trump’s tariffs could prove a fresh road to hell for motor insurers unless they show they’ve learnt lessons from the last few bruising years of claims inflation, according to Emma Ann Hughes.
Aviva’s Washington on what’s next for commercial lines
View from the Top: Matt Washington, managing director of global corporate and specialty at Aviva, says the sector must modernise, innovate and maintain discipline to stay on top of an ever-changing risk landscape.
Why too little red pen in board reports is a red flag
After the FCA raised concerns about non-financial misconduct, Sophie Espinasse, head of client learning at Konexo, warns too little red pen in board reports should be a red flag to them as they seek to crack down on bad apples in their organisations.
Closing Europe’s natural catastrophe protection gap
Trade Voice: Typhaine Beaupérin, CEO of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations, appraises recent proposals for a continent-wide scheme to boost the provision of natural catastrophe cover.
Little less conversation and a lot more insurtech action please
Editor’s View: The Labour government’s insurtech ambition would be laughable if it wasn’t so delusional, argues Emma Ann Hughes.
View from the Top: Don’t allow price talk to drown out the quality of insurance
As the insurance market shifts into a new phase, competition intensifies and price becomes the dominant factor in decision-making, Richard Coleman, managing director of Ecclesiastical, argues while affordability matters the real value of insurance lies…
Failure to prepare for extreme weather causes school closures and education losses
Recent flooding and heavy rain across the UK have once again forced school closures, which Gareth Magrath, senior associate director at Brawdia, argues highlights education providers’ vulnerabilities from weather-related property losses plus the need for…
Why claims are the true test of an MGA
As the MGA sector continues to evolve, Michael Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association, argues claims excellence must be a strategic priority and technology embraced for efficiency, service improvements and complementing the human touch.
Are pay freezes jeopardising broker staff retention?
With some insurers pushing for a full return to the office and pay increases failing to keep pace with inflation, Scott McGee explores how some employees are voting with their feet – and how the sector should rethink its approach to hiring and retention…
Why Aviva’s takeover of Direct Line is bad news
James Daley, managing director of Fairer Finance, shares his thoughts on Aviva’s £3.7bn takeover of Direct Line Group and raises concerns about the impact of mega mergers on customer service.