This module delves into the complexities of insurance law, focusing on property, pecuniary, and liability claims. Students will explore litigation, case law, contracts, and the behaviors and personalities involved in insurance processes, including fraud. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the claims process and the specific insurance laws applicable in Ireland. Through theoretical study and practical application scenarios, students will gain the skills needed to handle various insurance queries. Emphasis is placed on legal and insurance literacy, preparing students for a career in an industry that is both ubiquitous and often misunderstood.

Module content includes Principles of insurance law, including the legal nature, formation and classification of insurance contracts; doctrines of insurable interest, indemnity, utmost good faith, disclosure and misrepresentation; warranties and conditions; and the doctrine of proximate cause. Insurance theory, including Kritzer’s Developmental Theory of Litigation, contract structure in insurance markets, risk pooling, and the economic and social functions of insurance. Insurance policy structure and interpretation, including construction of policy wording, standard clauses, exclusions, conditions precedent, endorsements, and rules of contractual interpretation applied in insurance disputes. Claims processes, including notification requirements, investigation procedures, burden of proof, claims handling standards, dispute resolution mechanisms, and litigation arising from insurance claims. Classes of insurance, including property insurance, liability insurance, motor insurance, life assurance, and selected specialised commercial insurance policies. Regulatory and supervisory frameworks, including Irish statutory regulation of insurance, consumer protection obligations, supervisory enforcement, and the influence of EU insurance regulation, with detailed study of the Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019 (CICA 2019). Case law, including leading Irish and UK judicial decisions illustrating the application of insurance principles to contractual interpretation, claims disputes, regulatory compliance and insurer/insured obligations. Skills and competencies include: application of insurance law principles to factual claim scenarios; interpretation of insurance policy documents; analysis of insurer and insured obligations; identification of legal and regulatory risks in insurance arrangements; evaluation of claims outcomes and dispute resolution options; and engagement with the operational and regulatory context of insurance markets.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Explain the key principles of insurance law, the regulatory environment, and the claims process as applied in Ireland. Analyse different types of insurance claims and evaluate appropriate methods for their investigation, negotiation, and resolution. Apply relevant legal rules to factual scenarios to determine liability, policy coverage, and likely outcomes. Critically assess the role of regulation, ethics, and sustainability considerations in insurance decision‑making and claims handling. Develop a structured and legally informed claims management plan that integrates risk awareness, ethical reasoning, and professional judgment.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Recognise and evaluate the ethical, legal, and societal responsibilities inherent in insurer–client relationships and claims decision making.

Not Applicable

The student will attend lectures, proactively collaborate in literature discussion during tutorials and engage in self-directed research. Developments will primarily be in the context of evolving Case Law and the introduction of new or amended statutes. Additionally, reports from the Law Reform Commission, PIRB and the Insurance Reform Commission will contribute significantly to the course material and discussion. An end-of-term assignment is required to allow students to illustrate and analyse the knowledge gained throughout the module and apply to industry risk scenarios. The process is continuously reviewed throughout the semester and feed back given.