Insurer
Flood Risk: Pours for thought
The 2007 floods were a major UK weather event, costing the insurance industry billions. However, despite similarities, the 2012 floods caused much less damage. What is the reason behind the change?
Ask the Expert: Robert Blackman
After five years in my current role, I recently had interviews with competitors. Despite spending a considerable amount of time online researching and preparing for likely questions, I haven’t been successful. Am I missing a trick?
Aviva denies corporate restructure will lead to separation of its UK GI business
Aviva has dismissed suggestions that separating its UK general insurance business from its international operations clears the way for the business to be spun off in the future.
Reames reunites with ex-Swiftcover colleagues at consultancy start-up
Axa’s former chief claims officer and Swiftcover executive Robin Reames has ruled out building a “Swiftcover mark II” after reuniting with three former colleagues at their new Kent-based consultancy firm Trinity M.
Industry expresses surprise as FSA probes use of private investigators
The Financial Services Authority has launched an investigation into insurance firms’ use of private investigators after becoming suspicious they are being deployed as a “tactical tool” to slash valid claims payments.
Career file: Dave Bonehill - Bonehill named CII claims chairman
Ecclesiastical claims and risk services director David Bonehill has been named chairman of the Chartered Insurance Institute's claims faculty board.
Editor's comment: Messages from the market
Standing at the back of the annual results queue must be gratifying for a firm on its uppers. But not so much when, like Aviva, you have a £3.05bn post-tax loss to reveal and no one coming next to soften the blow.
Your Say: Insurers can influence metal theft
While parliament is yet to agree the scope and specifics of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill, what is certain is the scrap metal industry is facing tighter controls than ever before.
Your say: More metal theft debate is needed
I’m pleased to see MP Richard Ottaway’s private members bill, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, receive Royal Assent. Its aim is to regulate the industry, crack down on cash payments and eliminate rogue traders.
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny is always impressed by firms that go the extra mile to ensure they have the right employees. However, some take this further than others.
Fraud: A war on all fronts
Fraud affects all lines of business and yet to date insurer focus on solving the problem has been on motor. Is it time for a shift in perception?
Scotland's future: Change is already afoot in Scotland
If the insurance industry needed a reminder that the Scottish Government already has significant power to affect insurance operations, it need look no further than last month’s announcement of a consultation on the Scottish court system. The draft Courts…
View from the Top: Correcting the balance
Cut the middle man out of motor insurance for lower premiums and better service, says Dominic Clayden.
My Best XI David Coupe, owner, EC3 Legal
David Coupe, owner of law firm EC3 Legal, selects his best XI for an insurance industry start-up. Coupe has chosen largely from the world of underwriting, with a reinsurer taking the key spot in goal. There is also room in the side for the world’s…
Market Moves: Brokers bring in more new recruits with JLT, Marsh and Willis welcoming fresh faces
Brokers Marsh, Willis and JLT dominated the broking space this week with a raft of new appointments. Marsh created a new corporate division, JLT added three new staff to its financial institutions team and Willis recruited chief executives for its…
Improving Underwriting: Driving Profits
Can a more sophisticated approach to underwriting help motor insurers finally turn a profit?
Improving Underwriting: The extra mile
The use of geographic intelligence can improve the understanding of risk in the motor insurance space.
Ex-Broker Network boss Gladwell joins Paymentshield
Paymentshield has appointed Lee Gladwell as interim proposition director, with the move coming as the insurance provider prepares for a number of strategic developments in 2013.
Mass warns against red tape resulting from medical panels
The Motor Accident Solicitors Society has backed in principle proposals put forward by the Association of British Insurers calling for accredited medical experts to assess whiplash injuries.
Zurich claims boss champions further RTA fixed cost reductions
Zurich’s casualty claims director believes reduced fixed recoverable costs for the Road Traffic Accident scheme could potentially be halved if a further consultation was to be given the go ahead.
ING unveils governance changes for insurance business
ING today unveiled changes in the governance of its insurance/investment management Europe business as it continues to push forward with its preparations for a standalone future.
SII interim measures could bring costs without benefits, warns Insurance Europe
Insurance Europe has raised concerns about the impact of interim measures in the wake of Solvency II delays, in a letter to the head of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority.
Westinsure boss Erwin mulling over appeal on 20% tax ruling
Westinure is considering an appeal against a ruling upheld by the First-tier Tribunal stating that broker networks that provide better deals via larger insurers must charge members full UK VAT at 20%.
PZU sees net profit rise 40%
PZU posted a 40% rise in net profit to 3.26bn zlotys for 2012, slightly below the 3.46bn forecast by analysts, Reuters reported this morning.