Legal
Councils face prospect of speculative asbestos claims
A local authority has failed in its bid to secure clarity over what constitutes a 'material increase' in risk where a mesothelioma claimant's exposure to asbestos is relatively low, arguably leaving councils vulnerable to higher numbers of speculative…
In series - fraud: the routes to recovery
With fraud now costing the industry £2.1bn a year, Nick Wood and Angela Gibson explain the various routes to recovery and added advantages this can bring.
Interview - John O'Roarke: taking LV to the next stage
John O'Roarke has seen the highs and lows of a career in insurance. He talks to Daniel Dunkley about his journey to LV and his plans for the next stage in the firm's development.
Select committee under fire over referral disclosure plans
Motor insurers have hit back at government proposals forcing the industry to disclose details of their referral fee arrangements.
Strategic Technology Forum: data management security policy is a must
Insurance firms must have an accurate data management security policy in place to avoid falling foul of the Information Commissioner's Office, a solicitor from law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse claimed.
Court dismisses Towergate application
A high court judge has dismissed an application from Towergate Underwriting for a pre-action disclosure against Lorica Insurance Brokers and ordered it to pay costs amounting to £17 000.
In series: tackling the problem of fraud
Fraud is no longer the elephant in the room for the industry — but insurers still need to go on the offensive to tackle the issues, says Rachel Gordon.
Direct Line loses court battle against ‘lying claimant’
Direct Line has failed in a High Court bid to prove that a Dorset man exaggerated his injuries in order to claim £3.4m in compensation.
Hiscox backs draft Defamation Bill
Insurer Hiscox has welcomed the draft Defamation Bill claiming that it strikes “a better balance between protecting freedom of speech and reputations”.
Liability findings more "likely" after asbestos ruling
Law firm Beachcroft has claimed that findings of liability in mesothelioma cases are more “likely” following the Supreme Court judgement in Willmore v Knowsley MBC and Sienkiewicz v Greif last week.
Law firm launches app
A professor of psychology at Edinburgh University has said that people can struggle to remember small details within seconds of an accident, which often prove crucial when people are taking legal action afterwards.
Commercial policy wording must be “watertight”
The wording of commercial insurance policies must be “fully watertight” to ensure claims are met, law firm O’Connors has said.
Apil calls on insurers to take action on fraud
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has urged the insurance industry to drive forward the recommendations outlined in the Transport Select Committee report.
Professional indemnity - legal services shake up: a plethora of problems for solcitors?
With the legal services industry set for a structural shake-up, Mike Willis and Lindsay Bowskill consider the impact on its insurers.
Disease claims - mesothelioma: minimising costs while maximising speed
Mesothelioma claims are not set to peak until at least 2015. David Wynn details what insurers should be doing now to minimise their cost burden, while maximising speed of settlement.
News analysis - ECJ Judgment: The gender judgment
The Test-Achats case will have huge consequences for the motor, life and health insurance industries. Andy Tromans and Nick Elwell-Sutton explore the ramifications.
Post history - 30 years ago: Law Society examines insurance
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 30 years ago reveals.
Career development & CSR: Claims management firm attains IIP gold standard
ULR has joined the 1% of accredited companies to be awarded the gold standard by Investors in People.
Disease claims: amendments to the pre-action protocol for disease
Recent amendments to the pre-action protocol for disease and illness claims underline that the claims process is a genuine two-way street. Ian Macalister details the encouraging changes.
Legal update - winter damage claims
Severe cold snaps during the past two winters have propelled potholes to centre stage, provoking liability claims. Caroline Elson explains the arguments and outcomes of recent cases.
Interview – Peter Halpin: keeping Swinton on the acquisition track
Swinton CEO Peter Halpin had a lot to live up to - following, as he did, in Patrick Smith’s footsteps. He talks to Leigh Jackson about taking the company forward and continuing its impressive acquisition record.
Penny Black’s insurance week
Penny was fortunate to be sunning herself in southern Spain earlier this week. With only a mild case of sunburn to attend to, she was shocked to hear one of her insurer pals had experienced a rather more unfortunate injury on his holiday.
Lords accuse gender ruling of "preventing true equality"
Members of the House of Lords have criticised the European Court of Justice ruling on gender discrimination in insurance policies and annuities.
Weightmans acquires Vizards Wyeth insurance division
Law firm Weightmans will take on the insurance business of rival firm Vizards Wyeth from 1 April.