The Law Society is to warn law firms against the potentially illegal practice of self-insuring through 'ghost policies' or 'speccing', after the issue was raised by Insurance Times (News, 24 February).

The trade organisation called the practice of ghosting or buying cut-price after-the-event (ATE) policies in the understanding that no claim would be made, a "potential nightmare". It is also warning against speccing, or self-insuring by law firms.

A Law Society spokesman said: "These practices certainly have regulatory ramifications and could have legal ramifications."

The Law Society statement went on to say that the regulatory body was "urgently considering what regulatory action may be necessary".

' Allianz Cornhill Legal Protection has reported a surge in the take-up of before-the-event legal expenses policies on home insurance business.

While penetration of legal expenses policies on the Cornhill Direct motor book has remained almost static at over 90%, home business has increased to more than 60%.

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.