Posts tagged "Updates"

Five tips to mitigate the impact of underinsurance

April 4th, 2025 Posted by Underinsurance, Updates 0 comments on “Five tips to mitigate the impact of underinsurance”

It is estimated around 80% of businesses in the UK are underinsured1. This occurs when your current insurance cover does not cover your needs entirely, and ultimately, will not fully cover your costs in the need to make a claim. If you are underinsured, your insurer may apply the “Average” condition, where the claim amount is adjusted in proportion to the extent of underinsurance. For example, if the sum insured is 25% lower than the total value at risk, the claim payout will also be reduced by 25%. This shortfall can leave businesses vulnerable to financial losses in the event of unexpected incidents.

To ensure that your business is adequately protected, it’s important to regularly review and adjust your insurance cover to meet changing needs and risks. Here are five practical tips to help mitigate the risk of underinsurance and enhance your cover:

1. Conduct regular policy reviews

Consult with a specialist industry-specific broker to review your insurance policy at least annually, or whenever significant changes occur. This ensures that your coverage aligns with the evolving value of assets, business operations, and potential risks.

2. Obtain professional appraisals and valuations

Get updated appraisals for your property, equipment, and assets to ensure the replacement costs are accurate. This allows your broker to adjust coverage limits accordingly, providing the most appropriate protection.

3. Maintain detailed documentation

Keep thorough records of your assets by maintaining a detailed asset register/inventory and record purchases utilising cloud accounting software.

4. Conduct regular risk assessments

Work with insurance experts to assess risks specific to your business and industry. Identifying potential liabilities and risks will help you adjust your coverage to meet your specific needs.

5. Review and enhance coverage options

Speak to your insurance broker to familiarise yourself with the various cover types available, such as Business Interruption. Consider adding endorsements to your policy to cover specialist risks or to increase cover limits, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Helping you prevent underinsurance

Don’t wait until it’s too late, contact our team today to ensure your business is appropriately protected from the risks of underinsurance. Our specialist team are here to help you assess your needs and tailor the right coverage for your business.


Sources

  1. Sedgwick: The SME underinsurance crisis | Sedgwick

Cyber Attacks: How they hack in and how to block them out in 2025

March 25th, 2025 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “Cyber Attacks: How they hack in and how to block them out in 2025”

The threat landscape is becoming more expansive and intricate, covering everything from targeted ransomware to phishing. Understanding the cyber risks your business faces can be challenging, especially if you haven’t experienced an attack firsthand. As a result, many businesses may overlook the potential severity of these risks. However, 50% of UK businesses reported falling victim to a cyber-crime between 2023-20241, making it clear that managing this risk is no longer just an IT responsibility, but a key issue company-wide.

This article explains what cyber-attacks are, how they occur, and the steps we can support you with to protect your business.

What are cyber attacks?

A cyber-attack is a purposeful attempt to steal, expose, modify, disrupt, or damage data, applications, or other assets by unlawfully accessing a network, computer system, or digital device. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 20242, 50% of businesses have reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack within the past 12 months.

 Why do they happen?

There are three main categories, with each having varying motivations:

  1. Criminal

Criminal cyber attackers are driven by financial motives, aiming to profit through data breaches or disrupting business operations. Cybercriminals often use ransomware to seize data or lock devices, demanding payment from the targeted company.

  1. Personal

Disgruntled current or former employees can sometimes target their company. They may take money, steal sensitive data, or disrupt a company’s systems. This is known as a personally motivated attacker.

  1. Political

Political cyber-attacks occur in forms such as ‘cyberwarfare’. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, companies across the UK were advised to prioritise securing their online defenses. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported that the UK and its allies uncovered the ‘Snake’ malware threat, a key element in operations led by Centre 16 of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB)3. The implant has been used to gather sensitive information from targeted entities, including government networks, research institutions, and journalists, and has been identified in over 50 countries globally.

What are common cyber attacks?

Ransomware and Data Breaches

According to IBM, ransomware is the second most frequent type of cyberattack, representing 17% of all incidents4.

The most valuable asset that most companies hold in 2025 is their data. Whether a company relies on their systems to trade day to day or holds sensitive customer data, Cyber criminals know all too well that most companies cannot survive a ransomware attack for long. Ransomware attacks can result from something as simple as an employee opening an attachment in a seemingly normal-looking email. For a sophisticated cybercriminal, this is enough for ransomware to be installed on your network, giving the hacker the ability to not only shut down your network but also to access and leak data you hold.

