Insurance Age - 2010-02-03
Articles in this issue
Jackson review deals blow to legal expenses
The proposals contained in Lord Justice Jackson's Review of Civil Litigation Costs could, if implemented, revolutionise the legal expenses market and have a devastating impact on the after-the-event (ATE) market
Motor hikes smash index
Car insurance premiums have risen by a record amount, according to the latest AA British Insurance Premium Index
Bluefin 'very lucky' to recruit ex Heath Lambert MD Mike Bruce
Former Heath Lambert managing director, Mike Bruce, has joined Bluefin as chief development officer, responsible for underwriting and claims at the Axa-owned broker
O2 sets its sights on travel insurance market
Telecoms company O2, in partnership with Mondial Assistance, is poised to expand into the travel insurance sector
Primary General merger sees departure of Taylor
Simon Taylor, sales and marketing director at Primary General, is to leave the company ahead of the merger with Longhawk
Santander urges mortgage brokers to tap into insurance
Bank Santander, through its brand Abbey for Intermediaries, has encouraged mortgage brokers to "exploit" the general insurance market, cutting premium levels in the home insurance sector in order to secure market share
QBE takes to the road to rally property interest
QBE is to make a renewed effort to win broker business through a nationwide road show as it develops its strategy to become a top five property insurer
Zurich forges ahead with bold hikes in personal motor rates
Zurich's decision to implement blanket rate increases on its private motor book has exposed the diversity in strategy among the leading composite insurers in this arena
Insurance fails to instill trust
The insurance sector has trailed third from bottom in a survey revealing what the 'well-informed' members of the UK public trust in business
IIB CEO condemns fee proposals as a 'burden'
Barbara Bradshaw, chief executive of the Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB), has slammed Financial Services Authority (FSA) proposals on fees and levies as a "burden for the smaller broker"
Research exposes national contenders as biggest threat
Brokers have identified the large national players as posing the greatest threat to their business, according to new research
Unexpected loss of MD forces e-division reshuffle
Towergate Risk Solutions has reorganised its e-division and sales and service management team following the untimely death of former managing director for Towergate e-division, Matthew Bright
Up to 20% rate hikes required to salvage travel insurance sector
Drastic rating action is required in the travel insurance industry if the negative impact of the recession is to be properly mitigated
Third year on the trot: Insurance Race Day returns
The Insurance Race Day, an exclusive event to be held at Kempton Park racecourse on 20 April 2010, is back by popular demand for a third year running
Insurer partnerships expand as Adding 1 seals five-year deal
Independent insurance marketing organisation Adding 1 has broadened its insurer partnership base, after more than three years' working exclusively with Chartis, AIG's rebranded property and casualty business
Increased FSA scrutiny shows it means business
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has made it clear that there will be no let up in its hardline approach to financial misconduct with a series of broker bans and an increase in business surveillance
CCV kicks off New Year with 49th acquisition
Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV) has continued its acquisition spree with the purchase of two commercial brokers
Legal expenses sector argues problems are specific to Das
Legal expenses providers have hit back at the assertion by Das chief executive Paul Asplin that the UK model "had run its course"
DOA confident as it unveils 10% growth strategy
Underwriting agency, wholesale broker and retail travel provider, David Oliver Associates (DOA), has revealed significant growth plans for 2010 as the country officially emerged from recession
Operating profit marks Arista's start-up success
Commercial lines underwriter Arista has finally moved into profit after completing a three-year start-up phase
Groupama's UK general claims handling to be consolidated
Groupama Insurances has announced plans to centralise its UK general insurance claims operations
Savings from offshoring swallowed by tax hikes
Insurers that made huge savings by offshoring processes to low-cost locations outside the European Union (EU) will see these savings significantly reversed due to changes in the application of VAT
The personal touch
Having founded his own successful brokerage, Paul Muir talks from experience when he advocates the benefits of brokers belonging to his personal lines network. Louise Meeson meets the 1 Answer managing director
Agenda: KIC 2009 results and 2010 plan
Tony Cornell delivers another update from Kazakhstan
Your letters: Fear not, Equity is at hand
