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"Proposals by the Competition Commission to ban the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI) alongside the sale of a loan or credit card do not meet with widespread approval among consumers.
PPI is intended to meet payments on personal loans should the borrower be unable to work through illness or lose their job and the Commission [...]" (2008-12-30)
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"The benefits awaiting America’s unemployed are outdated and skimpy COMPARED with the systems in other industrialised countries, the American unemployment-insurance (UI) scheme pays lower benefits for less time and to a smaller share of the unemployed. In expansions this encourages the jobless to return quickly to work—and unemployed Americans do indeed work harder at finding jobs than their European counterparts (see chart). But in recessions, when there is less work to return to, it causes hardship. Like America’s training system, UI is ripe for attention from the incoming Obama administration.Like much of the social safety net, the current UI system was a product of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. States were prodded to provide benefits in accordance with federal guidelines; in return the federal government paid their administrative costs. But the system has not kept up with changes in America’s labour force. ..." (2008-12-30)
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"Thousands of workers are losing their jobs. America now faces the hard task of getting them back to workMOIRA MCKAMEY is one of many Americans with more free time than she would like. In November DHL, an express delivery company, said that it would close its American domestic operations at the end of January. Up to 10,000 jobs may be lost in Wilmington, Ohio, where DHL has its main hub for domestic traffic, and where it is the town’s largest employer. Ms McKamey’s job has already vanished. She is trying to keep busy but, on a break from painting her kitchen a cheerful yellow, she succumbs to tears. She worked at the hub for 20 years. Her husband is a small farmer; she supplied a steady income and the family’s health insurance. She will be 52 this month. “I just never thought I would have to start all over at my age,” she explains. America’s overall unemployment rate is 6.7%. But in some states sweeping lay-offs make the outlook much gloomier. Wilmington’s predicament is among the worst in Ohio’s recent history, while in Michigan at least 90 firms have announced firings in the past two months. More will surely come as the Big Three carmakers cut costs and possibly enter bankruptcy. Town and state officials across America now face a daunting prospect: helping millions of workers find new jobs. ..." (2008-12-30)
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"Three of Japan’s largest insurers are understood to be in merger talks.
According to reports, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group Holdings Inc, Aioi Insurance Co and Nissay Dowa General Insurance Co are working towards an agreement that could be in its final form by March of next year, although an actual merger would not be complete until [...]" (2008-12-30)
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"The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) decision to order nine homeowners insurers to provide information on the use and effect of credit-based insurance scores in homeowners insurance is a reminder of the continuing need for insurers to explain why they use credit information in personal lines underwriting and exactly how it works. The FTC is seeking [...]" (2008-12-29)
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"Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) may call off the £7 billion sale of its insurance unit, which includes the Direct Line and Churchill brands.
The Sunday Times reported yesterday that RBS, the UK’s second largest banking group, has already rejected an offer for its insurance business from private equity group CVC Capital Partners.
RBS said it was [...]" (2008-12-29)
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"Fortis, the insurance and banking group that in October had to be rescued by the Dutch and Belgium governments, has reported that it has lost €295 million in currency trading.
The group has agreed the sale of its Belgian assets to French bank, BNP Paribas, however earlier this month a Belgium court of appeal suspended the [...]" (2008-12-24)
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"The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned that Britons are increasingly putting their insurance cover at risk by cheating, in the hope of getting a better deal.
Insurers are uncovering a growing number of cases of “front end fraud”, or incidents where the customer has lied or failed to disclose material information to get cheaper [...]" (2008-12-23)
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"Marsh has warned that fraud claims will rise steeply in 2009, as the global economy continues to deteriorate.
According to the broker and risk management specialist, reported fraud cases in the UK are up 15% on 2007 and more companies will therefore be buying fraud protection insurance next year.
The firm’s managing director of financial and professional [...]" (2008-12-23)
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"Swiss Re has agreed a $1.5 billion credit deal with JP Morgan.
Switzerland’s reinsurance giant will use the letter of credit to make acquisitions at favourable prices during the current global economic crisis.
The company said it is in a strong position to take advantage of significant opportunities that have emerged from the unprecedented turmoil in the [...]" (2008-12-23)
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"US private equity firms are looking for opportunities in the reinsurance market, according to a report by Reuters.
The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season was particularly active, following two relatively quiet years that prompted a drop in insurance premiums and led to predictions of consolidation amongst brokers and underwriters.
