Court of Appeal's significant judgment on Rome II Regulation in Nicholls v AXA

11 September 2024

On 27 June 2024, the English Court of Appeal delivered a judgment in Nicholls v AXA Assistance Group T/A AXA Travel Insurance [2024] EWCA Civ 718, addressing crucial issues under the Rome II Regulation (“Rome II”), which is assimilated EU law in the UK, regarding the classification of interest rates on damages and the principles of subrogation. For a comprehensive read, you can access the link.

First Court Decision in Cyprus that has allowed Witness Testimony via videoconferencing in a Civil Case

22 May 2024

For the first time in Cyprus, a court decision has been made in a civil case with witness testimony being allowed via videoconferencing, pursuant to Article 36A of the Evidence Law, Chapter 9. This decision highlights the Cypriot courts’ recognition of the need to expedite changes and implement technological advances, in order to remain uniform with other European countries.

EIOPA’s Second Report on the Implementation of IDD: Improvements and Challenges

21 February 2024

Following the strategic update by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) regarding the Supervisory Convergence Plan for 2024, it is important to reflect on the impact of the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD).

European Financial Sector Strengthens Digital Resilience: DORA Regulations in Focus

14 February 2024

In a significant move towards enhancing digital operational resilience in the European Union’s financial sector, the European Banking Authority (EBA), European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), and European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), also known as the three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs), have jointly published the first set of final draft technical standards under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). On 27 December 2022, DORA was published in the Official Journal of the European Union and entered into force on 16 January 2023 and it will apply from 17 January 2025. DORA outlines obligations to be met by financial services firms in the EU to bolster their cyber risk management and operational resilience.

Amendment to The Motor Vehicles (Third Party Liability Insurance) Laws of 2000-2021 Law Number 167(I) of 2023

09 February 2024

On 20 December 2023, the House of Representatives passed a pivotal legislative amendment, Law Number 167(I) of 2023, bringing significant changes to the legal framework governing the Motor Vehicles' Third Party Liability Insurance Laws of 2000-2021.

EIOPA’s 2024 Supervisory Convergence Plan

07 February 2024

On 21 December 2023, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), in a significant update to its strategic plan, unveiled its Supervisory Convergence Plan for 2024, marking a pivotal step toward fostering a cohesive supervisory culture across the European Union (EU). The initial news item regarding the initiative can be explored here.

APIL International Injuries Conference 2023

01 December 2023

We thank the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) for inviting us to the 8th annual APIL International Injuries Conference 2023.

Reshaping the Insurance Sector: EIOPA's 2024-2026 Vision for Sustainability and Digital Transformation

10 November 2023

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has presented its strategic vision for 2024-2026. With an ever-changing landscape of challenges, risks, and opportunities, EIOPA is committed to addressing the uncertainties arising from transformative times. The primary objective is to ensure that the insurance and pensions sectors remain a reliable source of value for policyholders, beneficiaries, businesses, and the broader European Union economy.

APIL international injuries conference

09 November 2023

Harris Kyriakides is pleased to participate in the 8th annual APIL International Injuries Conference 2023, which will take place on Thursday, November 30th, at the Marriott Regents Park Hotel in London. Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and practical case studies, the conference aims to empower legal professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international injury claims effectively.

INSIDER magazine “Insurance Guide"

30 October 2023

Our Insurance and Personal Injury team discusses recent trends and much more in the latest issue of INSIDER magazine by Phileleftheros titled “Insurance Guide”.

Whiplash Reform: Interim Report highlights challenges and calls for investigation

09 October 2023

In April 2021, the United Kingdom witnessed a significant shift in its legal landscape, particularly in the realm of personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents. This transformation was marked by the introduction of the Whiplash Reform Programme and the Official Injury Claim Service (OIC), which have since had a profound impact on how such claims are processed. This portal was designed to facilitate individuals who had sustained minor injuries as a result of road traffic accidents to pursue compensation without the need for legal assistance.

Case Note regarding McCulloch and others (Appellants) v Forth Valley Health Board (Respondent) (Scotland) [2023] UKSC 26

28 August 2023

Recent Judgement by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, regarding the duties of doctors to discuss alternative treatments with patients and what legal test should be applied to assess whether an alternative treatment is reasonable.

The recent amendment to the Insurance and Reinsurance Services and Other Related Matters Law

01 August 2023

An amendment to the Insurance and Reinsurance Services and Other Related Matters Law of 2016 (Law 38(I)/2016, “the Law”) was recently voted by the Parliament of Cypriot Republic, introducing some provisions relating mainly to the Commissioner of Insurance.

The forthcoming amendment of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Act 1972 (86/1972)

13 February 2023

The European Parliament and the Council on 24 November 2021 adopted the Directive (EU) 2021/2118 aiming to modernise and amend the Directive 2009/103/EC relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles, and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability.