I refer to the lead article in last month's issue, 'Brokers in the spotlight after surprise IPT ruling' (Insurance Age, January 2010, p1), in which it states: "Without any prior discussion with the industry, chancellor, Alistair Darling announced in his…
Your letters: Seen it all before
As my last two years in the City, 1968-70, were with CT Bowring & Muir Beddall and one of the people I reported to was the account director for British Leyland, I found Tony Cornell's article 'Direct Debate' (Insurance Age, January 2010, p14)…
Your letters: From the Broker Forum, 14 January
Mike Cranny: Lord Jackson's report on legal reform has been published
Editor's comment
It is refreshing when the chief executive of one of the country's largest broking firms cuts to the chase. Talking to me about rate increases, the broker in question let out a heavy sigh and declared that the whole subject was rather tiresome, albeit…
Power Hour: A taxing issue
The Government's surprise IPT ruling has caused uproar among the broking community as concerns mount over the sharing of commercially sensitive information. Martin Friel reports
Reportage: streamlining - Avoiding the chop
The redundancies of valuable staff are often the knee-jerk reaction in a recession. Edward Murray examines how brokers can cut costs without leaving businesses struggling when the economy recovers
Reportage: internet assistance - Keeping in touch
Louise Meeson offers practical advice on how brokers can utilise their websites to build customer relationships and improve business performance
Reportage: organic growth - Natural development
In spite of the recession, Doodson Broking Group has achieved significant growth through hard work, developing niche areas and targeting clients it really wants to do business with, writes Neil Clayton
Reportage: creating efficiencies - A well-oiled machine
Working at optimum efficiency is crucial in a recession. Liz McMahon examines how brokers can best utilise the resources at their disposal to ensure their businesses grow with minimal capital outlay
Charity business: Charity begins at... work
With increasingly professional charities confident enough to shop around for the best deals and less risk-averse insurers, interest in the third sector is growing. Ian Wainwright gives tips on competing for business
Brokers professional indemnity: Covering your back
There is growing evidence that clients left unsatisfied by their insurance payouts are blaming brokers. Liz McMahon explores likely sources of litigation and how brokers can protect themselves
Viewpoint: It's not over yet
Clare Ryder fears the worst is yet to come for insurers and brokers alike, with 2010 likely to see an increasing pressure on rates, cash reserves and staff, compounded by skyrocketing insurance claims
Product review: Stand-alone, low-cost learner driver cover
Provisional Marmalade is an insurance policy in the name of a learner driver to cover them while driving a family or nominated car under supervision
Product review: Motor fleet product relaunches with wider reach
Brit Insurance has relaunched its Motor Fleet policy to provide a significantly wider standard product offering for its policyholders. The policy is designed for all operators of fleets with a minimum of five vehicles and provides flexibility to cater…
Research on broker IT spend reveals an improved outlook
Brokers are more optimistic about the year ahead than they were about 2009, according to recent research into the predicted levels of IT spend
Soundbytes
Fast Trade is Aviva's online quote-and-buy facility for small business packages. It provides brokers with simpler navigation and improved quote facilities, cover and instant documentation. The site also provides product information and an online claims…
Fighting talk: Insurecom CEO refutes rivals' allegations of spin
Phillip Walter, chief executive of software firm Insurecom, has hit back at industry rivals who claim the company's latest financial results owe more to spin than to reality
Broker retaliates against direct writers with launch
Cheshire-based broker RK Henshall & Co is to hit back against direct writers with the launch of two online offerings for intermediaries
Market moves: A monthly look at who is moving where
Neil Cook has joined Equity & General Insurance Services, based in Rugby. He will adopt the role of specialist risk negotiator and head up his own team focusing on placing complex commercial and household risks. He will deal with clients that have faced…
News review: January
Towergate Underwriting (TU) outlined plans to grow the business through the launch of a network of regional underwriting centres. The move was a precursor to taking the model to an international market. Chief executive Clive Nathan confirmed TU's first…
Polly C
Polly has always appreciated Sheilas' Wheels' love of all things pink and was intrigued when she was invited to the Haymarket Hotel to hear its "secret" announcement.
Interview: The Personal Touch - Paul Muir, managing director, 1 Answer Network
Having founded his own successful brokerage, Paul Muir talks from experience when he advocates the benefits of brokers belonging to his personal lines network. Louise Meeson meets the 1 Answer managing director
