Analysis
2009: stepping into the unknown
A near-catastrophic global banking collapse and the worst recession in living memory have all affected insurance broking. Andrew Tjaardstra reviews the big stories from an unprecedented year.
Bridging the customer relationship void
Rachel Gordon investigates how brokers can use technology to stay closer to clients and to spread knowledge across the business.
Compliance is not an option
My firm's new accountant has pointed out that we have not been doing our client money reconciliations properly. This has now been rectified but the accountant is insistent that we notify the regulator of the breach although we are now solvent. Surely it…
Checking up on sick leave
An employee has been sick for a long time and is unsure of when they will return. I am unconvinced of the validity of their absence. What can I do and how do I combat my business being affected like this again?
Tomorrow's commercial lines today
Emmanuel Kenning finds out where technology is taking the market for commercial lines insurance.
Change on the horizon
Emmanuel Kenning looks at the start of the planning process for the technology implications of Solvency II, an issue that will loom larger for brokers in 2010.
Floods devastate Cumbria
A one-in-200 year weather event hit Cumbria in November. It is already expected to cost the industry over £100m in claims, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
The ugly truth
Fraudulent insurance claims are on the rise – fact – and this trend is set to continue. Jessica Pothering examines how the recession influences human behaviour and what action the insurance industry is taking
The Third Force 2010
Latest edition of the Third Force finds that this sector continues to exert a powerful influence over the market
Power hour: Centres of attention
This month's Power Hour looks at the value of insurers' regional underwriting centres. Many smaller insurers or new entrants to the market have set up offices populated with 'empowered underwriters'. But how good are these offices, are brokers really…
Anytime, any place, anywhere?
Keith Wise has discovered that a loss adjuster's life is a varied one, taking him around the world from South America to Leicester. He tells Martin Friel why he wouldn't do anything else
Good for business
From interactive workshops to a chance to catch up with their peers, the Insurance Age Broker Expo had plenty to offer the record numbers who came along to the Ricoh Arena, making it an ideal escape from the office
Adding value offers protection
Sean Durden of Gleeds-Durden Restatement Valuations looks at risks of underinsurance
The gateway to the South west
As well as offering plenty of opportunities in the city itself, Bristol is ideally situated for access to the profitable West Country and South Wales markets. Compounded by the rise in popularity of provincial brokers and the quest for local knowledge,…
A balancing act
When looking for a CHO to manage their claims, brokers need to weigh up attractive commission with drawbacks such as heavy litigation and lengthy hire periods. Chris Shaw explores the supply chain relationship
Speaking volumes
The results of Provident's fraud detection solution set an impressive standard for the industry. Liz McMahon finds out how, since Digilog's introduction, the insurer has trebled its detection rate for false claims
Post Pick of the week
Post reporter Daniel Dunkley outlines the main stories from this week's issue of Post Magazine.
Post-birth leave
An employee is expecting a child and wants to take paternity leave when the baby is born.
Every second counts
An offering for brokers interested in monitoring their time captures the attention of Emmanuel Kenning.
Brokers warn insurers: shape up
A study of commercial insurers' service to UK brokers has shown large-scale dissatisfaction with the big players, writes Peter Joy.
Trade credit recovery in the balance
With only 58 policies sold from the government's trade credit insurance top-up scheme, Emmanuel Kenning investigates the sector's ongoing turbulence.
Young, gifted and broking
Young, talented brokers and senior management figures offer Emmanuel Kenning an insight into how the broking industry can attract the best staff now and in the future.
Ecological concerns
Further national and European environmental legislation can only increase brokers' duty of care, writes Edward Murray.
A grand welcome?
Rachel Gordon considers the moves afoot to make Lloyd's more accessible to the wider broking community.