Insurer
DLG results “good progress” for 2014 commercial underwriting profit
A £2.2m operating profit for commercial lines has satisfied Direct Line Group’s management that the segment is closing in on a targeted underwriting profit in 2014.
Singapore looks to remove contract uncertainty
As the London reinsurance market discovered in the last decade, contract certainty sounds simple, but isn’t. Andrew Tjaardstra finds out the latest developments as Singapore edges closer to becoming the first Asian reinsurance market to introduce…
Generali presents new travel insurance app
Genertel, the italian online unit of Generali Group, and mobile operator TIM Italia, have presented a new app at the Mobile World Congress, Telecompaper reported.
European M&A opportunities
A range of dynamics influenced mergers and acquisition activity across the CEE in 2012 but as Leonid Zubarev explains the CEE region remains attractive to investors.
Latvia's Eurozone ambitions
If Latvia has its way it will become the 18th member of the Eurozone by the end of 2014. But as the country's institutions prepare to trade lats for euros, what are the implications for its insurance market?
BMS plotting 10% growth this year, following profitable 2012
Independent broker the BMS Group has today released a 2012 trading update showing revenues in excess of £63m, up 20% on 2011.
French fiscal policy "likely to be unfavourable" for insurers
The French government could raid insurance coffers over the next twelve months as it looks to reduce the public deficit, Moody's has warned.
DLG improves combined ratio to 99.2%
Direct Line Group has reported a 9.3% rise in operating profit for ongoing operations to £461.2m (2011: £421.9m) including an underwriting profit of £28.2m compared to a loss in 2011 of £72.3m and a combined operating ratio of 99.2% (2011: 101.8%).
Rusty insured losses unlikely to be significant: AIR
Tropical cyclone Rusty will not generate significant insured losses according to catastrophe modeller AIR Worldwide.
Driving without insurance conviction sparks 131% premium increase
Motorists caught driving without insurance can expect to see their premium rise by 131%, an increase that is higher than those triggered by any other driving conviction.
Lorega selected by Gallagher Heath to fast-track property claims
Gallagher Heath has agreed to white-label Lorega’s range of loss recovery insurance products after unveiling the launch of Gallagher Heath Assist.
AIR Worldwide issues Cyclone Rusty update
Cyclone Rusty makes landfall but so far there has been little damage, although flooding is expected, according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide.
South east Asia spurs Allianz profit growth
Allianz's 2012 Asia Pacific results saw an 80% profit growth and 9% increase in premiums spurred by south east Asia.
Career file: Alison Rayner
BGL establishes new compliance role having poached RSA regulatory risk boss.
Periodical Payment Orders: Unhappy New Year
Periodical payment orders gave motor insurers a headache in the renewals season as reinsurers struggled to come to terms with them.
CII launches easy access e-book
In a bid to provide easy access to members looking for information, the Chartered Insurance Institute has launched study texts in e-book format. The texts are compatible with the majority of portable electronic devices including Android Windows tablets,…
UK credit rating downgrade could be blessing in disguise for insurers
The loss of the UK’s AAA rating with credit rating agency Moody’s is unlikely to impact the standing of UK insurers, according to industry sources.
Rate hikes the only answer to CL market’s poor results
The dismal state of the UK commercial lines market can only be remedied by insurers inputting rate rises in 2013 and resisting their natural urge to compete on price, the heads of major firms have said.
Industry called to pay for Metal Theft Taskforce as initial fund set to expire
The government is aiming to call on the insurance industry to contribute towards funding the British Transport Police Metal Theft Taskforce.
Editor's comment: Stop me if you’ve heard this one...
“I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your...”
Utley set to press on with Hastings IPO despite Lloyd’s Equity settlement
The outcome of a Lloyd’s investigation into former Equity Red Star chief executive Neil Utley is unlikely to affect plans to float at Hastings where he is currently chairman, according to market observers.
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny has been inspired to begin training after being treated to an evening of Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall courtesy of BGL Group.
My Best XI Alasdair Stewart, marketing and communications director, Axa
Alasdair Stewart, marketing and communications director at Axa, has followed recent contributors by picking a starting line-up jam-packed with insurance big hitters. However, he may have to fight off accusations of nepotism, after selecting his son in…