Motor
Legal update - motor claims: Expert handling
Contesting motor claims that seem grossly and deliberately exaggerated can be a tricky business. Roger Mackle examines two cases where fraud was alleged that had very different end results.
North-west remains hotbed of UK 'cash for crash' fraud
The North-west is still the 'cash for crash' centre of the UK, despite Birmingham retaining its place at the top Insurance Fraud Bureau's regional hotspot league table.
Neil Utley confirmed among Provident runners and riders
A source close to a consortium of insurance investors — including outgoing IAG UK chief executive Neil Utley — has confirmed it is among the frontrunners to buy motor insurer Provident.
Three new entries in IFB ‘cash for crash’ tables
Sheffield, Leicester and Warrington have been named as new entries in the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s top 20 regional hotspots for 'cash for crash' activites.
Groupama unveils senior claims team
Groupama Insurances has confirmed the line up for its new claims management team, reporting to claims director Phil Bird.
Post Europe Q&A – ALC Health
In the latest of our regular focus on European insurance companies and brokers, Post Europe talks to Sue Wilson, director for the European office of ALC Health.
Motor insurers urged to come clean on debit fees
Motor insurance providers have been urged to clarify the direct debit fees they charge customer by Defaqto.
QBE Europe H1 profits increase to $222m
QBE Europe reported a pre-tax insurance profit of $222m (H1 2009: $213M). Its gross written premium for the first half of 2010 was up 8% to US$2.412bn (2009 US$2.228bn).
Postbox: Discovering the intentions of customers
As the Actuarial Party's recent report states, claims management companies are driving some people to claim.
RSA spotlight - Bob Mendelsohn: Whatever happened to Bob?
Having promised RSA that he would make it his mission to track down its former CEO Bob Mendelsohn to mark the firm's 300th anniversary, Jonathan Swift's job was made somewhat easier than anticipated when he resurfaced at US insurer Navigators last week…
Allianz boss backs rate increases to fuel return to profit
Allianz Insurance chief executive Andrew Torrance has revealed it could implement rate increases of up to 25% in its broker motor book during 2010.
FSA crackdown: whistleblower helps ban unauthorised broker
A whistleblower has helped ban an unauthorised insurance broker from performing any regulated role in financial services, after he was caught using client money to fund a new broking business.
Allianz UK COR remains steady at 95.3% as profits drop for H1 2010
Allianz has recorded a reduced profit before tax of £78.4m (H1 2009: £88.3m) for H1 2010, as the insurer’s combined operating ratio deteriorated slightly to 95.3% (H1 2009: 94.9%).
Allianz sees local GI premiums shrink by 3% in H1 2010
In the first half of 2010, Allianz Deutschland AG increased revenues 6 percent, to €15.2 bn (H1 2009: €14.3 bn).
Lucas Fettes launches new classic car scheme
The new classic car scheme introduced by Lucas Fettes is underwritten by Brit Insurance.
Fitch: "immature" Russian insurance sector impacted by weak capital adequcy
Russian insurers' ratings will continue to be constrained by the poor reserving and pricing risks that became apparent in 2009, as well as by the challenges of the current operating environment.
IFB welcomes landmark fraud convictions
Two brothers behind one of the UK’s biggest 'crash for cash' scams have been convicted.
Allianz to target Bric countries after extending 60 year old VW deal
Volkswagen Financial Services and Allianz Global Automotive have today signed a letter of intent, agreeing to strategically expand their 60 year-old successful partnership and to continue it in the long term.
Allianz to target Bric countries after extending 60 year old VW deal
Volkswagen Financial Services and Allianz Global Automotive have today signed a letter of intent, agreeing to strategically expand their 60 year-old successful partnership and to continue it in the long term.
Defaqto calls on insurers to educate beyond price
Defaqto has told motor insurers to educate customers to look beyond price, as underwriting losses continue to increase.
Penny Black's insurance week
Penny congratulates Neil Utley on his wedding in the grounds of his Cambridgeshire home at the weekend.
Groupama boss hails effort in stopping motor 'bleeding'
Groupama chief executive François-Xavier Boisseau has said the insurer has gone some way to stopping the "bleeding" of its private motor account, as it reported its results for the first half of 2010.
RSA CEO 'lonely' on rates
RSA's UK chief executive has admitted he is feeling "lonely" when it comes to commercial rate rises.
First significant household fraud conviction
The imprisonment of two men for trying to defraud insurance companies for household claims worth more than £100 000 has been described as the industry's first significant conviction for household fraud.