http://www.news-insurances.com News-Insurances.com is an independent online media providing the latest insurance news for the insurance industry and consumers Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:02:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://www.news-insurances.com/good-to-know-natural-disasters-claim-filing-advice-for-homeowners-and-business-owners-affected/0167314562 http://www.news-insurances.com/good-to-know-natural-disasters-claim-filing-advice-for-homeowners-and-business-owners-affected/0167314562#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:09:56 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=314562 An ongoing hurricane season, flooding in Texas and wildfires in Colorado are reminders that consumers need to understand the claims process, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover damage caused by wind, fire and many other disasters. Policies also include coverage for additional living expenses (ALE), which pays the additional [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/good-to-know-natural-disasters-claim-filing-advice-for-homeowners-and-business-owners-affected/0167314562/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/study-five-dorel-booster-seats-are-top-rated-by-the-insurance-institute-for-highway-safety/0167314386 http://www.news-insurances.com/study-five-dorel-booster-seats-are-top-rated-by-the-insurance-institute-for-highway-safety/0167314386#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:13:58 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=314386 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated five Dorel Juvenile Group booster seats among the best available for families today in its 2010 “Boosters Are Better” Status Report. The seats earned top ratings “because they correctly position belts on the average booster-age kids in most vehicles,” according to the IIHS, which issued its report [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/study-five-dorel-booster-seats-are-top-rated-by-the-insurance-institute-for-highway-safety/0167314386/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/equitable-life-urges-government-for-full-customer-compensation/0167309748 http://www.news-insurances.com/equitable-life-urges-government-for-full-customer-compensation/0167309748#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:01:41 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=309748 The British mutual insurer Equitable Life urges the government to fully reimburse policyholders for their losses rather than cap compensation payments. Compensation should be based on an estimated loss of up to 4.8 billion pounds ($7.42 bn/ €5.75 bn) and should not be subject to a 400 million-pound cap proposed in an independent review in [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/equitable-life-urges-government-for-full-customer-compensation/0167309748/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/china-insurers-new-investment-possibilities/0167309572 http://www.news-insurances.com/china-insurers-new-investment-possibilities/0167309572#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:50:50 +0000 Sofia Ashmore http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=309572 China will now allow insurers to broaden investments into private equity and real estate, a move that could unleash as much as $100 billion worth of fresh funding into unlisted firms and the real-estate sector. Chinese insurers are allowed to invest up to 5 percent of their assets in private equity and 10 percent in [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/china-insurers-new-investment-possibilities/0167309572/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/europe-regulation-an-agreement-should-soon-be-reached/0167304578 http://www.news-insurances.com/europe-regulation-an-agreement-should-soon-be-reached/0167304578#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:20:38 +0000 Barbara karouski http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=304578 An agreement will be reached by the European Union that will lead to the creation of a new pan-EU supervisory authority which will oversee controls on banks and insurers. It is hoped that the deal, which must still be approved by European finance ministers and the European Parliament, will help stop a repeat of the [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/europe-regulation-an-agreement-should-soon-be-reached/0167304578/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/travel-insurance-does-it-pay-to-buy-one/0167301890 http://www.news-insurances.com/travel-insurance-does-it-pay-to-buy-one/0167301890#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:20:02 +0000 Sofia Ashmore http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=301890 The question on the financial communities mind at the moment and indeed expressed by companies such as MarketWatch is as follows: Does it pay to buy travel insurance? Many people do not realise that they may already be covered for certain elements by their existing insurance policies, for example home insurance and life insurance. Certain [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/travel-insurance-does-it-pay-to-buy-one/0167301890/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/fscs-has-paid-out-204m-in-compensation-for-200910/0167216592 http://www.news-insurances.com/fscs-has-paid-out-204m-in-compensation-for-200910/0167216592#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:15:10 +0000 Damian Dozol http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=216592 The Financial Services Compensation Scheme’s (FSCS) annual report and accounts for 2009/10 has revealed that more than £204m has been paid out in compensation to over 21,000 claimants. Two thirds of the compensation paid during the year was for payment protection insurance (PPI) and investment claims. The FSCS said PPI claims have increased significantly during [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/fscs-has-paid-out-204m-in-compensation-for-200910/0167216592/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/confusion-on-uk-insurance-premium-tax-increase-as-taxman-changes-policy/0167180138 http://www.news-insurances.com/confusion-on-uk-insurance-premium-tax-increase-as-taxman-changes-policy/0167180138#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:30:56 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=180138 Following the announced UK insurance premium tax (‘IPT’) increase from 5% to 6% from 4 January 2011, the market has been thrown into uncertainty with the HMRC’s policy on implementation. The impact is leaving brokers and their clients exposed to new tax liabilities. When there is an IPT increase, doubt arises on the correct tax [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/confusion-on-uk-insurance-premium-tax-increase-as-taxman-changes-policy/0167180138/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/democracy-hijacked-as-california-goes-to-polls/0167125284 http://www.news-insurances.com/democracy-hijacked-as-california-goes-to-polls/0167125284#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:21:18 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=125284 The free-spending role of corporations in California’s electoral system has come under fire as the state prepares to vote on two referenda which opponents have condemned as a “hijacking” of democracy. Whether its a bid to legalize marijuana or ban same-sex marriage, single-issue referenda, known in California as ballot initiatives, are part of the fabric [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/democracy-hijacked-as-california-goes-to-polls/0167125284/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-income-protection-insurance/01676185 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-income-protection-insurance/01676185#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:00:05 +0000 Barbara karouski http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=6185 Also known as permanent health insurance (PHI). It replaces part of your income if you are unable to work for a long time because of illness or disability. It continues to pay out until you return to work, die, or the policy term expires, whichever happens first. These products usually offer a choice of waiting [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-income-protection-insurance/01676185/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-you-need-to-know-when-buying-insurance/016710516 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-you-need-to-know-when-buying-insurance/016710516#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:19:38 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=10516 Generally, firms selling insurance and those providing insurance cover have to be regulated by us, or be the agent of a regulated firm. There are some exceptions, for example the sale of extended warranties on non-motor goods (such as on electrical goods) where the person selling the insurance is also providing the goods. You can [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/what-you-need-to-know-when-buying-insurance/016710516/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/defrosting-motorists-given-car-insurance-warning/016712907 http://www.news-insurances.com/defrosting-motorists-given-car-insurance-warning/016712907#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:42:47 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12907 The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned motorists not to risk leaving their cars unattended with the engine running to defrost during the freezing weather. A number of motorists have attempted to stave off the cold by leaving their engines running, only to have their vehicles stolen. The ABI warned drivers that such actions [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/defrosting-motorists-given-car-insurance-warning/016712907/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/advice-to-motorists-during-big-freeze/016712860 http://www.news-insurances.com/advice-to-motorists-during-big-freeze/016712860#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:20:47 +0000 Barbara karouski http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12860 Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “Motorists should ready themselves and their vehicles for ice and snow before taking to the roads. Abandoning your car “In the unfortunate event that motorists do need to abandon their vehicle, insurers will still look into a claim if one is made – as long as [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/advice-to-motorists-during-big-freeze/016712860/feed 1 http://www.news-insurances.com/how-to-survive-the-cold-this-winter/016712724 http://www.news-insurances.com/how-to-survive-the-cold-this-winter/016712724#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:31:01 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12724 Snow and ice has hit Britain, with more expected. The insurer MORE TH>N offer the following advice on surviving the cold. At home: Leave your central heating running, not on a timer, but at a constant temperature (the coldest time is between 1am and 3am). If possible, leave it running in all rooms. If you [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/how-to-survive-the-cold-this-winter/016712724/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/top-ten-saving-tips-for-2010/016712711 http://www.news-insurances.com/top-ten-saving-tips-for-2010/016712711#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:44:13 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12711 As 2010 begins, some people could start the New Year as a time to start planning for the retirement they would like.  