‘Able to break down complex insurance policies and regulations with ease’, insurance law boutique Colin Vega Fletes Abogados is a stalwart of the market in Mexico and regular counsel in its most complex insurance cases. Its client base includes major reinsurers Swiss Re Mexico, KOT Insurance and Global Aerospace, as well as a host of domestic and international insurers and insurance brokers. Francisco Fernández Guerra-Fletes focuses on insurance/reinsurance issues involving political and legal crises, specifically in relation to commercial crime, bankers blanket bond insurance, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. He co-leads the team with José Luis Arce Fernández, an expert on the corporate and regulatory side of the practice; José Luis Colin Vega who is based at the firm’s Madrid office, acting on cross-border matters; Raquel Adriana Aguirre, an expert in property, fire, crime and BBB policies; and associate Luis Alberto Valle Vidal, a specialist in the field of bonds.
Insurance in Mexico
Colin Vega Fletes Abogados
Practice head(s):
Francisco Fernández Guerra Fletes; Jose Luis Colin Vega; Jose Luis Arce Fernández; Raquel Aguirre; Luis Alberto Valle Vidal
Testimonials
‘The team has been able to break down complex insurance policies and regulations with ease, and their attention to detail is outstanding. Their in-depth understanding of the insurance industry is notorious in their strategic approach to the cases they have handled for us, resulting in general favorable outcomes.’
‘In my experience, José Luis Colin has shown remarkable strategic thinking, navigating complex cases with ease and providing insightful solutions to difficult problems. Additionally, Jose Luis has a remarkable ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically which has been invaluable in resolving disputes and achieving successful outcomes.’
‘The firm’s team of lawyers and professionals is highly technical and practical at the same time.’
‘The lawyers with whom I have worked at the firm have, in my opinion, a very close personal relationship and a business orientation that allows for intelligent and efficient decisions.’
‘International business awareness and pragmatic approach.’
‘Francisco Fernandez: experienced in crisis management and knowledgeable of the international insurance and reinsurance markets, mainly London, continental Europe and USA.’
‘José Luis Colin stands out for his expertise managing construction and engineering disputes both before arbitration and local courts.’
Key clients
Zurich CIA de Seguros
HDI Global Seguros
Bupa Global
Kot Insurance Company
Mapfre
Seguros Inbursa
Grupo nacional Provincial
Grupo Mexicano de Seguros (GMX)
Swiss
Lloyd’s
Work highlights
- Acted for Cedant and the Secretary of Public Education in a reinsurance dispute regarding property policies following earthquake damage.
- Representing reinsurers in the Swiss market in a class action brought by more than 200 people claiming compensation due to civil liability after the explosion of a Pemex pipeline in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo.
- Acting for a real estate joint venture fund in arbitration against a Spanish based infrastructure developer deriving from contractual breaches and consequent insurance policy claims regarding a MXN$50m project in Mexico City.
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.
Regulatory and transactional matters in insurance and reinsurance are routinely handled by Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C., a regular fixture in the market’s more complex matters and active on a number of cross-border matters during 2022. The team’s client base of insurers looked to Leonel Pereznieto and his team for advice on dealing with the particularly aggressive stance of the tax authority in recent times; elsewhere, the practice has seen medical insurance become an increasingly common source of instructions. Pereznieto is also active in contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, focusing on the negotiation and settlement of reinsurance claims, and their resolution through arbitration. In support, counsel María José Pinillos has over 15 years' experience advising insurers, reinsurers and brokers on a broad array of issues; and senior associate Carlo Romero has a growing practice focused on insurance, reinsurance and financial regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Leonel Pereznieto
Testimonials
‘They have a high level of knowledge in insurance matters, both at a technical level and in terms of the market situation. Additionally, they take care to know the details of the operation when a consultation is made and always show a high level of commitment and collaboration.’
‘The lawyers of this firm have technical and market knowledge which allows them to respond to queries made considering technical issues and the situation of the insurance market.’
Key clients
Axa Seguros
Grupo Nacional Provincial
MetLife México
MBIA México
El Águila Compañía de Seguros
HDI Seguros
Cardif México
Assurant Mexico
Genworth Financial
Betterfly México
Work highlights
- Advised Genworth Seguros de Credito a la Vivienda on an internal reorganisation of the mortgage insurance business of the group.
- Assisted HDI with preparing the framework agreement for its 10-year strategic alliance with Bupa Mexico.
