Port package
A consortium of Lloyd's underwriters has launched a new insurance package for operators in the ports, terminals and cargo-handling industries.

The consortium is led by XL Lond ...

Port package
A consortium of Lloyd's underwriters has launched a new insurance package for operators in the ports, terminals and cargo-handling industries.

The consortium is led by XL London Market and Limit's Janson Green syndicate.

The package, called Wavelength, will include cover for liabilities, handling equipment, property damage, business interruption and port craft.

The facility will be administered by Charles Taylor Consulting.

NU personal online
Norwich Union (NU) has launched a business-to-business website for brokers to manage their clients' personal lines policies.

The system, e-broking, will give brokers direct access to NU's policy administration system and allow them to manage their policies online.

The website enables brokers to view the status of policies online, make mid-term adjustments to existing policies, obtain quotes and print policy documents.

A spokesman for NU said: "E-broking enables brokers to operate more efficiently and provide an instant service to their customers at a convenient time for them, without having to pick up the phone."

Bennetts with Virgin
Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance has joined forces with Virgin Bikes to provide online and telephone insurance services.

The website is intended to provide everything a customer needs to get on the road - including insurance, training, clothing and, of course, bikes.

Bennetts has developed new products specifically for Virgin Bikes, which it hopes will reduce insurance costs for its customers.

Bennetts director Michael Bennett said working with Virgin Bikes would raise the company's profile in the motorcycle insurance marke.

Wedding cover
Hine Bridal, the specialist arm of Manchester-based Hine Insurance Brokers, has relaunched its Weddingsure policy for brides and bridegrooms.

The policy will now be underwritten by UK Insurance, a subsidiary of

Green Flag Group. Hine Bridal says it has also been redesigned to provide increased benefits.

Weddingsure is one of a number of wedding day policies that provide cover for unforeseen circumstances, such as the cancellation of arrangements., failure of a supplier or even damage to bridal wear.

Norwich Union (NU) has commissioned a digital map of Britain to show exactly which areas are at risk from flooding.

NU will use the map to tailor individual premiums according to the property's accurate risk of flood. Data for the map will be collected using an airborne radar system, as part of the `NEXTMap Britain' programme.

The data will be used to produce a digital elevation model - a map which shows the height of the land above sea level.

This will then be combined with a flood software model to determine where floods are likely to occur, and the probable extent of them.

NU pricing director Clive Bolton said: "One of the major obstacles to better flood prediction has been the lack of consistently accurate information on the height of land surrounding rivers. By investing in this technology, we'll have the best available information about the risk of floods.

"We'll also be able to better understand whether a customer has been a victim of a one-off occurrence or is at risk from potentially frequent flooding.

The project is being carried out by NU in partnership with Intermap Technologies Corporation, Willis and HR Wallingford.

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