Archives for Insurance

What is Business Income Insurance

Understanding the Business Income Definition Business income insurance, sometimes known as business interruption insurance, helps cover the loss of business income if you can’t operate because of a covered peril. Covered causes of loss can include things like: Fire Theft…

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Tips for Successful Project Management

Whether a construction project is complex or a simple installation, project management is vital. Any construction project involves multiple professionals and tradesmen. In normal situations, one specific entity will have total responsibility for the project. It’s important to: • Identify that…

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Social Engineering and Your Employees

Are your employees missing these social engineering red flags?   Social engineering is one of the most significant and difficult network security challenges to contend with. Due to the discreet nature of social engineering, attacks can occur without anyone in…

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Professional Liability – Who is covered?

Professional Liability – Who is covered? When does a Professional Liability policy cover individuals that work for an insured, an insured’s related entities (such as subsidiaries), and/or the insured’s contracting partners? Individuals working for an insured and an insured’s related…

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Design Professionals Claim Study

Design Professionals Claim Study  According to a recent analysis from Realtor.com, the gap between single-family home constructions and household formations grew to 6.5 million homes between 2012 and 2022. U.S. Census Bureau data suggests that single family authorizations for building…

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Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 marks 20 Years of Cybersecurity Awareness Month — celebrated every October — was created in 2004 as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more…

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What is surplus lines insurance?

What is surplus lines insurance on professional liability policy for an architect/engineer? Surplus lines insurance companies will insure a firm that is considered higher risk and a policy that admitted carriers (i.e. Travelers or Hartford) won’t take on. Surplus lines…

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What is an insuring agreement?

What is an insuring agreement in an architects/engineers professional liability policy? An insuring agreement is a legal contract between an insurance company and your architecture/engineering firm.   It is the insurance companies promise to make payment on behalf of your firm…

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Communication for Design Professionals

  Communication for Design Professionals       SEALED AND DELIVERED A RISK MANAGEMENT PUBLICATION FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS Communication is how information is exchanged. It occurs in various forms–face to face, phone calls, plans, data, correspondence and, increasingly, via electronic…

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Utilizing Tax Credits

Utilizing Tax Credits Per Stacy deru and Steve Adams at Engineered Tax Services: Most businesses hire a CPA to compile and file their tax returns based on quarterly and yearly deadlines.  These often involve writing a hefty check to the…

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Cyber Liability Insurance

Let us make sure you’re covered! Contact us today! www.profunderwriters.com puimich@profunderwriters.com Professional Underwriters, Inc (248) 553-8300 (248) 553-8305 Fax 39475 W. 13 Mile Road, Suite 106 Novi, Michigan 48377 PUI Agency of Colorado, Inc (720) 465-9116 (248) 553-8305 Fax PO…

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What is Social Engineering?

What is Social Engineering? Email is a main communication tool for most businesses. On a desktop, laptop, tablet, and even our cellular phones. This puts our employees at risk of a social engineering attack. But, what exactly are the types…

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What is a broker of record?

What is a broker of record on professional liability insurance for architects/engineers? The broker of record may also apply to other types of policies, such as business owner policy and workers compensation.  The broker of record is the agent who…

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Why Buy Cyber Liability?

Why Buy Cyber Liability? 10 REASONS ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS NEED TO BUY CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE NOW   1 | PRIVACY LAWS Forty-seven states, the District of Columbia and the federal government have privacy laws requiring prompt notification if personally identifiable…

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Cyber Liability -Common Coverages

CYBER LIABILITY Identifying your risk level can help you determine the ideal package of insurance coverage to mitigate potential losses from a cyberattack. Below are some of the key coverages provided in a Cyber/Network Security Liability. Security Breach Expense Coverage for…

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Business Owners policy premium increasing?

Business Owners policy premium increasing?   In the last few years the premiums have increased on commercial package policies and business owners policies.  These are the policies that provide coverage for you property and provide general liability coverage for your…

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Declarations Page

Declarations Page What is included on the declarations page of a professional liability policy for architects/engineers?  The declarations page(s) are the first few pages of your firm’s professional liability policy.  There are several pieces of important information included on these…

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Protecting Your Valuable Gifts

That valuable gift you received could take weeks or months worth of income to replace if you are a victim of theft, natural disaster or other unforeseen events. Most homeowners insurance comes with a limited amount of protection for valuable items. For…

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Videoconferencing and Professional Liability Exposures

Videoconferencing Can Raise Professional Liability Exposures Design firms have changed their practice management procedures because of pandemic-related restrictions placed on office settings, travel, and in-person meetings with clients, government offices, contractors, and others involved in putting a capital asset in…

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‘Limit of Liability’ Explained

Explaining ‘Limit of Liability’ on Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers There are some portions about the limits of liability in Professional Liability policies that your firm should be aware of. Aggregate limit – What does an aggregate limit…

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Reporting a Claim Checklist

Reporting a Claim or Circumstance Checklist To maintain coverage for claims, they must be reported within the timeframe specified in your insurance policy. 1. Report a claim or circumstance by providing written notice via email to the email in your…

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Definition of a Claim

Definition of a claim in a professional liability policy for architects/engineers- It is important to understand how a claim is defined as in a professional liability policy to know when to report the claim. Here are few examples of claims…

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Establishing a Records Retention Policy

RECORDS RETENTION POLICY Having accurate, detailed, and well-maintained project records can help keep design firms out of liability trouble while also helping them manage their profitability. Your firm should determine what it considers to be “permanent” project records or “temporary” documents.   Permanent documents…

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Professional Liability Claim

Professional Liability Claim Resolving the Dispute Most disputes involving professional service firms are resolved through negotiated settlement or mediation. At times, usually because of contractual obligations, mandatory and binding arbitration between a client and professional is used. Each dispute resolution process has characteristics that…

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What is Directors & Officers Liability Insurance?

