Insurance in Mexico
Colin Vega Fletes Abogados
Insurance boutique firm, Colin Vega Fletes Abogados, fields a ‘reliable and qualified’ 16-strong team with ‘unmatched’ experience, praised by clients for offering a ‘down to earth approach to complex problems’. Practice-head Francisco Guerra-Fletes specializes in contentious and non-contentious aspects of insurance liability, advising insurers and reinsurers regarding environmental liability, professional liability, fraud, fidelity bonds, construction liability and defending professional negligence claims on behalf of insurers. Fellow partner José Luis Colin Vega has extensive expertise and experience in dispute resolution related to cyber risk, financial fraud, political risk, product liability and insurance disputes, while associate Raquel Adriana Aguirre offers key support. The department, which works closely with its Madrid-based Spanish office, was further reinforced in December 2019 with the arrival of former DAC Beachcroft Mexico managing partner, José Luis Arce.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘They are reliable, hard working individuals committed to the team’
‘A safe pair of hands to take care of your local problems with an international understanding. They are experienced solving problems with a practical approach and avoiding protracted litigation when possible.’
‘Understanding of how the international financials and insurance markets operate. Down to earth approach to complex problems’
‘Paco Fernandez Fletes is a smart negotiator; gentle-mannered always. José Luís Colín is solid, knowledgeable and thorough – a reliable corporate and regulatory advisor’
‘A reliable and qualified team. It is difficult to find a more experienced group’
‘Jose Luis Colin Vega and Francisco Fernandez Fletes have always been very close and committed to the causes they lead. Their experience is unmatched and a guarantee of being in good hands’
Key clients
Zurich
HDI Global Seguros
Bupa Global
HDI Seguros México
Sura México
Seguros Inbursa
Grupo Nacional Provincial
Grupo Mexicano de Seguros (GMX)
Swiss RE
Lloyd’s
AIG
QBE Compañía de Seguros (Zurich Aseguradora Mexicana)
KOT Insurance Company
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.'s consolidated insurance practice is a significant force in the market. The firm houses a ‘first class team that solves the most complex issues’, which offers ‘expert’ advice to insurers and reinsurers on M&A, finance, corporate governance, regulatory, and day-to-day matters; it also has growing involvement in contentious insurance issues. Partner Leonel Pereznieto, who shines for his ‘knowledge’ of the sector, and is a regular advisor to global insurance, reinsurance and broker groups in connection with their local set-up and acquisitions, co-heads the team together with counsel María José Pinillos, who is singled out by a client as ‘one of the very few lawyers who really masters insurance’.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A first class team that solves the most complex issues’
‘Leonel Pereznieto and Maria Jose Pinillos are undoubtedly its strongest cards. Two young lawyers with great experience and solid technical knowledge of the insurance industry’
‘María José Pinillos is a leading lawyer in the insurance sector’
‘Their partners are insurance experts. Many firms say they are but have no real knowledge of regulation. In their case this knowledge is verifiable and also complements in a very efficient way the other practices’
‘Leonel Pereznieto and María José Pinillos have a great disposition and knowledge of the insurance sector. They are very transparent with the costs of their services and distinguish themselves by charging just enough and always sticking pretty close to their initial estimates. María José Pinillos is one of the very few lawyers who really masters insurance in all its fields and keeps herself permanently updated. Her approach is incredible and it is a pleasure to work with her’
“Good understanding of legal challenges in Mexico that were useful for international investor. Good local network of local/international players’
‘Partners were professional at all times and helpful on structuring transaction’
Key clients
Cardif México
Allianz
Assurant
AXA
Suramericana/Seguros Sura
Odyssey Reinsurance Company
MBIA Insurance Corporation
Great American Insurance/El Aguila Compañía de Seguros
ProAgro Compañía de Seguros
MetLife México
Mango Life
Financiera Independencia
Pan-American México, Compañía de Seguros
Work highlights
- Regulatory, corporate governance and antitrust advice on the merger of Suramericana with Seguros de Vida Sura México.
- Advised Pan-American on the registration of eight medical insurance products.
