Property
Penny Black’s insurance week
This week wasn’t the happiest in the Black household.
Insurers rally to hail their technologies as Avantia claims flood risk first
The competition to get the upper hand in the use of sophisticated data to underwrite flood-prone properties has already started, as it seems increasingly unlikely the Statement of Principles will be renewed beyond June 2013.
Ecclesiastical rolls out church alarms in crackdown on metal theft
Charity and heritage insurer Ecclesiastical is to spend £300 000 fitting wireless church roof alarms in every diocese in England and Wales after a successful initial pilot.
Government deregulation puts sprinkler legislation on back burner
Insurers have been told to prepare for government apathy over mandatory sprinklers legislation and, at best, expect piecemeal change.
Keelan Westall launches online property facility
UK wholesale property insurance broker Keelan Westall has launched a fully automated, web-based platform for residential property risks.
Torus recruits XL underwriting manager
Specialty insurer, Torus, has appointed former XL property underwriting manager Gilles Rousseau as a senior underwriter for its general property division.
Energy business warned to learn from past losses
Energy businesses need to learn from past major loss events in order to reduce the risk of significant property damage losses, broker Marsh has warned.
RBSI launches Sainsbury's home cover
RBS Insurance has added to its Sainsbury’s car insurance deal with a five-year contract to provide the underwriting, sales, service and claims management support for home insurance.
Uniqa sees 4.4% growth in 2011
Uniqa group as increased it premiums by 4.4% to €5.37bn (2010: €5.14bn) and in the growth markets in Eastern Europe by 6.5% €1.08bn (2010: €1,02bn).
Government drops flood subsidy hint as Defra weathers harsh criticism
The government has hinted it is prepared to agree to some form of subsidy for flood-prone homes to enable insurers to continue to provide affordable cover.
Riot claims: Disorderly conduct
The fallout from last summer’s riot continues to rumble on, with consequential loss claims against the police relying on principles that can be traced back to the age of Robin Hood.
Broker focus - Personal lines: Survival tactics
Embattled personal lines brokers are facing a tough climate with falling incomes and business volumes, but those willing to adapt to the new environment can survive and prosper.
NIG launches property owners product
NIG has introduced a new product for commercial property owners after identifying a gap in the market.
Arc Legal teams up with Swinton Commercial
Arc Legal Assistance has secured a deal to provide commercial legal expenses and an extended online employment manual service to Swinton Commercial.
Evolution extends Allianz capacity arrangements
Evolution Underwriting has extended its capacity arrangements with Allianz for a further five years.
Survey shows half of all blocks of flats are underinsured
Block of flats broker Deacon has called for frequent revaluations of flats by residential management companies after a survey found half were underinsured.
Chartis Europe SA assigned "A" IFS ratings
Chartis Europe SA (France) and Chartis Europe (UK) have been assigned "A" (Excellent) financial strength ratings and "A" issuer credit ratings by AM Best.
Nationwide slashes claims force after RBSI deal
Up to 100 employees at Nationwide’s claims handlings service face the axe as a result of the building society renegotiating its household insurance contract with RBS Insurance.
Reinsurance - January renewals: Toughen up
Despite the catastrophes of 2011, the predicted — and much needed — January renewal rate hardening has failed to materialise.
Spotlight on environment: Providing protection
With climate change increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, insurers must influence the debate on how businesses and governments manage risks such as supply chain failure.
Spotlight on environment: Getting protected
When the Statement of Principles on the provision of flood insurance expires next year, how will insurers address the 200 000 high-risk households left struggling for cover?
Reinsurance rates in Spain fell at January renewal
Reinsurance rates in Spain fell at the January 1, 2012, renewal, despite the effects of the European financial situation on the primary market.
Anti-metal theft bill scrapped
The private member’s bill to tighten the law on scrap metal dealers has been rejected.
CNA names London property underwriting manager
CNA Insurance has promoted Steve O’Riordan, pictured, to be underwriting manager for London property.