United Kingdom (UK)
Direct Line profits slump under weight of restructuring and Ogden rate
Direct Line’s profits slumped by 12.2% in 2019 as the group incurred the first of a multi-year package of restructuring costs and strengthened reserves in response to the revised Ogden rate.
Fewer than 10% of Hiscox events customers have pandemic cover
Hiscox yesterday played down worries over coronavirus as it revealed it had seen some small claims.
Post launches the Insurance Post Podcast
The new podcast will provide interviews and news from the world of insurance.
Jorge claims volume ‘much lower’ than previous storms
The insurance impact of Storm Jorge is expected to be less severe than its predecessors Ciara and Dennis.
Pukka owner Freedom Services Group buys Homelyfe
Exclusive: Freedom Services Group has bought insurtech business Homelyfe from Aventus for an undisclosed sum in a deal that closed last week.
Aviva's Andrew Morrish on protecting properties against flood damage
Storms Ciara and Dennis and the floods late last year have brought flooding into the media spotlight yet again, with hundreds of homes and businesses under water, many for the second time in recent years and according to Andrew Morrish, claims director…
Northern Irish discount rate of minus 1.75% proposed
The Northern Irish Department of Justice plans to change the Northern Irish personal injury discount rate to minus 1.75%, pending a statutory consultation.
Covéa boosts paternity pay programme
Covéa Insurance has enhanced its paternity pay by offering six weeks fully paid leave for dads of new babies.
Ardonagh adds agricultural specialist Rural to MGA suite
Ardonagh has acquired agricultural specialist Rural Insurance Group from Primary Group for an undisclosed sum.
Hiscox profits dive 61% in 2019
Hiscox Group has reported a slump in pre-tax profits to $53.1m (£41.6m) in 2019 as catastrophe costs of $165m took their toll despite a significant rise in investment income.
ERS posts record profit under Aquiline ownership of £13.9m
ERS has recorded profit of £13.9m for 2019, its best performance since being bought by Aquiline in 2013.
Blog: Whither next or wither next for Pool Re?
Post senior reporter Emmanuel Kenning asks if Pool Re is facing an existential crisis after the Office for National Statistics’ judgement that the mutual reinsurer should become part of the government.
Admiral UK insurance CEO Cristina Nestares levels criticism at gender ban
The gender ban in insurance pricing was not approached in the right way and shows why ratings factors should be linked to actual risk, Admiral UK insurance CEO Cristina Nestares has argued.
Blog: How automating arbitration can reduce insurance claims costs and complexity
Recent research from the Association of British Insurers found compensators pay out millions every day on repairs and bodily injury claims in the UK but according to Olly Savage, Minsitry of Justice data reveals they’re handling high volumes of injury…
Pool Re development a 'massive change': Biba
Graeme Trudgill, executive director at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, has pledged to support Pool Re during consultations about the future of the mutual reinsurer.
ABI flags 'potentially serious implications' as Pool Re classified part of government
The Office for National Statistics has judged that Pool Re should be classified as part of the central government subsector in a surprise move that has raised questions about the future of the mutual reinsurer.
This week: Ups and downs
It's been a swings and roundabouts kind of week.
Updated: Tribunal throws out Eldon and Leave EU appeals against ICO
Exclusive: Arron Banks' broker Eldon still faces a data audit and fine after it and Leave EU’s appeals against the Information Commissioner’s Office were thrown out by a tribunal, Post can reveal.
UK insurers warned they could face US-style social inflation
UK insurers could soon see their claims costs increase as a result of social inflation similar to that which is challenging carriers in the US, law firms RPC and Hinshaw and Culbertson have warned.
Blog: Sexual harassment in the post-Weinstein era
As American film producer Harvey Weinstein's sexual abuse case again makes headlines, the spotlight on diversity and equality is having an impact on many businesses, regardless of size, nature or geographical location writes Jennifer Boldon, partner in…
Trade Voice: John Ludlow of Airmic on using the harsh market to forge closer relations with clients
John Ludlow, CEO of Airmic, argues that 2020 should be the year where insurance moves from a tripartite to roundtable relationship.
Law organisations decry MoJ dropping ADR from claims portal
The decision by the Ministry of Justice to remove alternative dispute resolution from the whiplash claims portal has been slammed by law organisations as a broken promise, just not good enough and removing a central plank of the whole process.
Analysis: Little leeway from five month delay to whiplash portal
The Ministry of Justice has addressed a “loophole” meaning children and vulnerable adults will be able to recoup representation costs when the delayed whiplash portal rolls out, but questions linger over its start date, pressure on courts and claimants…
Government delays whiplash portal implementation
The government has decided that it would not be “practical” to implement the whiplash portal as planned and has delayed it until August.