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The claims inflation seen in the market over recent years continues to pose a significant risk in relation to underinsurance, putting brokers at risk of negligence claims where an insured finds its cover insufficient to compensate for its losses. Industry research indicates that over 40% of commercial properties are underinsured, and claims managers are increasingly having to have difficult conversations with underinsured property owners. The impact of underinsured losses can be catastrophic for customers, particularly when policies contain average clauses. Insufficient property damage cover can also lead to longer business interruption periods, which are also not adequately insured. Brokers are playing a crucial role in seeking to tackle the underinsurance crisis and should continue to have frank discussions with clients and provide detailed advice on the implications of underinsurance in the event of a claim, including the application of average clauses.
Read moreLife sciences
COVID-19 continued to dominate life sciences headlines in 2024. The COVID-19 Inquiry has continued in earnest. Module 3, which focussed on the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems has recently concluded. Damning evidence has been heard about the immense toll on healthcare staff, and the detrimental impact on NHS waiting times.
Read moreProcedure, Damages and Costs
Alternative Dispute Resolution received a boost in 2024, when the Civil Procedure Rules were amended to expressly empower the court to order ADR. These changes follow the December 2023 judgment in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil [2023] EWCA Civ 1416, in which the Court of Appeal concluded that it was lawful for the court to order parties to engage in ADR, provided the process does not interfere with the parties' access to a judicial determination.
Read moreUSA
In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2025, we look at the main developments in 2024 and expected issues in 2025 for the USA.
Read moreAviation
In this this inaugural aviation chapter of the Annual Insurance Review, it would be impossible not to focus on the continuing upheaval wrought by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The aviation industry, which had largely weathered the disruption of the Covid pandemic, has been faced with new challenges since February 2022. Closure of European airspace to Russian aircraft, and of Russian airspace to aircraft from "unfriendly" countries, has forced route networks to adapt. Western sanctions which prohibited the supply of aircraft to Russian airlines have derailed longstanding relationships between Western aircraft lessors and their Russian customers. Prohibitions on the provision of insurance have similarly impacted aviation business models.
Read moreContingency
The contingency chapter of the Annual Insurance Review returns after a break. At the time of the 2022 update we expected the events market to rebound following the pandemic, although there remained lingering questions regarding entry requirements. Moving to 2024, the COVID restrictions appear to be a thing of the past, with attendance at events depending on a personal risk assessment rather than a vaccine passport or negative test. Despite the inevitable litigation following declinature of COVID claims, events and the contingency market have returned to normality.
Read morePolitical Risk and Trade Credit
For the previous two years we have started our review with commentary on the war in Ukraine and, unfortunately, its continuation means we are obliged to do so again. Last year we indicated that positions were entrenched, but as we head into 2025 it appears Ukraine's prospects are becoming gloomier. Support from the United States is likely to be less forthcoming under the new presidency and if there is still territory to be gained it is likely Russia will take advantage of this. Accordingly, underwritten assets deeper into western Ukraine are increasingly becoming at risk of the types of losses seen across the market for the last couple of years.
Read moreGeneral liability
This has been a dramatic year for cases involving fundamental dishonesty. In Williams-Henry v Associated British Ports Holdings Ltd, the King's Bench Division found that the Claimant, who had suffered a moderately severe brain injury, had dishonestly exaggerated her symptoms and attempted to inflate the value of her claim by over £1million. Although liability was admitted and, but for her dishonesty, she would still have been entitled to damages just under £600,000, the Court dismissed the whole of her claim. The Judge found that, given the extent of her deception, there would be no substantial injustice to the Claimant by her losing the genuine elements of her claim along with the dishonest ones.
Read moreWarranty & Indemnity
We predicted last year that 2024 would see deal volumes increase, owing to improving market conditions. Indeed, a pullback in inflation (and stabilisation of the cost of capital) has led to a rising M&A market, with notable growth among larger deals. Among European markets, the UK has been particularly active, reflecting perceived political stability following the decisive general election result (2024 was a bumper year for elections, too).
