DAC Beachcroft
Legal review of the year: Less doing more
Consolidation among insurance law firms was the hot topic for 2010, as they try to meet insurers' demands. Veronica Cowan reports on an interesting year.
Legal update - JSB Guidelines: Clarity and consistency
The Judicial Studies Board has published its 10th edition of guidelines for general damages. Paul Parke and Claire Foster examine how the levels of awards have changed since 1992 and highlight some worrying trends.
Once-in-a-decade op
The consultation into the implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's proposals is the best window of opportunity the industry has had for more than 10 years to influence change.
Post Europe: Ceiops is dead, long live Eiopa!
Existing committees of EU supervisors for the European insurance sector are being transformed from 1 January 2011 into supervisory authorities with firm powers. Vic Wyman assesses what the impact of this regulatory change will be.
Ceiops is dead, long live Eiopa!
Existing committees of EU supervisors for the European insurance sector are being transformed from 1 January 2011 into supervisory authorities with firm powers. Vic Wyman assesses what the impact of this regulatory change will be.
Regulation - Life after the FSA: New beginnings
With the coalition government now set to see through its promise to abolish the FSA, Leigh Jackson reports on the possible consequences for the broking sector.
2012 deadline for review could be linked to London Games
The ambitious 2012 deadline for the implementation of Lord Young of Graffham's recommendations regarding health & safety rules could have been set as a way to encourage volunteering during the London Olympic Games.
Professionalism indemnity - Estate agents & surveyors: Free agents
Estate agents seem to be enjoying a stable professional indemnity environment, despite the housing market crisis. Jane Bernstein explains why.
News analysis - Fraud: Some distance to go
While fraud detection has increased over time, there is still much more the industry could be doing in its approach. Lorraine Carolan and Craig Dickson report on what is holding it back.
Equalities Act may take some employers by surprise
Law firm Beachcroft said that the Equality Act which has been five years in the making and comes into force in 1 October, may take some employers by surprise.
Zurich moves to keep pace with mid-market
Zurich has embarked on a "defensive strategy" to become the most visible insurer in the mid-market space with the launch of a revamped product suite.
Fraud deterrent staff need to be given incentives
Employees tasked with the prevention and deterrence of fraud should be given incentives alongside their detection counterparts, if insurers are to develop a fully coherent and effective counter-fraud strategy.
New members strengthen advisory council
The prospect of problematic personal injury cases being resolved by mediation has been bolstered by the backing of two industry heavyweights. Representatives from insurer Aviva and personal injury solicitors Thompsons are among the latest to join Trust…
CILA and law firm to publish property claims handbook
The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters is due to publish a handbook offering legal and practical advice on handling property damage claims for loss adjusters and claims handlers.
FSA fines Goldman Sachs £17.5m
The Financial Services Authority has fined Goldman Sachs “for being Goldman Sachs,” according to Beachcroft.
Legal update - tax relief schemes: Ad hoc relief
The repeal of certain tax reliefs for investors has seen a spate of claims against professionals who advised on such transactions. Julian Miller and Tom Pangbourne look at the downfall of the system and its implications for the insurance industry.
Law firms divided over FSA broker action
Eversheds and Beachcroft have responded to the FSA’s record £150 000 fine and ban on five insurance brokers, announced earlier today.
Rome II: Together in harmony?
Rome II aimed to simplify the way cross-border claims were dealt with. Paula Jefferson and Catherine Fox examine why it hasn't quite had the effect intended, with even the timing of the legislation being questioned.
News comment - Law Commissions: Raising the stake
Richard Evans examines the Law Commissions' latest proposals for reform of insurance contract law with regards to the issue of fraud.
Insurers concerned over double regulatory burden
The lack of detail concerning the regulation of the Lloyd's market could mean insurers there have more influence than others over the eventual shape of their replacement regime for the Financial Services Authority.
Beachcroft warns of cost of reform
Dan Preddy, financial services litigation partner at Beachcroft, has responded to publication of the Treasury consultation paper on financial services regulation.
Beachcroft hails win in fraud case
A dishonest homeowner who exaggerated a contents claim, which was part of a larger claim for major repairs to his property after it was badly destroyed by a fire, has had the entire claim rejected at court.
Credit hire: Stuck on you
After Axa spurned the Association of British Insurers' general terms of agreement, many thought other motor insurers would follow suit. Rachel Gordon examines why a mass exodus has not occurred.
Personal injury - unsolicited SMS: Text pests
With a rise in unsolicited text messages encouraging recipients to make personal injury claims, Daniel Dunkley looks into what the industry can do to tackle this undesirable correspondence.