Cybercriminals have shifted from demanding small ransoms to infiltrating networks for months, collecting data to sell or leak, and then using it to demand larger ransoms up to hundreds of thousands of pounds. In January 2024, LoanDepot, a prominent mortgage lender, was targeted by a ransomware attack that compromised the sensitive information of around 16.9 million customers, including Social Security numbers and addresses. Due to the disruption of operations and other effects of the cyberattack, LoanDepot faced an estimated $27 million in expenses for response and recovery efforts5.

Funds Transfer Fraud / Social Engineering Fraud

Almost all companies invoice clients for goods or services and work with suppliers who invoice them in return. Electronic payments can be vulnerable to cybercriminals who intercept and redirect funds to fraudulent accounts. These attacks can be perpetrated in a number of ways including:

  • Social Engineering – whereby a member of your accounts team might be tricked into paying funds into a fraudulent account, following an extremely convincing call from someone pretending to be the client/supplier and advising of a change of bank details.
  • Invoice Fraud – whereby an invoice attached to an email can be intercepted along the way, with the details changed to that of a fraudulent account before being released, seemingly with no discernible changes.

How can risks be mitigated?

77% of Cyber claims involve employee error, so training your staff is a crucial element of your Cyber risk management6. Steps can be as simple as implementing procedures, such as call-backs to a known contact before accepting a change of bank details.

Other mitigation strategies include:

  • Using reputable antivirus software and firewalls – this is your first line of defense, so maintaining a strong firewall and keeping your security software up to date is critical.
  • Patching (updating) – regular patching of vulnerable software is necessary to help prevent infection that takes advantage of out-of-date systems with known vulnerabilities.
  • Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication – this will also reduce your risk of Business Email Compromise (BEC), which is another prolific problem and can lead to downtime, reputational impact, and large financial loss.

The NCSC has provided further guidance with actions you can take to reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack whilst the threat level is heightened here.

We are here to help

Speak with one of our experts to access a complementary cyber vulnerability assessment report and to obtain a cyber quotation here.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to your cyber security strategy, or you would like a second opinion to ensure your data is as protected as possible, our sister company, Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions, offer a complimentary ‘KYND’ report, which will put you in contact with an expert team that will be happy to assess your risk.

Contact us

If you are interested in understanding how a Cyber policy could help protect your business and complement your business continuity planning, speak to a member of the team on 0208 236 5350.


Sources

  1. GOV UK: Cyber security breaches survey 2024 – GOV.UK
  2. ibid. 
  3. National Cyber and Security Centre: NCSC advises organisation to act following Russia’s attack on Ukraine
  4. IBM: What is a cyber attack?
  5. secureframe: 15 Recent Cyber Attacks & What They Tell Us About the Future of Cybersecurity
  6. Khando, Khando, et al. “Enhancing Employees Information Security Awareness in Private and Public Organisations: A Systematic Literature Review.” Computers & Security, vol. 106, no. 1, 2021, p. 102267. Sciencedirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2021.102267

Byte Back: How to protect your SME from cyber threats

March 18th, 2025 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “Byte Back: How to protect your SME from cyber threats”

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing an increase in the costs of IT services. A study by Deloitte found that 59% of businesses outsource IT services to cut these costs1, or they are managed internally by an individual or small team responsible for the business’s ‘digital estate’ and cybersecurity.

SMEs are still being disproportionately targeted by cyber criminals, with employees four times more likely to face a cyber threat than those at large organisations2. Their motives include financial gain, disruption extortion, obtaining intellectual property, or to simply observe business interactions.

What should SMEs consider implementing to help their digital and cyber resilience?

It is highly recommended that SMEs and their employees develop a digital and cyber resilience strategy to ensure the necessary cybersecurity hygiene for operating in the digital domain. This strategy should be well practiced and actionable.

Lacking the fundamentals to reduce or mitigate potential cyber risks, regardless of business size, can determine whether a company contains the issue and recovers quickly, or suffers prolonged damage that hinders recovery.

Here are potential steps an SME can consider implementing (in no specific order):

  • Conduct regular cybersecurity training and raise awareness of various social engineering tactics used by threat actors (e.g., emails, texts, phone calls, instant messaging).
  • Regularly install security patches and enable system logs.
  • Limit user permissions and controls.
  • Develop an incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plan, supported by a monitoring tool (e.g., endpoint detection and response).
  • Include an incident response retainer for proactive reviews of your environment, with support for cybersecurity incidents and threat intelligence to identify compromised user credentials on criminal forums.
  • Harden the security configurations of systems, applications, and cloud services. Ensure proper role-based access, security controls, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all platforms.
  • Backup data, including offsite and separate storage, and regularly test restore capabilities. Ensure data is encrypted for added security.

