Muireann Bolger
ClaimsClaims Clinic: Into the fast lane
With the forthcoming Ministry of Justice reforms expected to narrow the window for deciding liability to just 15 days, the latest claims clinic asks if this will provide a valuable opportunity to step the process up a gear
Markets & RisksMarket: Law firms' professional indemnity
As the season for solicitors' professional indemnity (PI) renewals enters full swing, insurers are continuing to lessen their exposure to this market
In BusinessMove outside your comfort zone
The key to standing out in a crowded market is differentiation. Muireann Bolger looks at the ways that brokers can take a fresh approach to promoting themselves
ClaimsFraud on the rise?
It’s easy to blame the recession for last year’s 30% rise in the detection of fraudulent claims. But is it simply down to insurers being more vigilant? Muireann Bolger asks these industry experts to find out their verdict
- News
Criminals switch focus from motor to liability scams
Gang members take on contracts to stage accidents in their workplaces, says Allianz
NewsSmaller law firms set to struggle with soaring PI rates
As insurers pull out of the market, up to 500 solicitors’ firms may be forced into the assigned risk pool
ClaimsGreat escape
Escape-of-water claims have been steadily increasing in complexity and volume, with the costs for insurers doubling in the last two years. Muireann Bolger outlines ten ways to plug the holes in your strategy to tackling this growing problem
ClaimsWe’re the good guys
The relationship between insurers and credit hire operators has always been fiery. The operators’ association is determined to sort things out – before the government gets involved
NewsChairman to sort out rows over credit hire claims
Industry-led initiative better than government intervention, says NACHO deputy chairman
Markets & RisksMarket: High net worth
Despite a tough economy, the high net worth sector is resilient and primed for future prosperity. A large proportion may be under-insured, however, which is providing plenty of scope for savvy insurers to promote their specialised policies
People & OpinionDr Christine Tomkins
The Medical Defence Union’s first female chief executive brings a woman’s touch to the role. She’s fearless, ambitious and campaigns tirelessly on behalf of MDU members
Markets & RisksMarket: Disaster recovery
Cutbacks by insurers may prove a false economy, warn disaster recovery contractors
ClaimsRush money
Champagne corks flew when Airmic’s speed of settlement agreement was announced. But is it a groundbreaking initiative or just a sop to boost insurers’ public image?
ClaimsIt’s mine, all mine…
Some insurers have responded to the current economic climate by cutting expert staff and making lower cash settlements. Muireann Bolger finds insiders divided on whether policyholders and the industry’s reputation are suffering.
In BusinessShow your competence through qualifications
The need to have a recognised professional qualification has never been greater, says Muireann Bolger and it will stand you in good stead if you are made redundant
News AnalysisIt’s (still) a man’s world
Or is it? It depends who you talk to. Some high-profile women say the barriers are down: it’s what you know that counts. Others tell Muireann Bolger that little has changed; most women still face a battle to get to the top
NewsWomen hold one in eight board seats in top 50 firms
One in three companies had exclusively male boards
ClaimsClarity comes out of tragedy
The House of Lords’ decision last month not to allow a victim of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash to sue for damages following his fatal stabbing of another man closes the loophole on a potential avalanche of claims from others who have committed serious criminal acts. Muireann Bolger reports
ClaimsPut the brakes on fraud
It costs insurers £300m a year as well as policyholders an extra 5% on every premium. Muireann Bolger visits Bradford – the UK hotspot for crash for cash scams
