Legislation
Insurance Age blog: The Bribery Act = end of corporate jollies?
Every man has his price, according to Sir Richard Walpole and maybe I'm cynical but I tend to agree with him. Most people like to believe that, if pushed, they would not take an option which benefited them more than the client they should be serving.
Editor's comment - January 2011
Here we go again. Another year, another set of woes. The economy has only improved slightly, premium rates still show no sign of real hardening and insurers still seem hell bent on self-sacrifice in the name of growth. I feel for you brokers, I really do…
Reportage - Setting up a scheme: A scheming mind
Louise Meeson uncovers what a successful scheme looks like and offers practical advice on how brokers can identify and run one - should they find an existing niche or create one, how do they sell it to the insurer and is it possible to win schemes from…
Your opinions: Consumer Credit Directive reaction
Insurance Age welcomes your opinions via email, Linked In, the Broker Forum, Twitter and good old fashioned letters.
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.
Legal - IMD2: Mediation directive is up for grabs
The Insurance Mediation Directive is set to be superseded. James MacNish Porter says now is the time to give the EU your input.
Risk management/claims: Brokers warned: enforce EL or risk legal action
Brokers that fail to advise clients about environmental liability risks could face legal action following a government crackdown.
Select commission uplifts risk breaking new bribery laws
Insurers offering brokers increased commission rates for new business must ensure they have adequate procedures in place or they could risk breaching the Bribery Act 2010, according to legal experts.
Reportage - Future of regulation: Predicting the future
Everyone is aware the FSA is on its way out but what is less certain is how the new regulatory structure will operate. Liz McMahon explores what brokers can expect in the medium to long-term future.
Agenda: Commission disclosure
The European Union (EU) is now putting together its consultation paper on a revised Insurance Mediation Directive and this will include their views on commission disclosure.
News Analysis - Gender equality: Ensuring equality
Emmanuel Kenning asks if the insurance industry should be congratulating or chastising itself over its equal pay record between the sexes.
Broker claims debate - roundtable: A case of too many cooks?
The friction between brokers, insurers and accident management companies is well documented, but what has come under less scrutiny is the underlying reason for this tension. Martin Friel reports on this special roundtable debate.
Reward for efficiency required
There is no incentive for accident management companies to perform efficiently and the market requires legislation or a new product in order for it to perform acceptably.
Focus - Start-ups: Making your own space
Edward Murray investigates the key considerations involved in establishing a new broker
News Analysis - Council parking charges: Nottingham Council's private parking charges pile pressure on businesses
The profession has reacted with horror to newspaper reports that car parking charges could be levied by councils on private spaces.
SMEs and Government: A cure for the economy
Small business is the backbone of the UK economy, says Stephen Archer, and the Government needs to encourage, rather than hinder, its growth.
Reportage - long-tail liability: Breathe easy
Neil Hackett advises how brokers can assist in the handling of long-tail liability claims for lung diseases such as pneumoconioses.
Reportage - cyber liability: Reducing online exposure
As websites and e-trading take a more prominent role in every facet of business, online liability risks grow. Edward Murray asks how the market can keep up to date with the exposures and how brokers should best advise their clients.
Legal - Retirement regulations: Retirement age heading for the horizon
Changes to the age of compulsory retirement will have an impact on brokers and their clients. Alex Lock looks at potential financial implications and risks to consider.
Recycling: More than a load of old rubbish
Recycling in the UK is increasing, a process that is generating significant underwriting opportunities and, in turn, openings that brokers should be keen to explore, writes Andy Poole.
Market Watch - Low carbon economy: High hopes for low carbon
Andrew Williams investigates the promises and pitfalls of offering cover across the many and varied risks in the growing green energy sector.
The Green Interview: Building momentum for change
Andrew Tjaardstra speaks to Andrew Torrance, chief executive officer at Allianz and chairman of ClimateWise, about what the environmental organisation hopes to achieve and its radical proposals to last year's Copenhagen climate conference.
Legal: The opportunity of uncertainty
The vague Green Economy Bill is not an excuse for the industry to ignore climate change risks, rather to take a lead in tackling the problem and grab a big opportunity, writes Lindene Patton.
Viewpoint: The carbon challenge
Climate change remains controversial for broking. Either it is not discussed or it is addressed in the context of new business opportunities such as renewable energy. Regardless of a broker's positioning on climate change, it has become a regulatory…