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International

Return to profitability for Munich Re

22 February 2005

Munich Re has a projected net profit of €1.8 billion ($A2.9 billion) last year – a big turnaround from its first-ever net loss of €434 million ($A701 million) in 2003…

Class action curbed, but asbestos still simmers

15 February 2005

While a bill to shield businesses from major class action law suits has been approved by the US Senate, support for a proposal to create a $US140 billion asbestos compensation fund…

Insurers may re-consider tsunami cover

15 February 2005

While no insurers affected by the Asian tsunami have knocked back claims arising from the disaster, reports from the UK suggest insurers may re-evaluate the way they price…

Aon posts lower profits after Spitzer

15 February 2005

Aon has noted lower earnings in the December quarter due to the wind-back in its contingent commission earnings and the need to set aside $US50 million for settlements…

Knee-jerk reaction: Britney Spears sues QBE

15 February 2005

Teen pop icon Britney Spears is suing eight insurers – QBE among them – after they refused her claim over losses incurred when she called off a concert tour because she had hurt her knee…

Marsh – back to business?

08 February 2005

Now that Marsh has agreed to pay an $US850 million settlement for its role in bid rigging it can get back to business – but it won’t be all plain sailing for the international brokerage…

US premium growth tipped to slow

08 February 2005

The US insurance industry expects a slowing in premium growth while the combined ratio continues to hold steady…

Results round-up

08 February 2005

Chubb Corporation has reported net income of $US1.55 billion for 2004 – a 91.6% increase on the 2003 result…

Poultry premium

08 February 2005

Thought you’d heard it all in product liability insurance..?

UK regulators aim at brokers

01 February 2005

After much controversy, the UK Financial Services Authority has introduced its new regulatory regime covering the general insurance industry…

Doubts greet asbestos bill

01 February 2005

A new US draft asbestos bill – including a proposed $US140 billion trust fund – has had a mixed reaction from industry groups…

Hasta la vista for Arnie reforms?

01 February 2005

Attorneys for injured workers are challenging new amendments to California’s permanent disability compensation law that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has forced into law…

Button clicks to beat tricks

01 February 2005

In an attempt to tackle misconduct and breaches of law by insurance companies and brokers, US authorities have introduced an online reporting facility…

Good move for Gallagher

01 February 2005

No 4 US broker Arthur J Gallagher will merge two of its US reinsurance broking subsidiaries…

Royal applies the brakes on lawsuit

01 February 2005

British insurer Royal & SunAlliance is being sued by General Motors to recoup payment for all legal claims arising from asbestos-related lawsuits, along with additional damages…

US premiums drop

01 February 2005

A survey by the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers in the US shows substantial rate reductions in the commercial property/casualty market for 2004…

Jury gives Silverstein a win over insurers

14 December 2004

Months after losing his first bid to have the attacks of September 11 2001 on the World Trade Centre declared two separate events, leaseholder Larry Silverstein has won…