A Look At Coverage Disputes (With Jonathan Corman) (Podcast)

The Strait of Hormuz has become a critical flashpoint for global maritime trade following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran in 2026. With approximately one-fifth of global oil trade passing through this vital waterway, commercial shipping now operates under unprecedented security threats including missile attacks, drone strikes, and mine risks. Marine insurance premiums have skyrocketed from 0.125% to as high as 10% of vessel values, fundamentally altering the economics of Gulf trade and forcing th

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority have unveiled Stage 1 of a new tailored regulatory framework for insurance captives, designed to be proportionate, competitive, and reflective of captives' lower risk profiles. With consultations closing in October 2026 and implementation targeted for mid-2027, the regime promises streamlined authorisation, bespoke capital requirements, and simplified supervision—but will it be enough to compete with established offshore jurisdic

Allegations of fraud against directors or officers frequently give rise to coverage issues under D&O insurance, particularly if insurers perceive that if the fraud allegations were true...

The offshore wind industry faces unprecedented insurance challenges as it scales rapidly to meet global energy demands. With subsea cable failures, design defects, and evolving technologies creating complex coverage issues, insurers and wind farm operators must navigate LEG exclusions, series loss clauses, and contingent business interruption claims. How can the insurance market balance risk limitation with the viability of this critical renewable energy sector?

Swedish Insurtech Lassie has launched in the UK with a revolutionary pet insurance model that combines AI-powered claims processing, gamified health rewards, and personalized pet care guidance through a single app. The platform promises to settle claims in just six minutes and offers a prevention-first approach that could fundamentally reshape the traditional pet insurance market. With over 20 million UK pets currently uninsured, Lassie's innovative approach may finally bridge the gap between pet owners and

UK motor insurers paid a record £3.2 billion in claims during Q2 2026, marking a 7% year-on-year increase as average claims reached £4,900. While Advanced Driver Assistance Systems reduce collision frequency, sophisticated vehicle technology is driving repair costs significantly higher, creating profitability challenges for insurers navigating the transition to autonomous vehicles.

In a landmark ruling, the English Commercial Court has determined that insurers must continue advancing defence costs under D&O policies even when fraud allegations are pending, provided a non-avoidance clause is present. The decision addresses whether such clauses violate public policy and establishes that insurers cannot withhold coverage until fraud is either admitted or proven by final court decision.

When can insurers' claims handlers' correspondence and documents be disclosed in English arbitration or court proceedings? This article examines the boundaries of Legal Professional Privilege and explores the circumstances under which materials produced by P&I Club and H&M claims handlers may be subject to disclosure obligations, even when the insurer is not a party to the proceedings.

The FCA has published its final report on the distribution of pure protection products, examining firms' fair value assessments under the Consumer Duty and PROD 4. The regulator found significant gaps in how insurers and intermediaries evidence their fair value conclusions, particularly around commission structures and guaranteed acceptance over 50s products, signaling that supervisory action will follow for firms with weak frameworks.

Having begun market beta-testing of its reinsurance blockchain prototype at the Monte Carlo Rendezvous last month, the Blockchain Industry Initiative, B3i, has grown the number of participants...

The collapse of Woodville Consultants Ltd has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the rapidly expanding litigation funding market, which operates largely outside mainstream financial regulation. With nearly £300 million owed to retail investors and questionable lending practices to law firms, the case raises critical questions about investor protection, regulatory oversight, and the future balance of power in funded litigation.

UK banks face the prospect of a new windfall tax as campaigners push for additional levies on strong reported profits, while industry leaders warn of potential consequences for lending, investment, and the UK's position as a global financial centre. This analysis examines the practical implications of adding another layer to an already complex sector-specific tax regime that includes corporation tax, banking surcharge, and bank levy.

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has issued new guidance on how it will enforce restrictions on advertising less healthy food and drink products online and on television. Through several July 2026 rulings involving major brands like M&M's, Domino's, and KFC, the ASA clarified when the 'brand advertising exemption' applies and when product imagery crosses the line into depicting specific restricted products.

A copyright infringement case in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court examines how damages should be calculated when a defendant used thousands of photographs from Max Power magazine on social media to build a following and promote commercial events. The court's decision provides important guidance on determining reasonable licence fees for social media use and the application of IPEC's costs cap provisions.

The Supreme Court examined whether a contractor could terminate a construction contract following two late payments by the employer, even though the first payment was made within the contractual cure period. The case centered on interpreting standard JCT contract termination provisions and whether a 'repeated default' clause required an earlier accrued right to terminate.

When HMRC issued an information notice demanding a UK subsidiary's US parent company financial statements in a transfer pricing enquiry, the First-tier Tribunal had to determine whether such documents were reasonably required and whether the subsidiary had the power to obtain them. The case examines the boundaries of HMRC's information-gathering powers and the practical limits of corporate group relationships.

Directors face renewed scrutiny over their duties when companies trade at a loss, as the Court of Appeal clarifies the boundaries of fiduciary responsibility and the Insolvency Service reports record enforcement actions. Meanwhile, pension trustees grapple with complex affordability tests for inflation-linked increases, and employers confront stricter standards for part-time worker treatment and equal pay transparency.

The ASA's recent rulings against major fashion retailers Adidas, UNIQLO, and Calvin Klein reveal a strict regulatory stance on environmental claims, particularly regarding "recycled" and "organic" product descriptions. These decisions demonstrate that consumers interpret such terms as absolute claims about entire products, requiring comprehensive substantiation. Retailers must now carefully frame environmental claims with precise qualifications or risk regulatory action.

Construction sector administrations fell for the second consecutive month in August, while new guidance on environmental delivery plans offers developers an alternative route to meeting environmental obligations. Meanwhile, major regeneration projects in Derby and Luton signal continued investment in UK infrastructure despite ongoing industry challenges.

The Singapore Court of Appeal has reaffirmed how courts handle disputed debts involving arbitration clauses, while the Singapore International Arbitration Centre has introduced its Restructuring and Insolvency Arbitration Protocol. These developments significantly impact creditors and debtors when arbitration and insolvency proceedings intersect, establishing clearer boundaries for winding-up applications and strengthening protections against abuse of process.