General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corpn. & Ors. v. Tanter and Ors. (The Zephyr) - Q.B.D. Com.Ct. (Hobhouse J.) - 21 October 1983

Marine insurance - Commercial Court considers London reinsurance procedures and “signing down” indications.

In December 1980 a shipowner was negotiating to buy a vessel subsequently renamed Zephyr . The shipowner needed insurance cover for the vessel. On 16 December 1980 the shipowner asked a firm of Lloyd’s brokers to give a quote for a suitable insurance. Various types of insurances were sought by the brokers. This case concerns the placing of the “hull and machinery” risks.