Insurer
Penny black's insurance week
And so another member of the dwindling ranks of the NIG class of 2006 management team bails out, leaving only one Peter Johnson working within the Royal Bank of Scotland's insurance division. Penny wonders what will be awaiting him when, indeed if, he…
Mergers & Acquisitions- Insurers: Coming back up
After a downturn in 2009, insurer merger and acquisition activity looks set to make a resurgence in the coming year. Amy Ellis reports.
Public Sector - Reserving: Emerging into the sun?
After the harsh winter, John O'Neill takes a look at the challenges facing local authorities in terms of reserving for future events. Is the outlook still bleak or is the sun on the horizon?
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: The big freeze
With much criticism being levelled at local authorities for their handling of the recent heavy snowfall, Caroline Elson details the defence against winter maintenance claims.
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: Smoothing things over
With a pothole being repaired every 33 seconds in England and Wales, Edward Murray reports on the issue of public liability claims concerning this road hazard.
Takaful - UK viability: Taking up Takaful
Shariah-compliant Takaful insurance has had a rocky start in the UK. Daniel Dunkley reports on the problems it has encountered and where its strengths may lie.
In Series: Solvency 2 - Capital ideas
Alex Arterton explains how the prospect of more demanding capital requirements is already shaping insurer strategies.
In Series: Solvency 2 - A year of achievement
With implementation deadlines for Solvency II fast approaching, Sam Barrett looks at how these are driving market developments and insurer action.
News analysis: Financial Services Bill - Nuts and bolts
The Financial Services Bill is going through the legilslative process. Daniel Preddy and Martin Langley explain why more debate is needed about some of the proposals.
Interview: Amanda Blanc - Top of the class
Training can be a major incentive for keeping hold of employees. Mairi MacDonald meets Amanda Blanc, deputy chief executive of Towergate Partnership, who outlines her views on professional training and the benefits of achieving chartered status.
Claims Club: Street deals not backed by members
A small proportion of Claims Club members agreed that assigning individual loss adjusters to deal with all flood-damaged property in a particular street is a good idea — but when asked whether this is achievable in practice, the answer was a resounding…
Claims Club: IDSL issues stark warning over RTA claims process
Claimant lawyers flouting the new process for low value road traffic injury claims will be reprimanded and their details passed to the Ministry of Justice.
Claims Club: ABI surge event plans prioritised for 2010
Hypothesis testing is the best way to devise a collaborative industry surge plan, following events such as widespread flooding, insisted Tim Humphreys, policy adviser for risk management and emergency preparedness at the Association of British Insurers.
Claims Club: Bell - data must be harnessed
Third generation analytics tools and data visualisation in particular could help insurers better understand their exposure to claims leakage. That was the key message of Steve Bell, advisory partner in Ernst & Young's financial services business, whose…
Claims Club: Kinley - calculate the cost of Jackson to you
Alistair Kinley urged liability insurers to "run the numbers" on Lord Jackson's suite of proposals, designed to cut civil litigation costs, "to see if they work for you".
Insurecom is 'go-to' firm
The chief executive of insurance software specialist Insurecom has boasted that his firm is now the 'go-to' technology company for insurers looking to distribute new products to brokers.
Former Junction boss takes new Capita role
The former head of business development at broker Junction has joined Capita to focus on winning new business across the group's insurance business.
Lloyd's insurer signals motor intent with deal
Lloyd's insurer Ascot is targeting the UK commercial motor market for the first time after striking a deal with Chelmsford-based broker and underwriting agency Direct Commercial.
Beazley GWP rises by 27%
Dublin-domiciled Beazley has reported pre-tax profit up 15% to £100.7m (2008: £87.2m) and an underlying profit before income tax up 259% to £147.3m (2008: £41.0m).
Markel returns to profit in 2009
Markel Corporation has attributed the swing of almost $1bn (£640m) from loss to profit during 2009 to "significantly higher" investment returns than its competitors.
Zurich sees COR rise past break-even point
Zurich aims to reduce the combined operating ratio in its UK general insurance business in 2010 after it deteriorated beyond the break-even point due to rising expenses.
Shakespeare boss in court
A former director of Shakespeare Underwriting has appeared in court in relation to charges of alleged fraud and making false statements, stemming back four years.
NIG director Banga defects to join Brit
NIG has lost another member of its management team, with the departure of head of business development for commercial and broker, Vivek Banga.
Questgates snaps up two Teceris units
Specialist loss adjuster Questgates has acquired two of the remaining business units of Teceris.