- Advised Betterfly on its landing in Mexico and on documenting its local alliance with Chubb Mexico.
Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC
Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC’s longstanding insurance practice is a constant in the market and covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Clients of the firm include the four largest insurance companies operating in Mexico -AXA, GNP, MetLife and Seguros- which benefit from the department’s strong collaboration with the firm’s leading finance practice, and a London office that acts as a base in the European insurance market. The practice is led by name partner Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly, who is widely recognised as a pioneer of the insurance law market in Mexico. His experienced team includes: Luciano Pérez, who handles the spectrum of non-contentious insurance matters, as well as managing claims, settlement negotiations, policy analysis and coverage opinions; and associate Enrique Salcedo, whose particular strengths are in regulatory and compliance, dispute resolution and other contentious matters. Senior partner Julián Garza, a transactional and regulatory expert, is also active in the sector as required.
Testimonials
‘Yves Hayoux is an exceptional lawyer with a lot of experience, who understands the business side. He has introduced us to many people with whom we can do business.’
‘They are a very solid team technically and with great customer service. His answers are always punctual, fast and with value. It is a firm that has maintained its quality over the years and renews its teams with new talent.’
‘Luciano Perez is a great insurance specialist lawyer. His closeness and mastery of matters makes him a great ally for clients.’
Key clients
BMS Group
AXA Seguros
Grupo Nacional Provincial
AON Risk Solution
Reinsurance Group of America
The Travelers Companies
Bupa México
Principal Financial Group
Everest Reinsurance Company
Grupo Excel
KOT
Sofía Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Sofia Salud, an insurance company specialised in healthcare, on the market launch of two new insurance products.
- Assisted Bupa México with the negotiation and implementation of a joint venture with the purpose of implementing a project for the creation and distribution of innovative major medical insurance products.
- Advising Grupo Excel on the constitution of an insurance company in Mexico that manages accidents and illnesses in the field of medical expenses.
Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico
Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico’s insurance law department is a reliable choice on the full range of claims' matters in both insurance and reinsurance, working closely with the firm’s Latin American desks in London, Madrid, Miami and New York. Arturo Arista heads the practice and is focused on all areas of insurance, reinsurance and transportation law, assisting domestic and foreign insurers, reinsurers, mutual associations and P&I clubs. Promoted to the partnership in June 2023, Daniel Ruíz assists across the spectrum of insurance matters, including regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Arturo Arista
DAC Beachcroft Mexico
The team at DAC Beachcroft Mexico is well-established in the country’s insurance and reinsurance market and covering the full suite of matters in the sector. The practice has been particularly renowned for its support on litigation in the insurance arena and in November 2022 hired Fabio Corominas (from boutique firm Harrsch & Corominas), who has taken on co-leadership of the practice and is a specialist litigator. He joins fellow co-head Miguel Ángel de la Fuente, who leads on the firm’s international matters in Mexico; he has extensive experience advising on claims and structuring policy, primarily in aviation, marine and energy, P&C, and financial lines. Senior associate David Gonçalves has broad experience and is director of the firm’s recoveries' hub for Latin America; fellow seniors María Isabel Alvarado Pérez, Alma Daniela Urquiza and Eduardo Sanchez also provide key support and are noted.
Practice head(s):
Miguel Ángel de la Fuente; Fabio Corominas
Key clients
Zurich Mexico
AXA Seguros
Munich Re
Lloyd’s Syndicates
Asurion
XL Catlin
Liberty Mutual
Mapfre Global Risks
Tokio Marine/Kiln
Mapfre-Division MSIG
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group
Global Benefits Group
Tokio Marine Mexico
QBE International Markets
Zurich Ecuador
Work highlights
- Advising the owner of a boutique hotel in San Miguel de Allende on litigation regarding the sale of the land that the hotel was developed on.
- Advising two local insurance companies on a portfolio transfer between the two.
- Advising AGCS and its insured (TSO-NGE México) in a potential claim arising from potential defective handlers and plates supplied to the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metrorrey for its Line 1.
Hogan Lovells
‘Characterised by extensive knowledge in regulatory issues’, Hogan Lovells’ insurance law department also has notable expertise in the formation and acquisition of insurance, surety and brokerage companies. Practice head Carlos Ramos Miranda is an experienced figure in insurance matters across a variety of industries and handles regulatory issues, transactions and litigation in the insurance sector with facility. Omar Guerrero and Luis Ernesto Peón are noted for representing insurance companies in commercial litigation and insolvency proceedings, while associate Andrea Tinoco was very active in 2022 supporting on insurance industry corporate and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Ramos Miranda
Testimonials
‘The firm is characterised by extensive knowledge in regulatory issues, as well as knowledge in the reinsurance industry.’
