Politics
BIS 2011: EU economy could go into meltdown, warns former Bank of England boss
The former deputy governor of the Bank of England Sir John Gieve has forecasted the European economy will either slowly limp along to recovery and see unemployment rise or go into complete meltdown.
Renewable manufacturers call for tariff withdrawal protection
The insurance industry could play a crucial role in supplying protection against u-turns in European government policy and provide vital support for the emerging renewables market.
Italy allows variable motor insurance premium tax
Individual Italian provinces now have the ability to vary the insurance premium tax rate of 12.5% on motor vehicle policies, following the country's enforcement of fiscal federalism.
Editor's comment: Overcoming the barriers
If there’s one thing we can say for sure this week, it’s that the latest round in the subrogation set-to over disputed motor repair bills will not be the last.
Expert opinion: A missed opportunity
MP for Blackburn Jack Straw's proposed bill will have no effect on fraud or premiums, says Philip Dicken, strategic partnersip director, New Law.
View from the top: Sleepwalking to a fleet nightmare
New business discounts, cross subsidising and top-line chasing remain rife, says Laurent Matras, managing director, Groupama Insurances.
Whiplash - Britain: The European whiplash capital
With its proportion of whiplash claims far outstripping any other European nation, what must the UK do to curb this cause of claims inflation?
Ken Livingstone to open the British Insurance Summit
Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone will deliver the opening address at this month’s British Insurance Summit, Postonline can reveal.
Industry associations back Government regulation reform
Insurance and broker associations have welcomed the Government’s proposed regulatory reforms in their consultation responses. However, they have also expressed concern its plans could be too “ambitious” and potentially cause delays.
MoJ to split referral ban enforcement role between industry regulators
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed the government’s proposed ban on referral fees is likely not to be centrally administered, but instead enforced by a collection of disparate regulatory authorities.
Editor's comment: The devil is in the detail
Just when consensus was building across the insurance industry that banning referral fees alone will not cure the UK civil litigation system of all its perceived ills, reduce car insurance premiums, or single-handedly wipe out personal injury claims…
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.
Explosion in whiplash claims highlights the need to tackle cause not symptoms
Last week’s Claims Club meeting saw a heated debate on referral fees, a call for members to lobby against the EU tax review and heavy criticism of the SRA
IUMI 2011 preview: The problem of piracy
The annual International Union of Marine Insurance conference takes place in Paris next week. Topping the agenda is the ongoing scourge of piracy on world trade .
Exposure to sovereign debt could led to more downgrades
A worsening of the economic or investment landscape could result in an increase in negative outlooks or downgrades for insurers and reinsurers operating in Europe a report has found.
UK Government bans referral fees
The UK government has decided today that it will ban referral fees as part of its commitment to curb the compensation culture.
Groupama and Cost Advocates fear referral fee ban not enough
Groupama Insurances and Cost Advocates have welcomed the Government’s decision to ban referral fees but say it is only part of the compensation culture probem.
Pro Legal warns MoJ over “dangerous” referral fee decision
London-based law firm Pro Legal has hit out at the Ministry of Justice over its “dangerous” decision to ban referral fees claiming that the move would hurt consumers.
Asbestos families campaign against compensation reform
More than 400 families affected by asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma have written to the Forum condemning the planned reforms to the way compensation claims for industrial diseases are funded.
Parabis slams MoJ over referral fees
Parabis has criticised the Ministry of Justice’s decision to ban referral fees.
Axa urges MoJ to cut legal costs
Insurer Axa has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s ban on referral fees but has urged the government to tackle lawyers fixed fees.
Government bans referral fees
The government has announced today that it is to ban referral fees as part of its commitment to curb the compensation culture, but is yet to specify a date.
Biba calls for riot notification changes
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has urged the government to change the Riot Damages Act notification period permanently from 14 to 42 days.
Costly referral fee ban rejected as claims firm details lobbying alternative
Ai Claims Solutions is set to lobby MPs with a four-point plan to reform the referral fees system in place of the "costly and timeconsuming legislation" of an outright ban.