News & Views by Howden

While I’ve enjoyed reading many online articles on subrogation, for every piece that does an excellent job of explaining, there are many more that do an equally good job of simply confusing the reader via a meandering case study while throwing in a whole lot of other glossary terms.

Lithium-ion batteries have become an integral power source across modern life, fuelling everything from personal gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, and e-cigarettes, to larger applications such as electric scooters, e-bikes, and vehicles. However, recent media reports have underscored concerns, particularly from the fire service, about the potential hazards associated with the charging and use o...

In recent times, we've been fortunate to feature a couple of insightful articles that shed light on the intricate decision-making process many clients face when strategising their insurance portfolios. Two standout pieces, "What's the value of high-quality broking?" and "Setting start-ups on course for the right insurance", provide distinct vantage points for clients. T...

In the realm of insurance, coverage often has diverse interpretations. Our recent article ”Insurance is a lever” explained the complex world of risk transfer, underscoring the nuanced perils that different policies might address. But let's delve into a different facet – understanding policy performance, scenarios of claims, and how brokers craft tailored options.

When delving into the realm of financial lines placements—ranging from Professional Indemnity to Cyber Liability and Directors & Officers Liability—we frequently encounter terms like "any one claim" or "in the aggregate" following the indemnity limit. These terms play a pivotal role in outlining how the the indemnity limit will function. Let's revisit their meanings for...

In an ideal world, the prospect of steering clear of claims while evading insurance costs would be a universal aspiration. The concept of erasing risk altogether holds undeniable appeal; however, the reality of uncertainty compels most to resist carrying the weight of unguarded risk – especially when it entails shouldering potential costs stemming from unforeseen mishaps.

While Tronc payments – or at least the word itself – are known about across the hospitality and leisure sector, the mechanics of how it currently works may well be a bit of a grey area. And with new legislation coming into force in 2024 to ensure it’s working fairly, this is a good time for a reminder of what it is, how it works, and what the changes in law mean to both proprietors and employees.

Insuring art can be a tricky business and in terms of coverage, “Art” encompasses a  very  big area.  We’re talking everything from antique furniture to sculptures, from paintings to comic books. It’s no surprise that insuring art can be a complicated business, which is where a broker can help. Something I hear often from my clients is that their art is only of sentimental value. Whether it was a...

According to BCH Ltd, 75% of the buildings that they survey are underinsured. Similarly,  RebuildCostAssessment.com  advise that two thirds of properties are underinsured and are normally covered for less than 70% of their correct rebuild cost. But why is this important?

Sounds great doesn’t it, “Unlimited buildings cover.” But read beyond the attention-grabbing caption and you’ll realise that this cover isn’t all it appears to be. The “unlimited” headline refers to the total buildings sum insured. As we’ll discover, that’s not necessarily the most important factor to consider when buying your home insurance.

With cybercriminals using AI, we highlight the potential repercussions of employees using AI and provide tips on how to reduce the chances of phishing attacks.

When it comes to protecting businesses and individuals from potential liabilities, two types of insurance coverage often come into play: Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance and Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. While they share similarities in terms of safeguarding against legal risks, they serve distinct purposes. In this article, we delve into the differences between D&O insuranc...

A threat all businesses are currently facing is a data breach. Cyber-criminals devise sophisticated methods to infiltrate networks and steal sensitive information, leading to devastating consequences such as financial loss, reputation damage, and legal liabilities. To prevent data breaches, businesses must take proactive measures, some of which are easily applied and help with mitigating breaches.

The hot topic in the insurance world for customers and brokers at the moment revolves around motor fleet – the market is changing fast, and customers and insurers are facing many challenges with this class of business. We thought it would be useful to do a run down with Howden’s own motor specialist…

We all know the importance of having a bit of a back-up plan for when things go wrong. And in my experience, there have been many times where a “plan B” has been a lifesaver.

As the world continues to grapple with environmental concerns, sustainable takeaway packaging is becoming increasingly popular. The food industry is a significant contributor to packaging waste, with 11 billion items of packaging wasted in a year.

As a restaurateur, or as an owner or director of an eatery, you may already know that in March 2023 the amendment to the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill had its second reading before the House of Lords. That means this private member’s bill is likely to be passed into law following a third and final reading.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to the three key factors that measure the sustainability and ethical impact of a company. In recent years, investors have become more interested in companies with strong ESG performance, and customers are also increasingly looking for businesses that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices. Here are some ways that restaurants can incorpora...

Effective management of health and safety in the workplace is crucial for ensuring the well-being of employees and the smooth operation of a business. Here are our five tips for optimal workplace health and safety.

"Throughout my career, I’ve often emphasised a fundamental concept that continues to surprise me when met with disbelief: Insurance is a lever, not a switch. Countless times, I've heard individuals confidently claim, "I'm fully insured." However, in most cases, that statement falls short of reality. Moreover, even if it were true, I’ve yet to encounter anyone entirely intole...

In a recent podcast , we delved into the significance of ‘tenant type’ disclosure and why it shouldn’t be taken lightly, particularly for property owners. The underlying principle is simple: providing brokers and insurers with comprehensive information is essential for making accurate judgments regarding risk coverage and appropriate insurance amounts.

Understanding your insurance policy is crucial as it contains vital information that can have unexpected benefits. Many policyholders are unaware of situations where their policy can save them money and time. For instance, I recently had a customer who had “wrongful conversion” cover in their policy. If they’d known about it, they could have filed a claim and saved themselves a significant amount...

Warranty and Indemnity Insurance (W&I) is a specialised form of insurance that can provide protection to both the buyer and seller of businesses. When considering selling a business, there are many risks and uncertainties involved, including the possibility of warranty claims from the buyer after the sale. W&I Insurance provides coverage for losses resulting from breaches of representation...

AI – or Artificial Intelligence – is everywhere now, and there seems to be no end of fine artworks, animation stills, or sketches that have been created online by various AI tools and software. ChatGPT for example, is being blamed for robbing students of their motivation to carry out research and write their own essays for their degrees.

During a visit to see my wife’s family in Malta over Easter, we happened to walk past one of our partner broker offices. In truth – and I’m sure my kids would agree  –  it didn’t quite make the holiday highlight in the same way as the trip round the Gran Harbour in Valetta.  But I knew there and then this sighting would form the basis of a relevant article on how we could build on relationships wi...