Posted by Gabriella Hopkins | February 07, 2011

Willis and Atlas set up Maltese protected cell for Ocado

Willis Group and Atlas Insurance PCC (Protected Cell Company) are claiming an industry first in their use of PCC technology to underwrite UK statutory motor liability, from Malta.

The two have established a new insurance structure to cover the entire UK fleet liability of online supermarket, Ocado, which is a Willis client.

The Ocado cell has been set up within Atlas PCC, but is managed by Willis Management (Malta) Limited and is licensed to write motor and general liability risks.

Atlas Insurance managing director, Michael Gatt, comments: “This is in line with Atlas’ objective as an independent PCC of working closely with insurance management companies and providing the benefits of our protected cell facility to their clients.”

According Willis, the protected cell solution affords clients the opportunity to access the European Union regulatory environment, within a structure that combines a greater level of risk management control at reduced capital and operational costs.

 

Posted by Victoria Milson | February 06, 2011

Looking Ahead to Spring Break? Don’t Forget International Student Travel Insurance

College students around the world have been settled back into classrooms for the last few weeks, and they are now likely looking ahead to a warm spring break vacation in Mexico or some other international destination. This is especially true for students in areas like the northeast United States or England, which have been hit extremely hard by snow and wintry weather. If a spring break vacation abroad is on your itinerary, be sure you leave equipped with international student travel insurance.

Hopefully your spring break vacation turns out perfectly; a memorable experience for yourself and your friends. A spring break vacation can be the perfect getaway to recharge your batteries for the rest of the semester when everything on your trip goes right. But the truth is, they do not always turn out that way. As with any type of international travel, the possibility of injury or illness is always prevalent.

In fact, spring break trips may be even more risky. For example, students often participate in sporting activities while on their vacation, ranging from a simple game of volleyball on the beach to more extreme activities like bungee jumping or hang gliding. There are inherent risks in those activities that could unfortunately lead to hospitalization. And since many spring breaks take place in countries like Mexico which offer great natural beauty but also health risks from factors like tainted water, students must be aware of potential illness as well. Read more…

Posted by Mikayla Stevenson | February 05, 2011

The Best Defense Against a DUI Apprehension

Getting charged with Driving a car Under the Influence is always a significant matter. You may forfeit your license, your job or even your freedom. However, as may be the case with other crimes you may be accused of, you have the option to explain yourself in the courtroom.

Just as cliche as it sounds, the very best defense is the best offense. To be able to prepare yourself for a DUI hearing you need to take action immediately and aggressively.

First and foremost, talk to a lawyer which specializes in DUI cases. The initial DUI hearing you will have is the arraignment. It is during this time that you are formally indicted and required to enter into a plea. For most situations, one can plead guilty, not guilty, or perhaps nolo contendere. Speak to your lawyer regarding the specifics of the circumstances so that he or she can counsel you on which plea may lead to a much more positive outcome for you.

Contingent upon the state that you live in along with circumstances regarding the apprehension, the criminal prosecution could charge you with either a DUI felony or misdemeanor. Each offense is serious and may lead to serving time in the county jail. Choosing to plead guilty or nolo may lead to another court day in which you will be told your punishment. However, pleading not guilty may result in a trial scheduled for a future date.

You will need to talk to your attorney regarding measures that will aid you in receiving a lesser or more lax punishment in case you are found to be in the wrong.

Read more…

Posted by Victoria Milson | February 05, 2011

Extreme Sport Equals Extreme Expense?

Bungee jumping, rafting, surfing and spelunking – extreme sports can turn an average vacation into something amazing. Many people take part in activities and sports while abroad but for a lot of people, the worry about the consequences should something go wrong puts them off. The perceived cost of travel insurance, too, is enough to make people want to skip it.

Thankfully the number of serious accidents that occur when taking part in extreme sports abroad is low. But these sports are ‘extreme’ for a reason – they are not risk-free. Making sure your sports travel insurance covers your chosen activities is vital.

For the best coverage, decide which sports you will be taking part in, and pick the insurance cover that suits you. The Patriot Extreme is for amateur enthusiasts, and includes all those exciting excursions planned for your vacation such as caving, skiing, scuba diving (up to 50m) and white-water rafting. The Atlas Travel Series with Hazardous Sports Rider covers similar activities (bungee jumping and sky diving included) with an optional rider for activities that would otherwise not be included.

Travel insurance may not be exciting but it is essential, and the right plan can be cost-effective. A sports travel insurance plan looks after the practicalities while you’re charging your adrenalin to the max.