However, earlier this month Swiss Re reported that insured [...]" (2008-12-23)
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"Wanted: feedback on our Beta homepage." (2008-12-22)
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"A perennial issue for insurers is how to retain customers. A new study from J.D. Power and Associates says that identifying at-risk customers is critical for insurers in minimizing defection rates and increasing loyalty. The 2008 Insurance Retention/Defection Study found that although 85 percent of auto insurance customers indicate they are loyal to their carrier, [...]" (2008-12-22)
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"Germany-based Munich Re today agreed terms to acquire AIG’s Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection (HSB) and Insurance Co unit.
The agreed purchase price for the 100% acquisition was $742 million (£497 million), funded entirely using Munich Re’s existing capital.
Connecticut-based HSB Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of struggling insurance giant American International Group (AIG).
It is the largest [...]" (2008-12-22)
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"Why it pays to go abroad for medical treatmentAROUND 46m Americans lack health insurance, and tens of millions more are woefully under-insured. As they face huge out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles and “co-payments” for operations, they are increasingly heading overseas to cheaper facilities. Many common operations can be done in world-class hospitals abroad for a fifth or less of the price charged by American hospitals. As more employers and health-insurance firms add the “global option” to their plans, the number of American health tourists will soar to over 2m in 2009—rising to 10m by 2012, according to forecasts by Deloitte, a consultancy. ..." (2008-12-22)
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"I admire the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., under the leadership of Sheila C. Bair, for taking the lead in attacking the source of the financial crisis: the vicious cycle of declining home prices and foreclosures. I share FDIC's view that the way to break that cycle is to modify mortgage contracts...
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"Specialist insurance and reinsurance broker Thompson Heath & Bond (THB) Group PLC today announced the acquisition of reinsurance broker Globesure Holdings Ltd.
THB will pay for the acquisition in both cash and shares.
An initial consideration at completion of £206,000 cash will be paid ,in addition to 80,455 new ordinary THB shares at £0.10 each.
Further consideration will [...]" (2008-12-19)
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"Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has agreed to sell certain UK businesses for a total of £73.5 million.
Swinton is acquiring the group’s branch network, which comprises 91 High Street outlets across England and Northern Ireland, for £50 million.
The outlets are branded Equity Insurance and Open+Direct.
IAG’s Hastings and Advantage businesses are subject to management buy-outs, valued at [...]" (2008-12-19)
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"The jml-insurance website is now offering lifestyle insurance excess products through a dedicated link.
The products, provided by insurance4excess, are designed for consumers who make insurance claims and end up paying the excess, and are available for home, motor, health, travel and pet insurance.
The way it works is that a customer takes out a Silver £500 [...]" (2008-12-18)
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"Independent insurance broker Tysers has announced that it has bolstered its UK Professional Indemnity capability with two new appointments.
Richard Bowdidge takes up the role of divisional director, and Kingsley Miller assumes the position of divisional associate director.
The two senior executives both joined the firm’s Corporate Risks Division from First City Limited, and in their new [...]" (2008-12-18)
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"What to do when you realize you need a gift and don't have time to get one." (2008-12-17)
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"Motor insurance giant Norwich Union has warned that car insurance fraud is on the rise because of the credit crunch.
Research by the insurer found motorists trying to reduce premiums by declaring false information to their insurance firm when taking out a policy.
However, Norwich Union warned that insurance granted on false premises is invalid, and added [...]" (2008-12-17)
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"Broker and risk management specialist, Willis, is forecasting that aviation insurance premiums will rise through to the end of 2008 and into 2009.
In a report by the firm’s Aviation Practice, Willis notes that in November aviation premiums increased 16%.
During the month renewals by five pure cargo carrier programmes saw premiums rise by 40% because of [...]" (2008-12-17)
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"Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland are predicting trouble ahead for UK businesses as credit insurance becomes more difficult to obtain.
According to a report in The Times, representatives of the banks appeared before the Department for Business Select Committee yesterday and suggested that problems with trade credit insurance were preventing banks from lending to small [...]" (2008-12-17)
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"Just one impact of the continuing financial crisis on the property/casualty insurance industry is that the financial cushion that protects policyholders is declining. The p/c industry’s third quarter 2008 results released yesterday by ISO and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) indicate that the downward trend in industry policyholder surplus continues. As the [...]" (2008-12-17)
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"What does the continuing economic crisis mean for your insurance company and your policy?" (2008-12-16)
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"Broker and risk manager Aon has warned that 2009 will be a year when UK insurers find their bottom line pressured by fraudulent claims and legal fees.
