Common use of Claims Handling Clause in Contracts

Claims Handling. Unless it has been agreed that the Client will deal with claims directly with insurers, WTW will provide claims handling services for the period of its appointment. These services can be continued beyond that point by mutual agreement but will be subject to additional remuneration. WTW’s claims handling service includes, upon receiving the required information from the Client, the notification of the claim or circumstances to insurers. It will also involve the ongoing provision of information and arranging the collection and/or settlement of the claim in accordance with market practice and the terms and conditions of the policy. Unless agreed otherwise, WTW’s claims handling services do not include the services provided by WTW’s insurance claims advocates (see below). Where the complexities of cover or the technical nature of the subject matter cause difficulty in progressing a claim, WTW has a team of insurance claims advocates who are experienced in negotiating complex claims and managing the settlement process. WTW reserves the right to charge additional remuneration if the Client requests the services of these claims advocates. In relation to marine claims, and in line with long-standing practice of the marine insurance market, WTW may earn additional remuneration by way of claims collecting commission of up to 1% on all amounts WTW collects from insurers as consideration for additional support provided in the negotiation and settlement of a loss. WTW will not charge claims collecting commission where the Client agrees to pay for the services of WTW’s insurance claims advocates. Where WTW collects claims payments, these will be remitted to the Client as soon as possible. However, WTW will not remit claims monies to the Client before WTW has received them from insurers. Where WTW has been granted authority by insurers to settle claims on the Client’s insurance, for example under a binding authority, managing general agency or a lineslip agreement, WTW will do so within the terms and conditions of the authority granted and the Client’s contract. When exercising delegated authority, it is WTW’s policy to refer claims to insurers for settlement decision where WTW is not able to settle the claim on a 100% basis.