Broker
Product update: Metals and machinery cover
Aviva has launched two bespoke policies for those working specifically in metals or machinery and equipment.
Expo workshop highlights need for Risk Transfer consistency
Brokers must put pressure on the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and individual insurers to adopt a consistent approach to Risk Transfer wordings within their Terms of Business Agreements (TOBA), according to compliance expert Branko Bjelobaba.
Reportage - training delivery: Digital vs. face to face
Traditionally, training has been about face-to-face contact but there has recently been an increase in online offerings, which claim to provide the same quality of tuition with less cost and increased convenience. Edward Murray looks at the pros and cons…
Allianz responds to calls for South-west presence
Allianz has responded to regional broker demand by launching a mobile underwriting team in the South West.
The interview: Spreading the word
Although officially retired from the industry, Reg Brown remains full of ambition. Liz McMahon talks to the former president of the CII about his community work, formation of the MGAA and, of course, the London Phoenix Orchestra.
Insurers create London teams to develop broker relationships
Broker focused insurers Groupama Insurances and Ecclesiastical have set up new divisions in London in an effort to win new business.
Agenda: Insurance and the state
The insurance industry and the state are inextricably entwined with a large number of common interests but competing in a number of areas in looking after the wellbeing of citizens and businesses. On a macro basis, the need for insurance in a communist…
'Ghost brokers' charged with motor insurance fraud
Three individuals - a man and woman from Kent and a man from west London - have been charged with motor insurance fraud, tax fraud and money laundering with offences totalling £500,000.
E-commerce: Brokers criticised for not carrying out adequate sanction checks
Brokers are grossly underestimating the implications of government guidelines for client screening, according to Open GI.
E-commerce: Failing to enforce 'leaver' processes risks giving access to competitors
Brokers could be leaving their client database wide open to attack from competitors by not implementing effective staff exit strategies, according to industry experts.
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
2010 round-up - Professionalism: The year of the professional
This year saw the launch of PB's and Post's Investing in the Profession campaign to promote a new era of professionalism, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
PB December 2010: News round-up
Apple iPhone apps continue to be all the rage in the insurance industry. Aviva launched MyClaim, a free app enabling policyholders to file a motor insurance claim remotely from their iPhones.
Broker regulation - Viewpoint: Securing the future
John Greenway on how, after 23 years as an MP, he is now turning his attention to helping brokers with the new regulatory regime.
Viewpoint: Justice for all will disappear
It is all too easy to point at the manner of Lord Young's recent departure from government as the Prime Minister's enterprise adviser to suggest that he was out of touch with the real world. Some commentators had already made the observation back in…
Management clinic - regulation: Conditional compliance
A number of our procedures are not compliant but I see little value in doing anything about it now because the Financial Services Authority will soon be gone. What is the point?
Focus - Broker funding: Finding your way through
With the major banks still cautious about lending, brokers are finding it tough to access funding for growth. Rachel Gordon looks at the options.
Editor's comment: Pulling together on flooding
The cost of damage caused by flooding has risen 200% over the last decade, giving insurers a nightmare to consider for the future.
News Analysis: Changing course at Aviva
Andrew Tjaardstra discusses Aviva's change in fortunes and direction since the departure of former chief executive Igal Mayer to head up the insurer's North American operations.
News Analysis - Cornwall: After the flood
Emmanuel Kenning asks how the insurance profession has responded to the floods in Cornwall.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
News analysis - Coaching: Asking the right questions
Emmanuel Kenning asks if questions rather than answers can help brokers build a successful business.
News Analysis - Ireland bailout: Ireland on the brink as UK exposures rocket
The bond markets continued to punish Ireland as fears of contagion spread in the Eurozone, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Market Watch - Construction: Building a brighter future
Emmanuel Kenning investigates the impact of the recession on the construction industry and asks sector experts if they are upbeat or downcast in their expectations for 2011.