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance Any organizations, whether public, private, or nonprofit, and the people who lead them, are vulnerable to a multitude of Directors & Officers exposures. These exposures may include securities litigation, regulatory actions allegations of misrepresentation, and breaches…

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Extended Reporting Period Options

Extended Reporting Period Options for Architects/Engineers on Professional Liability Each insurance company has different options for extended reporting periods. Here are some examples of those options. Example one: (a) one hundred percent (100%) of the annual premium for a one…

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AS-BUILT V. RECORD DRAWINGS

AS-BUILT V. RECORD DRAWINGS The industry terms “As-Built” drawings and “Record” drawings are often a source of confusion, and, generally speaking, there is no set definition for these terms.  “As-Built” drawings and “Record” drawings are frequently subject to different meanings,…

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First Dollar Deductible Option

First Dollar Deductible Option on Professional Liability for Architects/Engineers The name first dollar may look different with different insurance companies; it may also referred to as damages only or dollar one defense. With the first dollar deductible option your firm…

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Insuring Your Watercraft

Insuring Your Watercraft Did you know that not all watercraft are automatically covered under your Home Owners Personal Liability coverage? Protect the life you love, on the water and off. With Hanover Insurance Company’s watercraft coverage and the help of your…

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Defending Professional Liability Claims

Defending Professional Liability Claims Your professional liability insurance policy is a contract that covers you for wrongful acts in the performance of your professional services. Your carrier has two separate obligations to your firm: 1) to defend you; and 2) to pay any judgment for…

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Spring Clean Your Insurance

Spring Clean Your Insurance Spring is a great time to review of your insurance coverages. As your life changes so do your insurance needs and your insurance policies should be evaluated annually. Take the time to read them over and ask yourself…

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Claims Expenses

Claims expenses in an architects/engineers professional liability policy- The expenses will include items such as investigation, attorney fees and expert witnesses, if needed. The following is a definition from a professional liability policy. “Claim Expenses” means: a. reasonable and necessary fees, costs and expenses…

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Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle Insurance The Insurance Information Institute issued tips for the cost-conscious rider, like finding the right motorcycle insurance for you and your bike. Click HERE for full article. Choosing the right insurance is like choosing the right bike; you need it to fit you! Liability insurance is a…

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Professional Liability Pre-Claim Assistance

Professional Liability Pre-Claim Assistance Using the Pre-Claim Assistance Process Disputes happen. Dissatisfied clients, construction firms with cost recovery programs, injured third parties, and other claimants often try to tap into the insurance and financial assets of firms to solve real or…

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Why did my premium increase?

Why did my architecture/engineering firm’s professional liability policy premium increase? There are several factors that go into rating a professional liability policy premium, here some examples of why your firm’s premium may have increased. An increase in billings can have…

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Professional Liability Claims for Design Professionals

Professional Liability Claims for Design Professionals The first indication that a professional liability claim might be made against your firm often comes long before an official demand for money or services alleging your negligence. Warning signs often include a client’s dissatisfaction with services provided,…

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What Is Gap Insurance?

What is Gap Insurance? Gap insurance (also known as loan/lease payoff) is an optional auto insurance coverage that applies if your car is stolen or deemed a total loss. When your loan amount is more than your vehicle is worth,…

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Compliance with Law Clause

Compliance with Law Clause A “compliance with laws” provision requires that both parties to a contract must comply with the applicable laws with respect to some core aspect of the contract. These types of provisions are common in commercial leases….

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Cyber For Homeowners

Cyber For Homeowners We get it – understanding how to best protect yourself online can be confusing. That’s why The Hanover believes that cyber protection begins at home. See what The Hanover’s cyber coverage for homeowners does and why it’s so…

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Keys to a Successful Safety Program

Keys to a Successful Safety Program Safety is an intricate part of every operation or department within any organization. Many organizations have reduced their injury rates by implementing safety programs as an integral part of their overall risk management operation. Top…

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ACEC Economic Impact Report

ACEC Economic Impact Report We all know how much the engineering industry affects the world we live in, but when you apply real numbers to the work that is being conducted, the impact that the Engineering world has on all…

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Professional Liability Claim?

Professional Liability Claim What do I do when I have a Professional Liability claim? Ignore it and hopefully it will go away.  This is not an uncommon response to potentially bad news.  It may be difficult to accept or acknowledge that…

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Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution It is inevitable that all design professionals will come across a fee dispute during their career. While using a well crafted contract such as the AIA standard form is a great way to mitigate this outcome, there will…

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Report a claim or not?

