London insurers are attempting to prevent units of Ace from consolidating arbitration proceedings on asbestos claim-exposed reinsurance contracts dating back 50 years, reports said.
Ace units Ace Property & Casualty Insurance, Century Indemnity, and Westchester Fire Insurance have reportedly filed 17 arbitration demands against Lloyd's underwriters and London market reinsurers.
The units claim reinsurers had a pattern and practice of delay, obstruction and refusal to pay asbestos claims. They are demanding recovery of all outstanding amounts and future billings on asbestos losses.
The London reinsurers want Ace to show it can support its asbestos claims with adequate evidence, reports said.