James Dalton

The ABI has welcomed the launch of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) Statement of Competence for Insurance Solicitors that will help insurance lawyers tackle fraud.

The statement highlights that lawyers working for insurers must be alert to fraudulent activity, have knowledge of fraudulent activity relevant to the market and know how to respond if fraud is detected or suspected.

ABI director of general insurance policy James Dalton said: “This Standard should deliver on an important recommendation of the Insurance Fraud Taskforce, giving insurers confidence to defend more cases where fraud is suspected.

“I hope that all insurance lawyers abiding by this Standard understand their important role in the fight against fraud, and that their actions can make a real difference in reinforcing the message that this is not a victimless crime.”

“FOIL felt it was important for the insurance sector to have some clearly defined standards demonstrating competence with regard to legal issues, insurance law and commercial knowledge,” said FOIL chief executive Laurence Besemer.

“These represent the highest benchmarks of knowledge in each sector and can be used to demonstrate competence within the regulatory framework as well as excellence in more commercial settings,” he said.

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