Europe
Engine failure suspected in Genoa ship crash
Early indications suggest that the ship which crashed into a control tower at Genoa’s port yesterday may have suffered an engine failure.
Kennedys swoops for Norton Rose marine specialist
Law firm Kennedys has continued its recent hiring spree with the recruitment of David McKie from Norton Rose.
Gable to offer Italian bonds
Gable Holdings has launched its first product in Italy, providing bonds for companies bidding and undertaking work for state and public corporations.
Gallagher backs Gable Italian launch
Gable Holdings has partnered with Arthur J Gallagher International to launch its first product in Italy.
Compliance tops concerns for expanding European firms
The biggest risk European businesses believe they face when starting to operate in new markets is dealing with local regulations, a survey by QBE has found.
Post magazine – 9 May 2013
How do your customers rate the claims service you provide? Probably not as well as you think.
Allianz revenues jump 6.6% in Q1
German insurance giant Allianz recorded revenues of around €32bn in the first quarter of 2013, up 6.6% on the previous year.
Willis exec slams risk management disconnect
The risk management functions of a significant number of insurers have little direct connection to the decision-making that drives those organizations, Dave Ingram, executive vice president of Willis Re has claimed.
UAE insurance sector expected to grow in 2013
The regulatory environment for insurers in the United Arab Emirates is challenging but should not scupper growth in the short term, according to AM Best.
Container ship hits port in Genoa killing seven
A container ship crashed into the Italian port of Genoa late on 7 May killing seven people.
Survey: Natural disaster risk planning needs improvement
Although there is a greater recognition of the threat from natural disasters, there are still insufficient mitigation plans in place from companies.
Towers Watson appoints MD of European risk consulting
Towers Watson has named Michael Murphy as managing director of its risk consulting and software business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with immediate effect.
Liberty Europe adds warranty & indemnity and litigation buy-out cover
The financial lines division of Liberty International Underwriters Europe, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has launched a warranty and indemnity policy and a litigation buy-out policy.
Top five European news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days,
Perils provides data for Italian earthquake and flood
Independent catastrophe data provider Perils has extended its coverage to include data for Italian earthquake and flood perils.
Fewer claims help Munich Re in Q1 results
Reinsurer Munich Re's profits rose 20% to €979m in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
UN warns on climate change after warm 2012
The World Meteorological Organization, a United Nations agency, has said that 2012 joined the ten previous years as one of the warmest - at ninth place - on record despite the cooling influence of La Niña.
Portuguese state bank to shed insurance arm
The insurance arm of state-owned Portuguese bank Caixa Geral de Depositos is to be privatised by the end of the year. P
Euler Hermes signs trade credit insurance agreement with HSBC
Euler Hermes is to become the exclusive supplier of trade credit insurance to HSBC's commercial banking customers.
Swiss Re "on target" after $1.4bn Q1 net income
Swiss Re is “on track to achieve its financial targets” after posting net income of $1.4bn for the first quarter, up 21% on the prior year period.
Swiss Re Q1 income jumps 21%
Swiss Re is “on track to achieve its financial targets” after posting net income of $1.4bn for the first quarter, up 21% on the prior year period.
Multilingual travel assistance tool launched
A travel assistance service offering UK tourists and business travellers telephone support in their own language has launched.
Asia helps spur RSA premium growth
RSA saw net written premiums rise 5% in the first quarter of 2013 including a 16% rise across Asia, South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East (combined) and 18% in Canada.
Markel completes acquisition of Alterra
Markel has completed the acquisition of Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer Alterra Capital Holdings for $3bn.