Why ‘meaning’ matters — lessons from recent defamation & malicious falsehood cases
We explore how the Courts determined meaning in these decisions and what they signal for future reputation management claims.
Insurance & Business Interruption Claims
Our litigators advise on complex insurance and policy coverage disputes, including business interruption claims, policy wording issues and other high-value coverage issues.
Insurance disputes can be complex, technical and commercially significant. They often come down to what a policy covers, how it should be interpreted, whether a claim has been handled properly and disputes as to the value of the claim. In any insurance dispute, taking clear, strategic and commercially focused advice can make all the difference to the outcome.
Our award-winning litigation team advises on a wide range of insurance and policy coverage disputes including business interruption claims, policy wording and construction issues, limits of indemnity, aggregation, indemnity periods, notification issues, exclusions, reservations of rights, non-disclosure, misrepresentation and broker-related issues.
Our solicitors also advise on disputes that arise in a range of commercial sectors and contexts. Across property, construction and development, these include disputes relating to structural warranties, latent defects and other defects-related insurance matters, as well as issues involving brokers and other intermediaries.
Insurance disputes are often legally technical, document-heavy and commercially important. Some turn on close analysis of policy wording. Others require careful understanding of the underlying facts, how losses are assessed and how a claim or defence can best be advanced.
Our work in this area includes acting for insurers, insureds, policyholders, brokers and other intermediaries. This breadth of experience helps us to identify the real commercial and legal issues quickly and focus on the most effective route to resolution.
Where possible, we look to resolve disputes pragmatically and proportionately through early advice, negotiation, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Yet where formal proceedings are needed, we’re highly experienced and tenacious in litigation and arbitration in technically complex disputes with significant financial consequences.
Whatever the nature of your insurance dispute, talk to us for strategic advice focused on outcome, risk and commercial practicality.
Call us today on 0333 004 4488, send an email to hello@brabners.com or complete our contact form.
Award-winning specialist insurance dispute lawyers
Our insurance and policy coverage disputes work is handled by senior members of our high-profile litigation team, which contains over 50 specialist litigators. We’re recognised in the top-tier of leading legal directory The Legal 500 and won Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2026.
Head of Litigation Paul Lunt is a multi-award-winning commercial litigator and a member of The Legal 500’s prestigious Hall of Fame. He handles a wide range of contentious commercial matters, including contractual and tortious disputes, professional negligence claims and insolvency-related matters. He's known for his practical and pragmatic approach to resolving complex disputes quickly and effectively.
Jeff Lewis advises on contract disputes, warranty claims, professional negligence, property litigation, financial services disputes and other complex commercial disputes. He's consistently recognised in the top tiers of both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners and is another member of The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame. He also sits as a Deputy District Judge.
Helen Otty brings over 20 years’ experience as a commercial litigator. She advises on commercial and company disputes, breach of warranty claims, professional negligence claims, procurement law and complex contentious matters across a range of sectors. She's recognised as both a Recommended Lawyer and Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500.
Further support is provided by our wider litigation team including James Roby, Simon Morris and Imogen Duck, all of whom have direct experience of insurance and policy coverage disputes.
Meet the team
“Brabners’ commercial litigation team handles a wide range of disputes including privacy and reputation management issues, business interruption claims, breaches of restrictive covenants and property litigation. More recently, the firm has undertaken novel work concerning new causes of action for cladding manufactures with regards to fire safety issues.”
The Legal 500 2025
“I was impressed by how fast and dynamic Helen Otty and her team were. I always felt that Helen was on the same page as me, acted swiftly and was focused on getting down to business, rather than taking her time and running up costs.”
Centric Communications
“The litigation team at Brabners goes the extra mile to ensure that you are fully aware of your position, ensuring that the burden of tactical decision-making is shared.”
Client feedback, Chambers and Partners 2026
“Jeff Lewis is great to work with, very personable and client-focused. He was excellent: precise, succinct and commercial.”
Client feedback, Chambers and Partners 2026
Recent work
Securing favourable policy construction judgment for Acasta
We secured a clear and authoritative High Court judgment in a substantial policy coverage dispute concerning the interpretation of insurance wording and the proper application of limits of indemnity under a multi-property insurance arrangement.
Read moreSubstantial business interruption dispute
Acting in a substantial business interruption dispute under a commercial insurance policy involving multiple premises, questions about scope of cover and detailed issues of loss.
