Insurer
ABI accused of playing 'cynical and duplicitous game' over portal fees
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has reportedly advised members to start negotiating with offers of £150 for legal fees in low value claims.
Lloyd's puts another £375m towards PPI provision
Lloyd’s Banking Group has set aside a further £375m to cover claims from customers who were mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI).
Reportage: Lighting up the regions
Insurers are moving underwriting decisions to regional centres, but will this really benefit brokers and is the new model sustainable? Edward Murray finds out
Products: Kiln heads for new pastures with appointment of equine underwriter
Kiln has appointed a new equine underwriter in preparation for developing products in that area for the first time.
Products: NIG to undertake funeral director scheme’s underwriting
NIG has won the contract to underwrite the Lark Group’s SAIFInsure scheme from Axa.
Products roundup: Telematics take up gains pace
There were a wide range of products launched in the last month, with numerous markets catered for, from equine risks to vacant commercial properties.
Editor’s letter - May 2012
“The real concern for brokers is that all this change creates a deep sense of uncertainty”
Review: Top down protection
Management Liability Plus: This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits. * = Poor ** = Average *** = Good **** = Very good ***** = Excellent
Biba 2012: Manchester calling
With the Biba conference taking place on 16 and 17 May, we look at what you can expect at this year’s event and which sessions are a must see for brokers
Take the lead
Leadership and a strong customer base are needed to get ahead of the competition, explains Stephen Archer
Review: Bio-hazards
BioSurance MD: This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits. * = Poor ** = Average *** = Good **** = Very good ***** = Excellent
QBE’s takeover of Brit’s regional business hailed as perfect marriage
“The potential opportunities for QBE within the regional market now are massive” Elliot Miller, QBE
Products: Groupama signs up for Brightside Group’s motorbike scheme
Groupama has signed two new scheme deals in as many weeks; one covering motorbike risks and the other non-standard motor.
Tug of war over Cobra fuels speculation
Cobra Holdings’ sale could create lucrative opportunities for rival networks
Products: DAS set for launch of Loss Assist at Biba
DAS Group is to expand its range of assistance products with Loss Assist, set to be launched at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s 2012 conference in May.
Products: Slew of telematics-based policies released
There has been a recent hike in telematics activity, with several black-box products released into the market last month.
How to… secure the best talent
In a nutshell ▶ To get the best management team you must research the market, strike a balance between differing personalities and have a distinct corporate personality
Personal injury exposures could lead to insurer downgrades
“This will have a tremendous financial impact – just how tremendous and when it will impact is uncertain” David Williams, Axa
Products: Keelan Westall targets empty commercial property with product
Hampshire-based wholesale broker Keelan Westall has launched Agility Commercial, a product designed to protect vacant commercial properties from damage caused by vandalism, flooding, fire or squatters.
Industry frets over motor premium drop
Survey reveals drop in premiums, which may be good news for drivers but brokers are not so sure
Products: LV Broker adds home insurance product to its e-trading platform
LV Broker launched its ABC home insurance product on Insurecom, in a move the insurer said would strengthen its e-trading offering and prove beneficial for its broker partners.
Brokers face income hit after Ministry of Justice closes CMCs
Closure of claims management companies could lead to significant losses for some smaller brokers
You’re fired
Changes to employment law swing the balance of power back towards the employer, but there are still pitfalls to avoid, explains Peter Done
Market moves: The moves merry-go-round
The insurance recruitment gene pool has long required dilution but it still seems to be the same names popping up going to new jobs at new companies. Which wouldn’t be so bad if so many of them didn’t end up going back to the company they originally left…