Economic recession will see a rise in fraudulent claims. In turn, this will push up legal fees, driving premium increases.
Meanwhile, the insurance claims landscape will be reshaped by [...]" (2008-12-17)
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"Insurance broker and risk adviser Marsh has been given the go ahead by regulatory authorities in China to establish a branch office in Dalian, the biggest city in Liaoning province.
The new officer becomes the fifth Marsh China has outside of Beijing, and follows on from offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hebei province.
The firm has [...]" (2008-12-17)
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"Specialist insurer Hiscox has warned households against making false economies to try and ease the effects of the economic downturn.
Older washing machines, for example, cost more to run than their modern counterparts and are also more liable to cause insurance claims, such as for fire or flooding.
The insurer also advises against running appliances overnight, taking [...]" (2008-12-16)
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"American International Group (AIG) has sold $39.3 billion (£25.7 billion) of its residential mortgage-backed securities to Maiden Lane II, a newly formed trust backed by the Federal Reserve.
The stricken US insurance company secured an $85 billion government bail out in September, only hours after the collapse of Wall Street investment bank, Lehman Brothers.
The group went [...]" (2008-12-16)
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"The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued a statement on transparency, disclosure and conflicts of interest in the commercial insurance market, in which it accepts that the industry should develop its own guidance to bring about improvements.
According to the regulator, evidence from recent work suggests that although intermediaries are largely managing conflicts of interest appropriately, [...]" (2008-12-16)
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"The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) says it has received over 25,000 complaints relating to the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI), since January.
By comparison, during the 12 months to April 2008 the service recorded 10,652 complaints regarding PPI, up significantly from 1,832 during the previous 12 months.
At the beginning of the year, the FOS [...]" (2008-12-15)
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"Syndicates at Lloyd’s of London have been defeated in a legal battle with the Korea National Insurance Corporation (KNIC), which is owned by the Government of North Korea.
The case centred on a claim made by KNIC, which reinsurers had resisted settling because they suspected fraud.
The three syndicates have now agreed to pay out their [...]" (2008-12-15)
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"Small savings can add up to big savings faster than you may realize." (2008-12-12)
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"In case you were wondering, the California Air Resources Board passed the climate plan. This brings us to one of the recommended actions under the plan: pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) insurance. PAYD is a type of auto insurance where driving less can yield a cost benefit to the insured. In California the insurance commissioner has already proposed [...]" (2008-12-12)
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"The Government has once again disappointed Equitable Life policyholders by delaying its response to a report by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, for a further month.
In 2000, over one million investors in the UK’s oldest mutual insurance company lost up to 50% of the value of their pension funds when Equitable Life came close to [...]" (2008-12-12)
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"MMA Insurance plc, the broker-only insurer, has announced that it is bolstering its Business Development Team with a number of key appointments.
The move comes as the firm continues its strategic drive to develop its Commercial Lines.
Claire Ephgrave becomes UK Business Development manager, responsible for MMA’s UK Development managers, an instrumental task in driving the firm’s [...]" (2008-12-12)
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"Insurance broker and risk adviser Marsh has called on food manufacturers and retailers to review their product recall strategies and supply chain risks.
The call comes in the wake of the Irish pork debacle, which has affected some 25 countries.
A survey held at a Marsh product risk seminar revealed that two-thirds of those surveyed had no [...]" (2008-12-12)
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"Stricken US insurance giant AIG is to hold back from selling some of its assets, CEO Ed Liddy said at a speech in Hong Kong today.
AIG is currently selling off units to pay back a $150 billion bail-out by the US federal reserve.
In his speech today, Liddy said the US government has given AIG a [...]" (2008-12-12)
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"Egg is the latest financial services company to be fined for mis-selling payment protection insurance (PPI).
The credit card provider sold the insurance via incoming customer services calls, or when its representatives made sales call to new customers.
In a review of cases covering the period January 2005 to December 2007, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) found [...]" (2008-12-10)
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"Chubb Group has pledged to help businesses stay green with a new move in its insurance policy approach.
Peter Thompson, worldwide energy manager for Chubb Commercial Insurance, has stated that businesses with commercial property insurance policy from the firm can enjoy having their green investments automatically protected even if there is a loss.
For the last 14 [...]" (2008-12-10)
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"Insurance broker and risk adviser Marsh has announced that it is opening a Scottish Public Sector Practice.