In addition to having a robust response plan, every business should consider Cyber insurance. This coverage not only helps with indemnity for incurred costs, lost revenue, or third-party liabilities, but also provides access to expert breach responders who can help restore operations and protect the company’s reputation.

How we can help

Speak with one of our experts to access a complementary cyber vulnerability assessment report and to obtain a cyber quotation here.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to your cyber security strategy, or you would like a second opinion to ensure your data is as protected as possible, our sister company, Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions, offer a complimentary ‘KYND’ report, which will put you in contact with an expert team that will be happy to assess your risk.

Contact us

If you are interested in understanding how a Cyber policy could help protect your business and complement your business continuity planning, speak to a member of the team on 0208 236 5350.


Sources 

  1. US Global Outsourcing Survey: us-global-outsourcing-survey-2022.pdf
  2. Global Threat Intelligence Report: Global Threat Intelligence Report January-June 2024 | Mimecast

Top five cyber threats to the UK motor sector

February 10th, 2025 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “Top five cyber threats to the UK motor sector”

In recent years, the UK motor sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, with rapid advances in technology which has led to the rise of connected cars, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving. However, despite this digitalisation, many long-standing operational methods remain, making the industry particularly susceptible to cyber threats.

In this article, we take a look at the top five cyber security threats that currently face the motor industry and the ways in which businesses can mitigate against them.

1. Data Breaches

The automotive industry collects and stores vast amounts of sensitive customer information, including personal details, financial records, and driving histories. This data is a prime target for cybercriminals, who exploit it for identity theft, fraud, and other illicit activities. Additionally, cyberattacks can compromise valuable intellectual property, such as pricing models and customer analytics, putting companies at risk of financial and competitive losses.

2. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to business operations by encrypting critical systems and demanding payment for their release. Beyond operational downtime, ransomware incidents also result in substantial financial losses due to ransom payments and data recovery efforts, and business interruptions.

3. Vehicle Hacking

With the rise of electric vehicles, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in vehicle software. Remote hacking can allow attackers to take control of critical functions such as braking, steering, and acceleration, creating severe safety risks. Additionally, modern vehicles collect and transmit large amounts of data, including location, driving behaviour, and diagnostics, making them attractive targets for data theft and misuse.

4. Phishing and Social Engineering

Cybercriminals frequently use phishing and social engineering tactics to manipulate employees and customers into disclosing sensitive information. Deceptive emails, fake websites, or phone scams can trick individuals into revealing login credentials, personal data, or financial details. These attacks can lead to data breaches, unauthorised transactions, and fraudulent transfers, posing a severe risk to both businesses and customers.

5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The extensive network of suppliers in the UK motor industry means that a vulnerability in one supplier could compromise the entire supply chain. Smaller suppliers with less robust cybersecurity measures are often targeted, providing attackers with entry points to larger manufacturers.

Mitigating against cyber security risks

In order to safeguard their operations, protect customer data, and maintain a strong competitive position the motor sector, businesses should consider the following ways to mitigate against the risk of cyber-attacks:

  • Strengthen IT infrastructure – invest in strong cybersecurity measures such as robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and multi-factor authentication.
  • Employee cybersecurity training – ensure your team have access to regular cybersecurity focused training with a variety of social engineering techniques, such as phishing attacks and cybersecurity.
  • Cyber incident response and recovery plans – Develop and regularly update a cyber incident response plan to ensure you know what to do in the event of an attack.
  • Compliance with data protection and privacy measures – Ensure that your business is compliant with GDPR and other relevant regulations to protect customer data.
  • Invest in cyber insurance – As well as providing protection in the event of a cyber-attack, a cyber insurance policy goes further and provides access to specialist assistance with advice about the payment or non-payment of ransomware demands and the costs associated with responding to regulatory bodies and IT forensic investigations.

By implementing these measures, businesses in the motor sector can significantly reduce their exposure to cyber threats while ensuring the safety and security of their vehicles, customers, and operational infrastructure.