Medical negligence case study GA v Dr AP

23 November 2022

The court's verdict was that there was medical negligence, due to which the plaintiff suffered an everlasting serious bodily injury but did not award damages for future wage loss.

Bereavement Damages – Out of touch with modern families.

17 November 2022

For many years, the law in relation to bereavement damages has been outdated and is not reflecting today’s modern society and ensuring a level playing field across the UK and the rest of the world including Cyprus.

Non – Disclosure and False Statements in Motor Insurance Proposals

23 May 2022

Following a recent amendment of the Law an Insurer may no longer be able to avoid satisfying a Court Judgments concerning third-party motor claim, regardless of whether an Insurance Policy was issued because of material non-disclosure and/or false statements.

Cross Border Insurance Claims following Brexit, time for Insurers to turn to arbitration?

20 May 2022

In the Pre – Brexit world European Insurers dealing with UK parties could rely on Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 setting out the legal framework on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters (Brussels Recast Regulation).^[1]

Motor Third Party Liability Insurance and Accidents on Private Land

11 October 2021

Directives issued by the European Union are legislative acts which guide the Member States to act in a particular way in order to achieve a uniform result.

Double Motor Τhird-Party Liability Insurance

08 October 2021

In many legal systems, Motor Third Party Liability Insurance (“MTPL”) is not an optional choice, but, on the contrary obligatory, and its main purpose is to ensure that innocent third parties involved in car accidents have access to adequate compensation.

Harris Kyriakides announces three new partners, effective September 1, 2021

15 September 2021

The new partners are Andrea Newton, Eleni Neoptolemou and Ioanna Leonidou.

Compensations Booklet 2020

14 June 2021

In our Compensations booklet for 2020 you may find a summary of all rulings issued by Cypriot courts in 2020, in which compensations were awarded for damages resulting from any form of accident.

We are delighted to announce that our firm is represented in the board of directors of the Cyprus Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FIL)

11 May 2021

A team of lawyers who specialise on insurance law have established a union, under the name of Forum of Insurance Lawyers  – FIL.

Marine Cyberattacks: Analysis of Liability and IMO 2021

05 April 2021

Cyberattacks bear risk for shipping companies in terms of contractual liability, third party liability, and regulator violations.

Approaching UK Whiplash Reforms Could Influence Cyprus

19 March 2021

The much-expected UK whiplash reforms introduce a new procedure for claims concerning soft tissue injuries from Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). 

Business Interruption COVID-19 Test Case: Financial Conduct Authority’s Test Case- The UK Supreme Court’s Decision

23 February 2021

Business Interruption COVID-19 Test Case.

2009 Motor Insurance Directive: an Evaluation of Current Proposals for Amendment

14 December 2020

The 2009 Motor Insurance Directive is paramount for materialising the fundamental right of freedom of movement for European citizens across the EU.

COVID-19 Test Case Judgment: To What Extent Are Business Interruption Policies Triggered by Non-Physical Damage/Loss?

24 November 2020

Business Interruption (BI) insurance policies are normally triggered by physical damage/loss.

Introducing IFRS 17 on Insurance Contracts

03 February 2020

IFRS 17 Insurance Contract (International Financial Reporting Standards) is the new accounting standards for insurance contracts. IFRS 17 was introduced on May 2017 by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and it is a profound development on setting out a common global accounting standard on measurement, recognition of profit and loss, presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts.  

Compensations in accident cases

08 July 2019

In the Compensations booklet below, you may find a summary of all rulings issued by the Cypriot courts in 2018, in which compensations were awarded for damages resulting from any form of accident. The purpose of this report is to give an indication of the amount of compensation given for various accident cases.

Compensations in accident cases

08 July 2019

In the Compensations booklet below, you may find a summary of all rulings issued by the Cypriot courts in 2018, in which compensations were awarded for damages resulting from any form of accident. The purpose of this report is to give an indication of the amount of compensation given for various accident cases.

Report of the Personal Data Protection Commissioner for the Insurance Sector

24 June 2019

Following an audit carried out in the insurance sector, the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection (the Commissioner) published her findings about the improvements to be made and accomplished before the end of June.

Proposal regarding the Motor Insurance Directive

13 May 2019

The proposal, as submitted by the Commission, seeks to amend the Motor Insurance Directive (2009/103/EC) in five specific areas: (i) insolvency of the insurer; (ii) claims history; (iii) risks due to uninsured driving; (iv) minimum amounts of cover; and (v) scope of the Directive.

Work accidents and Personal Injuries Claims: Recent judgments by the Supreme Court of Cyprus

21 August 2018

New legislation on stolen imported cars

31 October 2016

Court ruling allowing repatriation of stolen cars to the UK

20 February 2013

Exaggerated claims in motor accident cases under the microscope of the Supreme Court

26 November 2012

EU Commission opens public consultation οn cross-border road traffic accidents

30 July 2012