Life Premiums See Hike of 58%

Life premiums for the whole of life insurance have seen a rise of 58% overnight for women over 40, according to comparison site payingtoomuch.com.

 

Some women aged 40 have seen rises from £48.30 to £76.40. The equivalent increase for a male in the same age band is 40 per cent.

 This increase comes from PruProtect, the largest provider of underwritten whole of life insurance in the UK.

Michael Ward, managing director of payingtoomuch.com said: "Virtually all customers under age 50 are likely to have a premium increase, the younger the more the increase."

 The rise in premium rates is a direct result of the EU Gender Directive due for implementation by 21 December 2012 which demands that insurance premiums cannot be calculated differently based on the sex of the applicant, broadly speaking women have paid less than men because they are likely to live longer.

Ward added: "Existing customers aged over 55 might be able to make a saving by re-quoting on the new gender neutral terms. Having analysed what PruProtect have done, we wonder if this is what the whole market might do before 21 December so those who want to beat such an enormous hike with other providers must act now."

The importance of technology to the insurance sector

The rate of technological change in recent years, and particularly with respect to ICT, has been remarkable. Never before has so much information been available to so many people around the world. In this thinkpiece, the Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts MP, discusses the many links between insurance and information technology in the UK. In his view, the UK’s comparative advantage is intrinsically linked to industries like financial services building increasingly strong ties with research and development centres and universities which are at the frontiers of developing new technology.

Below is the summary of latest findings:

• There are many links between the insurance industry and investment in technology and research and development in the UK. This thinkpiece investigates some of them. 
• Science and technology is for example, enhancing the ability of insurance to underwrite diverse risks like climate change, drug trafficking and piracy by providing new and more accurate data streams from which to judge the relative likelihood and impact of various hazards occurring. 
• Computational modelling is also changing the way in which insurance brokers operate, with the potential to deliver a “modern version of the classic broker function”. 
• The UK’s current and future comparative advantage lies in the skill to programme computers to maximise their capabilities, and to employ those capabilities to great effect in business.
• For this to occur, government, industry and the scientific community must work together to ensure that technological developments are fully utilised across the industry and for the benefit of society.

Kindly visit http://www.cii.co.uk/media/3691513/future_risk_report_no_4.pdf  for detailed report.

MORE WOMEN THAN MEN WILL CARRY ON WORKING PAST THE STATE RETIREMENT AGE age

More women than men will carry on working past the state retirement age, according to a new report by insurers LV=.

The number of over-50s expecting to work past the state retirement age has risen to 6.5m, an increase of 43% on the 4.5m people planning to do so in 2010.

This group says they expect to work an extra 6.2 years on average.

However, more women say they will work past the State retirement than their male counterparts.

4.1m women over 50 expecting to work past the state retirement age, compared to 2.4 million men.

But men who expect to work past retirement will do so for over a year longer than their female counterparts.

Both male and female workers say that they will continue to work because of affordability, with some mentioning enjoyment of work as the next reason.

Ray Chinn, LV= head of pensions, said: "With the Government increasing the state pension age we would hope that those approaching retirement wouldn't feel they need to work beyond it.

"Unfortunately, this is not the case as many find that they have insufficient funds in their pension pots.

"Although there are many people who feel too young to retire and want to work for as long as they can, our research shows the majority say they will be forced to do so to survive financially."

London has the highest number of over-50s who say they will carry on working, and many predict they will work 7.4 years past the state retirement age.

Chinn continued: "Regardless of how close people are to retirement, it is essential that saving remains a priority. The earlier in life you can start saving the better, but it's never too late to make a significant difference to your pension pot.

"There are many different options available to people at or near retirement, from which type of pension they have their money invested in, to whether they take a lifetime annuity, enhanced annuity, or put their money into drawdown.

"If someone qualifies for an enhanced annuity they can see their income in retirement rise by up to 30% for instance.

"People should seek professional advice to make sure they are getting the most out of the money they have saved for retirement."

Research Shows that the More You Sit, the Less You'll Live

The dangers of “over-sitting”–spending hours a day in your office chair or comfy chair/sofa at home–are being born out by a growing list of research studies, all of which paint a bleak picture.

