I write in response to the article 'Covering your back' (see [2007] Gazette, 20 September, 12).


When the profession went on to the open market for indemnity insurance, there was an overall drop in premiums. Over the years, insurers have come and gone as they became disenchanted or had their fingers burned by claims. No insurer, so far as I am aware, has actually gone bust. All the article has done is undermine confidence, particularly the confidence of solicitors who have gone with insurers offering very competitive quotes, such as those targeting firms with good claims records and those doing low to medium-risk work.



Solicitors are capable of making their own commercial decisions about which quote and which insurer is best for them.



Janis Purdy, chairwoman, indemnity committee, Solicitor Sole Practitioner Group