Insurance is one of the core focuses of Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu and it is a market leader in transport sector insurance matters in particular. The team acts for both companies and insurers and has a strong client base across Europe; London, where the partners have strong reputations, is a particularly rich source of instructions. Dilek Bektasoglu Sanli advises on directors' and officers' insurance, professional negligence, banker's blanket bond policies and third-party liability, among other areas. She co-leads the practice with liability and indemnity specialist Burcu Celikcapa Bilgin and Feyzi Ercin, who has a strong track record of acting for reinsurers. Counsel Pelin Erkut provides support on the full range of high-profile matters.
Insurance in Turkey
Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu
Practice head(s):
Feyzi Erçin; Burcu Çelikçapa Bilgin; Dilek Bektaşoğlu Sanlı
Other key lawyers:
Pelin Erkut; Neslişah Borandı
Testimonials
‘Burcu Çelikçapa Bilgin invariably provides an opinion that is clear and answers the questions raised by the client whilst understanding the commercial factors at play.’
‘They have a very good team. The members are specialised in their field, good at building the client relationship, closely follow the cases and are very helpful.’
‘Very good at insurance law. Good contacts. Close follow up.’
‘Excellent local knowledge and connections within the Turkish insurance sector. Tremendous depth of experience across the team, in a field of law where there are very few experts in Turkey.’
‘Feyzi Erçin and Pelin Erkut are very responsive, commercial and able to cut to the thrust of the issues.’
‘EBB are proactive expert lawyers with good commercial acumen.’
‘Feyzi Erçin and Neslişah Borandı are a great team. They provide concise, easy-to-follow advice and always make themselves available to discuss the case.’
Key clients
Kennedys Law LLP
Clyde & Co.
Reynolds Porter Chamberlain
AIG
Chubb
Gulf
TokiaMarinekiln
QBE
Mapfre
HDI Global SE
Charles Taylor Adjusting
AXA XL
Özdirekcan Dündar Senocak Attorney Partnership
Özdirekcan Dündar Senocak Attorney Partnership acts for a host of international insurance companies and financial institutions, with a particular focus on insurtech matters, regulatory issues, distribution models, product structuring and claim settlement. Its strong presence in cross-border matters is bolstered by the firm’s relationship with Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I and bancassurance deals have been a recent area of strength and prominence. Arpat Senocak is the well-regarded practice head with an established client base of various stakeholders in the Turkish insurance market.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Mehmet Kosoglu
Testimonials
‘The team stand out for the quality and comprehensiveness of their analysis.’
‘I have worked with Arpat Şenocak on various complex matters throughout the years. He has excelled in steering discussions in a subtle manner and creating the rapport among stakeholders to close deals.’
‘Established and very experienced team.’
‘Great know-how and experience in the insurance and pension sector. Özdirek Dündar Şenocak is our first and only choice to get legal advice and support. They always take a 360-degree view of the situation to cover all the risks and provide solutions that are in keeping with our company strategies.’
‘Always hands on, effective follow-up on projects, committed to deadlines, accessible, great negotiation skills as well as sector-specific expertise. Arpat Şenocak has years of practice in the industry with great contacts with the regulator.’
Key clients
AXA Sigorta
AXA Hayat ve Emeklilik
BNP Paribas Cardif Hayat Sigorta
BNP Paribas Cardif Sigorta
BNP Paribas Cardif Emeklilik
BNP Paribas Cardif
BPF Acentelik ve Aracilik Hizmetleri
Euler Hermes Sigorta
Euler Hermes (Italy)
Groupama Sigorta
Groupama Hayat
Groupama Holding Filiales et Participations
Helvetia Swiss Insurance Company
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group
NN Hayat ve Emeklilik
Orange Sigorta Aracılık Hizmetleri
Reinsurance Group of America
TEB Arval
Türkiye Hayat ve Emeklilik
Türkiye Sigorta
Work highlights
- Advised BNP Paribas Cardif Sigorta on the negotiation and structuring of a bancassurance deal with Turkish TEB Bank.
- Assisted Türkiye Sigorta with the drafting and negotiation of bancassurance arrangements with various banks.