Business interruption dispute under commercial insurance policy
Acting in a business interruption dispute under a commercial insurance policy involving notifiable disease wording, interruption to trading across multiple locations and issues concerning policy construction and loss.
Insurance & Policy Coverage Disputes FAQs
More litigation & disputes insights
Katy Perry v Katie Perry — what a longstanding trade mark battle teaches businesses about brand protection
We explore how the dispute unfolded, why the courts reached different conclusions and the practical lessons that it offers for businesses.
Mediation & other forms of ADR — practical guidance for resolving disputes outside of court
We discuss what mediation and other forms of ADR are, their benefits, when they’re most effective and how courts view parties who refuse to engage in them.
How retailers can protect their business from false or misleading claims — key legal & practical considerations
We outline the steps that retailers can take to contain an emerging online issue and the legal remedies available for responding to false statements.
International arbitration — the scope of supervisory jurisdiction & anti-suit injunctions following Star Hydro
We outline the Court of Appeal’s decision, consider how the Supreme Court is likely to approach the appeal and highlight five key takeaways.
How the CJC’s litigation funding reforms aim to restore certainty after PACCAR
We examine the CJC’s recommendations and their implications for funders, claimants and practitioners navigating this evolving area.
3 potential ways generative AI could lead to defamation claims
We explain where generative AI has the potential to damage individuals’ reputations and examine relevant case law from other jurisdictions.
Brabners secures favourable policy construction judgment for Acasta
Our award-winning litigation team has secured a High Court judgment in favour of Acasta European Insurance Company Limited.
London expansion & record revenues drive next phase of growth at Brabners
We’re delighted to announce the opening of a new office in London, marking a major milestone at the end of a year defined by strong financial performance.
PR under fire — what happens when clients sue?
We explore the types of claims that PR firms can face when an initial complaint escalates and outline some practical steps to manage the risks.
Navigating partnership conflict in law firms — 10 top tips to prevent disputes
We share ten top tips for preventing partnership disputes and guidance on recognising the warning signs and responding effectively if conflict does arise.
HyNot judicial review decision highlights the importance of acting promptly
We explore how the Court considered the requirement of promptness, the arguments made and what this means for claimants considering judicial review.
Lights, camera, litigation — The Lost King case
We explore the legal and reputational implications of dramatising ‘real life’ events for the screen.
English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill — what it means for retail leases
We explore what the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill means in practice and how its reforms may affect both retail tenants and landlords.
Employment tribunal early conciliation period doubles to 12 weeks
Individuals who want to take an employment case to a tribunal must first take part in a longer conciliation process.
Restrictive covenant dispute — Brabners secures successful judgment for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd
Our litigation team achieved a successful outcome for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd in a major claim against a former employee and his new employer.
How the courts treat online defamation — removal order dismissed against domain name registrar
Our litigation team look an online defamation case study and how to take legal action after being subject to online defamation or harassment.
Probate costs recoverable in litigation: SCCO clarifies its position in key costs ruling
Andrew Tindall examines new guidance from the Senior Courts Costs Office on recovering probate costs.
Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry announces publication of the first part of its final report
The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry Chair has announced that the first part of his final report will be published this Summer.
Defamation and harassment on social media — what to do if you’re a victim of online abuse
Our litigation team explores recent cases and what to do if you’re subjected to online defamation or harassment.
Half-secret commissions and informed consent between brokers and customers
We explore how the Courts treat customers who have been charged “half secret” commissions by their energy brokers.
Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal clarifies appropriate use of Without Prejudice labels and SLAPP guidance
Solicitor Ashley Hurst found himself at the centre of regulatory action brought by the SRA.
How to deal with a negative online review about your business
Our litigation team explores the options businesses have when it comes to dealing with negative online reviews — whether the review is honest or dishonest.
Media and communications claims — could pre-action dispute resolution become compulsory?
Here, commercial litigator Glyn Lancefield outlines the proposed changes to the pre-action protocol for media and communications claims.
Arbitration Act 2025 — new legislation to strengthen UK’s position as dispute resolution leader
Experienced commercial litigator Matthew Moy explains what arbitration is and how the AA 2025 will help to clarify and refine key aspects of the arbitration process by improving efficiency, fairness and legal certainty.
Talk to us
Loading form...