Lithium-ion batteries: risky behaviors… and insurance implications businesses should anticipate
According to the latest Assurance Prévention study, 91% of French people report regularly engaging in at least one risky behavior when using a lithium-ion battery-powered device. More than one in ten respondents has already experienced an incident involving this type of battery.
Does a broker always negotiate in the insured’s best interests…
...or could doing so deprive the insured of protections traditionally associated with insurance contracts?
Protection of bank depositors residing in France and defrauded abroad
Depositors v. Lebanese banks: the Court of Cassation grants access to French courts to consumers – bank depositors – provided they are resident in France at the time of the summons.
Cass. civ. 1, 25 March 2026, No. 24-21.422— Cass. civ. 1, 25 March 2026, No. 24-21.790, published in the Bulletin and Report of the Court of Cassation
The Lebanese banking crisis, which erupted in autumn 2019 and deprived hundreds of thousands of depositors of access to their assets, continues to fuel litigation regarding depositors’ access to French courts. It is against this backdrop that the First Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation delivered, on 25 March 2026, two landmark judgments published in the Bulletin and Report of the Court of Cassation, which establish the rule that a consumer has access to the French courts if they are domiciled in France on the date of the summons, notwithstanding a jurisdiction clause designating the Lebanese court.
Crans-Montana, the worst-case scenario for Axa
The fire at Le Constellation bar on New Year's Eve in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, raises not only the issue of human tragedy, but also the question of liability and financial responsibility on the part of the insurance companies involved. However, Axa is both the bar's and the municipality's insurer. This is a double exposure that the group could have done without, even if it remains minimal in terms of its finances.
Riots in New Caledonia : Allianz condemned, the State attempts to withdraw from the situation
As highlighted by the riots in May and June 2024 in New Caledonia, insurers only have recourse against the State once they have compensated their policyholders. The creation of a “Riots” scheme, introduced into the 2026 Finance Bill by the Senate and rejected by the National Assembly, could reshuffle the deck.
Companies too often neglect their business interruption insurance policies
At a time when Getlink is set to receive €55 million from insurers for the suspension of its high-voltage electricity connection business, experience shows that business interruption coverage is often poorly calibrated. Ancillary costs or estimates below value—there are many pitfalls to avoid.
Annual renewal of insurance contracts: risky practices in business insurance
The tightening that has been experienced by the insurance market since 2017 is bringing some contractual practices back to the forefront to seal interim agreements. Each of them has its benefits…and its dangers !
Third-party litigation funding and insurance: why should you care?
According to the INRS (French National Research and Safety Institute), 70% of companies that suffer a major disaster disappear within months, demonstrating the scale of the economic consequences. This means that compensation for a company by its insurer is therefore a vital and often urgent necessity for the company's survival.
Distinction – Best Lawyers 2026 Insurance Law
I am honored to have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers for my work in Insurance Law.
This distinction reflects the trust placed in me by clients, peers and partners. 🤝
Thank you all !