Allianz
Ruling puts paid to ‘cash-cow’ legal expenses insurers
A test case in the High Court has opened up the possibility of legal expenses policyholders choosing their own solicitors.
Global insurers restricted in Ireland after downgrade
Allianz, Aviva and RSA Insurance have been restricted from providing cover for Irish state companies because Ireland has been demoted by credit rating agencies.
Zurich hits Allianz for SME underwriter
Zurich’s has appointed Allianz’s SME underwriter manager Russell Corbould-Warren to the newly created role of head of SME underwriting.
Flood effects aggravated by insufficient investment in preventative measures
Although floods occur more frequently than any other natural disaster worldwide, the risk they pose is often aggravated by human activity, according to a report by Allianz.
Penny Black’s insurance week
Globetrotting Penny was expecting to see many things on her recent holiday to Berlin — the Reichstag; the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial Museum — but what she was not expecting was a rather fancy-looking Allianz building right in the middle…
Claims event: Record unemployment could boost interest in industry
The UK’s record level of unemployment could provide a recruitment opportunity for the insurance claims sector, Aviva technical claims manager Tim Andrews suggested.
Claims event: Seddon: social media use is ‘bonkers’
Using social media in claims handling is “bonkers” and companies risk “shooting themselves in the foot” if they embrace Facebook and Twitter, the insurance industry has been warned.
News analysis: Call for mandatory sprinkler systems reignited by Dunelm Mill fire
On 6 October 2011, local fire fighters lamented the absence of sprinklers in a Dunelm Mill store that suffered a major blaze on the Orchard Retail Park in Willenhall, Coventry.
Broker report reveals Aviva, Chartis and RSA drop in underwriting service
Insurers must do more to boost satisfaction among brokers, according to a Brokerbility survey that suggested Axa is currently the only firm performing above the 80% approval benchmark.
Climate change: A changing environment
With insurers rushing to provide environmental cover, how are they performing themselves in the climate change stakes?
European insurers vie for KBC's Polish Warta
Several European insurers are believed to be in the running to acquire Polish insurance company Warta from Belgium's KBC, according to reports from Polish financial daily, Parkiet.
Axa and Generali in running for HSBC non-life book
European insurers Axa SA and Assicurazioni Generali SpA are thought to have submitted first-round bids for HSBC's non-life insurance business in a deal worth up to $1bn (€728m), Reuters has reported.
Home & Legacy in broker push
High net worth underwriting agency Home & Legacy has announced ambitious expansion plans on the back of slicker technology and a six-month 2.5% boost in commission paid to brokers.
News analysis: Insurers urged to negotiate with FSA as Solvency II confusion continues
The FSA has announced a delay to Solvency II but getting clarity remains a priority for government and insurers.
Market moves: Brokers pick up the pace
Following a quiet fortnight, major players in the broking sector have actively been recruiting this week.
In series - Lloyd's & London market: Power to the people
With employees rightly recognised as crucial to company success, Lloyd’s and London market players are gearing up their efforts to attract and retain top talent.
UKDN wins Allianz drainage deal
Bosses at the UK Drainage Network are celebrating a “significant” contract victory after being awarded a three year sole-supplier deal by Allianz to provide validation, investigation and repair services for all domestic drainage claims.
80mph motorway speed limit to raise premiums
The proposed increased speed limit on motorways could lead to more deaths and injuries and inevitably higher premiums.
BIS 2011: Underwriting no longer the preserve of Oxbridge grads
The future of underwriting rests in the hands of graduates with strong numeracy skills and business understanding, who are willing to embrace specialist areas of the industry.
Agriculture: Reaping the rewards
With a rise in the theft of agricultural plant equipment, the industry and police are striking back with new initiatives.
Swiss Re chief becomes head of Climate Wise
Swiss Re director John Coomber is to become the new chairman of Climate Wise on 1 October.
Climate Wise chairman named
John Coomber, member of the board of directors of global reinsurer Swiss Re, will become the new chairman of Climate on 1 October.
BIS 2011: Numerate grads the future of underwriting
The future of underwriting rests in the hands of graduates with strong numeracy skills and business understanding who are willing to embrace specialist areas of the industry.
HSBC bidders line up not to comment
QBE, Zurich and Allianz have refused to comment on speculation in a Reuters report that they are among bidders for HSBC’s insurance business.