Zurich Insurance Faces Legal Notice from Catalina Worthing
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd and Catalina Worthing Insurance Limited have applied to the High Court of Justice in England and Wales for approval of an insurance business transfer scheme. The application was made under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, specifically under section 111(1) of the Act. This legal framework governs the transfer of insurance portfolios, ensuring that policyholders’ rights are protected throughout the process.
The Scheme Details
The proposed scheme involves transferring a portfolio of employers’ liability insurance policies from Zurich to Catalina. These policies were issued before 1 January 2007 in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The portfolio includes policies originally issued by Zurich and several predecessor companies, such as Eagle, Star, British Dominions Marine Insurance Company, British Dominions General, Eagle & British Dominions, Eagle, Star & British Dominions Insurance Company Ltd, Bedford General, Navigators & General Insurance Company Ltd, Eagle Star Insurance Company Ltd, and Midland Employers’ Mutual Assurance / Midland Assurance Limited. This full list highlights the historical depth and complexity of the policies being transferred.
The policies in question were originally issued by Zurich and several predecessor companies, including Eagle, Star, British Dominions Marine Insurance Company, and Midland Employers’ Mutual Assurance. Each of these companies has its own history and legacy, with some dating back to the early 20th century. The transfer scheme aims to consolidate these policies under Catalina’s management, streamlining administration and ensuring continuity for policyholders.
Impact and Timeline
If approved, the scheme is expected to take effect on 31 March 2026. This date marks the transition point when policyholders will officially be insured by Catalina instead of Zurich. The court hearing for the application is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at the High Court of Justice in London, located at 7 Rolls Buildings, Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1NL. This hearing is a critical step in the approval process, providing an opportunity for all stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns.
Those who believe they may be adversely affected by the transfer can attend the hearing or submit their objections by 18 March 2026. Objections should clearly outline the reasons for concern and how the transfer might negatively impact the objector. Both Zurich and Catalina have provided detailed contact information for policyholders seeking more information, ensuring transparency and accessibility throughout the process. Policyholders can reach out via phone, email, or post to address any questions or issues they may have.
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Accessing Information
Detailed information about the scheme, including the full scheme document and an independent expert’s report, is available online. Policyholders can download these documents from Zurich’s and Catalina’s dedicated websites: www.zurich.co.uk/eltransfer and https://catalinaworthing.co.uk/zurich-transfer/. These websites also provide summaries of the scheme terms and the independent expert’s report, making it easier for policyholders to understand the key aspects of the transfer. For those who prefer physical copies, documents can be requested by phone, email, or post using the provided contact details.
Zurich and Catalina have also set up dedicated phone lines and email addresses to address policyholder inquiries. These lines will operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, until the scheme takes effect. Zurich’s contact details include a freephone number in the UK (0800 652 0589) and an international number (+44 3330 490 752), as well as an email address ([email protected]) and a postal address (Zurich EL Transfer, c/o Davies Specialist Services, PO Box 81791, London EC3P 3GB).
Catalina’s contact details include a freephone number in the UK (0800 652 0595) and an international number (+44 3330 491 080), along with an email address ([email protected]) and the same postal address as Zurich. These multiple channels ensure that policyholders can choose the most convenient method to obtain information or express their concerns.
Legal Representation
Zurich has appointed Slaughter and May as its solicitors, while Catalina is represented by A&O Shearman. Both firms are handling legal matters related to the proposed transfer, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the process adheres to the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Slaughter and May, with reference JADM/RZXS/AYHC, and A&O Shearman, with reference PEHJ, are well-respected law firms with expertise in insurance and corporate law, providing robust legal support for the scheme.
As the process moves forward, policyholders are encouraged to review the available information and voice any concerns before the court hearing. The outcome will determine the future of these insurance policies and the companies involved, potentially affecting thousands of policyholders across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Engaging with the process ensures that policyholders’ interests are represented and that the transfer proceeds in a fair and transparent manner.
