LEGG AND OTHERS V STERTE GARAGE LTD AND ANOTHER

[2016] EWCA Civ 97, Court of Appeal, Lady Justice Gloster, Lord Justice Sales and Lord Justice David Richards, 23 February 2016

Insurance (public liability) - Defence costs - Whether order to pay claimants' costs could be made against liability insurers - Senior Courts Act 1981, section 51 - Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 1930

SGL was insured under a public liability policy covering accidental damage to property, but excluding pollution damage unless caused by a sudden, identifiable, unintended and unexpected incident. The policy covered: "1 any claimant's legal costs for which the Policyholder is legally liable; 2 all costs and expenses incurred with the Corporation's written consent; 3 all solicitors' fees for legal representation - in connection with any event which is or may be the subject of indemnity ..."