- Advised AXA’s Turkish subsidiaries on the negotiation and structuring of distribution relationships with several Turkish banks.
Sahan Law Office
Sahan Law Office‘s dedicated insurance practice acts for insurance, reinsurance and pension companies, insurance brokers, agencies and financial institutions, covering the full gamut of matters from claims and litigation to regulatory compliance. Long-term clients include major international insurers such as Zurich, Chubb and Gulf Insurance, and the team also has a steady stream of new clients. Insurance specialist Abdülkadir Şahan leads on all matters, and draws on his experience in preparing legislation while working for the Turkish government, as well as a decade of insurance-focused private practice.
Practice head(s):
Abdülkadir Şahan
Other key lawyers:
Yurdanur Yıldızhan
Key clients
Gulf Insurance
Aksigorta
Chubb Group
Zurich Insurance
Bupa Acıbadem Insurance
Katılım Life and Pension
Aktifbank
Sigortayeri Insurance Brokerage
TDB Insurance Brokerage
Boğaziçi Brokerage
Digital Care
Oyak Group Insurance Brokerage
VDF Insurance Agency
Andıç Eriş Attorney Partnership
Insurance consultancy and dispute resolution boutique Andıç Eriş Attorney Partnership has over 20 years’ experience acting for insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers, intermediaries and corporate policyholders in the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. Insurance litigation is a particular strength and the team is acting in a number of the market’s highest-value disputes. Founding partner Ayşegül Andıç has extensive experience of advising insurance companies, both in house and in private practice; she co-leads the team alongside Mete Can Eriş, who focuses on regulatory compliance.
Practice head(s):
Ayşegül Andıç; Mete Can Eriş
Other key lawyers:
Pınar Erçetin; Yasemin Oğuz
Testimonials
‘We worked with Andıç Eriş on a highly complicated and detailed insurance case. We were concerned about how to deal with the issues but the Andıç Eriş team dedicated their time to our case, studied it closely and guided us through all the steps.’
‘We worked mostly with Aysegül Andıç and Yasemin Oğuz. Their dedication to our case, availability whenever the circumstances required and hard work was highly appreciated.’
Key clients
Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu
Liberty Specialty Markets
Kalehan Energy Group
Koalay.com Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers
Telesure Kurumsal Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers
Hesapkurdu Payment Consultancy
Gulf Insurance
Sompo Japan Insurance Turkey
EMAAR Properties
Akin Textiles
Alka Galvanics
Work highlights
- Advised reinsurer Liberty Specialty Markets on claims arising from employers’ liability policies.
- Represented Kalehan Energy Group in the resolution of an insurance claim arising from the loss occurring during the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, resulting in a $16m settlement.
- Representing Kuzey Marmara Motorway against the insurers in a construction loss claim of approximately $50m.
Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki
Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki has been steadily increasing its presence in the insurance market, acting for both insurance companies and corporates in litigation and advising on regulatory issues. Senior associate Ece Çakırel Eşkinat has solid experience in the sector and an especially strong client base in the insurtech space. She provides support on the full range of matters, while practice head Doğan Eymirlioğlu has a corporate and commercial focus.
Practice head(s):
Doğan Eymirlioğlu
Other key lawyers:
Ece Çakırel Eşkinat; Gülistan Baltacı Hatay
Key clients
Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği (Mersin International Port)
Navigators Insurance
United Insurance Brokers (UIB)
Integra Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi for Sun Express
NN Hayat ve Emeklilik
Work highlights
- Assisting NN Hayat with regulatory and structuring advice regarding the development of a new healthcare assistance programme.
- Advising UIB, the broker of Mersin International Port and Navigators (MIP), on legal proceedings commenced against MIP with several recourse claims seeking compensation for damages incurred due to heavy rain causing severe flooding.
- Advising Integra Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi’s client Gunes Ekspres (SunExpress) on the provision of additional protection that it can offer to its directors and officers in light of the limitations in its D&O policy.
