France
Worsening economic outlook pushes up IPT
Several governments across Europe have ramped up insurance premium tax rates in response to finance deficits and a worsening economic outlook, research has shown.
Insurers upgrade Sahel risk forecast following hostage situation
The potential spread of Islamic terrorism from Mauritania in the West to the Horn of Africa in the East has become a profound threat to security, livelihoods and stability in the Sahel, according to Special Contingency Risks.
Corporates still at risk from Eurozone economic woes
The Eurozone's economic situation may be improving, but the environment for corporates remains very difficult, according to Coface chief economist Yves Zlotowski.
Axa UK recruits new execs from Italian and French arms
Axa Insurance has raided Europe to appoint two new senior executives for its UK Direct & Partnerships arm.
Weathering the growing subsidence risk
Subsidence is increasingly frequent and research shows that, with climates getting hotter, this is only going to continue. Edmund Tirbutt looks at how the market covers subsidence and whether it will continue to do so.
Scope Technologies joins Amaguiz to launch telematics service
Technology provider Scope Technologies has joined forces with Groupama subsidiary Amaguiz to provide pay-as-you drive insurance for French consumers.
Motor tax to hit French policyholders
French policyholders will bear the brunt of a new motor premium tax according to consultancy Fiscal Reps.
Ferma appoints full-time European adviser
The Federation of European Risk Management Associations has appointed French national Julien Bedhouche as its first full time European affairs adviser.
Top five European news stories
The top five European news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Covéa appoints UK commercial lines director
The UK underwriting arm of French mutual Covéa has appointed Simon Cooter as commercial lines director.
Amlin Corporate reborn as Amlin Europe
Amlin Corporate Insurance is now operating under the name Amlin Europe, according to a statement on the company's website.
Perils puts windstorm Andrea loss at €336m
Independent Zurich-based organisation Perils today disclosed its final loss estimate from Windstorm Andrea as €336m.
April Group to hire Orkney-based business consultant
The UK arm of France's April Group is looking to appoint a permanent business consultant in the Orkney Islands after growing demand for its medical and income protection policies.
Groupama cuts stake in Société Générale
French insurer Groupama has reduced its direct and indirect shareholding in French banking group Société Générale.
Aviva France appoints new CEO after Maso y Guell Rivet resigns
Philippe Maso y Guell Rivet has resigned as chief executive of Aviva France after 18 months in the role.
Europe: a home for aggregators?
This year has seen aggregators bought and sold across Europe. Francesca Nyman investigates whether Europe can provide a home for them or whether their time has passed.
Mutuals outgrow insurance market, says new research
The period between 2007 and 2011 saw premium income for the world's mutual and cooperative insurers grow by 25.4%, compared with 12% for the insurance market as a whole.
French motor market counts cost of annuity changes
French motor insurers are set to take on costs previously covered by the state. Edmund Tirbutt asks how they plan to cope with the burden.
Over 50% of European firms unprepared for cyber threats
Despite 98% of continental European firms experiencing a cyber incident in the past five years, research has found that a significant proportion are unprepared to deal with this threat in the future.
French insurers call for nation-by-nation capital approach
Proposed strict capital rules for EU-based insurers should be made flexible enough to suit the needs of companies in each country, according to a European insurance lobby group.
Axa moves to divest US assets worth $500m
French insurer Axa is seeking buyers for US life insurance assets worth at least $500m, Bloomberg said yesterday, quoting sources.
Groupama 'BB-' IFS rating affirmed
Groupama SA has had its BB- long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength rating affirmed by Standard and Poor's, along with its guaranteed subsidiaries.
S&P affirms Groupama SA rating following UK sale
Standard & Poor's has affirmed its BB- long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings on French insurer Groupama SA and its guaranteed subsidiaries.
BNP Paribas' insurance arm turns lender
The insurance subsidiary of French banking group BNP Paribas will take on the job of lending to companies as tougher regulations ramp up the cost of traditional loans, Reuters reported.