Insurance Disputes Advice for Insurers

The decision whether to accept or reject a policyholder’s claim is not always straightforward, especially where there is ambiguity in the terms of their policy. Accepting a questionable claim can set an expensive precedent, while turning down such a claim can result in the policyholder taking action to challenge this rejection.

Where there is room for doubt over an insurance claim, insurers should seek specialist legal advice. Getting an independent expert’s opinion can often save a lot of time and legal expenses, heading off a potential insurance dispute or finding a fast resolution where a dispute has been raised.

Early advice from a specialist insurance disputes solicitor can give insurers confidence that rejecting a claim is justified or identify where there may be grounds for a challenge and, therefore, that settling the claim may be the most cost-effective option. In order to avoid issues of conflict, insurers will generally look to find separate independent advice with regard to the defence of claim and with policy advice.

At IBB Law, we are able to advise insurers in relation to their policies and disputed insurance claims, with existing relationships with Lloyd’s Syndicate insurers.

Our insurance disputes solicitors can guide insurers through every stage of dealing with an insurance dispute, including:

• Reviewing the terms of an insurance policy – providing an independent opinion on whether a particular claim is likely to be covered under the terms of the relevant policy and where there may be ambiguity leading to the potential for a dispute.
• Responding to a policyholder’s complaint about a rejected claim – including whether the policyholder’s complaint has merit and where it may be in the insurers’ interests to accept the claim.
• Dealing with complaints referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service – advising on your response to the Ombudsman, dealing with any correspondence required and advising on whether to accept the Ombudsman’s decision.
• Representing insurers in Court proceedings – advising insurers on whether allowing a dispute to go to Court is likely to achieve a positive outcome and whether this is likely to be cost-effective, as well as providing representation for insurers in Court.

Whatever approach is required, we will provide realistic advice on the likely legal costs involved, making sure those costs remain proportionate to the claim’s value.

For expert advice on dealing with a disputed insurance claim, please call 03456 381381 or email james.brice@ibblaw.co.uk for immediate assistance.

 Our expertise in advising insurers on insurance disputes

Senior Associate James Brice is highly experienced in advising insurers on insurance disputes. Having worked for a specialist insurance litigation practice in the City of London for many years, James can offer clear guidance on avoiding insurance disputes and resolving disputes in a cost-effective way.

James works in our Construction & Engineering team which sits within IBB’s renowned Real Estate Group, so is particularly well-placed to provide insurance advice to insurers serving the construction and real estate sectors. We are also able to advise insurers on policies for clients across a range of other sectors, including in relation to professional indemnity insurance and corporate liability insurance.

Our insurance dispute resolution fees

When dealing with an insurance dispute, it is essential to keep the costs involved proportionate to the value of the outcome you wish to secure.

We will be happy to discuss your situation and provide a realistic indication of the likely costs involved. This will include agreeing our hourly rates, which will be dependent on the level of expertise needed to deal effectively with your requirements. We may also  be  able to offer a fixed fee for an initial meeting. We will discuss this with you and ensure that we are also transparent regarding our fees.

To find out more about our fees, please get in touch.

Speak to our insurance disputes solicitors

For expert advice on an insurance dispute, please get in touch with our specialist team and we will be happy to help.

Please call 03456 381381 or email james.brice@ibblaw.co.uk for immediate assistance.