2026 Insurance Coverage & Claims Institute

March 11–13, 2026
Loews Chicago | Chicago, Illinois

Sunset view of downtown Chicago skyline

Stay Covered: Essential Updates in Insurance Law and Litigation!

Save up to $700 when you register on or before January 26!

Save Your Spot Today

Join us in Chicago this March for a program that will bring you up to date on cutting-edge topics facing the insurance industry at DRI’s 2026 Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute. Hear from experts on subjects such as business interruption coverage, the impact of towers of coverage, navigating the bad faith minefield, and more. Expand your network while enjoying the Windy City with your DRI community.

What You Will Learn:

  • The legal and practical implications of rescinding or voiding insurance policies.
  • The emerging law concerning coverage for business interruption claims and how to avoid the pitfalls in managing these claims.
  • The impact of towers of coverage and their impact on coverage litigation. Explore the relationships between coverage counsel, defense counsel and monitoring counsel, and how nuclear verdicts are impacting these towers.
  • Future trends in insurance coverage in areas such as unmanned aircraft and drones, tariffs, and human trafficking claims.
  • The ins and outs of coverage for privacy claims under Section B of CGL policies.

Expand Your Network By:

  • Enjoying the great Chicago restaurant scene by participating in dine-arounds.
  • Meeting a wide variety of coverage attorneys, including both in-house and outside counsel, at the Networking Reception.
  • Joining everyone at the DRI Networking Lunch.
  • Participating in the DRI For Life event.

Counsel Meetings with Major Companies
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with key industry companies* including:

  • TBD

*Subject to change

Representatives from These Companies Will Be in Attendance
Engage with in-house counsel, claims professionals, and expert representatives from these companies* and more:

  • TBD

*Subject to change

To save this page as a PDF, click on the "Print Brochure" button and under printer destination select "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF."

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Thank You to DRI's Insurance Law Committee Leadership

William McVisk
William McVisk
Program Chair
Nicole Wilinski
Nicole Wilinski
Program Vice Chair
Joanna M. Roberto
Joanna M. Roberto
Committee Chair
R. Brandon McCullough
R. Brandon McCullough
Committee Vice Chair
June J. Essis
June J. Essis
Law Institute

Discover the opportunities available through the Insurance Law committee and and learn how you can get involved.
Join today and make a difference

Registration Information

Worry-Free Registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.

In registering for this seminar, I attest that I devote a substantial portion of my professional time to defending the interests of individuals, business, associations, or governmental entities in civil litigation. I understand that DRI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel my registration, without a refund, if I do not meet the criteria described above.

Save up to $700 when you register on or before January 26, 2026!

Register for the Seminar

 Member PricingNon-Member PricingNon-Member Bundle ^
Early Bird Registration *
(Now thru Jan. 26)
$1,395$1,795$1,715
Regular Registration *
(Jan. 27–Mar. 10)
$1,595$1,995$1,915
Onsite Registration *$1,695$2,095$2,015
Group Registration
(Non-Sponsored)
Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations.
If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer.
GovernmentEffective November 1, 2025, DRI is expanding the Corporate Membership category to include attorneys working for a government entity. Corporate Membership includes complimentary registration for DRI seminars.
  • If you are not already a DRI member, join as a Corporate Member before registering to take advantage of this benefit.
  • If you are a current Government Member, please contact DRI Membership at membership@dri.org and the team can assist in converting your membership, which will allow you to take advantage of the complimentary registration.
Non-Member Bundle ^If you're new to DRI and not a DRI member, take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at checkout.
Discover the benefits of DRI membership.
Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase. Renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.

*If your membership has recently lapsed, please renew it before registering to ensure you receive the discounted member rate. If you are interested in joining DRI to receive the member pricing, click here to visit the Application page.

Hotel Information

The seminar will be held at the Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 North Park Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60611. To speak with the hotel directly, please call 312.840.6600.

A limited number of discounted rooms are available at the Loews Chicago Hotel. Take advantage of the hotel's group rate of $209.00 Single/Double by making reservations through the link below by February 10, 2026.

Book Online and Secure your Group Rate

Room availability and rates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservation requests received after this date are subject to room and rate availability.

Networking Events

TBD
Sponsored by: ABC

Date: TBD from 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: TBD

TBD

Full Agenda

*Schedule and speakers are subject to change

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Time (Central)Session
12:00 p.m.Registration
3:30-5:00 p.m.

Strategic Crossroads in Coverage Litigation: A Roundtable Workshop

Kick off Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute 2026 with an interactive, discussion-driven workshop exploring the strategic decisions that shape coverage litigation from start to finish. Using real-world fact patterns, engage in table-based discussions addressing issues such as removal and forum selection, intervention, declaratory judgment action tactics, and discovery disputes. This session invites candid dialogue on how strategic choices influence litigation outcomes combined with client expectations.

6:00 p.m.Networking / Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m.

Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Time (Central)Session
8:30 a.m.Registration & Coffee Service

Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.
8:50 a.m.

Welcome and Introductions

June Essis, Weber Gallagher LLP, Philadelphia, PA
William McVisk, Tressler LLP, Chicago, IL

9:00 a.m.

Navigating the Bad Faith Minefield: Strategies to Prevent Traps In The Everchanging Claims Environment

Common missteps in the claims process can trigger bad faith. Join the discussion on reaching practical solutions for claim investigation, documentation, and settlement strategies. This session addresses legal updates on judicial decisions and evolving statutory standards, while highlighting new risk areas for insurers. Leave equipped to handle challenging communications while minimizing the risk of costly disputes.

