The annual renewal of our professional indemnity policies is approaching. I contacted our broker to assess what treats might be in store for us. He indicates that it is early days, but that we should budget for a substantial increase – maybe as much as 100%.The reasons for this are: various players are no longer in the market; the size of the claims made during the year, particularly in respect of two firms; and the contribution which the insurers have to make to the assigned risks pool. The figures involved are mind-boggling.

My firm goes to great lengths to assess risk in every job it does and has a claims-free record over a number of years. Why should firms who are careful have to pay hugely increased premiums to fund those who seem prepared to take a fee without any regard at all to the risk involved? Why should there be an assigned risks pool? If firms cannot get cover in the open market then they should be closed down. Why should we subsidise our inefficient and negligent competitors? How many other businesses have to put their hands in their pockets to keep their hopeless brethren in business?

Dugald Sproull, Sproull Solicitors, Camelford, Cornwall