Firms To Watch: Insurance

U.G.A.Y. Law Office represents insurance companies and brokerage firms on a variety of issues with a focus on professional and third-party liability.

Insurance in Turkey

Durukan Hukuk Burosu

Durukan Hukuk Burosu works on a diverse portfolio of matters with expertise in contentious issues such as business interruption claims, fire losses and environmental pollution claims. The firm also provides non-contentious services, including policy drafting and advisory assistance in regulatory matters. Mahmut Barlas represents reinsurers and commercial policyholders, while Kerem Karabucak focuses on arbitration matters; they co-head the team with transactional expert, Nedim Durukan, and Isikcan Eryavuz.

Practice head(s):

Mahmut Barlas; Kerem Karabucak; Nedim Durukan; Isikcan Eryavuz


Testimonials

‘Durukan Law Firm, from top to bottom, is a highly professional practice with knowledgeable and reliable Partners as well as Associates. What makes Durukan Law Firm special is that they can manage a high caseload without losing attention to detail, maintaining flow of information and communication.’

‘A hardworking, disciplined and visionary team that turns quickly.’

‘Solution seeking and reliable.’

Key clients

Allianz Insurance Turkey


Allianz Hayat Emeklilik


Allianz Yasam Emeklilik


Allianz Worldwide Partners France


Anadolu Insurance


Anadolu Yasam Emeklilik


DAC Beachcroft


Eureko Insurance Turkey


HDI Insurance Turkey


Mapfre Insurance Turkey


MAY Group Turkey


Preminen Price Comparison UK


Celltrion Healthcare Turkey


Mars Logistics


Bilim Pharmaceuticals


Den-Ar Marine and Ocean Research


Barsan Logistics


Hilal Trans Logistics


Yuksel Proje A.S.


Temsa Skoda Transportation


Zurich Insurance Turkey


Turkiye Insurance


Sparke Helmore Law Firm Australia


Lydian


Global Benefits Group


Gulf Insurance


CREA Insurance


Uluslararası Nakliyeciler Dernegi


Elatek Kaucuk Turkey


Work highlights


  • Advised Zurich Insurance UK in a very complex reinsurance policy coverage.
  • Advised to one of the major Turkish construction companies A.S. in a US $ 80,000,000 insurance claim before ICC Arbitration.
  • Represented Anadolu Insurance in a claim worth USD 40,000,000.

Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu

Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu is a specialised firm with a focus on insurance, maritime and aviation law. The practice is well-versed in contentious matters with extensive experience in litigation, arbitration and mediation. Feyzi Ercin is particularly involved in liability policies, as well as property/BI damages and CAR policies; he co-heads the team with Dilek Bektaşoğlu Sanlı who is regularly instructed by AIG, Allianz, Chubb and Gulf, as well as Burcu Çelikçapa-Bilgin who specialises in the area of liability and indemnity law.

Practice head(s):

Feyzi Erçin; Burcu Çelikçapa Bilgin; Dilek Bektaşoğlu Sanlı


Key clients

Chubb


Besso Insurance


Coca-Cola İçecek A.Ş.


FM Global


Munich Re


Addvalora Global


Clyde & Co


HDI Global


Charles Taylor Loss Adjusters


Work highlights


Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak

Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak focuses on transactional insurance matters, regulatory frameworks, related disputes, privitisations, distribution models, product structuring, claim settlement, regulatory filings and compliance. Practice head Arpat Şenocak  advises a number of high profile clients such as BNP Paribas Cardif, Groupama and Helvetia; he is experienced in structuring of distribution schemes, drafting of related agreements and compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Arpat Şenocak


Testimonials

‘They are very hard workers and researchers. Very structured law firm.’

‘Arpat Şenocak has very deep knowledge especially on arbitration and commercial law.’

‘It is a pleasure to work with them. They are always available with their deep legal knowledge and experience.’

‘The people in the team are so reliable, reachable and an expert in insurance sector. Timing for legal reviews is accurate.’

‘Arpat Şenocak is a well trusted lawyer, who has carried out several important deals. His deep knowledge of the Turkish insurance sector (both legal and business aspects), his high commitment, clear, practical and quality advice are highly appreciated.’