‘Carlos Ramos Andrea Tinoco stand out for their high affinity with the business and the knowledge they have in matters related to the corporate purpose of the company. They are certainly quite knowledgeable about the regulation and the needs of their clients.’
‘The firm’s service and experience are extraordinary. They provide a very high quality service.’
‘They are always available, they are always attentive and friendly and they give practical and innovative solutions.’
Key clients
Solunion México Seguros de Crédito
Mapfre México
Chubb
Insignia Life
Swiss Re
Liberty Insurance
Lloyds
AmTrust
Partner Re
Axa Seguros
Zurich
Insignia Life
Guy Carpenter
Pan-American México, Compañía de Seguros
Kennedys
Kennedys continues to grow its client base of local and international insurers and reinsurers which it advises across all insurance lines. The firm's Mexico office was established in 2016 and can draw on the resources of the broader firm's global network, bolstering its relationships with international clients and its strength in cross-border advice. The practice is co-led by founding partner of the Mexico office, Michael Hennessy, who specialises in insurance and reinsurance coverage advice and dispute resolution; and legal director Vanessa Vargas, who has experience in financial lines as well as property and construction insurance. Senior associate Israel Castañeda is a further key contact and has guided legal strategy in high-profile liability cases.
Practice head(s):
Michael Hennessy; Vanessa Vargas
OCAMPO 1890, S. C.
Insurance and reinsurance boutique Ocampo 1890, S. C. is ‘undoubtedly a benchmark both for its staff and knowledge’ and has a long history advising on corporate and regulatory matters for insurers, along with litigation and coverage analysis, reinsurance, and bonding insurance. Head of the practice and CEO of the firm Aldo Ocampo has specialised in insurance law since 1991 and is particularly focused on contentious matters - from claims, disputes and constitutional amparos, to arbitration and reinsurance contracts. Associate Abraham Estrada is in charge of the firm's insurance litigation practice; and Leilany Reyes supports across corporate and regulatory matters, along with ‘up and coming associate’ Marco Tapia.
Practice head(s):
Aldo Ocampo
Testimonials
‘The Ocampo team stands out for its professionalism and knowledge of the insurance sector – Trends in claims issues, Supreme Court jurisprudence that affect the business, regulatory issues, etc. The team not only has excellent depth in the topics, but they also have a good policy to communicate and generate value from the information and recommendations that are constantly fed back to the business.’
‘Personally, we have a direct relationship with Aldo Ocampo and Leilany Reyes. Qualities: knowledge, willingness to serve, communication, relationship at all levels on their part.’
‘Ocampo is a firm specialised in insurance law. Its reputation in the market is well known and it is undoubtedly a benchmark both for its staff and knowledge as well as for its personal and sophisticated treatment. Technology begins to be one of its fundamental pillars or axes, which is why the firm is fully adapted to the present century.’
‘When you raise any questions with the Ocampo team or require their legal services, the response is not long in coming. Behind this response is a specialized team with extensive and complete knowledge. Quick responses are appreciated. Other firms in the sector take time to find that added value that Ocampo’s firm does not provide.’
‘In general, the team is very well prepared and they give us an agile and reliable response to all the issues we see with them.’
‘We have worked directly with the lawyers Aldo Ocampo and Diana Angeles with very good impressions since they master the field of insurance and all its implications, quick responses and certainty in the required advice.’
‘Excellent team and service.’
‘Aldo Ocampo is a first class insurance lawyer and litigator Marco Tapia is an up and coming associate and highly recommended.’
Key clients
Mapfre Mexico
Circuitronix
Berkley International Mexico Seguros
Kot Insurance Company
HFW
Philippi Puertocarrizosa Uría
AAR Agente de Seguros y Fianzas
Seguros El Potosí
Essity
RPC
HDI Global
SPP Institución de Seguros
AIG Aviation
DWF
Avla México
Inter, Agente de Seguros y Fianzas
Cotemar
ZPMC
CaptiveOne
Seguros Sura
Work highlights
- Representing Barents Re as a reinsurer to Seguros Banorte, in liability cases for up to MXN$53m.
