Post - 2011-07-28
Articles in this issue
Postbox: Independents can help lessen the load
I agree that there is room for improvement where surge response is needed.
Postbox: Mediation is a viable alternative
The various debates surrounding the future of referral fees and the resulting impact on the costs of insurance — 'TSC re-opens premiums inquiry as referral fee furore escalates' and 'Referral fees a 'red-herring', claims CSC' - overshadow the fact that…
Brokers warned of HSE consultation implications
Insurers and brokers need to make clients aware of a new government-backed system for recovering costs from those who break health and safety laws, an industry expert warned this week.
Career development & CSR: LV helps kit out school
Sporty students from a South London school have been bowled over after being presented with cricket and rugby equipment as part of an LV-sponsored giveaway.
Insurers incensed as stolen vehicle unit faces closure
Plans to axe the Metropolitan Police's stolen vehicle unit next year could lead to the insurance industry funding even more police initiatives, it has been warned.
News analysis - ABS delay: Still waiting for a change
Last week it was confirmed the Solicitors Regulation Authority would not be approving alternative business structures this year at least. Amy Ellis asks what caused the delay.
Postbox: Adjusters at the mercy of fickle insurers
David Bonehill's letter has clearly provoked a significant response — and rightly so.
Business as usual after ex-Nilefern CEO jailed
Nilefern — the Lloyd's coverholder previously run by the now disgraced Martin Fisher —has declared that it is "business as usual" following the news its former chief executive has been jailed after pleading guilty to a string of child sex offences.
BMS: US reinsurance focus after buy out
BMS bosses have vowed to switch the company focus towards the US reinsurance market following the news that the broker has reached an agreement to buy out its only external shareholder AHJ Holdings.
Swiss Re breaks protocol to deny Quinn links as regulators probe claims
The Malta Financial Services Authority and Irish financial regulator, Central Bank of Ireland, are in discussions to establish how stories surfaced that Quinn Insurance founder Sean Quinn was set to return with a new underwriting vehicle, Post has…
Editor's comment: A disturbing pattern
No sooner have counter fraud managers applauded the industry's backing of an insurer-funded fraud police unit, than their vehicle theft counterparts are bracing themselves for going it alone in trying to tackle another criminal act.
Garwyn begins another CEO hunt
Private equity-owned specialist liability loss adjuster Garwyn is to appoint a new chief executive officer to replace Stewart McCulloch "in due course," just 13 months after he joined the business.
Jersey firm has Giles in its sights after takeover
Bosses from Jersey-based Islands Insurance have heralded the acquisition of Reed Insurance Associates as "a big leap forward", after finalising a deal that sees the firm become the self-proclaimed second largest operator on the Channel Islands.
Post history - 10 years ago: Bupa battles over name in Kenyan court
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 10 years ago reveals.
Interview - Charles Earle: Aiming high with Arista-cratic Earle
Despite falling short of his initial five-year plan, Charles Earle has still seen Arista make considerable achievements. He talks to Lynn Rouse about his philosophy surrounding underwriting control, system transparency and acquisition plans.
Career development & CSR: Groupama manager wins volunteering award
A big-hearted Groupama Healthcare worker has been honoured for her "outstanding" charitable contribution to local communities in Hertfordshire.
Postbox: Fraud problem underestimated
I am writing to address the comments in the last edition of Post from Simpson Millar partner Emma Costin 'Co-operative attacked over PI claims fraud focus' , who I believe is underestimating the growing issue of false personal injury claims.
XL seeks alternative to non-disclosure clause
XL Insurance is in the process of drawing up an alternative to risk management trade body Airmic's model 'non-disclosure clause', in a bid to encourage insurers to sign up to it, Post has learned.
North of the Border: lack of consensus on cost reform
How quickly and cost-effectively will future claims in the Scottish courts be dealt with? The Gill review of Scotland's civil court system sought to provide a comprehensive answer to this question but has yet to be implemented.
Crawford axes up to 50 as claim volumes fall
Loss adjuster Crawford & Company is to make as many as 50 people redundant, including managers, after a business review flagged up a fall in household claims.
Group unveils ABS plan despite delay
Triton Global has "stuck its head above the parapet" to announce it is ready to become an alternative business structure, as soon as it has the green light from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Comment - RTA scheme extension: Desirable data
After a year in operation, the RTA claims process is coming under scrutiny to determine whether it is actually working. Tim Wallis explains why statistical analysis is useful and desirable, but also difficult, at this stage.
Career development & CSR: BLM raises £18 000 for Barnardo's
Generous employees from Berrymans Lace Mawer handed over £18 000 to Barnardo's following the law firm's annual charity quiz night.
Comment - Referral fees: Make your mind up time
As the debate over the future of referral fees rumbles on, it is time for the government to make its decision or risk creating confusion over its civil justice reform programme, writes Kate Lotts.
Fraud - Household: Opportunity knocks
Household fraud is on the rise according to insurers. Callum Brodie attempts to find out why and what the industry can do to prevent it.
Douetil praises discipline
Brit Insurance chief executive Dane Douetil this week credited disciplined underwriting as the reason the firm managed to stay in the black.
Fraud - Statistical analysis: Protect yourself
As analysis reveals the shifting depths and demographics of insurance fraud, identity validation and verification must come to the fore, writes Nick Mothershaw.
Penny Black's insurance week
If Penny thought that Take That fever had passed following the end of the reformed pop band's UK tour she was very much mistaken.
Payment protection insurance: Crossroads for PPI
Three months ago the High Court rejected the British Bankers' Association's attempts to challenge new payment protection insurance regulations. With the controversial product already battling reputational issues, Tim Pope looks at the future of the PPI…
View from the top: The start of the journey
Four weeks into my new role and, after working in RSA's UK commercial business for 11 years, I have returned to my roots in the UK market. In many ways, it feels like I have never been away and yet, in others, it does.
Post history - Five years ago: Doctor says the drugs don't work
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from five years ago reveals.
Mobile phone insurance: We've got your number
Mobile phone insurance is a high-frequency claims product but has been criticised by the ombudsman and consumer groups. Ralph Savage reviews the sector to discover if this niche is offering value for money.
Irish underwriter targets UK market
The managing director of an independently owned Irish underwriting agency has set his sights on the UK after signing a deal with Axa Ireland to launch a new motor product for its local market.
Post history - 20 years ago: The cost of keeping the kids safe
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.
Career development & CSR: CII game transforms student opinion of 'boring' insurance
An increasing number of youngsters are considering a career in insurance, according to research carried out by the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Postbox: Collaboration is key to finding a surge solution
I read with interest David Bonehill's letter 'Bursting for Improvement'.
People moves - 28 July 2011
A round-up of people moves and new appointments in the industry, as featured in the 28 July 2011 edition of Post.