Equitas Changes Requirements for Accepting Asbestos Claims, While Insurance Rating Agency A.M. Best Casts Darker Clouds over Industry

icEendicyeing a substantial rise in claims submitted for asbestos-related injuries, a group of London insurers led by Equitas has announced it will employ tougher medical requirements for claims before agreeing to pay them.

The announcement was made in early May after a draft of the requirements was circulated among some 100 policyholders and eventually approved by the Underwriters, according to Equitas officials.

"This is one step to limit abuses in what has become an asbestos litigation industry," Glenn Brace, Equitas' head of asbestos, pollution and health hazard claims said in as statement issued by the company.

photo-2The new standards have …