Legal
Legal Update: Basis clauses: Insurers stealing a march on the law to make basis clauses a footnote in history
Peter Fitzpatrick explains how basis clauses can often harshly forfeit a policy, and why market forces could see them disappear long before they are formally outlawed.
Your say: Don’t blame solicitors for PI failure
It is surprising that brokers are criticising solicitor firms for leaving it too late to seek specialist advice, since the majority of practices left without insurance were affected by the aborted transfer of policies from Balva – an unrated insurer in…
Blog: Homes for Haringey v Barbara Fari and Piper Fari - A new era for fighting fraud
In the ongoing fight against fraud, contempt proceedings - often described as "the nuclear option" - could have a role to play, in the right case.
CMS publishes 'practical guide' on claims against law firms
CMS has published a guide on claims against solicitors to assist parties involved in the professional indemnity market for law firms.
Tech company warns of ‘wilful blindness’ liability in ignoring telematics data
Businesses failing to correctly use their telematics systems to monitor and act upon drivers’ behaviour could be leaving themselves exposed to costly legal action in future, according to technology provider In-Car Cleverness.
C-Suite: Let’s get back to service
Insurers that prioritise cost when selecting legal partners are ‘fobbing off’ customers to the lowest bidder.
Jennifer Owens joins Towergate as general counsel
Towergate has appointed Jennifer Owens as its general counsel and company secretary.
Allianz grows UK GWP by 1.8% in Q3
Allianz’s UK business reported a 1.8% increase in gross written premiums to £1 459.7m in the third quarter of 2013.
Further reviews of Jackson reforms unlikely, Justice Ramsey says
The judge in charge of overseeing the implementation of the Jackson reforms has said it is unlikely further areas of the recommendations will come under review.
Hill Dickinson appoints Braithwaite as fraud manager
Hill Dickinson has strengthened its complex fraud team with the hire of Kevin Braithwaite to the role of complex fraud manager.
View from the Top: Foreign investment controls in Asia-Pacific
Two lawyers from DLA Piper give an insight into foreign direct investment limits in the Asia-Pacific region.
HWL Ebsworth hires large team from DLA Piper in Sydney
Australian law firm HWL Ebsworth has expanded its insurance practice in Sydney with the hire of three partners and twenty lawyers from DLA Piper.
Legal Update: Whiplash Claims: Lack of action by government on small claims limit gives time for constructive talks
Alistair Kinley says the government’s latest motor measures have little connection to insurance claims and whiplash and there is a failure to implement Transport Select Committee recommendations.
AA granted ABS licence
The AA expects to have its own legal services business up and running by the end of the year after being granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority.
DAC Beachcroft sets up Scottish fraud team
Law firm DAC Beachcroft has set up a specialist team of fraud lawyers in its Glasgow office.
MOJ portal fails to stem rising legal fees
The costs of claims for private motor insurance rose by 7% last year despite a 15% drop in quoted premiums.
Hiscox culls 32 firms from legal panel
Hiscox’s UK retail business has reduced the number of firms it works with for claims legal advice from 45 to 13 firms.
Market Moves: Busy insurers make a raft of hires along with a number of key departures
Insurers led the way in a recruitment frenzy this week. AIG swooped for a head of commercial property, while Hardy acquired a property treaty business unit manager. There were departures too, with QBE’s Steven Burns announcing retirement from full time…
Hill Dickinson builds insurance team with two from Riker Danzig
Hill Dickinson has recruited a pair of insurance and reinsurance lawyers from US-based law firm Riker Danzig.
Legal Update: Product Recall: No room for horsing around when it comes to product recall insurance
Jim Sherwood says the furore surrounding a zebra toy found to contain a carcinogen emphasises the importance of being protected by robust product recall cover.
Whiplash: Choosing the right path
Several ideas have been suggested to alleviate insurers’ whiplash woes – but which method represents the best solution for all parties?
Claims portal data shows more understanding needed
Of the more than 700 claims that were submitted to the claims portal in the first month following its employers' and public liability extension, 40% left the portal.
Lemma claims will not be met in full says liquidator
Outstanding claims against Gibraltar-based insurer Lemma could start to be paid this autumn, but there will not be enough money in the estate to pay all claimants, according to the official liquidator.
Road Traffic Act: Two-way traffic
Many motor insurers are in limbo because of uncertainty over the interpretation of a crucial section of the Road Traffic Act. However, a forthcoming Supreme Court judgment could provide much-needed clarity.