When it comes to arranging after the event (ATE) insurance, choosing the right provider is just as important as selecting the right policy. Whilst of course, premium levels and policy terms will naturally influence a persons’ decision, the provider chosen can have a significant impact on efficiency, the experience delivered to clients and the overall ability to progress cases with confidence.
This is because ATE insurance is so much more than a product. It’s an ongoing partnership which offers everything from responsive support and flexible underwriting, through to delegated authority schemes and claims handling. In other words, the right provider should add value to a firm, rather than create additional administration.
So, what is it exactly that solicitors and law firms should be looking for when choosing an ATE insurance provider, and where do they even begin?
Measure industry expertise
Not all insurance providers have the same level of experience within the legal sector, but an experienced ATE insurance providershould have a thorough understanding of litigation, the types of claims a firm handles and the practical challenges that fee earners face every day.
As such, whether a solicitor specialises in personal injury, clinical negligence, housing disrepair, professional negligence or commercial litigation, an ATE insurance provider should always fully understand the specific risks involved and offer products that reflect them.
Then, working with a provider that understands that exact area of law can also lead to more practical guidance, quicker decision-making and greater confidence when placing cover.
Look beyond the policy itself
Whilst policy wording is important, it’s only one part of the overall service. A good ATE insurance provider should make arranging cover as straightforward as possible through efficient processes, clear communication and responsive support.
In fact, the overall goal should always be to reduce administration for a firms’ team, allowing fee earners to focus on progressing cases rather than managing unnecessary paperwork.
Because of this, it’s worth considering questions such as the below when comparing providers:
- How quickly can policies be arranged?
- Is there a dedicated point of contact?
- How responsive is the team to queries?
- Are policy documents clear and easy to understand?
- And can they support future growth?
Often, the answers to these questions make a significant difference to the day-to-day experience of working with a provider.
Consider delegated authority options
For many law firms, delegated authority schemes can significantly improve efficiency. Rather than submitting every application individually, delegated authority allows firms to issue policies within agreed parameters, helping to reduce delays and streamline internal processes.
However, not every ATE insurance provider offers the same level of flexibility or ongoing support, and if delegated authority is particularly important to a firm, it makes sense to ask potential providers:
- Do they offer delegated authority schemes?
- How are firms onboarded?
- What training is provided?
- How often are schemes reviewed?
- And what ongoing compliance support is available?
All because a provider should work alongside a firm, ensuring delegated authority arrangements continue to evolve as the business grows.
What’s more, any chosen ATE insurance provider should be able to adapt alongside a business as caseload develops, whether that’s via introducing cover for new case types, reviewing delegated authority arrangements or providing solutions that better suit changing workflows too.
Ultimately, a provider that offers flexibility today is more likely to remain the right partner in the future.
Transparency builds confidence
Trust is built on clear communication, and a reputable ATE insurance provider should be transparent about policy terms, premiums, exclusions and claims processes from the outset.
This means there should be absolutely no uncertainty about what’s covered, how premiums are recovered or what support is available if circumstances change during a case. It also means that when working with providers who communicate clearly, firms are better equipped to make informed decisions whilst also reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues later as well.
Reputation and relationships matter
Another challenge in choosing an ATE insurance provider is that it isn’t simply a transactional decision, it’s about selecting a long-term partner. Because of this, it’s always worth looking for providers with an established reputation within the legal sector, strong relationships with solicitor firms and a proven track record of delivering reliable service.
Here, client testimonials, industry experience and long-standing partnerships can all provide reassurance that a provider understands the realities of legal practice, and sometimes, word of mouth can work wonders for securing that perfect partnership.
Don’t overlook ongoing support
And finally, it’s important to remember that the relationship shouldn’t end once a policy has been issued.
In fact, an experienced ATE insurance provider should continue supporting a firm through regular reviews, practical guidance and responsive assistance whenever questions arise. This means that whether it’s through reviewing existing arrangements, expanding into new areas of litigation or looking to improve operational efficiency, having access to knowledgeable support, impressive customer service and clear communication lines, can make a real difference in a firm deciding whether to stay with a provider, or switch.
Choosing the right ATE insurance provider
At amberis, we work with solicitor firms across the UK to provide practical, flexible ATE insurance solutions tailored to the way modern legal practices operate. So, whether you’re looking to review your existing arrangements, introduce delegated authority or simply explore whether your current provider continues to meet your firm’s needs, our experienced team is here to help.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you choose the right ATE insurance solution for your firm and provide the ongoing support your team can rely on.