Insurance and Reinsurance
Insurance plays a fundamental role in protecting businesses, assets and individuals against unexpected risks. Yet when a loss occurs, questions concerning coverage, liability, policy interpretation and the obligations of insurers and insured parties can quickly become complex. Effective legal advice is essential not only when a claim arises, but also when insurance arrangements are negotiated and risks are allocated.
Our insurance practice has a particular focus on marine insurance, reflecting our experience in shipping, international trade and commercial transactions. We advise shipowners, charterers, managers, operators, insurers, insurance intermediaries and businesses on a wide range of insurance matters, with particular expertise in Protection & Indemnity (P&I), Hull & Machinery (H&M), cargo insurance and other forms of maritime cover. Our work encompasses policy interpretation, coverage disputes, claims arising from cargo loss or damage, vessel casualties, third-party liabilities and contractual indemnities, including dealings with P&I Clubs, insurers and brokers.
Beyond maritime matters, we advise businesses on commercial insurance arrangements, including property, professional indemnity, general liability and other policies intended to protect their operations and assets. We assist with reviewing insurance requirements in commercial contracts, assessing coverage and exclusions, negotiating indemnities and addressing disputes concerning insurers' obligations. Our work also extends to reinsurance arrangements, including contractual interpretation, allocation of risk and disputes arising between insurers and reinsurers.
Our practice also encompasses private insurance, where we represent individuals in matters involving health and medical insurance, motor insurance and other personal policies. We assist clients with disputed claims, rejected or reduced payments, policy exclusions, disagreements over compensation and other issues arising in their relationships with insurers. We recognise that, particularly in matters involving health or personal loss, insurance disputes can have significant financial and personal consequences.
Where claims are contested, we advise on the interpretation of policy terms, the scope of coverage, notification requirements, exclusions and the respective obligations of insurers and policyholders. We represent clients in negotiations, settlement discussions and court proceedings, seeking to ensure that contractual rights are properly recognised and enforced.
Insurance should provide certainty when it is needed most. Our objective is to help clients understand the protection available to them, manage their exposure and secure the benefit of the insurance arrangements on which they rely, whether protecting a commercial enterprise, a vessel or their personal interests.