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Transport insurance and civil liability

Both sides of the policy: for the policyholder who is not being paid, and for the insurer that needs to recover or to defend. Nobody knows a policy better than the lawyer who litigates from both trenches.

1Who we help
For policyholders — the insurer refuses to pay (or underpays)

Coverage declinatures

exclusions invoked after the event, limiting clauses that were never accepted in writing: the law requires them to be specially highlighted and expressly accepted (Article 3 of the Spanish Insurance Contract Act (LCS)), and many exclusions fall on that ground.

Underinsurance and the average rule, low-balled surveys, interest

an insurer in default automatically incurs statutory interest increased by 50%, and no less than 20% per annum once two years have run from the loss (Article 20 LCS).

The injured party's direct action against the wrongdoer's insurer (Article 76 LCS — immune to the defences the company might have raised against its own policyholder).

Liability of freight forwarders and operators

we know the main policies circulating in the sector, so we can advise on coverage gaps and problem areas, and spare you unpleasant surprises when a loss occurs.

Para aseguradoras: For insurers — recoveries, subrogation and defence

Subrogated recoveries against carriers, shipping lines, terminals and manufacturers.

Recurring recovery programmes

series of claims from the same policyholder handled to a unified standard.

Defence of policyholders and of the company itself

from fraud to unfounded direct-action claims.

Coverage opinions

cyber, COVID, strike clauses, insurance distribution: written, actionable advice.

Coverage disputesLimiting clausesAverage ruleLate-payment interest (Art. 20 LCS)Direct actionSubrogation and recoveryInsurance fraudCargo insurance vs carrier's liabilityMarine insurance (LNM)P&IMajor lossesCoverage opinions
2What you need to know

Why doesn't my liability policy cover the loss?

Many operators carry policies that do not match their real business activity, especially in the transport sector. We advise you so that your insurance policies deliver real cover when you need it.

What is my time limit against my insurer?

Two years in property insurance and five in insurance of persons (Article 23 LCS) — but in marine and transport matters, the periods against the liable third party run separately and are shorter (one year, sometimes a strict time bar not subject to interruption). It is therefore important to press claims against those third parties, so that the insurer cannot argue that its recovery rights have been prejudiced — especially when the company drags out the handling of the claim.

Can I be sued together with my insurer?

Yes, although the total payable can never exceed the loss claimed. In these scenarios it is important to coordinate the defence with the insurer. We have extensive experience in doing so from day one.

3How we work
4Experience

Our experience includes…

5FAQs
The company's surveyor undervalued my loss — is that binding?

No: you may appoint your own expert and, if they disagree, a third one decides (the expert procedure under Article 38 LCS) — surveys are fought with surveyors.

I turned down the first offer and now they have gone quiet.

A lawyer's intervention can unblock the file. A formal claim with deadlines and interest.

Can the insurer claim back against me as the carrier?

If it indemnified your customer, yes (subrogation) — subject to its limits and defences.

I am a broker and I placed a risk badly — am I liable?

The professional liability of the insurance intermediary exists — and so does its defence.

I suffered a loss and still have not notified it — does that matter?

Yes. Late notification of a claim does not mean it can be declined automatically, but declaring it in time matters greatly. Contact us and we will assess your case.

6Talk to us
Jordi Mayol Orga
Lawyer (Abogado) · Barcelona Bar (ICAB) No. 44.531
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