QBE syndicate DA Constable has launched a High Court legal battle to win back payment of almost half-a-million pounds in premiums from a construction group.
According to a writ, the syndicate is suing five companies owned by John F Hunt, relating to premium disputes from 2003 to 2006.
It is alleged the companies agreed to pay DA Constable a minimum and deposit premium on a percentage basis, which was adjustable on the basis of actual wage roll and turnover figures.
The writ states that DA Constable provided employers’, public and product liability cover and the construction companies paid £295,800 for the first year.
The companies estimated that their combined wage roll was £3,303,000 and combined turnovers reached £12.7m. DA Constable claimed an additional £89,034 was owed.
In anticipation of entering into a long-term contract, the companies paid the insurer £260, 517 during its second year of cover, the writ states.
Estimates of the wage roll and turnovers increased, leading DA Constable to once again call for an additional £188,637 for the second year and £185,322 for the third.
The syndicate claims that despite repeated requests, the companies have refused to provide declarations for two years and have failed to pay the sums claimed, which total about £463,000.
QBE declined to comment.
John F Hunt was unavailable for comment
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