‘Having led many M&A, bancassurance relations, joint ventures and corporate maintenance in a very regulated environment of insurance and private pension sectors, as well as having good connections with the relevant regulators, allows them to interpret law-makers intentions while providing up-to-date legal advises.’

‘Very experienced team, tailor-made legal assistance.’

‘A very diligent team, notably responsive in a timely manner.’

Key clients

Allianz Hayat ve Emeklilik A.Ş.


AXA Sigorta A.S.


AXA Hayat ve Emeklilik A.S.


Bereket Takaful


BNP Paribas Cardif Hayat Sigorta A.S.


BNP Paribas Cardif Sigorta A.S


BNP Paribas Cardif Emeklilik A.S.


BNP Paribas Cardif S.A.


BPF Acentelik ve Aracilik Hizmetleri A.S.


Euler Hermes Sigorta A.S.


Euler Hermes (Italy)


Groupama Sigorta A.S.


Groupama Hayat A.S.


Groupama Holding Filiales et Participations


Helvetia Swiss Insurance Company Limited


Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc


NN Hayat ve Emeklilik A.S.


Orange Sigorta Aracılık Hizmetleri A.S.


Reinsurance Group of America


TEB Arval


Türkiye Hayat ve Emeklilik A.S.


Türkiye Katılım Hayat A.Ş.


Türkiye Katılım Sigorta A.Ş.


Türkiye Sigorta A.S.


Türkiye Wealth Fund


Work highlights


  • Advised Türkiye Wealth Fund on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Bereket Katılım Sigorta A.Ş. and Bereket Katılım Hayat Sigorta A.Ş.
  • Advised Türkiye Sigorta on the acquisition of OSEM Sertifikasyon A.Ş., a provider of certification in the auto insurance industry established in 2015 by the Insurance Association of Turkey.
  • Advised Allianz SE in relation to Turkish law implications of a group restructuring performed outside of Turkey.

Sahan Law Office

The insurance team at Sahan Law Office has unique public sector experience and provides services to insurance companies, pension companies, brokers, agencies and financial institutions. The firm assists in a wide range of insurance-related matters, including incorporation and dissolution of companies, product compliance issues and preparation of agency contracts. Abdülkadir Şahan leads the team and represents a range of clients, including private pension companies, brokers, agents and public authorities.

Practice head(s):

Abdülkadir Şahan


Testimonials

‘Sahan Law Office is very knowledgeable in the field of insurance law. Sahan Law Office can provide correct and simple guidance in all legal matters.’

‘Sahan Law Office is very professional and highly specialized in insurance. In terms of insurance, it provides support easily at all times and from every channel in all processes.’

‘The team is ok and well-educated and dedicated.’

‘Mr Şahan is very well known among insurance business.’

‘The expert team of Sahan Law Firm, especially in insurance, competition and commercial law, is the most important factor in our preference to work with them. They provide all the legal services on a timely manner with comprehensive and clear solutions. Mr Sahan and the team knows and understand the insurance business and provide legal opinions accordingly. Therefore, they diligently provide their services considering the regulatory and legal risks. Also, their knowledge on multinational insurance projects and localization of the insurance products makes their practice unique.’

Key clients

Aksigorta


NN Life and Pension


Chubb Group


Zurich Insurance


Bupa Acıbadem Insurance


Katılım Life and Pension


Aktifbank


Sigortayeri Insurance Brokerage


TDB Insurance Brokerage


Boğaziçi Brokerage


Oyak Group Insurance Brokerage


VDF Insurance Agency


Andıç Eriş Attorney Partnership

Andıç Eriş Attorney Partnership has a diverse client base consisting of insurance and reinsurance, companies, brokers, intermediaries and corporate policyholders. The department advises clients on legal insurance framework, design of insurance products and data protection issues. The team is also experienced in claims and risk management in relation to reinsurance policies. Ayşegül Andıç provides assistance to companies such as AIG, while Mete Can Eriş focuses on regulatory compliance issues; the duo co-lead the team alongside Pinar Erçetin who regularly advises in relation to reinsurance policies.

