1. Irish Sector - Consumer market
Irish Political and parliamentary oversight 'Cost of Insurance Working Group' maintaining spotlight on insurers, focusing on the consumer and impact on pricing to the consumer. There is also a pressure to keep premiums down and under review. This is to be balanced with the need to maintain supply in the market and not seeking to limit the insurer players in the market.

2. Irish Sector - Regulatory oversight CBI/Brexit
With limited budgets and profits challenged, the clear focus of insurers and brokers will have to be regulatory compliance and reporting. Keeping abreast of anticipated Brexit preparedness will be key. Our all-island Irish offering will become a key differentiator.

3. Insurers - links to Corporates
We see a huge shift to commercial and 'balanced' negotiations encompassing premium, rebates and claims. Corporate clients have sought our advice in preparing for these negotiations eg the Windward Project 20+ hotel portfolio. The delays in hearing of Irish test cases regarding Business Interruption, and noted delays in impact, has diluted any appetite for litigation at this time.

4. Insurance defense - Claims management
The lack of ready access to a functioning court service continues to negatively impact the defense and insurer strategy, effectively a barrier to pressing matters on. We did not see the annual uplift in settlements in July. We anticipate uptake in October to December. The business drivers for solicitors, barristers, insurers (balance sheet) and of course plaintiffs themselves, will drive this.

We have as yet not seen an uptick in 'COVID' claims. We see health and 'essential services' in terms of employers' liability claims as the initial and first wave likely Q2/3 2021.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.