Insurance Claims & Disputes
We advise business clients, professionals, major insurers, Lloyds syndicates, intermediaries, brokers and loss adjustors in relation to insurance policy wording, claims and coverage disputes across many lines of business.
Insurance claims & disputes
Our specialist team have extensive experience in handling insurance claims & disputes - we do so through a deep understanding of the unique demands and pressures of the insurance market, combining sector-specific knowledge, statutory & regulatory expertise, with a client-centred approach to provide strategic and commercially-focused legal advice to policyholders, insurers and brokers.
What our insurance disputes team do
We specialise in providing comprehensive legal services related to the handling and management of complex insurance claims and litigation. Our expertise spans across various aspects of financial lines insurance law, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible advice and representation.
We handle claims valued in the tens of thousands of pounds on the Fast, Intermediate and Multi Tracks; right the way up to multi-million-pound High Court and Court of Appeal litigation.
Here’s some examples of the work we do:
- Corporate Policyholder Claims
We offer expert advice and support to corporate policyholders, particularly those with claims falling within their captives. Managing claims within captives requires a deep understanding of both the parent company’s operations and the specific regulatory environment governing captives. Our team is well-versed in navigating these complexities, ensuring that claims are handled efficiently and effectively. - Volume Books of Accepted Claims Work for Insurers
Our firm also handles volume books of accepted claims work for insurers. This involves managing large volumes of claims, ensuring that each claim is processed accurately and promptly, often within delegated authorities and on fixed retainers. We work closely with insurers to streamline the claims process, reduce administrative burdens and improve overall efficiency. Our goal is to help insurers manage their claims portfolios effectively, minimising damages and cost outlay, and maximising recovery outcomes. - Coverage Disputes
Coverage disputes can arise when there is a disagreement between the insurer and the policyholder regarding the interpretation of policy terms and the scope and extent of cover. We support both corporate policyholders and insurers in resolving these disputes. Our team has extensive experience in interpreting complex policy wordings and providing strategic advice to achieve favourable outcomes to both parties. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we are committed to protecting our clients’ interests and ensuring that coverage disputes are resolved efficiently and effectively.
Who we act for
We advise corporate policyholders, major insurers, Lloyds syndicates, brokers, loss adjustors and insurance claims professionals on policy wording, complex claims and coverage disputes across the following commercial and financial lines of business:
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Smart pricing
We pride ourselves on smart pricing, by offering flexible, competitive and market leading fee structures, including monthly subscriptions, bundled legal support services, virtual legal teams, fixed annual retainers, fixed fees, as well as traditional hourly rates.
Our approach
Our approach to handling and managing insurance claims and litigation is client-centred and commercially focused. We understand the unique demands and pressures of the insurance market and combine sector-specific knowledge with statutory and regulatory expertise to provide strategic legal advice. Our primary objectives are to:
- Reduce Outlay and Cost: We aim to minimise the financial impact of claims and litigation on our clients.
- Protect Brand and Business Reputation: We work to safeguard our clients’ reputations by handling claims and disputes professionally and discreetly.
- Achieve Commercially Favourable Outcomes: Our goal is to secure the best possible results for our clients, whether through settlement, litigation, arbitration, mediation, Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) or Negotiated Dispute Resolution (NDR).
- Prevent ‘Floodgate’ Claims: We help our clients defend against claims that could set a precedent for future litigation and fight claims (as both claimant and defendant) based on legal and commercial principles that are in the best interests of our clients.
Sectors we specialise in
Notable work
Some of our insurance deals:
- Acting on behalf of a Mayfair nightclub policyholder in relation a £6M COVID-19 business interruption insurance claim.
- Acting for a building sub-contractor policyholder in a multiparty dispute in relation to alleged professional negligence arising from £8M building fire damage and thirdparty liability claims, involving insurance coverage, liability apportionment and indemnity issues.
- Advising an employment agency on various claims with a value in excess of £10M arising out of breaches of nonsolicitation and exclusivity restrictive covenants in a supplier agreement by the principal contractor, which included the consideration of injunctive relief.
- Advising and representing an online digital marketing agency to recover sums due under a supplier agreement and refundable deployed capital due to force majeure.
- Advising a policyholder in relation to an environmental disaster, pollution risk and consequent litigation advice and reputation management.
- Advising various policyholders on COVID-19 risk management strategy and investigating a subsequent employer’s liability fatality claim.
- Advising a global logistics policyholder on the cost and transference of insurance claims liability from an insolvent commercial entity to another subsidiary company and the implications this would have on the applicable corporate dissolution process.
Frequently asked questions about handling insurance claims and disputes
We understand that dealing with insurance claims and disputes can be complex and stressful. Our team of experienced solicitors is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need.
Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most frequently asked questions about handling insurance claims and disputes to help you navigate these challenges.
An insurance claim is a formal request made by a policyholder to their insurance company for compensation or coverage for a loss or damage covered under their insurance policy. The insurer reviews the claim and, if approved, provides the policyholder with the indemnity or compensation set out within the policy.
Insurance disputes can arise for various reasons, including:
- Disagreements over the interpretation of policy terms and conditions
- Denial of claims due to alleged non-disclosure or misrepresentation
- Disputes over the extent of coverage or the amount of compensation
- Delays in claim processing or payment
- Application of policy exclusions or limitations
To minimise the risk of insurance disputes, consider the following tips:
- Carefully review and understand your insurance policy terms and conditions
- Provide accurate and complete information when applying for insurance
- Maintain thorough records and documentation of your assets and any incidents that may lead to a claim
- Communicate promptly and clearly with your insurer during the claims process
If your insurance claim is denied, you should:
- Request a detailed explanation from your insurer for the denial
- Review your policy to understand the grounds for the denial
- Gather any additional evidence or documentation that may support your claim
- Consider seeking legal advice to explore your options for challenging the denial
A solicitor can provide valuable assistance in handling insurance claims and disputes by:
- Reviewing and interpreting your insurance policy
- Advising you on the merits of your claim and the best course of action
- Assisting with the preparation and submission of your claim
- Negotiating with your insurer on your behalf
- Representing you in mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings if necessary
An insurance adjuster is a professional employed by the insurance company to investigate and assess the validity of a claim. The adjuster evaluates the extent of the loss or damage, determines the amount of compensation, and ensures that the claim is processed in accordance with the policy terms.
Policy exclusions are specific conditions or circumstances that are not covered by your insurance policy. These exclusions are outlined in the policy document and can significantly impact your claim. It is important to review and understand these exclusions to know what is and isn't covered under your policy.
The duration of the insurance claims process can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the responsiveness of both the policyholder and the insurer. Simple claims may be resolved within a matter of weeks, whereas more complex and higher value claims can take several months or longer. Prompt communication through specialist legal representatives and gathering of comprehensive and relevant documentation can help expedite the claims process.
Subrogation is the process by which an insurance company seeks reimbursement from a third party that caused the loss or damage after compensating the policyholder. This allows the insurer to recover the costs of the claim and helps keep insurance premiums lower for all policyholders.
Yes, you can dispute the amount offered by your insurer if you believe it is insufficient. To do so, you should:
- Provide additional evidence or documentation to support your claim
- Request a re-evaluation or second opinion from an independent adjuster
- Engage in negotiations with your insurer to reach a fair settlement
- Seek legal advice if necessary to explore further options for resolving the dispute
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Meet the team
Richard Beverley
Birmingham Office Managing Partner
Sarah Foster
Oxford Office Managing Partner & Joint Head of Private Client Services
Will Richmond-Coggan
Partner
Rosalyn Shephard
Managing Associate
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