Practice head(s):

Ayşegül Andıç; Mete Can Eriş; Pinar Erçetin


Testimonials

‘People, billing, diversity, technology, collaboration, etc. are all on point.’

‘Pinar Erçetin is our go to lawyer for years and she has been nothing short of excellent.’

Key clients

Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu


Liberty Specialty Markets


Sarilar Crane Company


Çelebi Aviation


Kuvars Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers


Koalay.com Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers


Telesure Kurumsal Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers


SDS Prestij Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers


Monopoli Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers


Aluform Pekintas Aluminum


Gulf Insurance


Sompo Japan Insurance Turkey


EMAAR Properties


Akin Textiles


Alka Galvanics


Chubb


Yenikoy Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plant


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Liberty Specialty Markets, TPA’S and brokers in Dubai and London, to give consultancy on claims arising from the employers’ liability policies and control.
  • Represented a leading construction consortium against the insurers in a construction loss claim of approximately $50m.

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki

The insurance practice at Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki provides legal advice on accident and health insurance, product development, insurance-related insolvencies, professional liability, reinsurance and risk management. The firm also provides mediation, arbitration and litigation services in matters relating to coverage claims, class action lawsuits and bankruptcies. Doğan Eymirlioğlu  leads the team and has particular expertise in financial lines products and D&O insurance, while also assisting companies in reshaping policy contents.

Practice head(s):

Doğan Eymirlioğlu


Key clients

Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş.


Navigators Insurance (Navigators)


United Brokers Insurance (UIB)


NN Hayat ve Emeklilik A.S.


Jolly Tur


Work highlights


Baysal & Demir

Established in 2021, Baysal & Demir represents clients in numerous industry sectors with expertise in insurance and reinsurance. The team represents reinsurers in arbitrations and litigation while also advising on policy interpretation. On the non-contentious side, the firm supports local insurance companies with regulatory investigations, organisational restructuring implementation and regulatory compliance matters. Practice head Pelin Baysal is experienced in disputes relating to professional liability, air freight losses and construction all risk policies. Associate Ilgaz Önder  specialises in policy and reinsurance coverage.

Practice head(s):

Pelin Baysal


Other key lawyers:

Ilgaz Önder


Testimonials

‘Highly innovative and on the ball approach. Deep understanding of the insurance industry.’

‘Pelin is straight forward and highly skilled. Always aware of solutions and pragmatic approaches.’

Key clients

Holman Fenwick Willan


Kennedys


Integra Technical Limited


Liberty


Chaucer


Navigators (the Hartford)


Zurich


Argenta


Aegis


Chubb Turkey


International General Insurance Co. (UK) Ltd


Chubb European Group SE


Ascot Underwriting Limited


Charles Taylor


Munich Re


CV Star


Türkiye Sigorta A.Ş.


Eureko Sigorta A.Ş.


Work highlights


Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants

Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants has core expertise in the shipping and transport practice areas, with experience in assisting protection and indemnity insurers/clubs, hull and machinery insurers in all aspects. The firm also provides legal services regarding a wide spectrum of disputes concerning charter parties, bills of lading, cargo claims, collisions, inter-ship claims, marine pollutions and other contractual claims. The team is jointly headed by maritime experts Ergun Ersoy, Zihni Bilgehan, Emre Ersoy and Raci Alper.

Practice head(s):

Ergun Ersoy; Zihni Bilgehan; Emre Ersoy; M. Raci Alper


Testimonials

‘Extremely client- proactive, tasks fulfilled in a fast short time; valuable advice based on their practice.’

‘In-depth, very detailed analyses and advice.’

Key clients

West of England (P&I) Club


Steamship Mutual (P&I) Club


The Swedish Club


UK Mutual (P&I) Club


Britannia (P&I) Club


TT P&I Club


Gard P&I Club


North of England (P&I) Club


Aurora P&I Club


Japan P&I Club


TT Club


Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group


Integra Brokers


If P&C Insurance Company Ltd.


