ICOBS 2.5 Exclusion of liability, conditions and reliance on others1
Exclusion of liability and conditions
- (1)
A firm must not seek to exclude or restrict, or rely on any exclusion or restriction of, any duty or liability it may have to a customer or other policyholder unless it is reasonable for it to do so and the duty or liability arises other than under the regulatory system.1
- (2)
A Solvency II firm must ensure that general and special policy conditions do not include any conditions intended to meet, in an individual case, the particular circumstances of the risk to be covered.1
[Note: article 187 of the Solvency II Directive]1
Reliance on others
- (1)
Where it is compatible with the nature of the obligation imposed by a particular rule and with the Principles, in particular Principles 1 (Integrity), 2 (Skill, care and diligence) and 3 (Management and control), firms may rely on third parties in order to comply with the rules in this sourcebook.
- (2)
For example, where a rule requires a firm to take reasonable steps to achieve an outcome, it will generally be reasonable for a firm to rely on information provided to it in writing by an unconnected authorised person or a professional firm, unless it is aware or ought reasonably to be aware of any fact that would give reasonable grounds to question the accuracy of that information. However, a firm cannot delegate its responsibility under the regulatory system. For example, where a rule imposes an absolute obligation (such as the requirement for an insurer to handle claims promptly and fairly) although a firm could use outsourcing arrangements to fulfil its obligation, it retains regulatory responsibility for achieving the outcome required.