This month another study published in the October issue of The British Journal of Sports Medicine adds to the macabre chorus. Researchers used data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, a large, continuing survey of the health habits of roughly 12,000 Australian adults. The survey asked participants questions about overall health, existing illness, exercise, smoking, and diet, as well as how many hours per day in the previous week they had spent sitting in front of the television. (The issue here is not simply watching TV, of course, but sitting while watching.)

According to the survey data, in 2008, the year that the researchers chose as their benchmark, Australian adults collectively viewed 9.8 billion hours of television. Using actuarial tables and adjusting for smoking, waist circumference, diet, exercise and other variables, the research isolated how much time all of the TV watching was chipping off study participants’ lifespans.

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The result: every hour of television watched after the age of 25 reduces the viewer’s life expectancy by 21.8 minutes. Viewed more comprehensively, the study suggests that an adult who spends an average of six hours a day watching TV over the course of a lifetime can expect to live 4.8 years fewer than a person who doesn’t routinely plant themselves in front of the telly.

The especially troubling finding of this and similar studies is that the result doesn’t seem to be improved by regular exercise. If you sit for hours a day, and exercise an hour a day, you are still at risk.

Authors of another recent study in the journal Diabetologia, which reviewed data from 18 studies involving 794,577 people, conclude that the average adult spends 50 to 70 percent of their time sitting. This study covered not only leisure time watching TV, but also time spent sitting at work.

The researchers then cross-referenced sitting time with a variety of health problems, and found that those who sat the most had a 112 percent increase in their relative risk of developing diabetes; a 147 percent increase in their risk for cardiovascular disease; and a 49 percent greater risk of dying prematurely. Each of these results hold true even if the sitters regularly exercised. [Source: New York Times, October 17, 2012]

None of these results should be interpreted to mean that exercise isn’t important — it’s extremely important for overall health. But, exercise alone is not enough to counter-balance the damage done by sitting for the majority of our waking hours.

How much sitting is too much? According to the authors of the Australian study, sitting four or more hours a day puts you in the “risky” category. That’s hard news for most of us who spend much more than that at office jobs, to say nothing of leisure time.

FAQs about the Actuarial Profession

Are you a recent graduate of actuarial science, mathematics, statistics or any other strong numerate course? Are you also interested in pursuing a career in actuarial field?

Below are frequently asked questions on the actuarial profession as compiled by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK (under "The Actuarial Profession"). Enjoy it.

Where can I get work experience?

Work experience can prove to be a real asset when job hunting and indeed is now often used as part of the recruitment process. However, work experience can be really hard to find as places are limited and you need to apply early. Companies which offer work experience placements are listed on the Actuarial Profession’s website and via our work experience section.
Sign up to the Inside Careers emails to receive information about these opportunities.

Where can I get sponsorship for studying?

Employers will usually sponsor you through the whole of your qualification route, however, The Worshipful Company of Actuaries do offer funding through a charitable trust. Also, the Staple Inn Actuarial Society (SIAS) offers funding at university level.

What recommendations do you give mature entrants?

There is no age limit for joining the profession, but securing employment and sponsorship for the professional examinations may prove difficult for mature entrants as they will be competing against recent graduates. We recommend that you study for one or two examinations independently in order to improve you chances of employment and to show that you are committed.

What is the different between working for a consultancy and an insurance company?

Although there are many opportunities available for actuaries, generally actuarial trainees start working for either an insurance company office or a consultancy firm. These opportunities offer different lifestyles and challenges.
Working in an insurance company environment means that there is usually only one client; your employer. A variety of work is available, but tends to come more slowly – often you’ll be asked to work in one area for a period of about one year before moving on to the next challenge, taking the experience you have gained with you.
The day to day work within consultancy firms tends to be more varied, as in any year you are likely to work for a number of different clients (and partners) solving different types of problems. This can become particularly challenging if you have a number of projects running in parallel and you need to ensure that you meet and manage each of your clients’ expectations and deadlines. Some consultancy projects can involve working at the client’s premises, which may not be in the same town as your own office. This can give you an excellent opportunity to work with other people and see the running of an organisation other than your own consultancy.
However, you would need to consider the impact of being away from home. You may also find yourself working on just part of a project rather than seeing it all the way through from start to finish.