Thomas Miller Specialty


Cattolica Assicurazioni


SIAT Assicurazioni


Generali Italia


Norwegian Hull Club


Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty


RSA Royal Sun Alliance


The Travelers Insurance


Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance


CertAsig Insurance and Reinsurance


State Corporation Deposit Insurance Agency


Al Bahriah Insurance and Reinsurance SAL


Work highlights


  • Represented the insurers of M/V BENITAMOU in complex administrative, civil and criminal proceedings in relation to a major collision incident which occurred in Turkish waters.
  • Assisted the insurers of the M/T SYN ZANIA with a number of different multi-million USD claims and legal proceedings associated with the explosion and fire incident in Aliaga.
  • Represented Carina P&I club in their application for getting accredited as a P&I insurer by the Ministry of Transport of Turkey.

Gün + Partners

Gün + Partners provides the full scope of services within the insurance industry, including insurance litigation, insurance regulation, insurance contracts and M&A advisory. Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın  co-heads the practice and advises on the localisation of insurance policy wordings, professional liability policies in addition to conducting reinsurance claims. Görkem Bilgin , the team's other co-lead, assists local and international insurance companies from a regulatory aspect.

Practice head(s):

Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın; Görkem Bilgin


Testimonials

‘Attentive and collaborative.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a global technology company in a recourse action initiated by the insurance company due to the losses of the insured caused by the explosion of the client’s device.

Küçükislamoğlu Partners

Küçükislamoğlu Partners advises clients on projects and reassurance work, in addition to handling contentious matters in arbitrations and courts. The lawyers are ‘experts on insurance matters following every legal and commercial aspect of the industry’ with particular experience in motor insurance issues. Mehmet Burak Küçükislamoğlu represents several reputable companies in the fleet sector including Hedef Filo and Altur Turizm; he co-leads the team alongside İbrahim Can Narin who is well-versed in transactional matters.

Practice head(s):

Mehmet Burak Küçükislamoğlu; Ibrahim Can Narin


Testimonials

‘The KN & Partners team is very good at answering our questions about commercial legal issues. They have a team which can successfully operate the commercial works and they make our job a lot easier. Comparing to other firms, they are a lot better in communication because they give us answers which are very detailed and we can say it with great sincerity that they are really very professional. The service which they provide is very high quality and unique.’

‘Friendly team and analytical mindset.’

‘We are so glad that we are working with one of the best law firms in insurance in Turkey. Anything about insurance law is in their scope and we go to them with various questions. Car insurance law is what we are mostly in need and we are so happy that they have very special abilities and a perfect expertise regarding this field. We know that they have been working with fleet companies for a very long time and this makes them a perfect option for firms which are seeking a law firm specialized in insurance.’

Key clients

Ortakoy Otomotiv San. Tic. A.Ş.


Ekol Otomotiv Petrol Nakliyat San. Tic. A.Ş.


Atako Desrek Araç Kiralama ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Borlease Otomotiv A.Ş.


Popycar Araç Kiralama A.Ş.


Lider Turizm A.Ş.


Hedef Arac Kiralama A.Ş.


Burgan Finansal Kiralama A.Ş.


Fevzi Gandur Lojistik A.Ş.


HDY Filo Kiralama A.Ş.


Netlog Lojistik A.Ş.


Gürses Motorlu Araçlar Alım Satım Ticaret A.Ş.


Netur Otomotiv Seyahat Acentası İnşaat Taahhüt ve Turizm Sanayi Ticaret Limited Şirketi


Transay Taşımacılık Ve Personel Hizmetleri Tic. A.Ş.


Travis Luxury Driving Services


Sistem Otomotiv


Sümer Seyahat ve Turizm A.Ş.


Türkiye Sigorta A.Ş.


Ray Sigorta A.Ş.


Guvence Hesabi


Türkiye Motorlu Taşıt Bürosu


Burgan Bank A.Ş.


Magdeburger Sigorta A.Ş.


 


Work highlights


Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office

The insurance practice at Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office handles a range of issues such as transactions, regulatory filings, insurance operation matters and compliance with non-admitted insurance activities. The firm advises clients including insurers and pension companies, insurance brokers and support service providers. Gokhan Enkur heads the team and focuses on life insurance, pensions, bancassurance and insurance brokerage work.

Practice head(s):

Gokhan Enkur


Testimonials

‘PAE has consistently demonstrated a deep knowledge of the insurance regulatory landscape in Turkey in the transactional context.’

