Banks and insurers may not be ‘sufficiently capitalised’ for future climate-related losses, Bank of England reports March 13, 2023 The Bank of England said there was “uncertainty” over whether banks and insurers are “sufficiently capitalised” to deal with climate-related risks, but suggested there was not enough justification to increase their capital requirements at the moment. In a report published today, the Bank said climate risks create a challenge for regulators as the uncertainty surrounding [...]
Insurance brokers could face caps on commissions as FCA reviews high rise insurance market May 10, 2022 Insurance brokers could face rules limiting commissions amid the City watchdog’s review into tower block insurance coverage. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was asked to review the insurance market for blocks of flats earlier this year, after housing minister Micheal Gove said he was “extremely concerned” by accelerating costs faced by leaseholders. In an update, [...]
London motorists hit with sharpest uptick in car insurance costs as UK premiums surge January 25, 2023 Motorists are now paying £100 more for car insurance than last year, according to new research which shows premiums have increased at their sharpest rate in six years. Car insurance premiums have increased 19 per cent over the past 12 months, meaning motorists now pay average sums of £629 to insure their vehicles, Confused.com’s Car [...]
Insurers falling short in modelling cyber and natural catastrophe risks, Bank of England warns January 23, 2023 The UK’s insurance regulator has called on insurers to bolster their cyber and natural catastrophe risk modelling capabilities in preparation for a period of “high volatility and uncertainty”. In a letter sent to UK insurance companies today, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which sits within the Bank of England, warned insurers models are continuing to [...]
Severe flooding could cost insurers more than £1bn this winter December 12, 2022 Severe flooding this winter could cost UK insurers more than £1bn, according to analysis from PwC. Storm Eunice in February led to insurers losing £200-300m, mainly as a result of disruption to travel and damage to properties and vehicles due to falling trees. However, floods on the same scale as those seen in 2015 [...]
National Insurance rise to be axed on 6 November, says Kwarteng September 22, 2022 This year’s hike in National Insurance will be axed from 6 November, Kwasi Kwarteng has today announced. The Treasury today said the move to reverse the 1.25 percentage point increase in National Insurance – which was originally brought in to pay for increased health and social care spending – will save businesses an average of [...]
Allianz strikes deal with South African insurer Sanlam to form Africa’s biggest insurance firm May 4, 2022 German insurance giant Allianz has struck a deal with South African insurance company Sanlam to create the biggest insurer in Africa. The deal will see two firms launch a new joint venture that is set to become the biggest pan-African non-banking financial services firm on the continent. The new firm will operate in 29 different [...]
Europe’s insurance lobby welcomes overturning of EU online marketing rules October 26, 2022 Europe’s main insurance sector lobby group has welcomed the EU’s decision to overturn rules regulating the sector’s online and telecoms marketing activities. Insurance Europe, whose members include Lloyd’s and the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said it “strongly welcomes” the repeal of the EU’s consumer rights legislation, which seeks to protect consumers that sign contracts [...]
Insurance lobby pushes back against EU’s ESG rules September 13, 2022 Insurance sector lobby group Insurance Europe has called on the EU to prioritize setting climate standards over social ones, in putting forward its ESG taxonomy. In a response to an EU consultation, Insurance Europe called on the bloc to hold back from setting “overly prescriptive” ESG standards, particularly in regards to human rights, as [...]
UK motor insurers to make largest annual loss in a decade due to inflation November 25, 2022 The UK motor insurance sector is set to make the largest annual loss in over a decade as a result of inflationary pressures. Analysis published today by EY has forecast that net combined ratios will reach 115 per cent this year – the worst year since 2010 – going down slightly to 114 per cent [...]