Zurich Insurance has named Theo Bouts the new Chief Operating Officer of Global Life, an arm of the Zurich group.
Mr Bouts is currently the CEO of the Zurich Insurance unit dealing with direct European business and partnerships, a role he will give up on 1 August to take up his new position. Having been with Zurich for only three years Mr Bouts has already taken a couple of key roles within the organisation, being seen as a key player in senior management.
His existing role is seen as critical to maintaining and developing a strong multi channel distribution policy, something Zurich Insurance do not want to lose. For this reason Mr Bouts will take a little time to fully hand over the reins of his existing role until a suitable successor is found.
According to the information provided by AA Insurance around 4,000 caravans are stolen each year in the UK, with the midlands being the area from which they vanish more than any other.
It has been suggested that the convergence of several main motorways could explain the Midlands status as caravan theft capital of the UK. With the M6 and M1, as well as the M42, all close by it is easy to get to any part of the country, traffic excepted of course. AA Insurance figures show the Midlands loses 10 percent more caravans than anywhere else.
Caravan owners should ensure their caravan is always secured, making it harder for thieves to take it away. This is especially true at this time of year, said the AA Insurance spokesman, since many people prepare the caravan on the drive prior to setting off for a trip. This is when it is most vulnerable.
A new range of insurance has been introduced by Direct Line catering for the needs of small hotel owners having 12 rooms or less.
The Direct Line insurance cover offers both public and product liability up to GBP2 million as well as loss of income protection up to GBP500,000. Policies can also be tailored to incorporate add ons specific to individual needs, typical examples being loss of licence or personal accident.
A spokesperson from Direct Line commented that this new insurance cover would be perfect for smaller operations, enabling them to enjoy all the benefits offered by an insurance company the size of Direct Line with the tailored fit provided by the policy itself.
