Zurich chief goes on air to call for hardening

Insurer head argues for action now to avoid large swings in premiums later, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.

David Smith, Zurich's UK managing director of general insurance (broker division) spoke to PB last month at Incisive Media's On Air television studio about the need to harden rates now in order to avoid larger premium swings at a later date. Smith recognises that it is a difficult time to increase rates but thinks it absolutely necessary to start now to be in line with increasing claims, fraud and arson costs and widening regulation.

Smith said: "It is a very positive message to communicate to a