Briefing: Recent developments in construction and engineering insurance law Available to Purchase

The UK Supreme Court has considered, for the first time, the effect on an insurance claim of a ‘fraudulent device’ – the embellishment of that claim. In doing so, it has also clarified the ambit of the doctrine of utmost good faith, which for centuries has underpinned UK insurance contracts. The extent of the uncertainty which has hitherto surrounded this area of law can be seen by the fact that the opinion of four Supreme Court judges prevailed, notwithstanding the opposing views of five judges, one in the High Court, three in the Court of Appeal and one in the Supreme Court. This briefing note discusses the Supreme Court’s recent judgement in Versloot Dredging BV and another v. HDI Gerling Industrie Versicherung AG and others.