Read moreClass Actions and Collective redress
The UK group litigation/ class action landscape continues to expand, particularly in an environmental and consumer context. Whilst we still have no US-style "opt-out" class action regime for civil claims (opt-out class actions are only viable in respect of competition law infringements), the available mechanisms for seeking redress on behalf of multiple claimants, continue to be tested.
Read moreClimate risk and biodiversity
2024 closed with the conclusion of COP29 and COP16 conferences. COP29 continued discussions in relation to financing greener energy projects and compensation of developing countries in the Global South for loss and damage as a result of extreme weather events.
Read moreToxic Torts and Legacy Exposures
As predicted in last year's review, PFAS/ forever chemicals continued to dominate the toxic tort stage during 2024, with litigation rapidly expanding outside of the USA.
Read moreWhat 6 key challenges will insurers face in 2024?
Climate change, Artificial Intelligence and ESG top this year's predictions in latest edition of Annual insurance review from international law firm RPC
Read moreAnnual Insurance Review 2024: Procedure damages & costs
In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2024, we look at the main developments in 2023 and expected issues in 2024 for Procedure damages & costs.
Read moreAnnual Insurance Review 2024: Product liability
In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2024, we look at the main developments in 2023 and expected issues in 2024 for Product liability.
Read moreAnnual Insurance Review 2024: Construction
In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2024, we look at the main developments in 2023 and expected issues in 2024 for Construction.
Read moreAnnual Insurance Review 2023
Hello and welcome to RPC's Annual Insurance Review – a look back at the events that shaped the insurance market in 2022 and a look forward towards what to expect in 2023.
Read moreWhat are the 8 key concerns insurers will face in 2023?
Annual Insurance Review from international law firm RPC identifies ESG risks, climate change and cyber-attacks as top challenges.
Read moreWhat if the CEO asks me about… our exposure to packaging fees under EPR?
The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) (EPR) Regulations 2024 (EPR Regulations) came into force on 1 January 2025. They will affect most businesses that supply packaging in the UK, particularly brand owners of branded packaged products, and those who import branded products into the UK from overseas.
Read moreWhat if the CEO asks me about… the EU's Omnibus Directive?
On 26 February 2025, the EU Commission published its proposed Omnibus Directive, aiming to simplify EU rules, boost competitiveness and reduce the perceived regulatory burden on businesses, particularly SMEs. Here, we break down the key takeaways for busy in-house teams and discuss what we can expect next from the EU Parliament and Council.
Read moreSix steps to AI Literacy (whether legally required to or not)
At the beginning of February 2025, the AI literacy requirement under the EU AI Act came into force. The effect of this is that certain businesses must take measures to ensure a sufficient level of AI literacy in their staff.
Read moreWhat impact will the Employment Rights Bill have on the hospitality sector?
The Employment Rights Bill (the Bill) - championed as "the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation" - introduces 28 individual employment law reforms. The key changes of relevance to the hospitality sector include the implementation of "day one" rights, including unfair dismissal protection, and the end of zero-hour contracts.
Read moreCMA investigates Ticketmaster for dynamic pricing of Oasis tickets
Can dynamic pricing breach consumer protection rules?
Read moreEuropean consumer body challenges in-game premium currencies
When does the use of in-app and in-game premium currencies pose consumer regulatory issues? Does this consumer complaint herald a tightening by the EU on revenue streams for game and app developers and platforms?
Read moreCMA publishes guidance for fashion retailers on environmental claims
How best can fashion retailers protect themselves from regulatory action when making green claims?
Read moreUK pricing practices in the spotlight
What should businesses take note of recent amendments to the UK’s Price Marking Order and the CMA’s newly published report on loyalty pricing?
Read moreNews Flash: Timeline for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act
On 24 May 2024, the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) received Royal Assent.
