United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Hastings sees profit slide 42%
Hastings’ share price took a tumble as it revealed operating profit fell 42% in a year that the insurer was hit by the Ogden rate and claims inflation.
Hastings looks to suppliers and fraud detection to staunch claims inflation
Hastings is hoping that investment in its anti-fraud capabilities and supplier partnerships secured in the tail-end of last year will mitigate the impact of claims inflation on its bottom line.
RSA moves back to underwriting profit in UK
RSA has delivered an underwriting profit of £3m in the UK for 2019, reversing the underwriting loss of £93m the year before.
My other life: Richard Sharratt, charity founder
When not working as senior IT service delivery engineer at L&G General Insurance, Richard Sharratt raises funds to help families on their neonatal journey.
Natural England chair Tony Juniper urges insurers to back upcoming climate talks
The chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, yesterday urged insurers to put their weight behind upcoming climate change talks in Glasgow later this year.
Direct Line to cut 800 jobs
Direct Line Group is cutting 800 jobs over the next two years, the insurer has confirmed.
Lloyd’s modernisation attempts bound to stray down ‘blind alleys’ says John Neal
The team in charge of the Lloyd’s Blueprint One modernisation plans admits the process is not yet pinned down as Lloyd’s CEO John Neal said they would be “happy” to run proofs of concept several times before hitting on success, as the corporation today…
Michael van der Straaten appointed QIC Global CEO
Qatar Re CEO Michael van der Straaten has been appointed CEO of QIC Global.
Motor Mouth Podcast 5: The future of mobility and the impact for motor insurers
In the next in our series of podcasts with Motor Insurance World speakers, Alex Lewis-Jones, research manager at Delta EE, is interviewed by Post’s editor Stephanie Denton, on alternative modes of travel, the challenges and hurdles to our transport and…