Naperville, IL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/13/2014 --Reportstack, provider of premium market research reports announces the addition of Professional Indemnity Insurance in the UK, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2017 market report to its offering
Premium growth in the professional indemnity insurance category remained soft during the review period (20082012), and declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.20%, as an increase in professional negligence court cases and the volume of registered professionals requiring cover was outweighed by the recessionary economic backdrop. Premiums rose by 2.8% in 2012, to a total of GBP2.05 billion, while a further GBP0.60 billion is estimated to have been underwritten by syndicates on the Lloyds market.

Despite soft premium growth, the availability of professional indemnity insurance worsened, particularly for surveyors, small firms of solicitors and independent financial advisers (IFAs). For solicitors, the broad scope of insurance coverage requirements stipulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority exposes insurers to a high level of risk, while in the surveyor and IFA sub-categories, insurers reduced capacity due to growing apprehension over rising claims related to property valuations and failed investments.

The professional indemnity insurance category is projected to generate GBP2.33 billion in premiums by 2017 and premiums are forecast to rise at a CAGR of 2.57% over the forecast period (20132017), with growth expected on an annual basis. An expected increase in the number of professionals subject to compulsory professional indemnity insurance requirements and insurers expanding into sectors with voluntary insurance needs, such as engineering, information technology and marketing will act as the key growth drivers. Marked improvements in the UKs economic conditions as the country enters a stronger recovery phase will provide a further impetus for growth in demand.

Professional bodies such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) have expressed dismay at members ongoing struggles to obtain professional indemnity cover. Large insurers withdrew policies for these clients during the review period, citing unsustainable risk exposure as the reason. The SRA compounded access issues through its abolition of a communal risks pool in 2013, which resulted in the closure of 136 firms unable to obtain mandatory insurance coverage.

Stronger economic growth over the forecast period is expected to ease litigation and reduce claims costs. Nevertheless, the six-year statute of limitations means insurers remain liable for negligent acts which occurred during the recession. A further risk to the outlook of claims stems from the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) increasing the exposure of whole-of-market advisers to rarer investment instruments, and the April 2013 Jackson reforms influencing compensation levels negotiated by lawyers.

Scope
This report provides market analysis, information and insights into the UK professional indemnity insurance business
It provides a snapshot of the market size
It analyses drivers and the outlook for the market
It provides information on distribution channels
It covers deals, news and regulatory developments

Reasons to Buy
Gain an understanding of the UK professional indemnity insurance market
Learn about the performance of market drivers and distribution channels
Understand the competitive landscape in terms of performance, profitability and product innovation
Find out more on key deals and recent developments in the market

Key Highlights
Muted growth was recorded during 20082012
Despite soft prices, insurance was difficult to obtain
The category will benefit from favorable factors during the forecast period
Capacity for higher-risk groups remains an issue
Claims will be subject to upside pressures

Companies Mentioned

ACE European Group Ltd
AIG Europe Ltd
AmTrust Europe Ltd
Chubb Insurance Company of Europe SE
CNA Insurance Company Ltd
HCC International Insurance Company Plc
Hiscox Ltd
QBE Insurance (Europe) Ltd
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc
XL Group Plc

To view the table of contents for this market research report please visit
http://www.reportstack.com/product/151459/professional-indemnity-insurance-in-the-uk-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2017.html
Contact:
Roger Campbell
contactus@reportstack.com
Naperville
Illinois
United States
Ph: 888-789-6604
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