Legal
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.
Legal Market: Joining forces
Mergers and acquisitions in legal markets show no sign of abating. But what is behind the desire to consolidate law firms, and what does it mean for the insurance industry?
Majority of law firms obtain PI cover with rated insurer
A survey of nearly 500 law firms has found 13% sought professional indemnity cover with an unrated insurer before the end of the renewal period on 1 October.
Industry backs extension of squatting ban despite lack of claims in 2013
Property landlords liable for damage and personal injury as a result of squatters.
Pressure mounts on government to close referral fee ban loophole
Apil boss reminds insurers of responsibility not to profit from schemes.
Court of Appeal upholds legality of basis clauses
The court of appeal has confirmed the legality of basis of contract clauses in a case involving Liberty Syndicate.
Legal update: Health: An injection of guidance on cosmetic treatments will minimise insurance risk
Euan Milne looks at the lack of regulation in the cosmetic treatment sector and the recommendations proposed for training professionals.
Claims management: Crackdown
Do new measures aimed at snuffing out poor practice by claims management companies go far enough?
SRA receives 185 requests to enter EIP
A total of 185 law firms have applied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to enter the extended indemnity period for solicitor’s professional indemnity insurance having failed to secure cover by 1 October.
Three insurance clients of rogue private eyes investigated by ICO
The Information Commissioner’s Office has asked the Commons Home Affairs select committee not to publish the names of 19 clients of rogue private eyes that it is investigating.
Claimant lawyers warn against rushing into review of Jackson’s ‘problem areas’
Justice Ramsey’s review of reforms due for completion in April 2014.
Solicitors' PI: Taking a gamble
While their low prices make unrated carriers an attractive option for solicitors seeking professional indemnity insurance, are they worth the risk? And do small law firms have any alternative?
Roundtable: Fraud: Seeking a knockout blow
How are recent changes to the legal landscape and calls for a more collaborative approach impacting the insurance industry’s fight against fraud?