Premium queries

I have read with interest the two letters which you published recently (see [2000] Gazette 17 August, 18) from fellow sole practitioners concerning their Indemnity Insurance.

I too am a sole practitioner.

I have been a solicitor for more than 27 years.

My practice is almost exclusively defendant insurer litigation - with three or four private claimant litigation clients who come to me on personal recommendation.

I am not a 'high street' solicitor as such and I handle very little client money.

I have not had a claim made against me to date.

My last year's donation to the Solicitors' Indemnity Fund was 14,691.12.

St Paul quoted me 25,861.50 which I queried with one of its directors who told me a was a high risk.

I was fortunate to insure myself with the Zurich for 1,931.76.

It seems to me wholly unacceptable that the Law Society's preferred broker is quoting such outrageous premiums.

My quote was approximately 20% of my gross.

It is time, perhaps, that we heard from the President of the Law Society with an explanation as to why he is recommending insurers who appear to be grossly overcharging the profession.

Jane M D Phillips, Tavistock, Devon