The new practice will cater to the unique risk and insurance issues belonging to various public sector organisations.
The practice has a broad range of clients throughout Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, including fire and police authorities, local authorities, social housing, [...]" (2008-12-10)
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"Ironshore’s chairman, Ron Sandler, has announced that Kevin Kelley has been appointed as chief executive officer of the firm, with Bob Deutsch assuming the role of president.
Kelley leaves behind his post as CEO of Lexington Insurance Company, where he built the organisation into the world’s largest excess and surplus lines insurer.
Deutsch, who was Ironshore’s founding [...]" (2008-12-10)
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"Peter Eastwood has been named by AIG to serve as the new president of Lexington Insurance Company, a unit of AIG Commercial Insurance.
He first joined AIG 17 years ago and has occupied a number of senior posts within AIG Executive Liability, AIG Risk Finance, AIG Reinsurance Advisors and Lexington Insurance Company.
Most recently he served as [...]" (2008-12-10)
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"Lloyd’s insurance and reinsurance specialist, Miller, has warned that with regard to the health scare over pork produced in Ireland, insurance policies purchased to indemnify the costs of recalling consumer products may not pay out.
Kieron Russell, a member of the firm’s special risk team, explains that underwriters of product recall insurance typically include policy exclusions [...]" (2008-12-10)
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"XL Capital’s global reinsurance arm, XL Re, has received the green light from regulators to enter the Brazilian marketplace as a local reinsurer incorporated in Brazil and regulated by the country’s authorities.
This follows on from events in the middle of 2008, when XL Re acquired permission to enter the Brazilian market as an admitted reinsurer, [...]" (2008-12-9)
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"Rok, the building firm that specialises in repairs, has opened an insurance claims centre in Mansfield, East Midlands.
The company says the facility, which will handle around 70,000 claims a year, represents a key step forward in becoming the UK’s leading provider of claims management and building repair services.
Rok already has agreements with a [...]" (2008-12-9)
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"Equity Insurance, put up for sale by the Insurance Australia Group (IAG), may have its branch network acquired by a British company.
Swinton, the UK’s biggest high street insurance broker, is one of the leading bidders in the contest to buy Equity’s branches, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Swinton’s chief executive, Patrick Smith, said [...]" (2008-12-9)
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"After years of debate on reinsurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) meeting over the weekend brought adoption of a proposal that will reform and modernize the current system of reinsurance regulation. Among other things, the new framework would reduce collateral requirements for non-U.S. based reinsurers enabling well-capitalized highly [...]" (2008-12-9)
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"The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is warning travel firms that sell Connected Travel Insurance (CTI) that they should apply for authorisation before new regulation comes into force on 1st January 2009.
From next year, travel firms that sell insurance will have to be able to demonstrate that: they are fit and proper and appropriately resourced; staff [...]" (2008-12-9)
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"Research published today by International Financial Services London reveals that 2007 was the year in which the UK became the world’s second-biggest insurance market.
According to IFSL, which promotes the UK-based financial services industry throughout the world, Britain overtook Japan, having achieved 11% of global premium income, to sit behind world leader, the US.
The report attributes [...]" (2008-12-9)
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"Kwik Fit Insurance has teamed up with Moorhouse Brands to expand into commercial lines with own-brand SME products.
The new product range will be designed to meet the needs of SMEs, tradesmen and the construction industry.
The products will be developed for Kwik Fit Insurance by Moorhouse Brands, on an exclusive basis, and will be provided as [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"Aon Risk Services has joined forces with Allianz Global Corporate and Speciality to launch Double A Protect.
The new product is aimed at restoring confidence in insurance portfolio stability by protecting against insolvency.
The policy covers general liability, plus directors and officers and includes up to five years of retroactive cover for general liability.
The solution is not [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"Ireland-based Quinn Insurance has revealed plans to open a new call-centre in Cork, creating 500 jobs in the city over the next four years.
Ireland’s deputy prime minister Mary Coughlan announced the new €25 million facility, to be built in East Gate Business Park, Little Island.
Employees at the new base will target growth in the UK [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"The Scottish Optoelectronics Association (SOA) has named Heath Lambert’s Commercial Affinity and Small Business (CA&SB) team as the firm’s sole insurance broker to offer its membership insurance products.
The SOA’s membership consists of Scottish optoelectronics firms, a sector which is rapidly developing.
The Travelers Insurance Company has been selected by the CA&SB team to be its partner [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"The European Commission has its eye on encouraging sustainability and innovative methods in the construction industry, and has recently launched a study to this effect.
