Insurance

Bell Gully has a prominent insurance practice representing many of New Zealand's major insurers and industry associations, as well as noted insureds. Key clients include AIA New Zealand, Insurance Council of New Zealand, Tower and Fletcher Construction. Regularly advises clients on non-contentious matters, including regulatory compliance and policy wording, as well as M&A matters in the insurance industry. Also prominent in claims work, handling complex court cases for a broad range of clients and often engaged to advise on substantial earthquake damage claims.

One client appreciates that Bell Gully has "considerable expertise in our relevant field, along with access to an abundance of varied resources in-house," adding: "Their strategic advice is in keeping with the commercial outcomes that we consistently seek."

Another simply comments: "If you need something done, they can get it done."

Bell Gully advised the Insurance Council of New Zealand and a large group of general insurers on a natural disaster response framework agreement, designed to streamline the settlement of claims for the Earthquake Commission insurance cover in wake of a natural disaster.

David Friar heads Bell Gully's litigation practice and its Auckland insurance team. He brings extensive litigation experience to the table and acts both for an impressive range of New Zealand insurance sector players, but also for leading corporates from other fields facing significant insurance issues. He offers particularly deep familiarity with insurance issues associated with earthquakes and other natural catastrophes.