The long term savings provider believes by setting realistic goals and seeing retirement as an ongoing process rather than an event, people can move closer towards the goal of maintaining their ideal lifestyle [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/top-ten-saving-tips-for-2010/016712711/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-a-travel-insurance-does-not-cover/016712272 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-a-travel-insurance-does-not-cover/016712272#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:37:47 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12272 Make sure you read the policy summary to see what is and isn’t covered by the policy – there are bound to be some areas excluded from cover. For example, some policies do not cover scheduled airline failures, civil unrest or terrorist attacks. If you have a policy which doesn’t cover these risks, you can [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/what-a-travel-insurance-does-not-cover/016712272/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/why-travel-insurance-is-needed/016712259 http://www.news-insurances.com/why-travel-insurance-is-needed/016712259#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:32:30 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12259 If you travel without travel insurance, you run the risk of losing out if things go wrong. With about a third of recorded claims involving medical bills, this is by far the most common travel insurance claim. Other common claims are for lost or stolen baggage, cancellation of flights, lost or stolen money, and travel [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/why-travel-insurance-is-needed/016712259/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/the-best-practices-to-protect-you-from-credit-card-fraud/0167447 http://www.news-insurances.com/the-best-practices-to-protect-you-from-credit-card-fraud/0167447#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:20:42 +0000 Tom Scott http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=447 Many of the best credit cards are becoming those that provide greater customer service, fraud prevention and plain-English terms and conditions. It appears that the UK credit card industry, following the shock to the system of the credit crunch, may well see a restructuring of the markets’ marketing emphasis, with customer service and innovation being [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/the-best-practices-to-protect-you-from-credit-card-fraud/0167447/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-a-health-cash-plan-for/016712245 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-a-health-cash-plan-for/016712245#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:49:43 +0000 Barbara karouski http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12245 Health cash plans provide limited cash sums towards everyday healthcare bills. Different policies cover one or a combination of healthcare such as dental care, optical care, physiotherapy, or stays in hospital. So for example a policy will pay out a maximum of £100 per year towards optical care bills you have incurred, and £10 for [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/what-a-health-cash-plan-for/016712245/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/the-abi-publishes-good-practice-guide-to-help-customers-buying-insurance-online/016712193 http://www.news-insurances.com/the-abi-publishes-good-practice-guide-to-help-customers-buying-insurance-online/016712193#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:58:57 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=12193 Customers using the internet to buy general insurance, such as motor and home cover, will benefit from guidance published today (29 December) by the ABI. Over two-thirds of customers are now using the internet to arrange their motor insurance alone. The good practice guidance is for insurance comparison websites, insurers and brokers selling general insurance [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/the-abi-publishes-good-practice-guide-to-help-customers-buying-insurance-online/016712193/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/hibernian-aviva-health-announce-price-reduction-in-special-post-budget-offer/016711074 http://www.news-insurances.com/hibernian-aviva-health-announce-price-reduction-in-special-post-budget-offer/016711074#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:21:18 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=11074 Hibernian Aviva Health have announced today (Thursday 10 December) that they are reducing the cost of their Level 2 Hospital Plan back to the price it was prior to an increase announced last October. The offer runs from the 28 December to the 31 January and means that for a family with two adults and [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/hibernian-aviva-health-announce-price-reduction-in-special-post-budget-offer/016711074/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/abi-guide-sets-new-standards-for-pre-retirement-wake-up-packs/016711026 http://www.news-insurances.com/abi-guide-sets-new-standards-for-pre-retirement-wake-up-packs/016711026#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:59:48 +0000 Barbara karouski http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=11026 The ABI has today published updated guidance to help pension providers deliver further improvements to the ‘wake-up’ packs sent to pension customers as they approach their retirement date. ‘Wake-up’ packs contain vital information for people with defined contribution pension policies, aimed at helping them decide how to take their benefits.  