Scotland
Questgates grows its counter fraud team
Loss adjuster Questgates has made three new appointments to its counter fraud division field force.
Comment - Civil litigation: You’re part of the problem
When the insurance industry launches a campaign to reform our “broken civil litigation system” it predictably wheels out dodgy statistics – including that complete nonsense of a report from Frontier Economics again — and dubious ‘facts’. It conveniently…
QBE announces Glasgow Warriors sponsorship
QBE has signed an agreement to become the official insurance partner of Glasgow Warriors.
Central and Hiscox target charities
Central Insurance, one of Scotland’s biggest independent insurance brokers, has joined forces with specialist business insurer Hiscox to launch a comprehensive charity policy.
Post history – 50 years ago: More floods prove need for cover
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 50 years ago reveals.
Broker Reich buys Glasgow's Surenet
Independent broker Reich Insurance has bought Glasgow-based broker Surenet Agency, Reich’s second acquisition in two months. It follows the addition of Bolton broker D. Barnett to its network.
North of the Border: lack of consensus on cost reform
How quickly and cost-effectively will future claims in the Scottish courts be dealt with? The Gill review of Scotland's civil court system sought to provide a comprehensive answer to this question but has yet to be implemented.
Towergate Scotland appoints MD
Towergate Insurance in Scotland has appointed Gordon Crosbie as managing director of its Perth and Stirling businesses.
NFU fraud manager jailed for £410 000 scam
NFU Mutual's financial crime manager has said the insurer has a "zero tolerance" stance against fraud, after one of its fraud managers was jailed for three years and four months after conning it out of £410 000 over six years.
Commercial insurance reform back on agenda
The Law Commission has turned its attention to reforming commercial insurance pre-contract law after confirming a second consultation paper will be published this winter.
Insurers feel the pressure of rising motor claims costs
The increasing cost of motor insurance is putting more financial pressure on insurers, who last year paid out £1.24 for every £1 collected in premiums.
Green Insurance plants one millionth tree
Scotland's Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson planted a sapling Rowan tree to commemorate one million trees planted by The Green Insurance Company as part of a carbon offsetting scheme.
North of the Border: review of expenses and funding of civil litigation in Scotland
Following the Jackson review of costs in England and Wales, the Scottish government has launched its own review of expenses and funding of civil litigation north of the border. This review was one of the measures recommended by Lord Gill's Report of the…
Axa Commercial names branch managers
Axa Commercial Lines has appointed new managers for its eight UK branches.
North of the Border: judicial awards in fatal claims
After six months of consistently increased Scottish civil jury damages awards for fatalities, Bellingham & Others v James Todd has now demonstrated the prospective impact on judicial awards.
Lloyds seeks GI partner to focus on banking
Lloyds Banking Group is expected to seek a joint venture partner for its general insurance business amid strong speculation that it is gearing up to dispose of its Edinburgh-based life and pensions business Scottish Widows.
Editor's comment: tying the knot
The rest of the world may remain obsessed by romance or reactionaries but the UK insurance industry has unveiled its own all-consuming love affair this week. Acquisitions abound in the headlines and bullish talk is nothing short of bountiful.
Rural reveals 5% agricultural market share aim
Specialist underwriting agency Rural Insurance is aiming to double its gross written premium and win a 5% share of the agricultural insurance market within three years.
Indie broker strengthens Scottish position
Central Insurance's £2.6m acquisition of Aberdeen broker Collins Halden & Burnett has cemented its position as Scotland's largest independent broker.
Central seals £2.6m acquisition of Aberdeen broker
Central Insurance has acquired Aberdeen-based broker Collins Halden & Burnett in a £2.6m deal.
Allied World plans Glasgow branch after Chubb defection
Magnus McGurk has left his role as Chubb's financial lines boss in Glasgow to join Allied World Europe, with a view to setting up a new operation in the city.
Aspen confirms Scotland boss
Aspen Risk Management has named Annie Watson as the general manager of its Glasgow office.
North of the Border: Damages (Scotland) Bill
The Damages (Scotland) Bill passed the final stage of the Scottish parliamentary process on 3 March 2011. The Bill received Royal Assent on 7 April, after which it will become an Act during the course of the new parliament following elections next month.
Year-long minimum wait for asbestos claimants
More than 1000 Scottish pleural plaques claimants will have to wait until at least mid-2012 before any decision is made on whether they can be compensated for their condition.