A lengthy class action trial over local government insurance mutuals has concluded in the NSW Supreme Court, but a judgment is not expected for months.

Richmond Valley Council began the action on behalf of 12 NSW councils in 2018, alleging JLT breached its broker duties and arranged cover “at less advantageous rates than were available”.

JLT says it didn’t act as an insurance broker for the group and “when fairly looked at” cover arranged was not less advantageous and councils suffered no loss or damage.

Justice Kate Williams heard evidence over almost a month, and on Friday reserved judgment.

JLT, now part of Marsh & McLennan, declined to comment following the conclusion of the hearing.

A spokeswoman previously told insuranceNEWS.com.au it believes the plaintiff’s allegations are “unfounded”.

A spokeswoman for the plaintiff previously told insuranceNEWS.com.au that it understands JLT’s defence “is that it was not acting as the retail broker to local councils in relation to their two largest lines of insurance, which for NSW councils cost millions of dollars each year”.

“That is, JLT contends that councils have been spending significant public funds without the benefit of appropriate broking advice about the best insurance arrangements for it.

“The plaintiff maintains that JLT was its trusted retail broker and gave it yearly recommendations to remain a member of Statewide, when the plaintiff says there were cheaper insurance options that were available.”

Law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, which is acting for the municipalities, says a similar class action on behalf of Victorian councils is set to proceed to trial following the conclusion of the NSW case.