[1985] 1 QB 966; [1984] 3 WLR 726; [1984] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 210; [1984] 3 All ER 766

Gavin Kealey acted in this Insurance matter – Contract – Illegality – Statutory prohibition

Unauthorised insurance business – Insurance contract made in course of unauthorised business – Whether prohibition on making of contract – Whether contract avoided ab initio – Insurance Companies Act 1974 (c. 49), ss. 2(1), 11(1), 83(4)
Contract – Illegality – Agency – Agent making illegal contracts in excess of authority without principal’s knowledge – Principal subsequently ratifying contracts – Whether principal entitled to rely on contracts to establish cause of action
Agency – Ratification – Ratification after commencement of contract – Whether within reasonable time – Whether valid