Politics
Insurance industry apprenticeship scheme kick-started
The insurance industry’s bid to double the number of apprentices was officially launched by high-profile figures from the sector at an event hosted by the Chartered Insurance Institute this morning.
Indian opposition to consider increase in foreign investment cap
As Indian political elections loom, the opposition party has pledged to consider raising the foreign investment cap in insurance from 26% to 49%.
Editor's comment: Pressing the advantage home
Prime Minister David Cameron told the nation “money is no object” when he declared the recent floods a national emergency and staked his personal authority on rebuilding damaged UK regions to make them more resilient to extreme weather.
Insurers doubtful government will approve VAT waiver for flood repairs
Business secretary calls for VAT on flood renovation and repairs to be cut to 5%.
C-Suite – Insurer: Where will the tech journey lead?
Insurers should be looking to seize upon the opportunities presented by telematics and driverless cars.
North of the border: All change for personal injury
The Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill promises to streamline Scotland’s civil courts.
Trade Voice: Flooding: the rules of engagement
The recent industry chief executive roundtable with ministers served as a reminder of how critical the role of insurance is to government and society in dealing with the problems caused by the ongoing flooding.
Flood grant could give rise to rogue trading, claims Trust Mark
Insurers are being advised to liaise with loss adjusters and local authorities to ensure flood-hit homeowners do not get ripped off by rogue trades when using the government’s £5000 repair and renewal grant.
Justice Secretary Grayling under pressure to close referral fee loopholes
Epoq’s Legal Go model singled out by Jack Straw as being against spirit of Laspo.
Motor insurance regulator mooted by Straw slammed as ‘unnecessary’
Former Home Secretary’s parliamentary counterpart Evans ‘dead against’ idea.
Tulloch’s flood defence funding plan fails to generate industry support
Analysts say insurers are unwilling to invest in defences without clear returns.
Insurers urged not to jump the gun in entering cosmetic interventions market
Industry warned over potential pitfalls of operating with inadequate expertise.
Fracking: Frack to the future
With the government pushing hydraulic fracturing in the UK, how will developments in this market affect insurers and what risks does it entail?
C-Suite: Broker: After the horse has bolted
According to a recent BBC report, the South East and Central Southern England had a record 175.2mm of rainfall in January – beating the previous record of 158.2mm, set in 1988.
One in six households face Flood Re exclusion, claims Hiscox
Hiscox is seeking urgent talks with government ministers ahead of the Water Bill passing through parliament, after claiming one in six households are currently excluded from Flood Re.
Tulloch to kick-start flood funding talks after visiting policyholders
Aviva UK chief executive Maurice Tulloch has played down suggestions the insurer should channel funds earmarked for UK infrastructure investment into improving flood defences, but has vowed to act as a facilitator for industry talks with government on…
Insurers urged to direct infrastructure investment into flood defences
MP’s suggestion comes as PWC warns recent flooding could cost sector £500m.
BPF urges MPs to support Water Bill amendments
The British Property Federation is urging politicians to support Water Bill amendments being tabled in the House of Lords that would extend affordable flood insurance to excluded groups.
Europe: Clearing up confusion
A mid-January decision to amend the European Union's Insurance Mediation Directive - set to come into force in 2016 - through a revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive has generated much confusion.
Insurers told to prepare for ‘seismic’ impact of driverless vehicle technology
ABI set to attend Valentine’s Day government summit on driverless cars.
Editor's comment: A crucial Valentine’s Day date
Autonomous – or driverless – cars are clearly the future.
ABI rejects suggestions mesothelioma payout will increase to 100% over time
Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum attacks exemption U-turn.
Brokers could be probed in personal accident policy mis-selling investigation
Shadow business secretary accuses six employment agencies of mis-selling.
Difficult decisions ahead on flood defence funding, admits EA chair
The chairman of the Environment Agency has conceded there is “no bottomless purse” for flood defence spending and that decisions must be made on whether to prioritise town or country.