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Toxic mould panic
Toxic mould claims are reaching hysteria level in the US, lawyers have warned.

Elborne Mitchell reinsurance partner Jolyon Patten said US loss adjusters were handling up to seven mould claims each day.

Patten was speaking at a lecture by the firm at Lloyd's last week.

Other lawyers said reinsurers had now started refusing to cover toxic mould in the US.

AXA rating switch
AXA Insurance has launched a new motor rating system to replace its old system, which dated back to the time before the merger with Guardian Royal Exchange.

AXA head of personal lines underwriting Kevin Sinclair said: "We have made use of the opportunity to take a new look at the rating structure, taking into account data obtained as a result of the merger.

"This was launched on 1 June and initial feedback is that it has brought AXA's position back in line with its major competitors."

Arizona fire loss
Insurers will pay an estimated $120m (£77m) to homeowners and businesses for property losses from the Rodeo-Chediski complex wildfire in Arizona.

According to the preliminary projections by the Insurance Services Office property claims services, this figure derives from over 6,000 claims for damage to residential and commercial property and vehicles. The wildfire, which raged over parkland earlier this month, destroyed roughly 300 structures causing an estimated $70m (£45m) in insured-property damage.

Zurich contracts
Zurich Financial Services has announced a two-year renewal of its existing loss adjusting contracts with Capita McLarens and Cunningham Lindsey from 1 October 2002.

Zurich claims managing director Roger Day said: "We have achieved sound and mutually beneficial relationships with our loss adjusting partners over the past three years, which have provided added value to our customers."