The court properly ruled that the disputed documents relating to the settlement negotiations are discoverable since they are material and necessary to the reinsurers' defense of the action (CPLR 3101 [a]; see Masterwear Corp. v. Bernard, 298 AD2d 249, 250, appeal after remand 3 AD3d 305). The so-called "settlement privilege" is inapplicable since the reinsurers seek the settlement-related materials for a purpose other than proving USFG's liability in the underlying coverage action ( see CPLR 4547).
The "follow-the-fortunes" doctrine ( see Travelers Cas. Sur. Co. v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London, 96 NY2d 583, 595-596; see also American Ins. Co. v. North Am. Co. for Prop. Cas. Ins., 697 F2d 79, 81 [2d Cir 1982]) does not bar disclosure since, here, the reinsurers claim, with support in the record, that exceptions to the doctrine apply.
We have considered appellants' remaining arguments and find them unavailing.