10:00 a.m.Coffee Break
10:15 a.m.DRI Insight Series Quick Hit
10:30 a.m.

Tower-Tensions: Traversing Coverage Dynamics in Multi-Layer Programs

Examine the complex interplay of coverage responsibilities when multiple layers of insurance are involved. Topics include the distinct roles of coverage counsel, monitoring counsel, and excess counsel, as well as strategies for approaching disputes across the tower. Understand the impact of atomic verdicts on tower structures and best practices for mitigating exposure in high-stakes litigation.

11:30 a.m.

Unmaking the Deal: Rescission, Material Misrepresentation, and The Coverage Fallout

Explore the implications of rescinding insurance policies due to misrepresentation. This topic addresses when rescission is appropriate, the factors that influence the decision to rescind, and the evidentiary requirements for proving material misrepresentation. Attendees gain insight into current case law, litigation strategies, and the impact of rescission on coverage and claims handling.

12:30 p.m.DRI Networking Lunch
1:30-5:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

1:30 p.m.

Breakout 1
Cyber Liability at a Crossroads: Evolving Threats, AI Risk and Market Trends

In an era of rapidly evolving cyber threats, generative AI risks, and shifting regulatory frameworks, cyber liability insurance has become more complex than ever. This session brings together leading counsel and claims professionals to unpack the most significant legal and market developments shaping cyber liability insurance today — and what’s on the horizon.

 

Breakout 2
Property Beyond the Shutdown: Managing Business Interruption

Business interruption claims continue to challenge insurers and policyholders alike. This session explores recent developments, common pitfalls, and strategies for managing interruptions caused by property damage, supply chain disruptions, and operational risks. Gain insights on interpretation, documentation, and minimizing disputes.

2:30 p.m.Break
3:00 p.m.

Breakout 1
Privacy Claims, Coverage Disputes, and the Illusion of Protection

Privacy litigation continues to evolve, with claims arising from data breaches, unauthorized use of personal information, and violations of name, image, and likeness rights. Examine how various forms are treated under insurance policies, including Coverage B. Understand how mediation strategies and policy exclusions in some jurisdictions may render coverage illusory.

 

Breakout 2
From Wind to Flood: Overlapping Coverages and Concurrent Causation Disputes

When multiple perils strike at once, determining coverage can be complex. Examine the distinctions between wind and flood damage, the impact of anti-concurrent cause clauses, and strategies for navigating overlapping coverages.

4:00 p.m.

Breakout 1
New Exposures, New Playbook: Tariffs, Trafficking and More

The claims landscape is evolving rapidly, bringing new exposures for businesses and insurers alike. Explore emerging risks, including the impact of tariffs, the rise of unmanned aviation and drone operations, and complex trafficking claims. Gain insights on how trends could affect coverage, claims handling, and liability, and practical strategies for managing these challenges.

 

Breakout 2
Herding the Helpers: Coordination Among Third Parties in the Claims Process

Third parties play a critical role in property claims, but their involvement can also create complications. This session focuses on public adjusters, contractors, appraisers, and other key players, offering guidance on coordination, documentation, and minimizing conflicts.

5:00 p.m.

Adjourn

5:00 p.m.Committee Business Meeting
6:00 p.m.

Networking Reception

Join fellow seminar attendees at our Networking Reception. More details to come.

7:30 p.m.

Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Friday, March 13, 2026

Time (Central)Session
8:30 a.m.Registration and Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Announcements

William McVisk, Tressler LLP, Chicago, IL
Nicole Wilinski, Collins Einhorn Farrell PC, Southfield, MI

9:10 a.m.

Turning the Tables on Tenders: Who, What, When and How Coverage Scenarios To Avoid Exposure

Examine the complexities surrounding tenders in insurance claims, including who is responsible for issuing them, how to appropriately respond, and how to manage conflicting coverage scenarios. Topics include the interplay between contractual obligations and additional insured status, exposure concerns, and strategies for resolving disputes while maintaining compliance and minimizing liability.

10:10 a.m.Coffee Break
10:25 a.m.

Responding to the Rising Tide: Pollution Policies and Environmental Risks in 2027 And Beyond

Explore how evolving regulations, intensified hazards, and rapid market shifts are redefining insurance. This session delivers insights on policy developments, regulatory mandates, and litigation trends. Understand how exclusions, and coverage gaps can impact claim scenarios driven by contamination, climate and regulation. Learn how leading insurers are adapting products and risk to address mounting exposures.

11:25 a.m.

Hallucinations and Headnotes: Ethical Use of AI in Legal Writing

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into legal writing and research, ethical considerations are evolving rapidly. The discussion includes how to ethically incorporate AI into work, assess the reliability of such content, and respond when opposing counsel uses such tools. Topics include AI hallucinations, methods for vetting briefs, and emerging standards for professional conduct in an AI-assisted legal environment.

12:25 p.m.Adjourn

CLE Information

Earn up to TBD hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including TBD hour of Ethics credit from this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click here for details on CLE late fees.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

DRI's Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute is proudly supported by:

Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig Filevine logo Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP MGC Insurance Defense Plunkett Cooney Skarzynski Marick von Briesen & Roper, s.c. Attorneys at Law

If you would like to learn about seminar sponsorship opportunities, including pricing, or to reserve your spot, please fill out the form to get started.

DRI Cares

Blessings in a Backpack

Blessings in a Backpack Who Will Feed the Kids this Weekend?

Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on XXXXX. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the XXXXX community.

Donate to Blessings in a Backpack

Additional Resources

If you have any questions that are not addressed on our website, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.