Book Review: The Law of Liability Insurance

3rd edition

Authors: The Hon D K Derrington QC and R S Ashton
Published by LexisNexis Butterworths, Australia, 2013
Reviewed by Adrian Duffy

The third edition of what has become one of the standard texts in the area of insurance law in Australia is truly a monumental tome. From the single volume first and second editions, the publication has grown to a two volume 3,300 plus page text. This edition will cement its place as one of the leading texts in the area.

In the preface, the learned authors identify that in compiling the text, they have been guided by what has been most useful to them in their own practical experience. And there could scarcely two more experienced practitioners in the field. Each has spent a considerable part of their career immersed in insurance law, both from the legal practitioner’s viewpoint as well as the judicial and academic viewpoints.

Like earlier editions, and as the title suggests, this edition again focuses squarely on liability insurance in particular. There is ample discussion of general insurance law principles, but only so far as necessary to lay the groundwork for the extensive and detailed discussion of every aspect of liability policies.

There is a very extensive citation of authorities from United States jurisdictions, as well as from Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Whilst virtually all of the chapters have been substantially expanded from previous editions, those practising in the area will find particularly useful the chapters dealing in detail with the various classes of the most common types of liability cover and with the different types of actions between parties most commonly encountered.

The very comprehensive table of contents and index, the latter of which includes a very useful listing of words and phrases, contributes to its utility. Practitioners will find it an indispensible source of authoritative guidance in this area of law and practice.