- Represented Financiera Independencia in the structuring and closing of a joint venture with independent Mexican insurance broker, Interprotección Agente de Seguros y Fianzas.
- Assisted ProAgro with the re-design of products for Mexico in accordance with latest trends in the agricultural insurance market.
Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC
Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC offers, hands down, one of the strongest and most experienced practices in the market, and is regarded by clients as ‘one of the few firms with a solid knowledge of insurance and reinsurance’. Boasting a sturdy local presence in both Mexico and London, the department focuses on non-contentious issues such as corporate, regulatory, transactional, compliance, product design and product development; as well as in contentious matters such as claims, coverage issues, arbitration, litigation, and insurance and reinsurance recoveries. The 12-strong team, which garners praise for its level of ‘responsiveness under difficult situations’, comprises ‘extraordinary lawyers’: first and foremost practice-head Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly, who handles transactional work, dispute resolution, product development, regulatory and corporate matters, corporate governance and compliance, but also Luciano Pérez, who is active in the entire spectrum of non-contentious insurance services. Other names to note include partners Michell Nader and Julián Garza, and senior associates Raúl Jasso and London-based Juan Pablo Sáinz, who advises the British market on Mexican law in relation to coverage and regulatory issues and international transactions.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The team has an excellent balance between youth and experience. Their responsiveness under difficult situations is extraordinary. They are always willing to help the client and are very flexible when it comes to adapting to the client’s needs’
‘They are one of the few firms with a solid knowledge of insurance and reinsurance. Luciano Perez and Yves Hayaux are undoubtedly their two strongest cards. Extraordinary lawyers and excellent strategic allies’
‘Yves Hayaux has great leadership skills and a great vision of the market, he knows the industry and its players in depth. Luciano Perez also knows the market well and is a good support for Yves’
‘Luciano Pérez and Yves Hayaux are great experts in the sector, so we trust them a lot’
‘The firm’s team has the experience and knowledge to give the best advice’
Key clients
AXA Seguros
MetLife
Grupo Nacional Provincial
HSBC Seguros México
Chubb
Assurant
Seguros Banorte
Zurich
The Travelers Companies
BUPA Mexico
United Health Group
Tokio Marine
Work highlights
- Representing AXA Mexico on a $120m joint venture with Colombian specialized healthcare provider, Keralty, for the creation of a project to establish an integrated primary healthcare system in Mexico.
- Represented Houston Casualty Company, a subsidiary of Tokio Marine Global Re, in all corporate, regulatory and legal aspects related to the incorporation and operation of an affiliate surety company in Mexico.
- Assisted 26 foreign reinsurance companies (including Allianz, MetLife, Pan-American and RGA) on obtaining their renewals so as to be able to provide services before Mexican institutions in 2020.
- Representing Principal Financial Group in its liquidation process before the National Insurance and Surety Commission; currently in the second phase of the restructuring process to transfer the client’s pension portfolio to Banorte.
DAC Beachcroft Mexico
The ‘very knowledgeable’ practice at DAC Beachcroft Mexico garners praise from clients for its ‘experience and the ability to quickly and effectively find the laws and cases applicable to each particular situation’. Backed by the firm's international network, the department focuses on the civil, administrative, corporate, regulatory and criminal impact that a case could have on the cedants' and reinsurers' positions. The 12-strong team is co-led by local managing partner Rodrigo Fernandez-Guerra, who has a solid background dealing with liability claims, acting as defence and coverage advisor for liability products, and D&O matters (he has also developed the firm's cyber practice); head of litigation, Salvador Enrique Urbano; Luis Felipe García; and financial lines expert Liliana Calvo Rojas. Associate Alfonso Loera offers key support. Former partner José Luis Arce left for Colin Vega Fletes Abogados in December 2019.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Fernandez Guerra; Salvador Enrique Urbano; Luis Felipe García and Liliana Calvo
Testimonials
‘The team has extensive knowledge, experience and the ability to quickly and effectively find the laws and cases applicable to each particular situation’
‘They manage to issue complete and timely reports, according to the reinsurer’s requirements, which differentiates them from other firms’
‘Very knowledgeable and capable regarding environmental law in Mexico and Latin America’
‘Rodrigo Fernandez Guerra is recommended’
Key clients
Zurich
AXA
Swiss RE
Munich RE
Lloyd´s Syndicates
QBE
XL Catlin
Liberty
Allianz
AIG
Berkley Latin America and Caribbean
Beazley
MAPFRE
Hiscox
ASPEN
Liberty Insurance Underwriters
Tokio Marine / KILN
AXIS
MAPFRE – División MSIG
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group
Sompo Seguros México
Sompo International Holdings
Tokio Marine Mexico
Munich RE
Seguros Sura
Coface Seguro
Access One International
Avla
Gcube Underwriting
Underwriting Agencies of Australia
Work highlights
- Provided coverage advice to Zurich Mexico following the theft of several million pesos from a local bank through the use of malicious software. The matter was valued at $1.5m.