Posted by Gabriella Hopkins | February 02, 2011

Cheap Auto Insurance FL

Florida Auto Insurance premium rates averaged $1.00 in the year 2008 representing a difference of 4.4 % from the previous year. The premium rates figure in 2008 implies that the Comprehensive coverage averaged at $113.68, the collision averaged at $280.92 and the liability coverage averaged at $756.04. Apart from the shocking statistics, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has recently conducted a survey that has found out that people living in the district of Florida, New Jersey and Columbia pay more on their auto insurance policies than the people of other states. Even with yearly changes, Florida has been a consistent state that charges high premium rates from the auto insurance policy holders. This makes the people look out for cheap auto insurance FL so that they can save their hard-earned dollars on their auto policies.

The proposed reasons behind the rising auto insurance premium rates in Florida

According to the survey, the NAIC has also reported that several factors come into play when it comes to deducing the reasons behind the sharp premium rate rise in Florida. The type of car insurance that are being brought by the prospective policy holders play an important role in the increasing costs in Florida. Since Florida is a state that is having a good run with the economy, the citizens are getting their brand new cars and with this spending habit, the insurance companies are inventing bigger packages with extra coverage.

Read more…

Posted by Victoria Milson | February 01, 2011

Clooney’s Bout With Malaria a Strong Reminder to Buy Missionary Insurance

When a person makes the noble commitment to help people in underdeveloped countries, he or she is also accepting some serious health risks. This can include anything from food poisoning to fatal diseases, depending on where the work you are doing is located. Actor George Clooney recently experienced this fact firsthand, surviving a bout with Malaria. Use his experience to better understand the need fr missionary insurance on your next international trip.

Clooney, who often visits the continent of Africa on humanitarian missions, contracted malaria while doing work in the Sudan. According to Clooney, this is the second time he has dealt with malaria. Malaria is a condition which is often fatal to Afircan natives who lack the proper medical resources. However Clooney was able to secure the proper medication to make a full recovery.

This type of situation is one you may very well find yourself in if you do missionary work. Missionary work often leads people into areas with polluted water supplies, subpar air quality, airborne illness, and other threats. If you were to become ill or injured while working on a mission overseas, how would you pay for the medical care?

Most insurance plans can only be used in your native country, meaning that when becoming hurt or sick abroad, you would need an additional policy. Missionary insurance is designed specifically for the needs of people like you. It offers high quality care at low prices. Read more…

Posted by Gabriella Hopkins | January 31, 2011

Marsh comment on companies affected by Egyptian crisis

Companies are re-assessing the adequacy of their insurance coverage and risk management arrangements in the wake of political unrest in Cairo and other cities across Egypt, Marsh has reported.

According to the broker, companies investing, manufacturing and trading in emerging markets are increasingly aware that they face a more complex risk landscape, and recent events in Egypt demonstrate how political violence can occur with little warning.

The group’s global head of political risk and trade credit practice, Evan Freely, comments: “We have already seen companies across industries affected by acts of political violence in Egypt, including those in the oil and gas, hospitality and real estate sectors as well as professional services firms and financial institutions.”

He adds: “Affected companies should already be gathering as much information as possible to prepare for the claims process.”

According to Mr Freely, the incidents in Egypt should prompt every company with operations in emerging markets to re-evaluate their risk management strategies.

Finally, the Marsh executive warns that some buyers of terrorism insurance have found themselves without cover following civil disturbances, for example in Thailand last year, because of disagreements about whether certain events were acts of terrorism or political violence.

 

Posted by Gabriella Hopkins | January 26, 2011

DUAL launches Public Offering of Securities product

Specialist underwriting agency, DUAL Corporate Risks, has launched a standalone Public Offering of Securities Insurance (POSI) product that provides cover for directors, officers and other assureds for claims arising out of any listing documentation relating to a Public Offering.

Capacity is being provided by Arch and Hiscox, with limits of indemnity up to £10 million, and the new offering is available to UK and Irish listings only.

With the number of listings expected to rise in 2011, DUAL believes its new offering to be “significant and popular”.

The firm’s underwriting director (financial lines), Jennifer Martin, comments: “We are confident this product will be welcomed in view of our exceptional service levels and positive approach to underwriting.”

Earlier this month, DUAL received authorisation from Lloyd’s to underwrite business domiciled in South Africa and Switzerland on a direct basis, via a regulated and approved Swiss broker.

The move has allowed the firm to underwrite its financial products, including Banker’s Blanket Bonds and Commercial Crime in both territories, from 1st January 2011.