Legislation
In Series: Personal Lines: Getting the balance right
Insurers are deploying fraud detection measures earlier, in an attempt to reduce exposure, while still providing a good customer experience. by Graham Odiam
Scottish Future: Extending damages time
Insurers north of the border may soon be having to keep claims on their books for much longer, says Laura Brain.
Insurers refuse to back government plan to extend Statement of Principles
Insurers have declared they are unwilling to green-light a temporary extension to the Statement of Principles unless the government provides “a definite commitment” that a long-term flood risk solution is imminent, after Environment Secretary Owen…
Asbestos: Unclear Future
From differences in compensation eligibility across the UK to legal battles over mesothelioma liability, asbestos-related illnesses are presenting insurers with a range of challenges.
Leader: Beyond a joke
“It is understood European decision makers are poised to broaden the scope of the Gender Directive – which has also impacted the setting of premiums in the life and annuities markets – to cover cats and dogs.”
Hostile ABI response to ‘inferior’ Flood Mu model sparks wider debate
The Association of British Insurers’ attempts to derail a proposal put forward by Marsh to secure a mutualised solution to flood risk have been criticised by politicians and industry insiders.
Your say: Investigators aren’t the villains
I find the Financial Services Authority’s thematic review into the insurer-investigator relationship a curious exercise.
Metal Theft: Copper and Robbers
New legislation promises to make life tougher than ever for scrap metal thieves and ease the demand on insurers – but why is the market unconvinced it will be effective?
Credit Hire: Co-operation not combat
With concerns over credit hire at an all-time high after the collapse of Drive Assist, what is the future for credit hire organisations, and can they ever truly make peace with insurers?
International: Are you protected?
A pan-European data protection regulation may enhance transparency and accountability, but could inadvertently hamper insurance activities, harming companies and policyholders.
News review: British insurance staff could lose jobs
Staff at mortgage payment protection insurance provider British Insurance has been put on redundancy notice by the firm's parent company Towergate Insurance.
North of the Border: The same rules of privilege apply
The extent of legal professional privilege was at issue when the Supreme Court considered the appeal in Prudential v Special Commissioner [2013].
Expertise in Action: Pricing: Looking for support
With brokers calling on insurers to share more information and provide greater practical assistance, how can both parties – and their clients – benefit from better collaboration?
Expertise in Action: Pricing: A Perfect Storm
The continuing economic downturn and prevalence of large losses make this a difficult period for the insurance industry – but the sector is demonstrating its resilience.
Solvency II compliance could move to 2016 following latest delay
The European Parliament plenary meeting to consider, and possibly approve, the Omnibus 2 amendments to the Solvency II directive has been moved back from 10 June to 22 October 2013.
Scottish powers already affect industry
The independence debate has been dominating headlines in Scotland, but insurers should keep in mind that the Scottish Parliament already enjoys significant power over issues that are relevant to their business.
Elite to refer Sabre to FSA over 'dirty tricks' letter campaign
After the event insurer Elite has confirmed it will be referring motor insurer Sabre to the regulator over what it describes as a “dirty tricks campaign” to convince claimants to cancel ATE policies.
Editor's comment: Bowing out from Brussels
Complaining about the influence of the European Union on British affairs is almost as much a talking point as the weather in the UK, but insurers have fair grounds. Since Solvency II was first proposed, many in the UK insurance industry believe the…
Gender Directive: The Sex Factor
As consumers come to terms with gender-neutral pricing, motor insurers continue to sweat over alternative rating factors and rebalanced underwriting models.
Youngest female motorists hit with 50% premium rise, claims report
Female drivers aged 17 and 18 have seen motor insurance premiums rise by up to 50% since the EU Gender Directive was introduced last month, according to figures uncovered by Uswitch.
Metal theft falls to lowest level in six years - but funding could be withdrawn
A parliamentary group aimed at combating metal theft has called for a renewed commitment to funding, despite insurer figures showing that theft from churches has fallen to its lowest level since 2006.
Insurers urged to address compliance issues ahead of incoming Act
DAC Beachcroft has warned insurers to prioritise a review of compliance details, after The Law Commission confirmed that the Consumer Insurance Act 2012 will come into effect on 6 April.
Foil urges MoJ to bring forward fixed fee protocol
The Forum of Insurance Lawyers is calling on the Ministry of Justice to bring forward the introduction of a fixed fees protocol in relation to the planned extension of the RTA Portal.
Motor tax to hit French policyholders
French policyholders will bear the brunt of a new motor premium tax according to consultancy Fiscal Reps.