In conversation with Darren Vye, Head of Cyber, Intangible Assets and Professional Indemnity claims in London, we discuss how his team’s technical expertise and client-focused approach are setting new standards in claims handling. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Darren shares insights on emerging cyber threats, professional liability trends, and how Arch’s five pillars of service are delivering exceptional outcomes for brokers and clients across the market.
Can you start by telling us about your and your team’s role?
I currently lead the Cyber, Intangible Assets and Professional Indemnity claims in the London office. My journey with Arch began in 2020 when I joined as part of the strategic Barbican acquisition, which expanded our capabilities and market presence considerably.
Our team structure comprises of six highly experienced claims handlers based in the UK and four specialised professionals in Italy. Each team member brings unique expertise to the table, from technical cyber incident response to complex professional liability assessment.
What truly sets our team apart is not just their technical knowledge, but their dedication to client service. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure claims are handled efficiently and with the highest level of professionalism. I’m incredibly proud of how they’ve developed into the backbone of our claims operation, making a tangible difference for our brokers and clients every day.
Can you tell us a little bit about your claims background and experience?
My insurance journey spans nearly three decades, having joined the market in 1996! Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to handle of a multitude of business classes, allowing me to deepen by knowledge base and depth of experience. Having started my career handling construction, motor and casualty claims, I then chose to specialise in financial lines and directors & officers (D&O) claims, where I developed expertise in handling high-stakes corporate governance matters and executive liability issues.
In 2008 I expanded my focus to include Professional Liability and Cyber insurance—areas that were rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly important in the global risk landscape. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career exclusively to Professional Lines and all aspects of Cyber insurance, developing deep technical expertise in these dynamic coverage areas.
What are some of the main claims trends you’ve seen over the last 12 months in your specialisms?
Over the past 12 months, we’ve observed a trend of extended periods of downtime businesses are experiencing following a cyberattack, which is leading to significant business interruption losses. Supply chain risk is also an emerging and growing trend. With many businesses reliant on the use of third-party vendors, both IT and non-IT, the anticipated losses from cyberattacks originating within the supply chain are substantial, as one single attack can lead to data infiltration, ransomware opportunities and business interruption across a whole network of organisations.
Within the professional lines sector, we’re seeing an increasing level of claims stemming from negligent advice given by solicitors particularly surrounding property purchases. Current data supports that negligent advice is outnumbering all other causes of solicitor claims in professional indemnity cases.
How does Arch look to differentiate its claims service in this market?
Arch really distinguishes itself in the claims market through five main pillars of service: communication, relationships, speed, expertise and being customer focused. Our claims teams engage proactively with brokers and clients, ensuring transparency throughout the claims process while building strong partnerships. These relationships prove invaluable when complex claims arise, as they enable more effective collaboration and faster resolution.
We aim to bring appropriate resolution while providing consistent updates, being readily available for urgent matters, meeting clients face-to-face when beneficial, and representing them effectively in mediations.
Delivering exceptional claims service is not just a goal for our team—it’s our primary mission and the standard by which we measure our success.
What would your dream job outside of insurance be?
I’ve been a devoted petrolhead since childhood, always eager to try out different cars. When it comes to my own collection, I’m meticulous—every vehicle must be in flawless condition. My friends know the drill: blue plastic trader bags on their shoes to keep the mats pristine! One day, I’d love to run my own prestigious car dealership, where every vehicle meets the highest standards.
Tell me something about yourself that others might not know?
Our family has a thrill-seeking streak when it comes to roller coasters, and over the past 20 years, we’ve made 24 trips to Disney World to chase that adrenaline rush. I’d say it’s all my wife’s fault—but honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way!