Germany
Volkswagen to begin recall in January 2016
Troubled motor manufacturer Volkswagen will begin recalling cars that have been fitted with emission test-cheating software in January next year.
D&O insurers facing VW payout as emissions scandal rumbles on
The increased use of technology in motor vehicles has been highlighted as a grey area in determining where product liability falls, in light of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, which will likely see directors and officers' insurers on the hook.
Volkswagen's coverage questioned as £4.7bn is earmarked for emissions scandal
Volkswagen is unlikely to be able to rely on insurance to protect it from exposure relating to falsified US emission tests in particular diesel models of its vehicles, loss adjuster Cunningham Lindsey anticipates.
German insurers have largest foothold in €3.86bn travel and assistance market
The stand-alone travel insurance and assistance market across 20 European countries totalled €3.86bn (£2.45bn) in terms of gross written premiums in 2014 and is forecast to rise to €4.54bn by 2018.
Telematics firm Scope Technologies expands in Thailand and Germany
German insurer HDI Gerling and Thai company Bangkok Insurance have agreed pay-as-you-drive deals with telematics provider Scope Technologies.
Allianz Group estimates 2015 operating profit at upper target range
Operating profit in Allianz Group's property and casualty division rose 29.7% to €1.35bn (£952m) in the second quarter of 2015 as the company confirmed its operating profit outlook for the full year would reach €10.8bn.
Lifting of Iranian sanctions piques interest from German and French insurers
German and French insurance companies are ready to build bridges with Iran after the former pariah state struck a historic nuclear deal with six world powers, according to reports emanating from the Middle East.
Dual launches M&A business in Frankfurt and London
Hyperion's underwriting arm Dual has launched a merger and acquisitions business located in Frankfurt and London.
Aon highlights increased European terrorism threat
Aon has identified nine developed economies as being at an increased risk of terrorism, including seven from Europe.
Generali unveils German repositioning
Generali has embarked on a strategic repositioning of its operations in Germany that it hopes will enhance the company's competitive position there.
Generali loses motor market share in Italy and France
Italian insurer Generali saw a 4.6% property and casualty profit decline in the first quarter after it counted the cost of storms in Italy, Germany and Austria.
RSA appoints former Santander CIO as COO for UK and Western Europe
RSA has appointed Darren McKenzie to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer for the UK & Western Europe.
Foreign lorry accidents on UK motorways up 14%
Collisions on UK motorways involving foreign lorries have increased by 14% since 2012, according to statistics from credit hire firm Accident Exchange.
Euler Hermes Q1 revenues jump 5.1%
Trade credit insurer Euler Hermes has reported a 5.1% increase in revenues for the three months ended 31 March 2015 to €670m (£478m).
Catlin completes Insure the Box sale
Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance has finalised its acquisition of Insure the Box and Drive Like a Girl from Catlin.
Germanwings loss to maintain aviation market pricing pressure
Pricing in the aviation market is expected to remain competitive in spite of the Germanwings crash on 24 March, according to AM Best.
Cathedral leads consortia for Germanwings A320 war policy
Lancashire-owned Cathedral is leading the consortia on the Lufthansa war policy for the Germanwings Airbus A320 plane that crashed in France on 24 March.
Europe C-Suite: A judgment call - the PI market in Germany
The market for professional indemnity cover is growing in Germany - so how can insurers keep up with demand?
Driverless cars: Driving change
Rapid advances in automotive technology mean that, within a generation, the future of autonomous vehicles and driverless cars could become a reality. What will that mean for the insurance industry?
Q&A Theo Duchen and David McDonald: From Nairobi to Nottingham
Co-founders of Acturis Theo Duchen and David McDonald reveal how their recent acquisitions tie into their wider plan for international expansion
Europe: Q&A with Guenter Droese, chairman of European Captive Insurance and Reinsurance Owners` Association
Post speaks to Guenter Droese about the captive market and the potential impact of Solvency II
Ferma secretary general Meyer credited for contribution to industry
The Federation of European Risk Management Associations' secretary general Edwin Meyer has died, the organisation announced on 9 February.
Cedants less likely to transfer business to reinsurers, says AM Best
Europe’s 20 largest cedants are benefitting from lower reinsurance rates and stronger bargaining power according to ratings agency AM Best.
Ace launches local cyber units throughout continental Europe
Ace Group today unveiled a new, independent cyber risk business unit designed to provide local specialist expertise across continental Europe.