News Analysis
Rocketing motor premiums put telematics back on the agenda
Brokers could regain market-share, as reports reveal 40% price increase
EL faces year without online processing
“If insurers make this mandatory, this could effectively stop e-trading [in this sector] altogether” – Simon Ronaldson, Acturis
Trade credit insurance changes may leave brokers open to attack
Measures to widen cover available to UK businesses exporting to non-OECD countries could give brokers familiar with the changes a chance to poach clients
Ruling forces rethink over ash cloud payouts
Ombudsman rules that insurers remain liable for payouts to passengers left stranded by ash cloud
Line blurred between mid corporate and SME
Lack of clear distinction between SMEs and mid corporates has led to an overcrowded sector
Jon Dye: what have you done for brokers lately?
From expanding Allianz Retail’s motor offering and setting up an online comparison service to trying to out-sing Gio Compario, Jon Dye tells us what he’s been up to.
Government under fire over before the event myth
Legal expenses insurers (LEI) have slammed the government for creating the myth that before the event (BTE) legal protection can fill the gap left by the changes which will result from Lord Justice Jackson’s recommendations.
ABI demand to ban referral fees may prove to be futile
The Association of British Insurers may have wasted energy in its attempts to ban referral fees as new legislation on the horizon could see these fees “self regulate” without the need for any kind of mandate.
Brokers are facing fallout from the Retail Distribution Review
Impact on IFAs of commission rules could see local communities suffer
Is 2011 set to be the year of the start-up or the consolidator?
The news that Towergate had lost a pre-action disclosure application in the High Court and been ordered to pay £17,000 in costs to Lorica Insurance Brokers came shortly after the announcement that the consolidator’s deal with Advent had created a £90m…
Cuts to HSE inspection regime offer an opportunity for brokers
A paper from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be reducing its proactive inspections by one third, a cut of approximately 11,000 inspections per year.
Select Committee polarises opinion
Results of inquiry into motor insurance costs backed by Biba – but ABI brands it a missed opportunity.
Personal lines exits highlight need to avoid reliance on single insurer
Reduced insurer appetite in the personal lines market should serve as a timely reminder to brokers to avoid the pitfalls of placing all their eggs in one basket.
Regulation costs three times more in UK than rest of EU
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has made the first real attempt since regulation was first applied to general insurance brokers to quantify just what it costs for brokers to remain compliant.
Concern over risk indicators in wake of ECJ gender ruling
The European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) decision to ban insurers from discriminating against gender has raised fears that other risk indicators, such as age, will also be taken into consideration.