This includes key messages such [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/abi-guide-sets-new-standards-for-pre-retirement-wake-up-packs/016711026/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/abi-launched-actuarial-guidance-for-life-insurers/016710737 http://www.news-insurances.com/abi-launched-actuarial-guidance-for-life-insurers/016710737#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:24:43 +0000 George Stobbart http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=10737 The ABI has launched guidance for life insurers on when internal actuarial advice should be subject to external review. It follows a public consultation earlier this year. Its origins lie in the Morris review and subsequent work by the actuarial profession and the Financial Reporting Council. The guidance, External Reviews of Internal Actuarial Advice: Best [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/abi-launched-actuarial-guidance-for-life-insurers/016710737/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/car-insurance-advice-for-drivers-in-strong-winds/01679797 http://www.news-insurances.com/car-insurance-advice-for-drivers-in-strong-winds/01679797#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:21:41 +0000 Tom Scott http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=9797 The severe gales blasting the UK pose problems to all road users, not just those in high-sided vehicles, safety experts have warned. With Britain experiencing winds of up to 75mph, motorways are particularly hazardous said the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) – a charity which urges all road users to act more responsibly and safely [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/car-insurance-advice-for-drivers-in-strong-winds/01679797/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/association-of-british-insurers-issues-advice-to-people-who-have-suffered-flood-damage/01679644 http://www.news-insurances.com/association-of-british-insurers-issues-advice-to-people-who-have-suffered-flood-damage/01679644#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:02:20 +0000 admin http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=9644 The ABI has issued advice to people who have suffered flood damage following the recent heavy rainfall. Household and business insurance policies cover flood damage. If you have been affected, contact your insurer as soon as possible.  Most offer 24-hour emergency helpline services to arrange for repairs to be carried out and damage to be [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/association-of-british-insurers-issues-advice-to-people-who-have-suffered-flood-damage/01679644/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/be-careful-when-driving-in-europe-ten-tips-on-accidents-abroad/0167339 http://www.news-insurances.com/be-careful-when-driving-in-europe-ten-tips-on-accidents-abroad/0167339#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:54:55 +0000 Barbara karouski http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=339 Brits planning an Autobahn or Autoroute adventure this summer should beware – Germany and France have been named the most expensive places in Europe for a motorway mishap, according to the latest claims data* from the UK’s biggest insurer. The average bill if you cause a crash in Germany is £2,940* – over 50% higher [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/be-careful-when-driving-in-europe-ten-tips-on-accidents-abroad/0167339/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/cheap-car-insurance-7-tips-to-reduce-your-car-insurance-costs/0167530 http://www.news-insurances.com/cheap-car-insurance-7-tips-to-reduce-your-car-insurance-costs/0167530#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:16:25 +0000 Tom Scott http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=530 With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying? Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/cheap-car-insurance-7-tips-to-reduce-your-car-insurance-costs/0167530/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/administration-or-cancellation-fee-what-could-be-unexpected-insurance-charge/0167601 http://www.news-insurances.com/administration-or-cancellation-fee-what-could-be-unexpected-insurance-charge/0167601#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:05:24 +0000 Tom Scott http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=601 Let us looked into these potential fees through a survey of UK car insurance companies NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk questioned several car insurance companies about this administration fee, and what exactly the policyholder was being charged for. Although six insurance companies were contacted, only one responded and that was Swiftcover.com. Craig Staniland, Underwriting Director for Swiftcover, stated: “Swiftcover.com [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/administration-or-cancellation-fee-what-could-be-unexpected-insurance-charge/0167601/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-a-long-term-care-insurance-ltci/01678668 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-a-long-term-care-insurance-ltci/01678668#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:44:04 +0000 Tom Scott http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=8668 As you get older, you might develop health problems that could make it difficult to cope with everyday tasks. So you may need help to stay in your own home or you may have to move into a care home. The State may provide some help towards the costs of this care, depending on your [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-a-long-term-care-insurance-ltci/01678668/feed 0 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-a-legal-expenses-insurance/01678666 http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-a-legal-expenses-insurance/01678666#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:40:25 +0000 admin http://www.news-insurances.com/?p=8666 This is a way of protecting yourself against some of the costs involved when funding a legal dispute, which can be very expensive. The cover often provides for legal advice helplines, as well as the costs of appointing solicitors, expert witnesses and representation if the claim goes to court. It can be bought along with [...]]]> http://www.news-insurances.com/what-is-a-legal-expenses-insurance/01678666/feed 0