How many years does it take to qualify?

In order to become a Fellow of the Profession, students must pass examinations, demonstrate satisfactory completion of modules and acquire a satisfactory level of work-based skills. Average qualification time is currently three to six years.

What exemptions from the professional examinations will I obtain?

This will depend on the scope and standard of the subjects covered by the university examinations you have taken and on the performance you have achieved.
It is possible to gain exemptions from all eight of the core technical subjects on some undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Some postgraduate degrees offer the opportunity for exemptions from core applications and specialist technical subjects.
Details of the universities and courses we have agreements with are available on the Actuarial Profession website, along with information on how to apply. If you have taken a different university course, you may still be eligible for exemption from some of our exams, but will need to apply to us for confirmation. You must be a member of the Profession before you can gain any of the exemptions.

Where are actuaries based in the UK?

Actuaries work in cities throughout the UK and not just London. Full listings of actuarial employers by location are indicated in the List of Actuarial Employers found at The Actuarial Profession and our Employer Directory.

How do I obtain a work permit to work in the UK?

Work permits are issued by the Borders and Immigration Agency, which are part of the Home Office. Work permit applications can only be made by employers based in the UK who wish to employ people from outside the European economic area. Individuals are not allowed to make applications on their own behalf. To find out more information about the UK Border Agency visit their website.

Do I have to work as an actuary to qualify?

Yes – as well as passing the examinations, Fellowship requires the satisfactory completion of a work-based learning log.

Will I need to continue training once I have qualified?

Members are required to maintain their competence once qualified through continuing professional development. This is mandatory for regulated roles.

I sincerely hope the above will answer some of the questions bothering you especially those wishing to stage a come-back to the actuarial field. In case you still have unanswered questions, feel free to contact me either directly on this blog or via zilmerkarup@gmail.com .

Airmic guide: Disclosure of Material Fact

Dear All,

I feel it is important to share with you on the duty of disclosure when buying an insurance policy. I will also restate some of the points of law regarding disclosure of material fact in insurance.

A fact is material if it will influence a prudent (reasonable) underwriter in deciding whether to accept a business and in what terms. In some instances, the insurer would be able to repudiate liability due to non-disclosure by the insured or avoid the contrac altogether.

Why does the law impose the duty of disclosure in insurance contracts but not in other types of contracts? (I want to believe you still remember). Well, a quick answer to that is while the subject matter of other contracts can be seen & inspected by all parties, the subject matter of insurance is best known by the proposer and should therefore demonstrate uthmost good faith (uberrima fides) in dealing with the insurer. Other contracts (including insurance) can be affected by misrepresentation but only insurance is subject to disclosure requirement.

while other contracts are governed by the legal maxim 'caveat emptor', insurance is based on 'uberrimae fides'.

Below is the full guide.
http://www.insurancehound.co.uk/download/airmic-guide-disclosure-material-information-business-insurance-14585?EDID=QNJ3251-V14HW-KQ9Y8O-ED1ZB-2CH91-v1

NAICOM SUSPENDS TWO INSURANCE COMPANIES & A BROKING FIRM

NAICOM, according to the release signed by Deputy Commissioner (Tecnical), Ibrahim Hassan on August 7, 2012, has suspended Alliance & General Insurance Company Ltd, A&G Life Insurance Plc and Fidelity Bond Insurance Brokers from transacting further insurance business for a period of six (6) months with effect from August 6, 2012.

the reasons given includes:

• failure to comply with relevant provisions of the National Insurance Commission Act 1997 and Insurance Act 2003;
• non-rendition of accounts;
• misrepresentation and non-disclosure of liabilities;
• non-remittance of premiums and commissions, and
• corporate governance abuses.

The Commission also states that the suspension order may further be extended at the end of six (6) months until it is satisfied with the conduct of the companies.

It may interest you to know that the three companies have common ownership.

Please visit http://www.naicom.gov.ng/News.php?new=264 details.