To find out more about cyber insurance, please get in touch with a member of the Hamilton Leigh team on 0208 236 5350 or email info@hamiltonleigh.com

Client Case Study – Tech Consultancy

August 22nd, 2024 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “Client Case Study – Tech Consultancy”

In our latest ‘Difficult. Done Well’ case study, we take a look at how Jason Cohen, Executive Director at Hamilton Leigh, helped the CEO of a big technology business carry out a full insurance health check of their business, which led to them enhancing cover without any additional cost to the client.

Background & challenge

Jason was introduced to the CEO of the large technology consultancy business by Matt Grimsdale, who was their consulting CFO. Matt explained that the client was keen to have an insurance review due to the lack of interaction they had from their incumbent insurance broker.

In order to carry out a comprehensive review of the client’s current insurance programme, Matt provided Jason and his team an insight into the background of the company, their operations and the types of clients they work with. Matt also provided Jason with all of the client’s current insurance documentation so that he and his team could review. After carrying out a thorough review, Hamilton Leigh arranged a meeting in London with the client to go through their findings.

Solution

With the client being a tech focussed business, two core fundamental covers they had were Cyber insurance and Professional Indemnity.

When carrying out their review, Jason and his team were able to ascertain that the Cyber insurance limit was unusually low, considering they are an organisation that would rely heavily on their network infrastructure to trade efficiently. Further to this, their Professional Indemnity, whilst in place, had a gap in coverage, specifically in relation to ‘Breach of Contract’ cover, which is a vital aspect of insurance for technology businesses.

During their meeting in London, Jason asked the CEO:

  • What did their current relationship with their existing insurance broker look like?
  • How did their current renewal process work?
  • What was their understanding of the insurance marketplace for their risks?
  • How often did their incumbent broker catch up with them on a regular basis to understand what was going on in the business and if their insurance provision needed to be adapted?

The CEO told Jason that they had never met their broker.

Outcome

Following their discussion around the client’s coverage and the service proposition that Hamilton Leigh provides, the client concluded that he would like to work with Hamilton Leigh.

Upon appointment, Jason and his team were able to include and enhance cover without affecting the cost to the client. Subsequently, this business went on to sell and cited that having the correct insurances in place, alongside a responsive insurance partner like Hamilton Leigh, supported their due diligence process with the acquirer enormously.

“From the outset, Jason and the Hamilton Leigh team demonstrated a deep understanding of the various insurance products available and took the time to explain the nuances of each option. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the complex process of selecting the right coverage straightforward and stress-free, especially at a time where the business was experiencing significant change.

What truly sets Jason and Hamilton Leigh apart is their dedication to client engagement and empathy. They are always responsive and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that we have the best possible coverage at the most competitive rates.

Thanks to Jason’s guidance, we feel confident and secure in our insurance choices. His expertise has not only helped us protect our assets but also provided us with peace of mind, knowing we are well-covered.

I would highly recommend Jason and Hamilton Leigh to anyone seeking knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy insurance brokerage services. Their commitment to excellence and client-centric approach makes them a standout professional in their field.”

CEO of Tech Consultancy Client

Here to help

To find out more about how we could help support the insurance needs of your technology business, take a look at our dedicated page here and contact us on 0208 236 5350 or email JasonCohen@hamiltonleigh.com

Why your buildings may be underinsured: A guide for businesses and individuals

August 14th, 2024 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “Why your buildings may be underinsured: A guide for businesses and individuals”

Research undertaken by RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com has revealed that four in every five buildings they survey are underinsured by an average of 37%. It is a growing risk that is affecting buildings, machinery, plant, and other contents which concerns private individuals and businesses of all types and sizes.

If you have not had a professional insurance valuation in the past five years, it is highly likely that your property will be underinsured. You could face serious consequences if you have to make a claim and it is discovered that you do not have the correct level of cover in place. If this was the case, your policy will not operate as intended, delivering less indemnity than needed following a loss.

To help you understand the risks of underinsurance, our sister company, Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions, have published a guide that:

  • Explains why we are seeing more underinsurance
  • Outlines the implications of underinsurance
  • Discusses the actions you should take to prevent underinsurance
  • Offers guidance on things to consider when choosing your valuation assessor

Download the guide:

If you would like to discuss this in more detail with a member of our specialist team, please get in touch for an introduction to one of our Commercial insurance experts.

CFO CENTRE CASE STUDY

April 25th, 2024 Posted by Uncategorised 0 comments on “CFO CENTRE CASE STUDY”

Difficult. Done Well.

