Post - 2011-07-21
Articles in this issue
Career development: Ask the expert
I've worked my way up the ranks over the last 10 years, from a relatively junior position in my existing company, but despite my current position of responsibility I still have trouble shaking off people's previous perceptions of me, which I feel is…
News analysis - RTA scheme extention: Statistically speaking
With the MoJ consultation on extending the RTA personal injury scheme now closed, Lynn Rouse asks how an evidential basis can be put forward with no sign of statistics on success to date.
Interview - Ant Middle: Taking the Middle ground
Rejoining Aviva after spending 10 years at Axa was an attractive choice for Ant Middle, during a time of upheaval at both companies. He talks to Mairi MacDonald about the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
Axa regains TUI travel contract from Mondial
Axa Personal Lines has ousted Mondial Assistance as underwriter for travel giant TUI, following a successful tender bid to win back the three-year contract. It comes less than a week after Axa sealed a similar deal to retain the Lloyds TSB travel…
Axa takes hit on illegal vodka industrial blast
Axa faces a large insurance claim following an explosion at an industrial unit in Boston, Lincolnshire that was being used to produce illegal vodka.
Career development & CSR: Caravan specialist wins innovation gong
Motor caravan insurance specialist Victor Millwell has been recognised at the Barking & Dagenham business awards.
Editor's comment: Partners and crime
This week's insurance news theme could be the stuff of another unpublished Jane Austen novel — Partnership & Punishment — although it's doubtful the Bodleian would fork out another £1m for the privilege. Or perhaps with a title like that it's more…
Law report: Appeal decision limits duty of care on rental valuations
This law report has been contributed by national law firm berrymans Lace Mawer.
Post history - 30 years: Prudential ups contents premiums
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 30 years ago reveals.
Roundtable - Claims: The claims game
The expert panel at our recent roundtable on the claims process got their teeth into technology and staffing issues, how to tackle fraud and the impact of telematics. Leigh Jackson reports.
Post history - 50 years ago: Draft war settlement laid out
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 50 years ago reveals.
CKW co-founder returns to boost entrepreneurial spirit
The co-founder of Keelan Westall has returned to the business he sold five years ago in a bid to inject some "entrepreneurial spirit" and return it to profit.
Claims advocate joins CEDR panel
Europe's largest independent commercial mediation provider the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution has named insurance claims advocate Roger Flaxman as its 18th specialist insurance panel member.
Lockton's literary scheme
As part of the Lloyd's community programme, Lockton's London associates have been helping girls at Mulberry School for Girls in Tower Hamlets for the past four years, offering help with their reading and mentoring them.
Giles plans flotation after MBO
Giles Insurance Brokers aims to float on the stock market by 2009, its chief executive said after it completed its £45m private equity-backed management buyout this week.
Miller promotes two to 'support future growth'
Miller Insurance Services has created two senior roles within its London headquarters.
Junction secures M&S Money extension
BGL-owned Junction has seen off affinity rivals by securing a five-year extension on its deal to provide motor insurance to M&S Money customers on a panel basis. The competitive tender win comes shortly after it successfully renewed a similar arrangement…
Law report: Advantageous insurer decision in pedestrian accident case
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Surveillance case sentence just 'the tip of the iceberg'
A law firm that used surveillance footage to prove a man's claim of being left wheelchair-bound after a car accident with a Saga policyholder was fraudulent, has claimed the landmark case is "the tip of the iceberg".
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny thought she got invited to all the best gigs, but clearly her invitation to Markerstudy's 10th anniversary bash at The Savoy was lost in the post.
The claimant's view: referral fee reality check
In last week's Post, Laurent Matras proposed banning all forms of referral fees paid by lawyers and to replace them with a non-profit making organisation to centralise and allocate demand to supply.
Paladin pull out provokes upset from market brokers
Paladin Underwriting Agency's managing director Bill Adamson is on gardening leave after exiting the Lloyd's business, Post has learnt, after policy cancellation leaves brokers incensed.
ARM courts new M4 clients
Aspen Risk Management managing director Kevin Pallett has pledged to open discussions with approximately 100 brokers in the coming weeks, after the firm agreed the purchase of commercial insurance renewal rights from M4 Underwriting.
Co-operative confirms dedication to GI market
Co-operative Financial Services has claimed general insurance remains "integral" to its business, after announcing plans to shed 750 jobs and sell off its life insurance business.
Public sector - Insurance procurement: Strength in numbers?
Will the Insurance London Consortium succeed where its predecessor failed and provide the blueprint for public sector procurement? asks Edward Murray.
NFU fraud manager jailed for £410 000 scam
NFU Mutual's financial crime manager has said the insurer has a "zero tolerance" stance against fraud, after one of its fraud managers was jailed for three years and four months after conning it out of £410 000 over six years.
Bogus death faker set for five-year jail sentence
A man who made a fraudulent claim of £520 000 to Ace Europe after faking his own death in Honduras could face up to five years in prison when he is sentenced within the fortnight.
Postbox: Fraud unit funding not a floodgate
Your front page headline 'Insurers fear £9m fraud unit will prompt further cash calls' is somewhat alarmist.
Career development & CSR: Skills gap and reputational issues hindering recruitment
A shortage of insurance professionals with actuarial, claims and specialist liability underwriting skills is hampering the sector's development in the UK.
Ageas motor deal 'proves importance'
Ageas chief executive Barry Smith has said its five-year deal with General Motor's Vauxhall and Chevrolet brands proves that the motor sector remains "crucially important".
Post history - 20 years ago: Australian coast escapes Kirki oil spill
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 20 years ago reveals.
View from the top: More than just words
Tech companies push the boundaries of what is conceivable, while media groups walk a legal tightrope to publish good stories. That's why their insurers and brokers must work so hard to keep up with their clients' risks.
Amicus to close Colchester office in efficiencies push
DAS-owned Amicus Legal is to close its office in Colchester, making 21 people redundant.
Sport - Olympics: The Olympic challenge
With only 12 months to go until the opening ceremony, Rachel Gordon attempts to break through the veil of secrecy and assess the insurance industry's role in the London 2012 Olympics.
Blasts prompt rethink over Indian appetite
Insurance claims arising from the recent terrorism attack in Mumbai are unlikely to have an immediate impact on rates, according to market observers.
Law report: Judge backs claimant's right to reapply for further payments
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Sport - Rugby World Cup: Shaken but not stirred
Robert Barron and Michael Owen look at the impact of the Christchurch earthquake on this year's Rugby World Cup and the lessons for contingency specialists involved in other major sporting events.
Axa may create more management roles
Axa has not ruled out creating more senior management roles within its commercial lines division after appointing former Towergate director Max Curruthers to the new role of chief operating officer.