What We Provide : FAQs
Is the Club part of the UK P&I Club?
No. The UK Defence Club is a separate and independent Club with its own Board of Directors.
Do Members also have to be Members of the UK P&I Club?
No, although about 80% of the Club's Members have entries in the UK P&I Club, membership of the UK P&I Club is not required. We also have a number of 'Defence Only' Members.
Who runs the Club?
A Board of Directors, elected by the Members, controls the Club. Day to day management is carried out by Thomas Miller Defence Limited, a subsidiary of Thomas Miller & Co Limited, world leaders in managing mutual insurance associations. The Club Managers are responsible for implementing the policies set by the Board and for providing service to the Members.
Who will handle my claims?
The UK Defence Club benefits from a worldwide network of offices. Case handlers are based in Miller Offices in London, Greece, Asia and the Americas. An experienced team of claims directors assists these case handlers. Individual profiles can be found in Global Contacts.
Many Members' claims are concluded by negotiation with our claims handlers satisfactorily, with minimal or no costs, often without recourse to litigation. Where litigation cannot be avoided, we work with Members to choose the most appropriate lawyers and experts and help manage the legal process effectively. In most cases Members are allowed to use their preferred lawyers.
Will my legal costs always be met?
Consideration is given to the legal advice received, the conduct of a member and the cost effectiveness of the steps proposed.
In some cases, support may be declined, for example, if a Member has received unfavourable legal advice. However, if a case involves a matter of general importance to the shipping community and the membership as a whole stand to benefit, support may be granted. In practice the great majority of cases receive support.
Can the Club assist even if I don't have any major disputes?
Yes. The Club provides Members with advice and assistance as well as cover for legal costs. This is a major and important part of the Club's service. For example, the Club helps Members with advice on the wording or meaning of clauses. In many cases, the Club is able to assist Members to resolve potential disputes quickly, incurring very little, if any, costs.
Can the Club assist with small claims?
Yes. Claims executives are on hand to advise and assist with claims of any size. However, there are clearly some claims where the cost of legal proceedings, even for meritorious claims, is likely to exceed any benefit received. The Club will not therefore pay the costs of pursuing or defending any claims below the minimum claim level, currently set by the Club's Directors at US$10,000. Claims executives can however assist Members with negotiations to recover these small sums at no cost.
If you have further questions please contact the Managers at tmdefence@thomasmiller.com