British Insurance Industry Since 1900

This book is an account of the dynamic changes that have occurred in one of Britain's most successful industries over the last century, showing how virtually every private and commercial activity has an insurance dimension and how British insurers have been rising to this challenge with the creation of an ever-widening range of personal and commercial policies. Life insurance retains a key role in savings and capital markets with pensions and life cover, while the non-life segment offers protection to virtually every firm and household. The sector's growing sophistication, its crises, legislative and regulatory development and the changing role of the state are also traced. The development of risk management, captives, the large number of industry bodies as well as the ever-changing profile of product distribution system are also described as are the rise and fall of insurance cartels, competition control and the emergence of consumer protection. Lloyd's of London and British company insurers acquired large overseas interests and retained these even after two World Wars - during which their contribution was remarkable. As late as 2007 they still controlled 11% of world-wide premium income. UK based insurers and educators continue to export their insurance expertise to most of the new growing markets across the globe. The book contains ample statistical and economic information to show the pace of the growth of insurance over the past century.