April 2003/1

Over the last five loss making years Lloyd’s lost around £6.9bn, yet it generously paid out £7.9bn over the same period in brokerage commissions for the privilege of writing the business. These sobering figures, compiled by The Insider’s analysis of Lloyd

The Audit-Committee Report AIG is arguably the greatest insurance organization in the world. As such, it deserves more scrutiny than other companies. In its reports for the years ending 2001 and 2000, AIG's audit committee disclaimed virtually all r

In a welcome reversal of type, the US Supreme court delivered a pro insurer judgement earlier this month restricting the scale of punitive damage awards. In State Farm Mutual vs Campbell et al, the US Supreme Court decided by a 6-3 majority that puniti

Lloyd's was lauded in some quarters at the beginning of the month; praised for a record return to profit after years of losses, congratulated for its peer beating combined ratio, and bandied about as a unique performer in an otherwise depressed industry.

US Directors & Officers cover is returning to Lloyd's after an almost complete withdrawal 18 months ago. Beazley is in negotiations to put together a $10mn Lloyd's facility in conjunction with other underwriters thought to include Hiscox. Beazley recently

Impressive turn-around in 2002 but 2000 yr figures deteriorate beyond £2bn mark Last month, The Insider’s analysis of the early 2000 results suggested that 11th quarter forecasts were unlikely to deviate significantly enough to push the loss for the y

Lloyd's insurer unveils disappointing results and agrees to reverse out £27mn of earned premiums from controversial viatical insurance GoshawK's involvement with viatical business - the controversial practice of buying life insurance policies off the

Shareholder backed Brit the only bidder after breaking PRI board’s resolve The board of UK insurer PRI finally succumbed to the weight of Brit pressure on 17 April when it agreed to recommend the insurer’s all share offer to its shareholders. Approval

Buffett blast derives credit and criticism. Should (re)insurance investors be concerned? When the Sage of Omaha sounds a warning signal, the insurance world usually tunes in. So when Warren Buffett wrote his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shar

Despite impressive underwriting results, doubts continue over Hannover Re’s stretched capital base, rating downgrades and heavy reinsurance exposures Poor Hannover Re. The world's fifth largest reinsurer declares a healthy profit, out-performs its pee