- Advised CaptiveOne on initiating operations in Mexico.
- Acting for an international insurer in litigation of discrimination cases.
Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.
Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.’s insurance department assists insurance institutions and insurance brokers with compliance, new product structuring, representation in administrative procedures and litigation, and transactions with insurance and surety companies. The department is jointly overseen by financial services managing partner Miguel Gallardo Guerra; litigation practice leader, Juan Bonequi; and Javier Pérez Moreno, who focuses his practice on heavily regulated sectors, including insurance, healthcare and fintech.
Practice head(s):
Miguel Gallardo Guerra; Juan Bonequi; Javier Pérez Moreno
Testimonials
‘They are a boutique office very close to the client. Partners are directly involved in customer service. Excellent networking in between. Very comprehensive billing towards the client, good value for money. Close attention to customers.’
‘Miguel Gallardo Guerra has excellent technical and soft skills.’
Key clients
AON
TIP
Compara en Casa
Uber
Aig
Sedna Hospital
Seguros Banorte
AirBnB
Tierra
Preminen
Mercado Libre
Axa Seguros
Auronix
VF Mexico
Morgan Stanley New York
Samsung
Work highlights
- Assisting AON with all its insurance and reinsurance regulatory requirements, including internal policies, drafting of all contracts, and managing outside counsels for litigation matters.
- Advising Seguros Banorte on litigation against the CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) in Mexico.
- Acting for AIG in several insurance litigation cases in Mexico.
Galicia Abogados S.C.
Well-regarded by its clients, the multi-disciplinary offering in insurance law at Galicia Abogados S.C. is a reliable choice across the spectrum of matters involving insurers and reinsurers. A ‘shrewd lawyer’ with an ‘immediate understanding of what needs to be done and how to do it’, Humberto Pérez Rocha is a banking and finance expert and co-leads the department alongside the firm’s arbitration and litigation practice head Rodrigo Zamora. Associate Ricardo Montejano is the key supporting lawyer and is also recommended by clients.
Practice head(s):
Humberto Pérez Rocha; Rodrigo Zamora Etcharren
Testimonials
‘In terms of Insurance, it is a very complete office. The responsible partner knows not only the regulation but also the market, which makes an excellent combination.’
‘Humberto Pérez Rocha is a very shrewd and experienced lawyer, he also has a great team. His best quality is his immediate understanding of what needs to be done and how to do it. To highlight among the associates is Ricardo Montejano.’
‘The team, very synchronized, committed, willing and; with solid knowledge in the matter, and immediate availability by multiple means of communication. Extremely collaborative, very professional and with the greatest willingness to offer alternatives.’
‘Extremely empathetic, direct and with the greatest disposition at all times; Humberto Pérez Rocha, always on the lookout in the affairs department.’
‘The specific insurance legislation in Mexico makes this practice a specialty. The capacity and knowledge of Galicia’s lawyers are deep in this area, superior to their competitors.’
‘In addition to his ability and knowledge in this specialty, his permanent availability is very valuable, as well as his flexibility to find the best solution proposal.’
Key clients
The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company
Wimob
Grupo Nacional Provincial
Seguros BBVA
Integrante del Grupo Financiero BBVA
UBS International Solutions
Seguros Sura
Citibanamex Seguros
Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex
Work highlights
- Advising The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company on its yearly registration renewal before the general registry for foreign reinsurers of the national insurance and bonding commission.
- Assisting Wimob with four insurance claims relating to four merchandise robberies.
- Representing Seguros BBVA and Integrante del Grupo Financiero BBVA in arbitration proceedings before the ICC and the CAM against five different reinsurance companies regarding their reinsurance agreements for coverage due to Covid-19.
Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel
As specialists in dispute resolution, Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel handles a range of contentious matters in the insurance space and are advisors to Metlife Mexico and Axa Seguros. A trio of lawyers - Javier Curiel Obscura, Daniel Ortega González and Javier Altamirano Hernández - oversee the department; all three have broad dispute resolution practices. Ernesto Palacios Juárez is another key contact for insurance matters; with support provided by associates Bernardo Basaldua and Eduardo Carrión.
Practice head(s):
Javier Curiel Obscura; Daniel Ortega González; Javier Altamirano Hernández
Testimonials
‘The team is highly qualified in their field and the service is excellent.’
‘The adequate and always agile service from the lawyers.’
Key clients
ING Group
AXA Seguros
MetLife México
New York Life México
HSBC Seguros