Baysal & Demir
Pelin Baysal co-founded Baysal & Demir in March 2021 after leaving Gün + Partners and heads its strong insurance offering; she is described by clients as ‘a favourite of the London insurance market‘ and is one of Turkey’s leading dedicated practitioners in the sector. The team is primarily active in insurance disputes, reflecting the wider firm’s strength in contentious matters. Supporting Baysal in the full range of work, Ilgaz Önder is the senior associate contact to note.
Practice head(s):
Pelin Baysal
Other key lawyers:
Ilgaz Önder
Testimonials
‘This is an excellent, and rare, insurance-focused boutique firm in Turkey. They are a favourite of the London insurance market.’
‘Pelin Baysal is a star – she really understands insurance and knows how the London market works. She is our go-to person in Turkey.’
‘They have unique insight into the Turkish insurance market, as well as the litigation market.’
‘Pelin Baysal delivers to-the-point legal advice which is easy to understand and to act on. Furthermore, she is easy to get in contact with, and we have good collaboration.’
Key clients
International General Insurance Co. (UK)
Chubb European Group
Ascot Underwriting
Charles Taylor
Munich Re
Kennedys
Cooley
CV Star
Work highlights
- Representing Turkish insurers and global reinsurers in a policy coverage dispute arising from the collapse of Turkey’s largest tunnel.
- Acting for an American multinational finance and insurance corporation in an ICC arbitration arising out of a satellite failure.
- Representing International General Insurance Co (UK) and Chubb in a recourse action against two Turkish finance institutions regarding their misappropriation and violation of banking regulations.
Durukan Hukuk Burosu
Durukan Hukuk Burosu has a ‘very broad perspective and a strong team in insurance law‘, advising clients in the insurance sector on corporate governance and regulatory matters; it also has a strong presence in high-value insurance litigation, and is often instructed by international firms in cross-border cases involving Turkish law. Kerem Karabucak, Mahmut Barlas and Nedim Durukan are ‘very knowledgeable on insurance-related matters‘ and jointly lead the team.
Practice head(s):
Mahmut Barlas; Kerem Karabucak; Nedim Durukan; Isikcan Eryavuz
Other key lawyers:
Buse Uygun
Testimonials
‘Each team member I have dealt with has been competent, friendly and attentive. There is a feeling of strong team work and team spirit, which is reflected in the work. It’s a very reliable team. Whether by e-mail or on the telephone, the team is always available.’
‘It is quite easy to establish cooperation with Durukan. The team consists of successful and talented lawyers. They manage many issues using virtual intelligence, and matters proceed quickly and accurately.’
‘Durukan provides high-quality legal services in insurance-related matters, with a wide range of knowledge. They clearly respond to our inquiries in a timely manner. Their large and qualified team and usage of all kinds of systems for legal services makes their practice unique.’
‘Kerem Karabucak has great communication skills and deep knowledge of the insurance sector in Turkey.’
‘Durukan’s expert lawyers have been advising on insurance law for many years. Their detailed follow-up of the case files, their satisfactory and clear answers to questions, and wide network of law firm contacts distinguishes them from other firms.’
‘Timely and comprehensive legal support on all kinds of insurance litigation matters. Advice is well communicated and well organised. Kerem Karabucak, Mahmut Barlas and Nedim Durukan are very knowledgeable on insurance-related matters.’
‘They have a very broad perspective and a strong team in insurance law. They are our main law firm partner and have a full-service team.’
‘Mahmut Barlas is extremely communicative and responsive, as well as knowledgeable, making him a reliable person to work with.’
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
Bilim Pharmaceuticals
Den-Ar Marine and Ocean Research
Zurich Insurance Turkey
Turkiye Insurance
BLM Law
Lydian
Global Benefits Group
Gulf Insurance
CREA Insurance
Elatek Kaucuk Turkey
Work highlights
- Representing the policyholder, Elatek Kaucuk, in a product liability and recall claim involving recall of approximately 40,000 cars from 25 different countries.
- Acting for Zurich Insurance UK, via DAC Beachcroft, in providing reinsurance policy coverage advice and handling a subrogation claim for $2.5m.
- Acting for Andolu Insurance in a $40m dispute with Eregli Demir Celik.
Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants
Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants draws on its expertise in the maritime and broader transport sector to assist insurers and companies in contentious matters. The team is led by experienced partners Ergün Ersoy and Zihni Bilgehan and senior associates Raci Alper and Emre Ersoy. Clients include both major international insurance companies and asset owners in the shipping industry.
Practice head(s):
Ergün Ersoy; Zihni Bilgehan; Emre Ersoy; Raci Alper
Testimonials
‘I was very positively impressed by the dedication and efforts made by the firm in this delicate situation. The attention and care they devoted to the matter was really amazing.’
‘Raci Alper, Emre Ersoy and Zihni Bilgehan all put in huge efforts on the matter, but Raci Alper and Emre Ersoy particularly impressed us for with speed and quality of their responses, which was needed in the particular circumstances.’
‘I have dealt with Raci Alper on quite a few occasions now. He is very approachable, provides fast and impeccable advice and his English is as good as any native speaker.’
‘Thorough knowledge of the Turkish legal system, especially in the shipping sector.’
‘The lawyers at Ersoy Bilgehan give prompt and clear advice on claims.’
‘Any individual I have worked with at Ersoy Bilgehan has been very professional and knowledgeable in the relevant areas of law and has provided clear advice and assistance. They are also very quick to respond to queries raised.’
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
Carina P&I
Japan P&I
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
Work highlights
- Assisting Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association with a number of different claims and legal proceedings associated with an explosion and fire at a shore terminal in Aliağa.
- Advised Al Bahriah Insurance and Reinsurance on the administrative processes and settlement negotiations following a vessel’s grounding off the coast of Bozcaada.
- Advising West of England Insurance Services (Luxembourg) on various legal issues arising from a cargo vessel collision in the Marmara Sea.
Gün + Partners
Gün + Partners has key strengths in insurance litigation, regulation, contracts and M&A support, acting for a number of major international insurers and reinsurers. Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın heads the department and can bring her civil litigation experience to bear on the insurance group’s contentious matters, as well as advising on the localisation of insurance policy wording and professional liability policies. Managing associate Asena Aytuğ Keser is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın
Other key lawyers:
Asena Aytuğ Keser
Testimonials
‘Responsive and pragmatic.’
‘Commercially aware.’
Work highlights
- Advising the reinsurers through Sedgwick International on court proceedings initiated due to a fatal accident at a motorway construction site, regarding policy coverage, identification of liable parties and settlement negotiations with the family members of the deceased.
- Representing 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.
- Representing Servet Gürkan in two separate court proceedings arising from the sale of the client’s shares in the Turkish subsidiary of a global insurance brokerage company and his employment relationship with the global insurance company after the acquisition.
KN & Partners
KN & PARTNERS acts for both insurers and companies in insurance litigation and arbitration and has a strong presence in domestic matters, counting state-owned insurance company Türkiye Sigorta as a key client. The fleet sector is a particularly strong area for the team, which often assists companies in negotiations with insurers. Corporate and commercial law expert Mehmet Burak Küçükislamoğlu co-leads the practice with İlayda Ocak.
Practice head(s):
Mehmet Burak Küçükislamoğlu; İlayda Ocak
Key clients
Ortakoy Otomotiv San. Tic AŞ
Ekol Otomotiv Petrol Nakliyat
Atako Desrek Araç Kiralama
Borlease Otomotiv
Popycar Araç Kiralama
Lider Turizm
Hedef Arac Kiralama
Burgan Finansal Kiralama
Fevzi Gandur Lojistik
HDY Filo Kiralama
Netlog Lojistik
Gürses Motorlu Araçlar Alım
Netur Otomotiv Seyahat Acentası İnşaat Taahhüt ve Turizm
Transay Taşımacılık Ve Personel Hizmetleri.
Travis Luxury Driving Services
Sistem Otomotiv
Sümer Seyahat ve Turizm
Türkiye Sigorta
Ray Sigorta
Guvence Hesabi
Türkiye Motorlu Taşıt Bürosu
Burgan Bank
Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office
Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office assists its international client base with advice on a range of insurance products and regulatory matters, as well as advising on corporate day-to-day issues and transactions. Practice head Gökhan Enkür has a broad international corporate and commercial practice; and counts Cigna and Lockton Overseas among his most active clients.
