An insight into Wotton + Kearney Solicitor Uma Kotecha.
Where did your interest in insurance law originate?
My interest in insurance law arose during the course of my training in London. I was lucky to be involved in a property and business interruption claim which came about due to losses caused by the New Orleans hurricanes in 2005. The case went to Arbitration and I was fortunate enough to visit New Orleans where some of the witnesses were based, in order to co-ordinate the video link. The international element and exposure to the various insurance issues fuelled my interest in the area. At Wotton + Kearney, much of the work we do is high profile and often in the news by the time we receive instructions. I particularly enjoy working on Directors’ and Officers’ policy matters as there is a real commercial element involved.
What do you think is a key, current legal insurance issue?
Following the series of storms, floods and cyclones that have affected Queensland and Victoria, a key issue is the extent to which household insurance policies cover damage caused by flooding. Many policies cover storm damage but not flood damage and a number of homeowners have been left with no cover at all. The recent debate has been in respect of the interpretation and ambiguity of policy wordings and a ‘Natural Disaster Insurance Panel’ was set up to consider alternative models of flood insurance for the future. The Federal Government has now proposed a standard flood definition and for all home insurance policies to have mandatory flood cover with an option to ‘opt out’. The draft regulations will be released for consultation at the end of the year. Watch this space.
What do you do in your free time away from the office?
Explore the beaches, national parks and wineries in NSW and beyond. I love the outdoor lifestyle here in Australia. I have a passion for dance and take weekly classes in ballet, street jazz and salsa. I also like to kayak and cycle.