Insurance Dispute Solicitors
At Good & Murray Smith LLP, we bring decades of experience to resolving insurance disputes, combining a detailed understanding of insurance law with a client-first approach. We represent both policyholders and insurers in complex disputes, leveraging the reputation and experience of our insurance dispute solicitors to deliver successful outcomes in challenging cases.
On this page
- Why Choose Good & Murray Smith LLP as Your Insurance Dispute Solicitors?
- Types of Insurance Disputes We Handle
- How We Resolve Insurance Disputes
- Common Issues in Insurance Disputes
- Supporting Businesses in Crisis
- Why Expertise Matters
- Contact Us
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Insurance Coverage Disputes
If your insurance provider has denied, delayed, or undervalued your claim, our team of insurance dispute solicitors can help. Based in Ireland and known for our meticulous approach, we aim to resolve disputes swiftly and cost-effectively while ensuring your rights are fully vindicated.
Read our comprehensive guide on insurance coverage disputes in Ireland to better understand your rights and the steps involved in resolving a claim.
Why Choose Good & Murray Smith LLP as Your Insurance Dispute Solicitors?
- Decades of Expertise: We have over 100 years of experience to draw from and we are recognised leaders in insurance law, trusted by policyholders and insurers alike.
- Comprehensive Services: From early advice on policy interpretation to litigation or arbitration, we handle all stages of insurance disputes.
- Client-Centric Approach: Our proactive and pragmatic team of insurance dispute solicitors work closely with clients to ensure a tailored strategy for their unique case.
- Reputation Among Insurers: Our credibility with insurance companies allows us to negotiate effectively, often achieving resolutions without litigation.
- Proven Track Record: We’ve successfully represented individuals, businesses, and large corporations in disputes involving high-value claims.
Types of Insurance Disputes We Handle
We regularly assist clients with disputes across a wide range of insurance products, including:
- Employers’ Liability Insurance: For workplace injuries or accidents suffered by employees.
- Business Interruption Insurance: Ensuring businesses recover losses caused by unexpected interruptions.
- Property Damage Insurance: Covering damage to residential, commercial, or industrial properties.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: Protecting professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, architects, surveyors and estate agents against claims of negligence.
- Cyber Risk Insurance: Covering losses from data breaches and cyberattacks.
- Public Liability Insurance: For liability to members of the public and their property.
Travel, Health, and Life Insurance: Ensuring fair payouts for personal policies. - Directors’ & Officers’ (D&O) Liability Insurance: Protecting senior executives from legal actions.
Whether it’s a denied claim, delays in payout, or a dispute over policy terms, our insurance solicitors bring the necessary expertise to advocate for you.
How We Resolve Insurance Disputes
Our team employs a range of dispute resolution methods to ensure the best possible outcome:
Negotiation & Mediation
We begin by pursuing an amicable resolution through direct negotiation or mediation, saving time and costs while maintaining confidentiality.
Litigation
When disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we are prepared to take decisive legal action. With decades of courtroom experience, we provide robust representation at every stage of litigation.
Arbitration
Many insurance policies include arbitration clauses. Our arbitration experts ensure a seamless process, representing your interests before an experienced arbitrator and working towards a fair resolution.
Common Issues in Insurance Disputes
- Policy Interpretation: Disputes over ambiguous or contradictory policy wording.
- Delayed Payments: Prolonged processing of claims leading to financial strain.
- Denial of Claims: Wrongful or unreasonable rejection of legitimate claims.
- Underpayment of Claims: Disputes over the amount of compensation offered.
- Exclusion Clauses: Disagreements over exclusions cited by insurers to deny coverage.
Supporting Businesses in Crisis
We understand how crucial insurance is for businesses recovering from disasters such as fire, flood, or cyberattacks. Our emergency response service provides immediate assistance, from evidence collection to policy analysis, ensuring your claim is handled effectively from the outset.
Why Expertise Matters
Insurance law is highly complex, with disputes often involving intricate policy wording, regulatory compliance, and significant financial stakes. As experienced insurance solicitors, we bring the technical knowledge and strategic insight needed to navigate these challenges, offering clear advice and unwavering support.
Contact Us
If you are facing an insurance dispute, don’t navigate it alone. Contact Good & Murray Smith LLP today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your case, provide a clear assessment of your options, and help you secure the compensation or coverage you’re entitled to under your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Insurance Coverage Disputes
1. What is an insurance coverage dispute?
An insurance coverage dispute arises when there is a disagreement between a policyholder and an insurer regarding the terms, conditions, or payout under an insurance policy.
2. What issues might lead to an insurance dispute?
Insurance coverage disputes often stem from various issues, including:
- Claim Denial: Insurers might deny a claim because it falls outside coverage or because certain terms were breached.
- Underpayment of Claims: If the payout is much lower than expected, you may feel the insurer has undervalued your claim.
- Policy Misinterpretation: Sometimes, disagreements arise because either the insurer or the policyholder has misinterpreted the policy wording.
- Delay in Processing Claims: Delays in settlement or claim processing can cause frustration and may require intervention.
3. What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?
Insurers will often send you a letter or email explaining the reason for the denial. Sometimes, they will send you a letter stating that they are minded to deny cover and offering you an opportunity to submit further information before they make a decision.
If you are told by your insurer or broker that your claim has been or might be denied, review your policy and understand the reason given. Pay close attention to the specific clauses related to the type of claim you made and why it was denied. If you do not have a copy of your policy, you can ask your insurer for it.
If you are dissatisfied with the decision and feel cover should have been provided, consult with an experienced insurance dispute solicitor to assess the validity of the denial and explore your options for challenging the decision. It is important to do that quickly, as time limits may apply.
4. Can I challenge an insurer’s decision to deny my claim?
Yes, you can challenge a denial if you believe the decision was incorrect. An experienced insurance disputes solicitor can help you gather evidence, review your policy, and negotiate with the insurer or initiate legal action if necessary.
5. What types of insurance disputes do you handle?
We handle disputes across a wide range of policies, including public liability, business interruption, property damage, professional indemnity, health, life, and cyber risk insurance, among others.
6. What is an arbitration clause in an insurance policy?
An arbitration clause specifies that any disputes under the policy must be resolved through arbitration instead of court litigation. This process involves an independent arbitrator making a binding decision on the dispute.
7. How long does it take to resolve an insurance dispute?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the method used to resolve it. Negotiations and mediation may resolve disputes in a matter of weeks, while litigation or arbitration could take several months or longer.
8. Do I need a solicitor to handle my insurance dispute?
While not mandatory, having a solicitor significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome. Insurance disputes often involve complex legal and technical issues that require expert knowledge to navigate effectively.
9. What are common reasons for claim denial?
Claims are often denied due to alleged policy exclusions, non-disclosure of information, missed deadlines, or disputes over the value of the loss. Insurers may also argue that the claim falls outside the policy coverage.
10. Do consumers have any additional protection?
Yes, consumers have additional protections under the Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019 which make it harder for insurers to deny over in whole or in part. Generally, individuals and businesses with a turnover of less than €3 million in the previous financial year are deemed to be consumers.
11. What costs are involved in resolving an insurance dispute?
The costs depend on the complexity of the case and the resolution method. Solicitors typically provide an initial consultation to discuss your case and outline the potential costs involved. In some cases, legal costs can be recovered from the insurer.
12. Can you help with business insurance disputes?
Yes, we assist businesses with insurance disputes, including claims related to business interruption, property damage, employers’ liability, and directors’ and officers’ liability. Our goal is to protect your business interests and secure a fair resolution.
Speak to a solicitor
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Tell us briefly what happened and we will come back to you.