The study will assess the national liability and insurance systems that pertain to the construction industry in each of the twenty-seven member nations.
In addition to this, the effect that present regimes [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"Aon Private Clients (APC), the specialist broker that insures high value cars, homes and artworks, has integrated Lorega’s Loss Recovery insurance within its policy wordings, following negotiations with its six main insurers.
The move means that APC policyholders will be provided with the services of an advocate who will prepare and negotiate their claim, in [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"The single digit property/casualty rate decreases witnessed in October have held into November according to online insurance exchange MarketScout. It put the average p/c rate decrease at 9 percent in November, and noted a trend toward greater reductions for larger insureds. Accounts generating premium in excess of $250,000 received an average rate reduction of 10 [...]" (2008-12-8)
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"Global risk and reinsurance specialist Guy Carpenter has won the Reinsurance Broker of the Year award at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards.
The award was presented in The Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong on 23rd November.
Peter Zaffino, president and chief executive officer of Guy Carpenter, has described the award as a gratifying acknowledgement of the firm’s [...]" (2008-12-6)
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"The federal government may start guaranteeing home mortgages to persuade lenders to ease the monthly financial burden on struggling homeowners, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila C. Bair said yesterday.
" (2008-10-24)
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"With the holidays of Christmas and New Year almost upon us, it is important for those pondering even brief trips abroad to remember to take out car hire excess insurance and travel insurance.
Many people rent cars whilst overseas, and although most remember travel insurance it’s vital that car hire excess insurance is not disregarded, advises [...]" (2008-12-5)
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"Giles Insurance Brokers has announced the acquisition of Arnott Commercial Insurance Services and its subsidiary, Arnott Marine.
Durham-based Arnott was established in 1996 and its marine division began trading in 2005.
The firm established itself in the North East by providing risk solutions to the commercial market and recorded revenue of £1.9 million in 2007.
The business [...]" (2008-12-5)
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"Aon has launched a new insurance policy to protect charterers, shipowners and cargo owners from losses ensuing from a ship being taken over by pirates.
The media have recently taken notice of the increasingly dangerous piracy, particularly off the Horn of Africa where Somalian pirates seize upon ships of ever greater size.
In the first 8 months [...]" (2008-12-4)
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"The second annual dinner of the New York division of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) will take place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City next Wednesday December 10. The event will feature special guest Colin Powell, the retired General and U.S. Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. It will honor Pierre [...]" (2008-12-4)
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"UK-based Michael Page International, a recruitment firm for the insurance and financial services sector, has issued a profit warning for the fourth quarter.
The recruitment specialist said job cuts in the financial sector had been more severe than expected because of the recent global economic turmoil.
As such, the company’s services are in low demand in almost [...]" (2008-12-4)
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"Because of the economy, more people are filing for bankruptcy than ever before. A bankruptcy may increase their car insurance rates, but should it?" (2008-12-3)
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"Nigerian firm Oceanic Insurance Group has reported its profits to have skyrocketed by 2,351% for its general insurance business.
Previously, the firm recorded profits of N25.9m, which have since ballooned to N635.3m.
Its gross premium likewise surged upwards, from N196.3m to N1.27bn, a rise of over 500%, and total assets increased from N3bn to N4.4bn.
Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, [...]" (2008-12-3)
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"Specialist insurer, Hiscox, it closing its Bermuda office in favour of pursuing an expansion strategy in the US.
The Lloyd’s of London firm opened the office last year, saying it wanted to be nearer the reinsurance markets of America.
It now has plans to open five new offices in the US, where it will be setting up [...]" (2008-12-3)
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"Friendly society, Liverpool Victoria, is providing a new range of insurance products to Nationwide customers, under its LV= brand.
Members of the UK’s biggest building society are now able to arrange car, small business and buy-to-let and property owners’ insurance, through the joint venture.
Nationwide believes the partnership, which was formed in June of this year, will [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Acting on behalf of Howden Insurance Brokers Limited, Taylor Wessing’s insurance group has operated in connection with the move of Benfield Corporate Risk’s US Wholesale Property Casualty unit over to Howden.
The high profile action occurred just as Aon was about to seal the £844m deal to acquire Benfield Group.
Peter Kempe led the Taylor Wessing advisory [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"A survey commissioned by insurance broker and risk adviser Marsh reveals that UK firms think the present economic difficulties will present opportunities to enhance efficiency, acquire other firms at cheap prices and strengthen their brand leadership.
