Post - 2010-01-28
Articles in this issue
Aviva scraps director roles as two leave
Aviva has decided to scrap the roles of commercial and personal lines directors as part of a restructure of the business.
Insurer to branch out
International medical insurer ALC Health has revealed plans to open additional offices in the Far East and Eastern Europe over the next 12 to 18 months, after appointing a new head for Europe.
Asbestos claims to cost insurers £11bn by 2010
The estimated future cost of UK asbestos-related insurance claims has almost doubled between 2004 and 2008, according to new actuarial analysis.
Post Video Interview: Brokers impress Scott on professionalism
Brokers have a key role in helping to rebuild trust and confidence in the property and casualty market, according to the chief executive of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
DAS to cut temporary staff after £10m loss
DAS has agreed a new call centre technology deal which could save the company almost £3.5m over the next two years — just weeks after revealing £10m losses for 2009.
Axa strikes personal injury first with CEDR
Axa Insurance has become the first insurer to sign up to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution's personal injury service.
FSA warns brokers of "intrusive" supervision
The Financial Services Authority has made the handling of client money its "number one" target in its supervision of insurance brokers in 2010, according to the British Insurance Brokers' Association.
HBA moves into recycling
Lloyd's of London broker HBA Insurance has made a move into the recycling industry, following the launch of Recyclesure.
Ignition looks to double clients
Ignition has outlined plans to double its number of broker clients in 2010 to stop the company operating at a loss.
QBE to moderate 2010 growth plan
The managing director of QBE's property division has admittted it will "cut back its ambitions" for immediate growth as a result of the benign rating environment but that the end game is still to have a 10% market share by 2015.
Editor's comment: FSA: not gone yet
If the insurance broking fraternity thought that the banking crisis would lead to the Financial Services Authority giving them an easier ride over the coming months, as it channelled its energies there, then last week's 'Dear CEO' letter may have caught…
Lit Comp gears up for expansion after sale
After-the-event insurance provider Lit Comp has been taken over, following a successful £5.48m bid by investment company Maven Capital Partners.
FSA finds leaky flood cover
The Financial Services Authority has warned that general insurers may not be treating customers fairly when communicating policy terms on flood cover.
London market throws off "macho" resistance tag
The London market is on track to manage the "vast majority" of its claims electronically by 2011 despite persistent resistance to change within the sector, London Market Group chairman Barnabas Hurst-Bannister has claimed.
Scots take English referrals
A Scottish claims management company has seen a 40% increase in personal injury claim referrals from English firms as a result of a proliferation of television advertising by personal injury firms, according to its managing director.
Auger takes pain from drains
Drainage company Auger has launched a new 10-year warranty scheme in conjunction with Liberty Insurance.
Buffett buys Munich stake
Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett has added a stake in Munich Re to his insurance holdings, boosting the company's shares as Post went to press on Tuesday.
Towergate swoops for Henderson broker boss
Henderson Insurance Brokers' former group broking director is to join Towergate Risk Solutions' Leeds operation in March.
Intermediaries fear nationals
Large national brokers pose the biggest threat to the UK regional intermediary market, new research has revealed.
Biba meets with Conservative candidates to raise influence
The British Insurance Brokers' Association's senior management team was due to meet four prospective Conservative parliamentary candidates this week.
Pittman leaves Merlin for "adjusting" role
Davies' new head of claims operations Jim Pittman says he is looking forward to returning to "conventional" loss adjusting after joining from rival firm Merlin Professional Claims Services.
Chartis seconds analyst to fraud bureau
Chartis is seconding an analyst from its financial crime unit to the Insurance Fraud Bureau for three months.
View from the Top: Let's fix broken motor
Media headlines highlighting the troubled state of the UK's private motor market have become commonplace. Independent analysts EMB recently predicted the market is losing £120 for every £100 premium written.
Postbox: Time to bridge the divide
In response to Phil Bird's article ('Time for change?',www.postonline.co.uk/1567561) published in the 31 December/7 January issue, I wholeheartedly agree with his observations. And, coming from an insurance company background — with the added advantage…
Interview - Stephen Lewis, Zurich: Making an entrance
Stephen Lewis has returned to the UK insurance market after eight years to take the position of chief executive of Zurich general insurance. Mairi MacDonald talks to him about his plans for the business.
Regulation - PPI fallout: Burst the balloon
With the Competition Commission poised to bring a new case against point of sale payment protection insurance, Leigh Jackson asks what now for the sector — and where might the regulator point its finger next?
Directors' & Officers' - economic impact: Bitten by the risks?
The credit crunch threatens to bring a rise in directors' and officers' claims. Jane Bernstein investigates whether this threat is becoming a reality and how this is affecting sales of the product.
Legal update - professional negligence: In the firing line
Antony Smith and Rhian Howell examine the latest court activity statistics to analyse which professions are likely to bear the brunt of claims.
Legal update - broker duties: Shared responsibilities
Andrew Blair and Niyi Phiri examine the complex issue of how liability should be shared when the role of the broker is split and negligence claims made.
Legal Update - group litigation orders: Here comes the mob
Group litigation orders are increasingly common in the UK but, rather than striking fear into insurers' hearts, Jim Bryant explains how they present opportunities.
Legal update - expert shopping: Second bite of the cherry
If a claimant is dissatisfied with an expert's report, they can simply commission a second one. Carol Dalton reports on how defendants can turn this practice to their advantage.
Rehabilitation - joint instruction: The waiting room
Funding has always been an issue for rehabilitation but Andrew Pemberton asks whether the current demand for joint instruction on cases is leading to a 'credit rehab' market.
Penny black's insurance week
Penny was troubled to learn Davies' new head of claims operations Jim Pittman has suffered an unfortunate setback following a recent foray into the world of martial arts.
30 Years Ago: Olympic threat is scrutinised
Decisions over the Moscow Olympics are being closely watched at Lloyd's, which is now understood to have a $40m (£34.8m) to $45m risk exposure on it for the National Broadcasting Company in the US.
20 Years ago: Lockerbie boost for relatives
Lockerbie relatives seeking damages from Pan Am received a boost to their cause in a US federal court last week, when a judge ruled that punitive damages could be sought under the Warsaw Convention.
5 Years ago: £40m makes Highway attractive
Highway Insurance could become a more attractive takeover target following revelations it has almost £40m locked away in excess reserves.