Estimated $1bn claim settled for an undisclosed sum

Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA) has settled a legal dispute with US car manufacturer General Motors following a four year battle over asbestos claims.

The insurer said the undisclosed settlement would have no effect on its earnings.

In 2004 General Motors approached former RSA subsidiary Royal Indemnity Company claiming coverage for certain asbestos and environmental claims.

The Daily Telegraph estimated the claim to be around $1bn.