- Assisting QBE UK and Tokyo Marine Kiln in a claim filed by one of the major contractors that manages and operates a gas pipeline running from the US to Mexico, as a result of dust reported when initiating operations.
- Provided coverage advice to Berkley Latin America and Caribbean on a BBB case associated with a fraud perpetrated on a Peruvian based bank, with the involvement of third parties.
Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico
Operating from its offices in Mexico City and Ciudad del Carmen, and working closely with colleagues in London, the practice at Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico covers a wide range of claims for national and international insurers and reinsurers across various business lines, including general liability, product liability, D&O, E&O and professional liability. The ‘excellent’ five-strong team is led by renowned insurance expert Arturo Arista, who focuses on contentious mandates and is regarded by clients as ‘the person to turn to for advice about the insurance industry’. Working closely alongside Arista, senior counsel Daniel Ruíz, who specializes in contentious, regulatory and commercial insurance matters, is also a key figure.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘An excellent team of lawyers’
‘They understand the Mexican market very well, and their fluent English puts them in a privileged position to advise companies in the London and US markets’
‘Arturo Arista is the first name that comes to mind when you need an expert opinion. He’s definitely the person to turn to for advice about the insurance industry. Besides being an excellent professional, he’s a real gentleman’
‘Excellent communicators with clear and concise information on local market and rules of the court system in Mexico. Arturo Arista has excellent depth of knowledge in dealing with the local market and international reinsurers’
Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.
With a presence of nearly 20 years in the Mexican market, Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C., houses a specialized insurance practice focused on advising insurance institutions and insurance brokers regarding compliance, the structuring of new insurance products, administrative procedures and litigation, as well as representing clients in transactions with insurance and surety companies. Additionally, the ten-strong team covers day-to-day corporate and regulatory matters, including via placing lawyers on secondment with clients. Compliance expert and founding partner, Miguel Gallardo, co-heads the department in conjunction with fellow founding partner and seasoned litigator Juan Bonequi, and senior associate Javier Pérez, who also leads the healthcare practice.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
AON
Seguros Sura
Prudential
Uber
AIG
Hospital Sedna
Seguros Banorte
AirBnB
Mercado Libre
Work highlights
- Provision of compliance services to AON, including review and preparation of insurance contracts with third parties.
- Represented Seguros Banorte on several insurance litigation cases, including one against CFE (Federal Electricity Commission).
Garrigues
In just three years, the insurance practice at Garrigues has made important inroads into the Mexican legal market, notably thanks to the team´s main specialist Miguel Ángel de la Fuente, who joined in 2016 from Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC, and is considered by some clients as ‘one of the greatest young talents in insurance law in Mexico’. Working alongside of de la Fuente, finance expert Mario Júarez, co-heads the 12-strong practice group which handles corporate, transactional and regulatory matters, insurance claims and the development of new insurance products.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Miguel de la Fuente is undoubtedly its greatest asset. He is one of the greatest young talents in insurance law in Mexico’
‘A complete, multidisciplinary team, with the capacity to provide services in projects of any size and complexity’
Key clients
Global Benefits Group
Asurion
AXA Seguros
BUPA México
Hyperion Broking Group
AXA Salud
Grupo Ordás Howden
Work highlights
- Advising US insurance company Global Benefits Group on the expansion of its insurance offering in Mexico, including joining forces with AXA Seguros to offer international medical-expenses insurance policies in the Mexican market.