Practice head(s):
Gökhan Enkür
Other key lawyers:
Senem Sarac
Testimonials
‘They are very diligent and stick to their deadlines. Gökhan Enkür is our primary contact in insurance and corporate matters and I recommend him for his responsiveness and professional approach.’
‘PAE has a good team that tries to offer the most detailed solution to all legal problems. They work very collaboratively.’
‘PAE are different because of the quality of the team and individuals. They have very good experience and they always do their best for clients.’
Key clients
Cigna Corporation
Lockton Overseas
ACWA Energy
Work highlights
- Advising Cigna Corporation and Cigna Nederland Gamma on negotiations with QNB Finansbank (the Turkish subsidiary of Qatar National Bank) on amendments to the existing joint venture agreements related to Cigna Saglik Hayat ve Emeklilik.
- Assisting Lockton Overseas with its existing partnership with Omni Sigorta ve Reasürans Brokerlik Hizmetleri and the corporate steps within the scope of the parties’ post-completion obligations.
- Advised Cigna Danismanlık Hizmetleri on the regulatory application processes before the Turkish Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency, further to the relinquishment of its insurance licences and winding down of its insurance operations.
TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE
TILEGAL – TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE continues to be a solid choice for insurers in major accident claims, particularly in the transport sector. The team handles claims from the earliest stages through to any resulting disputes and its key clients include Mapfre Insurance, HDI Insurance and Axa Insurance. Managing partner Savas Inandioglu, who excels in insurance and transportation matters, co-heads the practice with Cem Topdemir, who has expertise in foreign law.
Practice head(s):
Savas Inandioglu; Cem Topdemir
Testimonials
‘With his experience in the industry, Savas Inandioglu knows how to instil confidence in his clients.’
Key clients
Mapfre 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 Mapfre Insurance Turkey, as the insurer of Marport Terminal in Istanbul, on a shipping accident claim.
- Advised HDI Insurance Turkey and Mapfre Insurance Turkey on the fallout of a cargo fire.
- Assisted Mapfre Insurance Turkey with a yachting accident claim.
Yavuz & Uyanik
Yavuz & Uyanik assists an international and domestic client base that includes some of the largest insurers in the market, acting in contentious matters arising from a wide variety of insurance products as well as disputes relating to M&A in the insurance sector. Mehmet Selim Yavuz and Can Hasan Yılgür jointly lead the department.
Practice head(s):
Mehmet Selim Yavuz; Can Hasan Yılgür
Testimonials
‘Every member of the Yavuz & Uyanik team has a great understanding of the law, and all of them, from interns to the heads of department, work in coordination with each other, which we believe is critical for intra-office organisation. In addition, they are a very client-oriented law firm, which allows us to exchange ideas with them before devising a strategy. By always being ready to collaborate, they never contradict our position and they always have backup plans.’
‘We appreciate Can Hasan Yilgür’s compassion, which shows that he genuinely wants to help to resolve our problems. We believe that is a quality that stands out.’
‘First of all, we want to point out that the Yavuz & Uyanik team pay in-depth attention to all transactions that protect our interests. Each member of the team is very passionate and attentive to helping us with our legal problems. In addition to their enthusiasm, they are also very well organised as a team. Each team member has a great amount of knowledge and they certainly reflect this legal expertise in their working strategies and methods.’
‘We have had the chance to work with all the team members of Yavuz & Uyanik and we believe that they all stand out for their expertise in the field.’
‘The team is fast and result oriented.’
‘The Yavuz & Uyanik team serve us capably and responsibly, which we believe is crucial. The lawyers have great organisational and problem-solving abilities, which enables them to find quick and effective solutions for the complex issues we face during and even after the legal process.’
‘We genuinely trust Can Hasan Yilgür. His experience in this area of law combined with his leadership and project management abilities and good communication skills are the qualities we value most in him.’
Key clients
Dubai Starr Sigorta
HDI (Ergo) Sigorta
Groupama Sigorta
Gulf Sigorta
Axa Sigorta
Ray Sigorta
Türkiye Sigorta
Allianz Sigorta
Doğa Sigorta
Sompo Sigorta