Legal
Solicitors' PI: Taking a gamble
While their low prices make unrated carriers an attractive option for solicitors seeking professional indemnity insurance, are they worth the risk? And do small law firms have any alternative?
Roundtable: Fraud: Seeking a knockout blow
How are recent changes to the legal landscape and calls for a more collaborative approach impacting the insurance industry’s fight against fraud?
Opinion: Treatment key to whiplash woes
Studies suggest early treatment of claimants could bring down the costs associated with whiplash.
Judge to review Jackson reforms’ problem areas
The judge charged with implementing the Jackson reforms has revealed he will review parts of the legislation causing problems for lawyers.
Philip named SRA chief
General Medical Council chief operating officer Paul Philip has been appointed chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Four crash-for-cash scammers convicted of fraud
Four people involved in a crash-for-cash scam worth nearly £500 000 were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud insurance companies yesterday at the Sheffield Crown Court.
Fraud: Breaking the habit
From holidaymakers to corporates, exaggerating or fabricating an insurance claim could become common practice – so what can insurers do to combat this culture By Ruth Lawrence
Hill Dickinson Fraud Unit gains access to Met Police data set
The Metropolitan Police Service Amberhill is going to provide Hill Dickinson Fraud Unit with false identity data secured from illegal “identity and counterfeiting factories”.
Legal Update: Fraud: Following Irish fraud law could help UK insurers fight fabricated claims
Sarah Hill looks at the legal issues affecting insurers’ battle against fraud, including the Irish approach to ‘tainted’ claims and the incoming regulation of private investigators
C-Suite: Rewriting the law on fraud
Looking to France may help bring down claim numbers and prevent fraudsters escaping detection, says John O'Roarke.
Europe: The cost of Concordia
What has the Costa Concordia disaster meant for the European marine market?
Market Moves: Lockton among the major movers as new hires are made across the sector
Recruitment activity was spread across all sectors of the insurance industry this week. Busy among brokers was Lockton, with two appointments coming in the form of a new business development executive and an incoming senior yacht consultant. Loss…
EC3/Legal expands insurance expertise with new recruit
EC3/Legal has appointed Ian D’Castro to the role of legal director, as part of the city law firm’s plans to continue the expansion on its commercial legal practice for brokers, Lloyd’s agencies, MGAs and other support providers.
Scottish civil litigation costs review not a repeat of Jackson reforms
Taylor review’s key proposals include QOCS and referral fee approval
Travel: In rude health
The refusal of some Spanish hospitals to accept EHICs sparked anger in the insurance industry, but will the scandal impact premiums?
Legal & General teams up with SSP for digital strategy
Legal & General is to implement SSP’s Select Connect in its general insurance business in a bid to improve efficiency and customer service.
Scotland's Future - Scottish courts kick-start modernisation
In just over a year (18 September 2014) Scotland will decide whether it wishes to remain part of the UK or become an independent nation.
Europe: A Rock and a hard place
The row between Spain and Britain over Gibraltar may have put insurance firms in the country in an unenviable position. Mark Sands explains.
85 changes to funding Scottish civil litigation recommended
A review into the expenses and funding of civil litigation in Scotland has recommended 85 changes to the current system including solicitors being able to offer their clients "no win, no-fee" agreements.
Four on trial for involvement in ghost broking scam
Four men who were allegedly part of a motor insurance ghost broking scam are on trial in London for either laundering the proceeds or being directly involved in the scam.
Post Claims Club: Pregnant women exempt from ‘game changing’ legislation
Insurers should be aware that fundamental changes removing strict liability from employers’ liability civil claims where fault is not an issue will not relate to pregnant women.
Post Claims Club: Scottish solicitor covets England’s ‘one size fits all’ fatality claims setup
Claims awards for fatal accidents in Scotland could be made “fairer” by imitating the “one size fits all” approach adopted in the English courts, according to BTO solicitors partner Carly Forrest.
Market Moves: Insurers flood back into recruitment market with raft of key hires and promotions
Insurers swarmed the recruitment space this week, redressing a balance that has seen brokers dominating. The start of September saw a number of new recruits, with appointments rising in both the London and companies market. XL, Markel, First Title and…
Legal Update: Social Care: Unprecedented social care and abuse cases leave insurers with plenty to consider
In the past two weeks the social care and abuse landscape has exploded. Roy Woollard looks at the legal issues and their impact on insurers