Read our latest case study to see how Jason Cohen, Head of Business Development at Hamilton Leigh helped a CFO Centre client in placing a global insurance programme at a competitive rate in a highly efficient timeframe.

Background

Jason Cohen began engaging with CFO Centre client, Stuart Hood, who is an international leading advisor working within the energy, refining and chemical sectors. Jason provided advice and assistance around the placement of one of Stuart’s clients’ global insurance programmes.

Challenge

The UK Limited company, with international presence, were part of a global insurance programme stemming from the US but given potential forthcoming structural changes, Stuart was keen to explore an insurance programme that stemmed from the UK and could then cover the business on the same international basis of cover.

Stuart and Jason Cohen engaged extensively to discuss the covers the business currently had in place, the markets available and the practicalities around structure of programme. It transpired that this particular year was not the right time for the business to move their insurances but nonetheless, Stuart took great value from his interaction with Jason to understand that this could be done and how.

Solution

The following year, Jason and Stuart put their plan into action and at this point Jason engaged the international team at Specialist Risk Group (SRG). On this case, matters were led by Kevin White, Account Director. Kevin and his team are incredibly experienced and knowledgeable about their markets on a global level and in almost every case give a very understated account of what they do how they do it. The truth is their service level and expertise are invaluable in such complex placements.

SRG’s international team have a vast amount of experience working with global insurance markets, this was paramount to ensuring Stuart had the most comprehensive insurance coverage which captured all elements of risk across the regions they operated within.

Following a detailed review of the Group’s insurances, which involved an in-depth gap analysis of the existing policy wordings, SRG’s international team carried out an extensive marketing exercise which included London, US, and Asian markets.

Outcome

SRG’s international team utilised their Worldwide Broker Network membership relations to ensure that the current insurers were advised of Hamilton Leigh being the newly appointed broker, and to formalise this appointment and access local markets in the US for the Professional Indemnity and Cyber policies.

Working in partnership with their US markets, SRG’s international team were able to secure continuous Cyber cover, with broader worldwide coverage at a competitive rate. Similarly with the Professional Indemnity and Directors’ and Officers’ policies, SRG’s international team negotiated competitive premium rates with insurer’s in the name of the Top Company, which was based in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring global cover for the entire group.

Stuart was incredibly complimentary of the work carried out by Jason Cohen and SRG’s international team quoting “Jason has proven to be an invaluable partner for me and various clients, supporting us in not only obtaining a competitive price but more importantly reviewing the suitability and in some circumstances adequacy of cover. On this particular case, it was vitally important that our cover remained stable and at competitive premiums. Given the more complex nature of this business case mentioned, I am very grateful to Jason and his International counterparts for making it such a seamless process.”

What to do if you are a BT Redcare customer

April 5th, 2024 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “What to do if you are a BT Redcare customer”

Following BT’s recent announcement of the withdrawal of their Redcare Alert security system, our latest blog discusses how to select a new security system.

Top five reasons your business needs Cyber insurance

September 20th, 2023 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “Top five reasons your business needs Cyber insurance”

Any business that relies on computer systems to store or transfer data is exposed to cyber risks. In today’s digital world, this is most businesses. With more businesses than ever investing in Cyber insurance, we have outlined five things to consider if your business has not purchased this type of cover

What is causing the rise in the cost of Liability claims?

August 4th, 2023 Posted by Updates 0 comments on “What is causing the rise in the cost of Liability claims?”

What are the main reasons for inflation in Liability claims?

Claims inflation continued to be a priority topic for insurers in the UK and worldwide. Increased litigation costs, increases in psychiatric injury claims, and expensive commercial care packages are creating challenges for insurers.

According to Lloyd’s of London, claims inflation refers to the change in the cost of claims of a like-for-like policy over a period1. Claims inflation is the sum of ordinary economic inflation and excess inflation.

