Legislation
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: A man for all seasons
As CEO of Ageas UK for the last decade, radical changes in distribution, more intelligent use of capital and the financial turmoil are just a few of the changes Barry Smith has witnessed.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement - brand analysis: Battle of the brands
With commercial pressures and tough business conditions putting the squeeze on insurance companies, the importance of the brand has never been more vital. So who is getting it right?
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: Referral fees roundtable: The hot potato
With barely a day going by without another opinion voiced on the adverse effects of referral fees, our panel of industry experts debated their contribution to cost inflation and the bigger issues*
MGAA launch: Changing perceptions
Delayed since 2010, the Managing General Agents Association launched this month, with a brief to ensure the insurance industry and regulators understand exactly what role MGAs perform.
Greek government issues second IPT penalty amnesty
The Greek parliament has passed a law that includes a further amnesty provision on penalties for insurance premium tax.
Insurers vow to pay squatting claims if informed of extended absence
Insurers have vowed to pay claims to policyholders whose properties are invaded by squatters — as long as they inform them if their home will be empty for long periods of time.
IMIA 2011 preview: Setting the agenda
With Amsterdam playing host next week to the 44th International Association of Engineering Insurers annual conference, IMIA chairman Neil Clutterbuck previews the event.
Comment- mutuals: Public preference
Mutuals can be overlooked or underused by public bodies, but Allan Guest argues that they are the most cost-effective and appropriate choice for public sector risks.
Government applauds insurance initiative over charity driver rules
Charities expect to see a rise in volunteer drivers after insurers agreed to clarify their rules and post the data online, in a move welcomed by the government.
Riot Act: pressure mounts for repeal as police cost burden deepens
Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement that those suffering losses as a result of the recent outbreaks of violence, destruction and looting across England will have 42 days — rather than the 14 prescribed by statute — to claim compensation from the…
Risk update - Asbestos: Kept safe from harm
With the European Commission ordering the UK to amend legislation to ensure maintenance and repair workers are fully protected from asbestos, John Toms investigates the implications for the insurance industry.
Solvency II - Implementation day: Putting the brakes on
The timetables for two key initiatives that will affect insurers have slipped recently. Neil Coulson examines the implementation delays to both Solvency II and the international insurance accounting standard.
Shadow Treasury minister tells Osborne to take Solvency II "more seriously"
Chris Leslie MP, shadow financial secretary to the Treasury, today called on the Chancellor to initiate higher level debate on the effects of Solvency II on UK consumers and business.
Captive Domiciles: new entrants cause a stir
New captive domiciles are emerging with clear regulations which are attractive for captives. Jane Bernstein asks if there is room for everyone.
News analysis - Lancashire Tax move: Bringing business back to Blighty
With Lancashire set to move its tax residence to the UK, Amy Ellis looks at proposed reforms to the controlled foreign companies rules and asks whether other insurers may follow suit.
Post history - 10 year ago: £200m bill for insurers after cash call
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 10 years ago reveals.
RSA boss: CMCs not cause of referral fees
RSA's UK chief executive Adrian Brown has called for action against "hefty" lawyer fees and the amount they pay claims management companies rather than targeting CMCs themselves.
Leisure industry irresistible target for cyber pirates
The vast quantities of personal and identifiable information collected by the leisure and hospitality industry has made it a chief target of cyber attacks, according to global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings.
Mobile phone insurance: We've got your number
Mobile phone insurance is a high-frequency claims product but has been criticised by the ombudsman and consumer groups. Ralph Savage reviews the sector to discover if this niche is offering value for money.
Postbox: Mediation is a viable alternative
The various debates surrounding the future of referral fees and the resulting impact on the costs of insurance — 'TSC re-opens premiums inquiry as referral fee furore escalates' and 'Referral fees a 'red-herring', claims CSC' - overshadow the fact that…
US legislative changes offer opportunities for London Market
Legislative changes in the US could present “significant” business opportunities for London market companies, according to the International Underwriting Association.
Blasts prompt rethink over Indian appetite
Insurance claims arising from the recent terrorism attack in Mumbai are unlikely to have an immediate impact on rates, according to market observers.
New directive on insurance intermediaries: a serious warning against excessive regulations from Brussels
The new Intermediaries Directive (IMD2), coming less than a decade after the implementation of IMDI, will re-shape the entire regulatory environment for insurance distribution in each of the 27 EU member states.
Employment law: Tribunals and tribulations?
The increasing number of employment tribunals presents an opportunity for brokers able to offer advice and legal expenses insurance, writes Kevin Pallett.