Europe
Iceland raises new ash cloud warnings
The Icelandic Met Office has warned of an increased risk of volcanic ash following powerful seismic activity at Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano.
Uber’s Berlin ban overturned
A ban on smartphone taxi firm Uber operating in Berlin has been suspended until further notice following a decision by the presiding judge of the Berlin Administrative Court.
Berlin unveils Uber ban
Smartphone taxi company Uber has been hit with a ban from the city of Berlin on concerns over insurance for passengers.
Insurers behind banks on mobile offerings
Insurers continue to lag behind their banking counterparts when it comes to mobile websites and apps, according to research from CP consulting.
Swiss train derailment injures 11
A train carrying 200 passengers from St Moritz has derailed after a landslide washed away part of the track.
Cypriot insurers still suffering following bank bail-outs
The Cypriot insurance market has failed to rebound following the financial crisis despite the bail-out of both of the country’s major banks, according to a report published by Axco Insurance Information Services.
Global insurance law alliance Insuralex unveils Connelly as new president
Insuralex, the global insurance lawyers group, has elected Michael Connelly, a partner of Connelly Baker Wotring, as president.
Munich Re posts solid first half results
Munich Re posted a profit of €765m (£608m) for the second quarter of 2014, and a profit for the first half-year of €1.69bn (£1.34bn).
Zurich's global profit climbs 15% in first half
Zurich's profits are up 15% in the first half of 2014 compared to the same time last year.
Life and health arm hits Swiss Re's profits in first half
Reinsurance giant Swiss Re had a 6% decrease in profit in the first half of the year to $2.03bn (£1.2bn).
Europe: EMEA credit insurers take claims increases in their stride
With trade credit insurance claims on the up, Post asks what is behind this trend - and should insurers be worried?
Euler Hermes net income up 4.1% for H1
Trade credit insurer Euler Hermes has recorded net income up 4.1% for the first six months of 2014.
Aon appoints chief information officer
International broker Aon has named John Bruno as chief information officer and executive vice president of enterprise innovation.
Significant rate increases likely after disastrous period for aviation market
Sector facing highest losses since 9/11 following spate of tragedies in 2014
Dutch insurers facing 20% bonus cap
The Dutch government is weighing measures on remuneration that could force insurers to limit bonuses to 20% of fixed salary for all employees.
58% of British drivers unsure of EEC coverage
Almost two-thirds of British drivers don’t know if they are covered to drive in the European Economic Community, or believe that they are not covered according to a survey by Be Wiser.
Polish regulator KNF to look at conflicts of interest
The Polish regulator's focus on insurance is shaking up the sector, reports Iain Batty
War risks market faces 'substantial rate increases' in wake of MH17 loss
The war risks market is likely to experience “substantial rate increases” following the total loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, according to a report by AM Best.
First half catastrophe losses 19% below 10-year average
Insured catastrophe losses for the first half of 2014 were $22bn and around 19% below the 10-year average of $27bn according to catastrophe modelers Impact Forecasting.
One in five holidaymakers risk traveling uninsured
Travel insurance helps over 4,300 people every week, yet one in five holidaymakers risk traveling without it, according to new data from the Association of British Insurers.
Guy Carpenter appoints head of EMEA & international P&I
Guy Carpenter has appointed Simon Smith as head of international protection and indemnity as well as overseeing the Europe, Middle East and Asia region.
Countries responsible for airspace safety, says Eurocontrol
Eurocontrol, a Brussels-based air safety organisation for Europe, said individual countries are responsible for airspace restrictions.
173 Dutch nationals thought dead on stricken Malaysian plane
Out of 283 passengers and 15 crew on board flight MH17, a crashed Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, 173 were Dutch nationals according to reports.
DLG reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ over German and Italian disposals
Direct Line Group is in advanced negotiations over the sale of its operations in Germany and Italy according a report from Reuters.