The survey, which was conducted in Marsh seminars in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Milton Keynes, showed that two out [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Insurer and reinsurer Glacier Group has announced the appointment of Andreas Zdrenyk as the firm’s new head of Group Risk Management.
He brings with him over a quarter of a century of experience in the insurance sector in both Europe and North America.
He leaves behind his former post as chief operating officer of SCOR Holdings (Switzerland) [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report suggests that the rate-setting method used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may not ensure that the rates accurately reflect the actual risk of flood damage. GAO says the NFIP model includes data inputs that are outdated or inaccurate, relying on flood probabilities [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Heath Lambert, the London-based independent insurance broker and employee benefits consultant, has expanded its Retail National division with the formation of a Renewable Energy team.
The firm has a broad base in the renewable energy sector with clients including developers, sponsors, suppliers, contractors, operators and financiers.
The sector is expanding rapidly and Heath Lambert believes its expertise [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Germany-based Munich Re, one of the world’s biggest reinsurers, has said that 2009 will be a good year for insurance companies.
Munich Re’s chairman, Nikolaus von Bomhard, anticipates lower operating ratios and higher premiums for the year ahead.
On average von Bomhard predicts that combined ratios will improve by 2-3%.
He added that the global recession ‘doesn’t have [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Amlin has withdrawn its services from the credit insurance market because it has struggled to find reinsurance cover.
The insurer, which owns about 4% of the UK’s credit insurance market, has said it will not be writing any new policies for businesses who supply goods or services to other businesses on credit.
Credit insurance covers businesses against [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Criminals who submitted claims to multiple insurers via an accident management company received custodial sentences at Bradford Crown Court, yesterday.
Following an investigation by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and West Yorkshire Police, the proprietor of Yorkshire-based Autotransform Claims, a partner in the business, an engineer and two claimants have begun prison sentences totalling seven years [...]" (2008-12-2)
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"Crédit Agricole Assurances’ property and casualty insurance arm Pacifica has teamed up with Sicli, fire detection and extinction solutions provider, to cater to the fire-related risk needs of insured professionals.
Under the partnership Sicli’s broad range of solutions will become fully available to farmers, craftsmen, retailers and independent professionals insured with Pacifica.
These include an on-site diagnosis [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"Didier Robin has been named by Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe Limited (LMIE) as the new Energy & Construction VP.
LMIE is part of Liberty International Underwriters (LIU), and Robin’s appointment makes him the firm’s first energy underwriter for its Continental Europe business.
Robin is to be based in France, and will be responsible for the building up [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"In August broker-owned insurance management firm Broker Direct launched OurNetwork, which has already achieved its 100th member.
The joining of Eric Rawlins & Co (a Stoke-based broker) means that in just three months OurNetwork has assembled a century of members.
Eric Rawlins’ MD, Phil Alcock, has stated that the firm is fiercely independent, and had previously [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"The High Net Worth (HNW) team of insurance broker Heath Lambert is to be enlarged as a series of appointments take place.
The first of these is Fiona Powell, who will be based in the Manchester office but will nevertheless collaborate closely with her colleagues throughout the UK.
Powell brings to the role a combination of local [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"Following its acquisition of Highway Insurance in October, friendly society LV= has confirmed that it has received an approach from investors interested in buying Hero, the direct insurance subsidiary of Highway.
LV= is considering its options with regard to Hero, saying that when it acquired Highway the intention was to keep the business whole, as an [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"We’ve observed increasing interest in the insurance implications of maritime piracy given the recent surge in incidents in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. Last month Somali pirates seized a Saudi oil tanker, the Sirius Star, carrying oil reportedly worth more than $100 million to the U.S. Negotiations continue for the [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"Insurance giant Aviva has announced the sale of its RAC Auto Windscreens unit to Germany-based Arques Industries AG for an undisclosed sum.
Aviva said it is selling the business as part of a streamlining strategy to increase focus on core operations.
RAC Auto Windscreens is an auto glass repair and replace subsidiary of roadside rescue firm RAC, [...]" (2008-12-1)
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"Equity Red Star, one of Lloyd’s biggest underwriting syndicates, has opened a new office in Leeds city centre, adding to its regional offices in Birmingham and Glasgow.
The company hopes that moving into the region will enable it to work more closely with insurance brokers based in the north of England.
This will allow Equity Red Star [...]" (2008-12-1)
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