Legal
Market moves: Davies and Questgates recruit former Merlin employees
The week again belonged to the loss adjusting fraternity, as the fight to recruit staff left displaced by the demise of Merlin continued with Davies and Questgates both welcoming fresh faces.
Alternative Business Structures: a blueprint for change?
Despite the possibilities presented by Alternative Business Structures, there has been only a muted response from the insurance industry thus far.
Wheatley approach a "gross distortion of process"
Law firm CMS Cameron McKenna has claimed that the approach by Martin Wheatley, incoming boss of the Financial Conduct Authority, to "shoot first and ask questions later" represents a "gross distortion of due process".
Top five European news stories
The top five European stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Pinsent Masons opens Paris office
International law firm Pinsent Masons has opened an office in Paris as it targets insurance work in mainland Europe.
Arc Legal teams up with broker on Irish hauliers offering
Arc Legal Assistance has launched a dedicated haulage legal expenses product in Ireland, as part of new schemes and a distribution deal with Wright Insurance Brokers.
Arc launches legal expenses cover for hauliers
Arc Legal Assistance has launched a dedicated haulage legal expenses product in Ireland, as part of a new scheme and a distribution deal with Wright Insurance Brokers.
Transsexual policy holders entitled to breast enlargement, German court rules
Male-to-female transsexuals can claim for breast enlargement surgery under their insurance policy if hormone therapy fails to give them a feminine shape, a German court has ruled.
Market moves: High-profile changes at Allianz, Zurich and Towergate
The industry witnessed a number of major departures this week with Chris Hanks, Karl Bedlow and Nick Houghton leaving their roles at Allianz, Zurich and Towergate respectively.
Law report: Risk assessment ruled unnecessary
Law reports contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: Judge finds lack of scrutiny caused 'fatally flawed' claims
Law reports contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: 10% personal injury damages increase to apply to all judgments given after 1 April 2013
Law reports contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Your say: Dropping out of the RTA Portal
Insurers are going to have to work very hard to keep cases in the portal, says Martyn Gabbitass.
View from the top: Euro crisis pushes contingency to the fore
Proactive planning could see insurers reap the rewards of a re-ordering of Eurozone members, says Andrew McKee.
Expert legal view: The truth behind the headlines
Financial incentive schemes should be scrutinised and risk-assessed by an independent individual, say Christine Jenner and Mathew Rutter.
Defendants face stiff challenge on subrogation inflation argument
The recent verdict in RSA's high-profile subrogation case could pose challenges for insurers wishing to dispute increased pricing on motor claims in court, according to Temple Garden Chambers barrister Aidan Ellis.
Whiplash still on the agenda insists MoJ, as consultation delayed again
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the promised consultation on whiplash remains on its agenda, despite being delayed as a consequence of last week's government reshuffle.
Italy increasingly important for London market
Italy is becoming a more important jurisdiction for the London insurance community, according to international law firm Norton Rose.
FSA approval time hits record high
The Financial Services Authority's deeper scrutiny of new business plans means that start-ups face record waiting times for regulatory approval, according to City law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.
View from the top: The finishing straight
The final steps towards implementing Lord Jackson's justice reforms are the most crucial, says Graham Gibson.
Insurers duck Admiral warning on 'killer' referral fees
Insurers have reiterated their support for the scrapping of referral fees, following remarks made by Admiral chief executive Henry Engelhardt that the incoming ban will be a "killer" for his competitors.
Foil backs ABI's stance on 'illogical' damages rise
The Court of Appeal's decision to effectively bring forward a 10% rise in damages from April has been branded "illogical" by the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, echoing concerns already raised by the Association of British Insurers.
BP accused of "gross negligence" over Deepwater Horizon
BP has disputed accusations of "gross negligence and wilful misconduct" by the US Justice Department over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.
ABI to contest legal decision to bring forward 10% damages rise
The Association of British Insurers has requested a review of the Court of Appeal's decision to bring forward a rise in damages by 10% from April next year.