- Advising Asurion Group on the product development for property and casualty (P&C) insurance products commercialised through Allianz Mexico.
Hogan Lovells
A respected presence in the Mexican insurance arena, Hogan Lovells shows good skills in both the transactional and regulatory aspects of the sector, and has notable expertise in the formation and acquisition of insurance, reinsurance, surety, and brokerage companies and agents, as well as in day-to-day compliance and regulatory issues, including the development of insurance products, policies, and contracts, and the representation of clients in audit reviews by the authorities. The team of five lawyers is led by partner Carlos Ramos, who is well-known for his regulatory advice, and includes partners Omar Guerrero and the recently promoted Luis Ernesto Peón, who offer key support. The practice lost partner Eduardo Siqueiros, who left the firm in 2019.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Swiss Re Group i(n Mexico)
Lloyds
Guy Carpenter
Insignia Life
Mapfre México
Solunion México Seguros de Crédito
Primero Fianzas
Chubb Group (in Mexico)
Work highlights
- Retained to transform Liberty Fianzas Bonding entity into a surety insurance company.
- Handled an insurance credit claim filed by a financial institution against Solunion México, over certain invoices acquired from a third party and invoked to be covered under a Credit Insurance Policy.
Kennedys
Clients report that Michael Hennessy, founding partner of Kennedys' Mexico office, leads ‘a solid and growing team’ of ‘insurance experts’ that sit at ‘the same level as the top firms in the country’. The practice handles claims and litigation defence across all insurance risks, such as general liability, construction, property and energy, aviation, marine, financial lines -including D&O, E&O and professional indemnity-, life and health, along with medical malpractice. Hennessy, an English qualified solicitor and Mexican qualified lawyer with broad experience in insurance and reinsurance coverage advice and dispute resolution, is supported by partner Alberto Torres and senior associate David Gonçalves, who focuses on recoveries.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A solid and growing team. The lawyers have a strong background in reinsurance law and also provide qualified knowledge of local law in Mexico. They are at the same level as the top firms in the country’
‘Mike Hennesy has a comprehensive knowledge of insurance law and the market in general. His knowledge and attentive 24/7 availability makes him stand out from the competition. David Goncalvez is a growing lawyer and has been able to enrich his knowledge of reinsurance to complement his experience in recoveries’
‘They are professional, effective and concise in their work, and always display confidence before our clients’
Key clients
Chubb de Mexico
AXA Seguros
Tokio Marine Compañía de Seguros
Fidelitas Global
Dual Corporate
Inbursa
Tokio Marine Kiln
Liberty Mutual Company
AXA Assistance
Sompo México
Adame González de Castilla & Besil
The practice at young boutique, Adame González de Castilla & Besil, has a high level of specialization in both insurance corporate/regulatory and claims/dispute resolution matters. Established in 2017, the firm is co-led by partners Álvaro Adame and Ramiro Besil (formerly at Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC and Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico, respectively). Adame handles regulatory, organizational, operational and transactional requirements, product development and the establishment of Mexican and foreign insurance and reinsurance companies in Mexico, as well as coverage and legal determination of coverage issues, claims-related matters and subrogation cases. Besil regularly advises insurers, reinsurers and brokers on marine, energy, aviation and non-marine matters, providing both advice and legal defence regarding liability, coverage and regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Galicia Abogados S.C.
The practice at Galicia Abogados S.C. is sought out by domestic and foreign entities and corporations looking for advice regarding their operations in Mexico. With transactional expert Humberto Pérez Rocha at the forefront, the department advises clients on insurance-related corporate matters and regulatory issues, and in connection with the analysis and negotiation of claims; while also regularly representing insurance and surety companies before the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público and the Comisión Nacional de Seguros y Fianzas, regarding the regulatory aspect of their day-to-day operations.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Metlife Mexico
HSBC Seguros
Sura Seguros México (formerly Royal & Sun Alliance Seguros – México)
Cesce Seguros
Citibanamex Seguros
Zurich Compañia de Seguros
Pensiones Sura
HSBC Pensiones
Gonzalez Alcocer y Retes y Estrada Sámano, SC
Insurance boutique Gonzalez Alcocer y Retes y Estrada Sámano, SC specializes in a wide range of insurance mandates, covering both contentious and non-contentious areas. Working from the firm's offices in Monterrey and Guadalajara and Mexico City, the team includes founding partner Aurelio González Alcocer, who has considerable experience in the sector, including 20 years as an in-house at Seguros Monterrey New York Life; insurance litigation expert Oscar Arturo Pérez; and Pablo Retes, who handles advisory work, with niche expertise regarding coverage matters in the energy sector.
Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel
Insurance-litigation specialist Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel has a solid track-record advising on a wide range of mandates, such as life insurance with investment, damages, medical and health expenses and civil liability, among others. The eight-strong team, which combines commercial and regulatory knowledge, and which is also sought out by clients for advice on insurance products, is co-led by three partners: Javier Curiel, Daniel Ortega and Javier Altamirano. Support comes from senior associate Bernardo Basaldua.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ING Group
AXA Seguros
MetLife México
New York Life México
HSBC Seguros
OCAMPO 1890, S. C.
Considered by some as the ‘most knowledgeable firm in insurance litigation’, boutique firm Ocampo 1890, S. C. specializes in contentious and non-contentious matters, including claims, corporate, regulatory, reinsurance, surety, coverage analysis and litigation. Praised for its ‘extensive technical knowledge of insurance and bonds’, the seven-strong client-oriented team is led by managing partner Aldo José Ocampo, a recognized ‘expert’ in the field, with a ‘very high level of personalized attention and a very good rate of results’. Key support comes from associate Diana Ángeles, who has a strong practice in insurance and reinsurance, and also leads the firm's product development and registration area.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘When their services are required, attention is immediate. They are punctual in the consultations that are requested of them. The firm’s lawyers have extensive technical knowledge of insurance and bonds. Aldo Ocampo offers immediate availability and technical knowledge in the matter of insurance and bonds’
‘I consider them to be the most knowledgeable firm in insurance litigation. Aldo Ocampo and Diana Ángeles, are exceptional in their service and accompany the client at all times’
‘It is a law firm specialized in insurance litigation, with high knowledge in this area, and above all, with high levels of personalized attention’
‘Aldo Ocampo is an expert in insurance matters. He has been in the insurance sector for many years. He has a very high level of personal attention and a very good rate of results’
‘The team works in a coordinated and result-oriented manner’
‘Unlike other firms, they develop the strategy to be followed together with the client. Normally this work is done by Aldo Ocampo personally’
Key clients
Mapfre Teeyac
Chubb de México, Compañía de Seguros
Berkley International Mexico Seguros
Kot Insurance Company AG, México
La Latinoamericana Seguros
Holman Fenwick Willan
Dorama Institución de Seguros de Garantía
Seguros El Potosí
Willis Towers Watson
HDI Gerling (Germany) / HDI Global
Asurion
SPP Institución de Seguros
AIG Aviation
Alitalia
Avla México
Inter, Agente de Seguros y Fianzas
Cotemar
Work highlights
- Represented Seguros El Potosí against CBL Insurance, a New Zealand reinsurer that currently is being declared bankrupt; the firm handled several lawsuits in Mexico and New Zealand.
Santamarina y Steta
Santamarina y Steta is well-known for its activity with local insurance companies and foreign carriers undertaking insurance activities in Mexico, acting for said clients on contractual, corporate and regulatory matters. The well-respected practice, which also handles insurance issues for industry, such as E&O matters, is led by partner Francisco Torres from the Monterrey office; he is very experienced in M&A transactions involving Mexican insurance carriers. Support comes from Mexico City-based partner Carlos Olvera, who combines his practice with his excellent litigation skills.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
AmTrust Financial Services
XL Catlin
Seguros Afirme
Fianzas Avanza
XL Seguros Mexico
Merkafon de Mexico (Teleperformance)
Renovalia Energy Group
Bruno, Agente de Seguros
Work highlights
- Advised Tenedora Bruno on the process of obtaining the regulatory approvals for, and incorporation of, ‘Bruno, Agente de Seguros’.