Mediation centre set up in bid to push insurance ADR

LLOYD'S: market flooded by calls for cheaper ways to settle

A drive to use mediation in insurance disputes has been launched at Lloyd's of London with the creation of a claims mediation centre.

The centre, based in the Lloyd's building but independent of the market, offers alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation services.

It is made up of a panel of 100 experienced insurance mediators - including 30 top law firms - with permanently staffed mediation rooms.

It has been set up by ADR provider InterMediation - which is an official partner of the Commerce & Industry Group - in answer to what it claims has been an influx of calls from the insurance market looking for cheaper ways to settle problem claims and disputes.

The centre - which will be open to claimants, insurers, brokers, lawyers and all those involved in claims - will focus on schemes covering commercial lines and reinsurance disputes, along with collective and on-line systems for smaller claims.

The opening of the centre coincides with the launch of a series of free ADR clinics organised by InterMediation and sponsored by a group of 13 law firms: Baker & McKenzie, Clifford Chance, CMS Cameron McKenna, Denton Wilde Sapte, Eversheds, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Hill Taylor Dickinson, Holman Fenwick & Willan, Kennedys, Lawrence Graham, Linklaters, Pinsent Curtis Biddle and Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.

InterMediation's business manager Tom Grove said these firms had already shown an interest in using the centre, and he expected a substantial take-up from other firms.

He added that the insurance market was ideal for mediation because its legal spending was traditionally high.

Pinsents partner Andrew Paton said: 'Placing an insurance mediation centre in the heart of world's most important insurance market will be a major benefit to all concerned.'

Victoria MacCallum