Read moreA new era for sustainability consumer products: the EU’s new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
On 18 July 2024 the ESPR entered into force setting a framework for new ecodesign rules in the EU. It will have significant impacts for retailers and consumer brands selling products in the EU. It will introduce new minimum ecodesign requirements for specific product categories (with an initial focus on textiles), make digital product passports mandatory and set rules on the destruction of unsold products. Companies face the risk of fines, consumer claims and reputational damage for non-compliance.
Read moreProduct liability and safety legislative refurb
The current legislation governing product safety is the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), but its shortcomings, especially on tech, are evident.On 13 December 2024 the EU will be replacing the GPSD with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), and the latest King’s Speech indicated it will be replaced in the UK by a Product Safety and Metrology Bill.Separately, EU Member States are rolling out a revised Product Liability Directive (PLD) which captures the provision of software, digital services and online marketplaces.
Read moreUrgently Misleading: the CMA secures undertakings from Wowcher and £4 million of customer refunds
When does a selling practice create a false sense of urgency that is considered misleading by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)?
Read moreExemption from HFSS product restrictions for Ofcom-regulated internet protocol television (IPTV) services
What is the UK Government's proposal for the incoming HFSS restrictions in relation to IPTV advertising?
Read moreCMA targets Simba for misleading online choice architecture
What types of promotional tactics are in the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) line of sight when it comes to misleading online choice architecture?
Read moreCMA publishes draft guidance on enforcement of DMCCA consumer law
How will the CMA look to enforce the consumer protection law sections of the recently enacted Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA)?
Read moreNavigating retail's sustainable revolution as ESG shapes the industry's future
As the retail regulatory landscape continues to develop at pace and affordability and sustainability remain important for consumers, ESG poses a variety of opportunities and challenges for those in the retail and consumer market.
Read moreRetail Compass Autumn 2024
Welcome to the autumn edition of Retail Compass. This edition sees a surge of ESG-related legislative and regulatory updates. We hope to guide you through the most pressing, as well as the wider upcoming legal and policy changes affecting retail and consumer brands.
Read moreTop tips for Influencing Senior Stakeholders on Environmental Programmes: Insights from a Responsible Business Professional
Effectively influencing senior stakeholders is essential for the success of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programmes.
Read moreThe EU’s Product Liability Directive expands to cover digital technology
What changes to civil product liability have been implemented by the European Commission for defective digital products and software?
Read moreProduct Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulations: a new security regime for smart devices
What does the new cyber security regime mean for “smart” devices in the UK?
Read moreEmpowering consumers through the EU’s Green Transition Directive
What are the enhanced consumers rights arising from the EU’s Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (the Empowering Consumers Directive)?
Read moreThe EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation is set to land in December 2024
What do manufacturers and online marketplaces need to think about as the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) comes into force in December 2024?
Read moreThe Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act becomes law
What changes will the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act bring to the consumer protection and competition regulation landscape?
Read moreThe EU's Green Claims Directive
The EU's proposed Green Claims Directive (GCD) sets out expansive new rules for companies making green claims in the EU.
Read moreParliamentary 'wash up' – which Bills made it through?
On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a General Election will take place on 4 July 2024. Parliament was then prorogued on 24 May 2024 which allowed a mere 2 days for 'wash up' - the process by which outstanding bills may be rushed through the parliamentary process.
Read moreConsumer friendly compliance – guidance for retailers and consumer brands on the DMCC Bill
Following receipt of some 372 responses to the "Smarter Regulation: Improving consumer price transparency and product information for consumers" Consultation, the government has published its response in which it proposes significant amends to the Price Marking Order alongside new additions to the DMCC Bill.
Read moreHigher stakes cybercrime – prepare now
Cybercrime continues to increase and shows no signs of stopping.
Read moreFood and beverage 2050: The transition to net zero
Following publication in October 2023 of its final Disclosure Framework for private sector entities to transition to a net zero economy, the TPT published draft Food & Beverage Sector Guidance in November 2023.
Read moreVirtual advertising: a glimpse into the future
Virtual advertising and experiences are transforming the way real world property can be used by turning it into a canvas for digital content.
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