Politics
Government delivers gender certainty
The government has today announced that domestic law is to be amended to deliver absolute clarity for brokers and insurers on when and how the forthcoming European ban on gender-based premiums takes effect.
Post history - 20 years ago: US blamed for Lloyd's record losses
Looking back through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 20 years ago reveals.
Keoghs boss: motor claims costs to rise under reforms
The Ministry of Justice should "refocus on cost" if Lord Justice Jackson's reforms are to deliver lower premiums for customers. Steve Thomas, director of market affairs at law firm Keoghs, has warned the government consultation that started in August…
ABI biennial conference: Cable tackles short-termist culture
Business Secretary Vince Cable has launched a three-pronged strategy to tackle a culture of short-termism and bolster corporate governance, while ensuring the proper functioning of capital markets.
Editor's comment: Referral fees witch hunt
Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later: public outrage at referral fees and the "gobsmacking" practice of insurers making money from passing on details of claimants to personal injury solicitors. Few, however, would have put money on it emanating…
News comment - Women in business: Room at the top
After Business Secretary Vince Cable called on insurance company chairmen to publish their medium-term targets for female board representation, Heather Jackson explains why quotas are not the answer.
Spotlight on: Insurance scores - Number crunching
Looking at the links between credit data and insurance behaviour is unusual in the UK, but this could be about to change, claims Sam Barrett, as insurers look to develop the data sources they use.
Law report: Confusion continues over 'thorny' school truancy laws
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Household - Flood risk: Removing the safety net
In two years, the insurance industry's pact with central government to provide flood cover for at-risk properties will cease to exist. Ralph Savage reports on how insurers are planning to meet the challenge post-2013.
Axa bans referral fees
Axa said that it will no longer accept referral fees from personal injury lawyers and has called for whiplash injury reform to eliminate fraud within the industry.
ICO to investigate Jack Straw’s claims
A spokesman for the Information Commissioner’s office has confirmed that it is launching an investigation into claims from Mr Straw that motor insurers who sell clients' details to personal injury lawyers are breaking the law.
Jack Straw attacks referral fee “racket”
In an article published in The Times, Jack Straw Labour MP for Blackburn has spoken out about the “dirty secret” that drives up motor insurance.
Government puts speed cameras under spotlight
The numbers of accidents and casualties at speed camera sites both before and after the cameras were installed is to be published by local authorities.
Climate change - Renewable energy: The future energy landscape
With the government committed to cutting carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, the insurance industry may play a crucial role in providing effective cover, reports Mark Potter.
Phase two of Jackson needed claims law firm
The government has "stuck to its guns" with primary legislation needed to introduce the core principles of Lord Justice Jackson's review into civil litigation costs.
ABI conference: Financial support promised for all 'worthwhile' flood defence schemes
Environment Minister Richard Benyon has promised that “every worthwhile” flood defence project will obtain some degree of financial support under the government’s new partnership funding scheme, and confirmed he will look into whether the government’s…
ABI conference: Keynote speaker on the government's economic stance
Bids by the Northern Irish Assembly and the Scottish Parliament to obtain control over tax could have more success of the UK economy fails to improve on the “slow and sluggish” rate of growth that could blight the next few years.
ABI conference: Cable calls on insurers to lead corporate reform
Business Secretary Vince Cable today unveiled a three-pronged strategy to counter the UK culture of short-termism and bolster corporate governance, while ensuring the proper functioning of capital markets.
ABI Conference: Guidance on Test Achats due by year end
Jonathan Rees, director general at the Government Equalities Office, said that guidance from the European Commission on what the gender directive judgement means should be ready by the end of the year.
ABI Conference: FSA and Eiopa clash over Bank of England role
The Financial Services Authority has clashed with the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority over the Bank of England’s role in the regulation of the insurance sector.
Groupama urges government to act on referral fees
Groupama Insrances has called on the government to ban referral fees following publication of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.
Industry responds to Justice Bill
The industry has responded to the government’s reforms to ‘no win no fee’ arrangements outlined as part of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill published today.
Draft bill published on financial regulation reforms
The government has published a White Paper and draft bill detailing its proposed reforms to the financial regulatory regime within the UK.
FSA refuses to back down over FSCS review timing
The Financial Services Authority has refused to commit to an April 2012 deadline for a review of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, as it would be "counterproductive" to consult when changes to European insurance legislation are ongoing.