FOS

Adviser networks had half of the complaints against them referred to Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) upheld in the first six months of the year.

Last month's issue included a fascinating article on the concept of outsourcing disability benefits to the mutual insurance sector and an income replacement top-up which would be paid in addition to State Benefit (page 6 COVER Aug 2010).

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has revealed that consumers and businesses are digging their heels in over disputes forcing it to make a greater number of decisions.

Half of private medical and dental insurance complaints received by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) have been upheld in the first quarter of the year.

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has highlighted examples of bad protection advice from complaints referred to it during the recession.

Private medical insurance (PMI) complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) increased by 27% last year.

In the run up to the election, there are changes on the horizon for regulating insurance, particularly in the area of consumer protection.

The financial ombudsman (FOS) has hit back at criticism of its complaints statistics, saying the data was not designed for consumer use but to encourage firms to handle client grievances more efficiently.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) believes a clear consensus has emerged surrounding its proposals to reclassify the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) definitions.

With the Law Commission's reform of insurance contract law almost complete - is the industry ready for change? Will the new law reflect the current industry practice and last another 100 years, asks Gill Salton?