The UK’s Information Commissioner has flagged up a number of problems that could arise from a proposed EU update of data protection rules. Overall, the Commissioner has welcomed the proposals, which include: 1. Strengthening provisions relating to consent so that when an individual’s consent is relied on for processing personal data it is genuine consent. [...]
MPs have called on the insurance industry to abandon sharp practices in the management of car accident claims. In addition, the cross party Transport Committee is calling on the Government to impose a higher threshold for the payment of any compensation in whiplash cases. In a new report, the Committee warns that the spiralling cost [...]
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has launched a new sanctions checking facility that should help members comply with the Terrorism Act and the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) financial crime requirements. The facility, which is provided by Sanctions Search, allows BIBA members to screen their client lists against HM Treasury’s UK Consolidated Financial Sanctions List, [...]
HM Treasury has issued its promised consultation on how insurers can use gender as a risk factor. In March, the European Court of Justice ruled that the use of gender as a risk factor by insurers should not result in differences in premiums and benefits for men and women, with effect from 21st December 2012. [...]
The Court of Appeal has dismissed appeals by Digital Satellite Warranty Cover and Satellite Services. The businesses, which are not registered with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), provided cover for Sky satellite TV equipment, in return for an insurance premium. Both firms described their offerings as “extended warranties” but in January, the FSA secured winding [...]
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (Apil) is warning that legislation going through Parliament to change “no win no fee” will fail to address the problems in the personal injury system. Instead, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill could be a charter for the insurance industry to print money at the expense [...]
Today has seen the launch of “Fighting Fraud Together” a new initiative made possible by 34 organisations (including the Insurance Fraud Bureau) joining forces to address fraud in the UK. The Government, industry representatives, voluntary groups and law enforcement agencies have sign up to a joint commitment to tackle fraud by: 1. Expanding and extending [...]
Pleural plaques are in the news again, Scotland’s supreme court having today ruled that the Scottish Parliament acted within its powers in passing the Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009. The Act includes pleural plaques as a condition for which compensation is payable in Scotland. However, insurers have long argued that the plaques, which [...]
LV= has won contempt of court proceedings brought against an attempted personal injury fraudster and her family. All three family members involved in the case have been sentenced to serve between three and six months’ imprisonment. This is the first time, as result of County Court proceedings of this type, that immediate custodial sentences have [...]
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) wants to force the firms it regulates to provide 100% redress to customers who have suffered financial loss, even if the loss was not caused by faulty advice, warns Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC). The City law firm explains that as the law of “causation” stands, if a financial services firm [...]
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has announced plans for a major shake up of drink driving laws in the province. The proposals include lower drink-drive limits and new graduated fixed penalties, with further details as follows: Lower blood alcohol limits of 50mg/100ml for most drivers and 20mg/100ml for young or inexperienced drivers and for [...]
City law firm, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC), has announced a new partner hire: insurance lawyer, Victoria Sherratt. Currently a partner with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, Ms Sherratt has specialised in property insurance since qualifying in 1999. Dealing with commercial risks in the UK and in international market, she had handled all types of coverage dispute [...]
Referral fees in personal injury claims are to be banned by the Government, the BBC has reported. The fees have been blamed for encouraging a compensation culture and for sharp rises in motor insurance premiums alongside an explosion of law firms offering no-win-no-fee services and pestering potential claimants with unsolicited approaches. According to the Association [...]
Lancashire Holdings says it intends to move to UK tax residency, following the publication of the latest proposals for the reform of the UK’s Controlled Foreign Companies (CFC) rules. The Bermuda-based specialty property insurer, which has existing operations in London, says the proposed move will not required the firm to change its place of incorporation, [...]
Acromas Insurance Company Limited, previously known as Saga motor insurance, has secured a landmark triumph against fraud as a couple who attempted to file a large fraudulent insurance claim have been found guilty of contempt of court. Graham and Susan Loveday attempted to claim for serious personal injury after a traffic incident, but were found [...]
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has welcomed the new warning letters being sent from today to registered keepers identified as having an uninsured vehicle under Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) legislation. CIE makes it an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle unless it has a Statutory Off Road Notification or is exempt, and it comes [...]
Co-operative Life Planning (CLP) has breached the Data Protection Act by failing to ensure a contractor followed the company’s security procedures. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), in March an electronic file that had been repaired by CLP’s software support contractor was “accidentally” made available online. The file contained the names, dates of births, [...]
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has pledged its support for the Government’s signposting proposals, which are aimed at maximising the likelihood of older customers finding insurance. Signposting is a system whereby brokers and insurers will direct people to a suitable provider should they be refused cover on the basis of age, and the proposals [...]
New guidance from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) should mean people receive life insurance payments more quickly after bereavement. The lengthy legal process associated with winding up a deceased person’s estate has left families typically waiting around four months to receive life insurance payouts. However, working with the Law Commission, the ABI has developed [...]
