Automated report. This article was drafted by software from the sources listed below, checked automatically against them, and read by the editor, Sam Allcock, before it was published. Law Week labels every article produced this way. A person is answerable for it: if something here is wrong, write to editor@lawweek.co.uk and we will correct it on the page and say what changed.
Horwich Farrelly said in an announcement on its website, published on 28 October 2026, that HF Northern Ireland had worked with insurer 1st Central to defend a credit hire claim the firm described as one of Northern Ireland’s largest. The firm said the claim was valued at c. £130,000 and that proceedings were subsequently discontinued.
Key points
- Horwich Farrelly described the matter as one of Northern Ireland’s largest credit hire claims, valued at c. £130,000.
- The firm said it defended the claim in full, resulting in proceedings being discontinued.
- Horwich Farrelly said the outcome achieved savings in excess of £165,000 including damages and costs.
- The firm attributed the result to what it called an intelligence-led approach and a robust defence strategy.
Firm comment
Ryan Kelly, Partner and Head of Counter Fraud Northern Ireland, said it was “a fantastic result for both HF Northern Ireland and 1st Central.” He said credit hire had been a long-standing issue for insurance companies and that he was pleased to report such a significant outcome.
Matthew Fitzpatrick, Partner and Head of HF Northern Ireland, said the case “was a great result for both HF and 1st Central and shows that our bespoke strategies are a fantastic weapon in defending such cases.” Horwich Farrelly separately said it provides insurers with guidance from a pre-litigation perspective through to High Court litigation.
Context
Horwich Farrelly said the outcome reflected what it called the ongoing issues insurers experience with credit hire claims, and said it showed the value of a proactive, strategic approach to credit hire litigation.