Excess claims inflation

Excess claims inflation is the increase in the cost of a claim beyond that of ordinary economic inflation, which is driven by many different types of inflationary factors such as:

  • Advances in medical science and technology
  • Increases in certain awards of damages
  • New categories of claims
  • Professional services spend, such as experts and legal costs
  • The rising cost of energy
  • The increasing cost of care

Social inflation

In addition to the above economic excess claims inflation factors, social inflation is a subset of excess claims inflation. It is referred to as social inflation because the increased costs are largely attributed to social trends or movements. The ‘social trends’ that are increasing the volume and costs of claims include:

  • Third party litigation funding facilitating a larger group of potential claimants to bring proceedings
  • Public sentiment driving an increased willingness/appetite to make a claim
  • Increases in collective or group actions
  • A civil justice jury award system leading to nuclear verdicts
  • Shifts in the legal and regulatory environment
  • The COVID-19 pandemic
  • The cost-of-living crisis

The cost-of-living crisis, professional services spend, the cost of care, and new categories of claims are key inflationary factors driving up the volume and cost of personal injury claims. For example:

Psychiatric injury

The impact of COVID-19, greater use of social media, and the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis have been identified as some of the reasons for the increase. It is also speculated that awareness efforts have contributed to the rise in individuals seeking help for their mental health. In early 2023, the UK government announced £150 million of additional funding would be allocated to mental health services.

Employee mental health and wellbeing have also become a strategic business priority, which is now part of the ‘S’ of their ESG strategy. Simon White, ESG Director at MX Underwriting talks about what the ‘S’ means in ESG here.

Cost of care

Increasing care costs are a significant reason for claims inflation in England and Wales. This has impacted both claims for non-commercial care voluntarily provided by family and friends as well as commercial care required in more complex cases.

Commercial care costs for both directly employed and agency care have also been driven upwards by a shortage of carers and the rising cost of living. Brexit, the pandemic, and a lack of suitable candidates have helped drive these shortages at the very time when there is an increasing demand for care due to the aging population.

In addition, the care sector is suffering from high turnover rates and poor staff retention with other sectors offering better pay, more sociable hours, and better working conditions.

Advances in medical science and technology

Amputation claims have been subject to hyperinflation in recent years and there are several reasons for this trend. The costs of prosthetic devices continue to increase which can be partly attributed to continued technological developments designed to increase levels of function for amputees.

However, even without technological advancements in prosthetic devices, the market is typically seeing price increases of between 5% to 8% per annum for the same products caused by a combination of general economic pressures in the UK and limited competition in the industry.

New surgical techniques such as targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) or osseointegration (where a titanium rod is implanted into the stump to which the prosthetic is attached rather than the conventional prosthetic socket) can also add an additional layer of costs.

The recent judgments of Swift v Carpenter [2020] and Riley v Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust [2022]2 have assisted claimants in their efforts to push the legal boundaries and are often cited by leading claimant firms in relation to accommodation, life expectancy and loss of earnings.

Finally, the catastrophic nature of injuries suffered by amputees means that there are often claims for inter-dependent losses of accommodation and care which have also been subject to inflation in recent years.

The cost-of-living crisis

Fraudulent claims typically rise during economic downturns. This flux and uncertainty compared with previous economic downturns causes delays in claim processes and increases costs.

The economic downturn has also seen a significant rise in opportunistic property claims in both residential and commercial lines. In commercial lines, arson and escape of water claims remain prevalent as COVID-19 bounce-back loans and general government support have been withdrawn

How we can help

Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions (SRIS) Claims Director, Justin Welham, comments:

“Whilst not as obvious as the property sector, claims inflation is also starting to have a real impact on casualty claims.

Rising inflation means that the Judicial College guidelines, used to assess general damages claims for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, are quickly out of date and claimant solicitors are looking for higher damages.

We are already starting to see a relatively sharp increase in the average value of general damages paid, which in turn will drive up renewal premiums. As part of our risk management offering, we actively engage with clients to ensure that the appropriate loss control measures are in place to prevent accidents occurring in the first place.

When accidents do happen, our award-winning claims team are on hand to walk the client through the process every step of the way.”

For more information on claims inflation and how this may impact you get in touch with our expert team.

What about Motor claims?

Find out more about what’s driving Motor claims inflation.

Sources:
https://assets.lloyds.com/media/8a9d0449-0d0d-41f4-bf76-7de7bc289293/Allowing%20for%20Claims%20Inflation%20in%20Reserving%20-%20Lloyd%27s%20Reserving%20Thematic%20Review%202022.pdf 
2 https://www.dacbeachcroft.com/es/gb/articles/2020/october/swift-v-carpenter-the-answer-to-accommodation-claims-or-just-a-halfway-house/#:~:text=Published%209%20octubre%202020&text=In%20summary%2C%20the%20Court%20allowed,discount%20rate%20of%20%2B5%25.&text=Roberts%20calculation%20(%2D0.75%25%20DR,%2D%C2%A3371%2C385%2C%20so%20NIL

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