Property
Allianz aims for €120m target with new Madrid corporate base
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, the insurance group's dedicated carrier for large corporate insurance customers, is opening a branch office in Madrid.
Catastrophe: Put a (stronger) lid on it
Natural catastrophe models have been transformed through scientific research, growth in global and localised observation systems and modeling technology enhancements. But despite this, uncertainty remains, say Claire Souch and Michael Kistler.
Tree root damage claims cost over £37m
The public risk management association, Alarm, said that the issue of subsidence damage to property and the cost of related claims, where tree roots are seen as the main cause of the damage, is one that concerns many of its members, particularly those in…
Arista records growth in H1 2010
Commercial lines MGA Arista Insurance has recorded a 21% increase in income in the first half compared with the same period in 2009.
Rok to create 50 new jobs following £40m Axa contract win
Rok, the maintenance and building services group, has signed a contract with Inter Partner Assistance, a wholly owned subsidiary of Axa Assistance to provide home emergency services to its UK customers.
Weather events cause Ecclesiastical loss
Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has attributed its pre-tax loss of £9.9m for first half of 2010 to a string of exceptional weather events.
Lloyd's insurer Chaucer H1 2010 result bolstered by £5.3m reserve releases
Chaucer has reported a profit before tax of £7m (30 June 2009: £17m) for the first six months of 2010 on gross written premiums of £493m (30 June 2009: £491m).
Climate change - renewable energy: Investing in the future
With high targets on reducing carbon emissions, Daniel Dunkley asks if the government has the political will to invest in renewable energy and how the insurance industry can benefit.
Retail expansion key as Hiscox remains cautious
Hiscox plans to continue expanding its UK, mainland Europe and US retail businesses despite adopting a cautious outlook for the second half of 2010.
Avantia enters home protect market
Avantia Insurance has launched a home protect service to the trade.
Snowball heralds recovery as Suncorp profits increase A$432m in 2010
Australian financial services group Suncorp has recorded a net profit after tax of A$780m for the full year to 30 June 2010, (2009: A$348m).
ABI issues consumer insurance guide
The Association of British Insurers has published a guide of its top tips and myths to help consumers make the right choices when buying cover.
Fortis Insurance UK back in the black after strong Q2
Fortis Insurance UK this morning reported that a profit before tax of £8.4m in the first half of 2010, reflecting improved performance in the second quarter (Q1 2010: £3.2 m loss; HY 2009: £26.0m profit).
Fire risks - kitchen ducts: Grease is the word
Improper cleaning of extraction units in the hospitality and catering sectors can cause devastating fires. Allister Smith looks at the facts.
Climate change - flood defences: Manning the defences
With the government cutting the budget for flood and coastal risk management and the coming expiry of the Statement of Principles, Amy Ellis looks at the future of flood defence.
Postbox: Praise for BDMA training
I was delighted to see your feature highlighting the excellent work done by the British Damage Management Association
Merlin cuts loss by £50m after refinancing
Loss adjusting group Merlin has admitted its ability to win new business has been significantly helped by its recent refinancing.
Endsleigh launches “unique” student policy
Student insurer Endsleigh has launched an insurance policy specifically tailored for groups of students living together.
MMA names property underwriter
Insurer MMA has appointed Dennis Chapman as an account underwriter for the commercial property owners product.
Aviva wins out in Santander Bank household insurance tender
Aviva has won a competitive tender process for the distribution of household insurance products to Santander.
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.
Former Chartis staff join Ace
Ace UK has made two appointments to its Midlands regional management team.
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).
Brit appoints Ray Cox as UK CEO
Brit Insurance has confirmed Ray Cox will succeed Peter Burrows as the chief executive officer of its UK Strategic Business Unit.