Politics
Taxation - IPT changes: A taxing issue across Europe
2011 brings with it many changes to insurance premium tax across Europe and a big headache for insurers operating locally in different countries or across multiple European territories. Edward Murray explains why it is crucial for insurers to stay on top…
North of the Border: Update on Pleural Plaques and Forum Shopping
The eagerly awaited decision of Scotland's Inner House of the Court of Session, in the judicial review of the Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 is anticipated later this month.
RSA joins forces with WWF to call for sustainable drainage
RSA has called for an increase in sustainable urban drainage systems to combat the growing effects of climate change.
Subsidence - Tree preservation orders: Addressing the root cause
Legislation for tree preservation orders will be changing in the coming year. Keiron Hart examines what these changes mean in practical terms, and whether some opportunities have been lost.
News analysis - OFT: Competition investigation ends in a 'damp squib'
Following a tip off from insurer RSA, the Office of Fair Trading looked into whether an Experian data analysis tool could create the potential for price fixing. Mairi MacDonald reports on the results of the lengthy investigation.
Aon unveils 2011 political risk map
Global insurance broker Aon has outlined the growing political threat in African nations in its risk map for 2011.
Post Europe: Dutch moves on IPT reflect European trend
While the legal requirement for insurers in Europe to have fiscal representation seems to be on the decline, Mike Stalley explains why the need for their presence could be great than ever.
BIBA 2011 manifesto focuses on regulation and helping customers
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched its 2011 manifesto outlining its priority lobbying issues for the year ahead.
Lord Sassoon: OFT is also investigating London market underwriters
The Government has admitted that the Office of Fair Trading is looking into the fees charged by London market underwriters.
Man arrested after Regent Street police siege
A man was arrested this morning after barricading himself in the Accessorize store on Regent Street threatening to blow himself up.
View from the top: 2011: a case of déjà vu?
I have started 2011 with a strong sense of déjà vu as my colleagues in our claims teams deal with our customers' problems arising from the recent extreme weather conditions. I recall that January 2010 was much the same following another spell of bad…
MP plans 'dramatic changes' for motor
Road safety minister Mike Penning MP has vowed to step up government efforts to tackle the rising cost of motor insurance.
LMA outlines plans to cut motor costs
The Lloyd’s Market Association has outlined a range of recommendations to help reduce the cost of motor insurance at a Transport Select Committee meeting in the House of Commons.
Direct Line urges harsher CIE fines
Insurer Direct Line has called for harsher punishments for uninsured motorists under the recently announced Continuous Insurance Enforcement plans.
Rehabilitation should be heart of government’s civil justice review
Law firm Thompsons is calling on government ministers to put rehabilitation for injury victims at the heart of its review of civil justice.
Government to crackdown on uninsured drivers
The government is set to unveil a range of new measures which will make it an offence to be a registered owner of an uninsured vehicle.
Biba sets out plan to reduce motor insurance costs
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has called on the government to implement an eight point plan to reduce the spiralling cost of motor insurance.
Ecclesiastical offers VAT break to churches
Ecclesiastical has proposed increasing sums insured for all church buildings used for worship to reflect the new level of VAT without any charge.
Broking focus - Bribery Act: On the right side of the law
London market brokers transacting across international boundaries need to revisit their risk and compliance provision in the face of draconian new UK bribery legislation, reports Ralph Savage.
Conservative Party: no estimate exists for properties at risk of flooding
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Natural Environment and Fisheries), Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has admitted that no figure exists as to how many properties are at risk if the insurance industry withdraws from the statement of…
Government urged to take flood action
A group of MPs have told the government that more must be done to protect properties that are under threat from flooding.
Bruce Stevenson wins Ofgem contract
Edinburgh-based insurance broker Bruce Stevenson Risk Management has been appointed to work with Ofgem as part of the UK government’s support for offshore wind generation.
FSA fines hit record high
The Financial Services Authority handed down a record-breaking £88.4m in fines in 2010 (to 20 December).
Health insurance - review of the year: Care crisis or opportunity?
The past 12 months have been tough for health insurance, with a record contraction in policy numbers. Amy Ellis examines recent market developments and asks whether 2011 will be brighter.