The collapse of insurer Balva has prompted warnings against unrated insurers, but some clients cannot afford to be picky

Latvian insurer Balva collapsed this week. The usual chorus could be heard, warnings about using unrated insurers, but the problem is that some brokers have little choice but to go with unrated carriers.

This is especially true with solicitors’ professional indemnity, where 12.5% of premiums go to unrated insurers. Sometimes, for a number of reasons, the client cannot obtain insurance with any other provider. Alternatively, clients opt for an unrated insurance provider because of price, in full awareness of the associated risks.

And, to an extent, why shouldn’t they? If an unrated carrier has operated in the market for many years without problems, that shows there is some level of stability.

The greatest risks are held, of course, by the newly set up unrated carriers. Ultimately, trading with an unrated carrier is a gamble but, for some, it is simply a risk worth taking.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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