Also see : News Assurances | NA Pro | NA LIVE | NA BUZZ | NA Market | AssurBOOK | News Insurances | News Banques | NB BUZZ |

Insurance Laws & Rights

Confusion on UK insurance premium tax increase as taxman changes policy

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 rate to apply because the rate is only set when the insurer actually writes up the contract in their accounting systems. The means that policies agreed by brokers and their clients which incept prior to the rate increase... 


‘Democracy hijacked’ as California goes to polls

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 of the state’s political scene. But two ballot measures being presented to voters at Tuesday’s June 8 primaries have raised questions about an electoral system which...  Lire la suite

‘Swindle’ or ‘Special offers’ ? 10 insurance saving tips

Just as supermarkets are tempting customers with ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ deals, car insurance companies are also trying to woo motorists with special offers such as multi-car policies and 52 days’ free insurance But research by online car insurer shows that many offers are not as special as they claim to be, with drivers still paying too much for their insurance. For example : Admiral’s multi-car cover policy is £283.47 more expensive than swiftcover.com when insuring a Ford Fiesta and a Ford Mondeo – two policies with...  Lire la suite

Health insurers prepare for government reform

Congress is crafting health insurance reform proposals now, but insurance companies have already been getting ready for change. Mintel Comperemedia, a service that provides direct marketing competitive intelligence, saw health insurers increase marketing direct mail offers to individuals by 18% in the past twelve months*. Mintel Comperemedia’s vice president of insurance services, Daniel Hayes, believes insurance companies are stepping up direct mail in anticipation of government reform: “Health insurers are actually eager to work with the legislature...  Lire la suite