• A consent to settlement clause is a clause (also known as a “hammer clause” and “blackmail clause”) found in professional liability insurance policies that requires the insurer to obtain the policyholder’s approval before a claim for a specified amount is settled. However, if the insured does not approve the recommended amount, the consent to settlement clause states that the insurer is not responsible for any additional money required to settle the claim or for defense costs incurred from the time the insurer makes the settlement. recommendation.