‘Gokhan Enkur is always a pleasure to work with. He is responsive, knowledgeable and able to distill issues in a clear and helpful manner.’

‘Good expertise.’

‘Gökhan Enkür is very supportive.’

Key clients

Cigna Corporation


Lockton Overseas Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Lockton Overseas Limited in relation to its acquisition of a 100% stake in OMN Danismanlık Hizmetleri A.S.
  • Represented Cigna Danismanlık Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi within the scope of regulatory procedures before Turkish Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency.
  • Advised Arthur J. Gallagher & Co in relation to its acquisition of certain parts of Willis Towers Watson Plc’s Turkish treaty reinsurance business by way of an asset deal.

TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE

TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE has a diverse client portfolio consisting of global and domestic insurance companies, shipowners, road, sea and air carriers, charterers H&M insurers and P&I clubs. Fedex Turkey and AXA Insurance Turkey are among the high-profile clients being represented by the group. The practice is co-led by Savas Inandioglu , who deals with a number of dispute resolution matters, alongside Cem Topdemir and Nil Tutuncuoglu who respectively focus on actions arising from transport insurance policies.

Practice head(s):

Savas Inandioglu; Cem Topdemir; Nil Tutuncuoglu


Testimonials

‘They are also very strong in collection during recourse process.’

‘Savas Inandioglu has vast knowledge both in insurance and transport law which enables us to benefit from his knowledge and experience as to both areas in the same time.’

‘She can provide quick and proper assistance in spite of short notices given.’

Key clients

Mapfre Insurance Turkey


Gulf Insurance Turkey


HDI Insurance Turkey


AXA Insurance Turkey


Mapfre Global Risks


Turkish Association of Insurance Agents


Audi BKK


Atradius Turkey


Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Group


Eureko Insurance Turkey


Zurich Insurance Turkey


AIG Insurance Turkey


Allianz Insurance Spain


DB Insurance


KB Insurance


Work highlights


  • Advised Port/Terminal Operators Liability and property Insurer of Marport Terminal in Istanbul on a vessel collision and reviewed the draft LoU.
  • Reviewed all General Average Guarantees and filled them for our client HDI Insurance Turkey and Mapfre Insurance Turkey.
  • Reviewed and revised the rescue contract for MY Albina Girl, a yacht insured by our client.

Yavuz & Uyanik

Yavuz & Uyanik works on national and international oriented cases arising from different kinds of insurance policies with expertise in construction insurance, fire insurance, workplace insurance, transportation and liabilities. The team also deals with lawsuits and arbitration procedures regarding Motor Third Party Liability and freight insurance. The practice is jointly headed by Mehmet Selim Yavuz and Can Hasan Yılgür  who are experienced in disputes arising out of insurance policies.

Practice head(s):

Mehmet Selim Yavuz; Can Hasan Yılgür


Testimonials

‘Yavuz & Uyanik insurance team offers us the fastest, most competent and most effective legal solutions, taking into account various disputes and our daily legal investigations.’

‘We have been working directly with Can Hasan Yilgür on various insurance disputes. Due to the fact that our insurance disputes require detailed assessment and the fastest action, Can Hasan Yilgür takes care of us and lends assistance whenever we require it.’

‘They manage their processes very well. Speed. They take action and give maximum importance to the company’s interests. Their level of legal knowledge is very good. The results obtained from the files in the follow-up are much better than other companies.’

‘We mainly work with them on recovery and claim in suit. They follow the cases closely and provide timely updates. They do have good network, in case of any urgent legal issues around Turkey, they can help in solving the issue.’

‘Solution oriented, fast turnaround.’

‘Honest, reliable and hard-working.’

‘Yavuz & Uyanik are experts in their own field, dynamic and fast. They can take and implement decisions, respond to the instant needs and problems of their clients in a timely, accurate, practical and fast manner. It is a team that can produce solutions.’

Key clients

Dubai Insurance


HDI Insurance


Groupama Insurance


Gulf Insurance


Axa Insurance


Ray Insurance


Türkiye Insurance


Allianz Insurance


Doğa Insurance


Sompo Insurance


Şeker Insurance


Work highlights