Analysis
PMI rising high?
The cost of private medical treatment has soared in recent years - double-digit increases annually - but can providers realistically offset costs through premium rises alone? Liz McMahon reports
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…
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…
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
Startups: Plotting the first move
There are many reasons for brokers to start their own businesses, from wanting to escape the confines of a consolidator, suffering redundancy or having the vision to create smart, independent new firms who provide superb service for their clients, writes…
Market Watch: Connecting with the UK Muslim community
Emmanuel Kenning looks at opportunities and developments in the UK takaful market
Survival guide 2010: moving in rough terrain
Edward Murray notes that, while the mega-brokers benefit from economies of scale in beating recessionary pressures, small and medium-sized firms can take advantage of their business agility
Apportioning liability
Paul Castellani assesses the implications of Dunlop Hayward v Barbon for producing and placing brokers
E-trading leads 2010 technology agenda
Four industry information technology experts give Emmanuel Kenning their views on which developments will affect the profession in the coming year
World economy recovering - slowly
With the UK finally emerging from recession, Emmanuel Kenning reports on the prospects for the global economy
Jackson report stokes controversy
Emmanuel Kenning summarises industry reactions to recommendations that could shatter the after-the-event insurance market
PB and Post launch industry standards campaign
Bid to promote professional skills through training, ethics and service standards
Underwriting under control
The ability to deliver on professional promises is more pertinent than ever in today's market. Peter Joy, principal of Insurance 360, analyses results of an exclusive survey to find out which underwriters are proving the most capable
Changing the face of PPI
The bad atmosphere surrounding payment protection insurance (PPI) seems to have tainted the sector to such an extent that it may not survive much longer in its current form, writes Liz McMahon
Small is beautiful
Louise Meeson finds that the perception of large insurers' service as faceless and impenetrable is leading brokers to smaller players better able to handle niches and small risks
Playing rough
With insurers bolstering profitability through substantial reserve releases that have, in turn, caught the eyes of investors, brokers may be waiting in vain for the return of a hard market, writes Edward Murray
DAS Little Book of Business Law 2009 (part two)
Beating the swine flu pandemic and keeping on top of employment law
What makes an MGA tick?
PB asked some leading industry figures about how the managing general agent model works.
Taking the pulse of PMI
With a growing population and challenges ahead for government spending Emmanuel Kenning asks what the future holds for the PMI market.