Report a claim or not? The first question your firm should ask, is this a claim based on the definition of claims in your firms professional liability policy. Here is an example from a policy for the definition of a…

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Reporting Claims

Reporting Claims – Architects/Engineers Professional Liability Policy Your firm is responsible for reporting a claim or circumstance to the insurance company as soon as your firm is aware of the situation.  This enables the insurance company to provide defense, if…

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Scope of Services

 Scope of Services In the design professionals industry, a scope of services sets out precisely what services a design professional will be performing on a particular project. A scope of services may be a  particular document, drafted for a particular project, or may be prepared…

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Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage that can help protect assets such as your home, car and boat. It can also help cover defense costs, attorney fees and other charges associated with lawsuits. What is Umbrella Insurance? Umbrella insurance coverage…

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Duty to Defend and Indemnification

Duty to Defend and Indemnification   According to the American Bar Association (HERE), defense and indemnity clauses are routine devices used in construction contracts to shift responsibility for potential risks from one project participant to another. The terms defend and indemnify often appear in…

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Architects Insurance

Architects Insurance Why Architect Firms Need Business Insurance As an architect, you conceive and design buildings according to your clients’ visions. You also work with contractors to construct projects. Working with many different people in various roles can leave you…

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Employment Practices Liability

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) has become increasingly important for employers since the recent recession. The types of lawsuits and claims related to employment issues that EPLIs cover – like workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and lack of compliance with the…

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Resuming Projects After Shutdown

Resuming Projects After Shutdown Reopening a construction project after a shutdown can be challenging. Whether planned or unplanned, a construction shutdown can have a significant impact on a project’s potential for loss. To help prepare your work site to reopen,…

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New RVers – Safety Tips

New RVers – Safety Tips Summer travel and safety tips for new RVers | PropertyCasualty360 Independence Day travel is expected to approach pre-pandemic levels during the 2021 July Fourth weekend, according to AAA, with more than 47.7 million Americans planning…

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Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Employment Practices Liability Insurance  What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance?  Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) — a type of liability insurance covering wrongful acts arising from the employment process. The most frequent types of claims covered under such policies include: wrongful…

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Cyber Insurance

Cyber Insurance – What is it? When you run a small business, you face many physical risks, like property damage and injuries. But your business also faces risks that come from using technology. These include everything from data breaches to…

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Ocean Marine Insurance

What Is Ocean Marine insurance? Ocean Marine encompasses a variety of insurance coverage’s designed to protect merchandise, goods, workers, passengers and crews aboard shipping vessels and cargo storage during marine transport domestically or abroad. Ocean marine insurance also covers other…

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Water Back Up Coverage

Water Back Up Coverage Water damage resulting from backed up drains or failed pumps is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims. It’s also the third most costly claim behind fire and liability lawsuits. Many homeowners don’t know that…

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Construction Insurance

Construction Insurance From job site accidents to construction defects, the construction industry encompasses a wide range of perils. To learn more about Construction Insurance click HERE. You’ll find discussions and answers to these questions and more: What are the greatest risks…

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“Scope of Services” – Educational Video Series

  “Scope of Services” – Educational Video Series Architectural and engineering services means professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, or incidental services, that members of the architectural and engineering professions, and individuals in their employ, may logically or justifiably perform First in an ongoing series of educational videos put together by a/e…

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What Is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance (also known as loan/lease payoff) is an optional auto insurance coverage that applies if your car is stolen or deemed a total loss. When your loan amount is more than your vehicle is worth, gap insurance coverage pays…

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Keeping Workers Warm

Keeping Workers Warm Extreme cold can cause a number of health problems for employees during the winter months. Hypothermia and frostbite are just two conditions that may affect workers if the proper precautions are not taken.   If workers must…

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What is a Surety Bond?

What is a Surety Bond? Surety bonds are designed to guarantee performance in the face of a set of particular risks. Each surety bond must be uniquely tailored to meet specific needs. A surety bond is an agreement under which…

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The Communicable Disease Exclusion

The Communicable Disease Exclusion You may have noticed a new exclusion form on your recent insurance policy renewal.  Several insurance carriers are implementing or strongly considering applying communicable disease exclusions on general liability policies in response to the pandemic crisis….

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What is Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability?

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) covers commercial liability expenses triggered by accidents involving hired (e.g. rental cars) or borrowed vehicles (e.g. employee-owned) for business use.   An HNOA policy typically covers liability claims and defense costs. It can cover…

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Construction Sites During Covid-19

Construction Sites During Covid-19 KEEPING AN EYE ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTRUCTION SITE VISITS DURING COVID-19 COVID-19 as well as the volatile economic market has affected the design and construction industry as a whole and may have affected your professional…

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a/e Pronet

  a/e ProNet is a network of independent insurance brokers specializing in the professional liability insurance and risk management needs of design professionals. Why should I use a specialist insurance broker? Founded in 1988, the original core goals of a/e…

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Drive Other Car Insurance

Drive Other Car insurance can provide protection for the executive of a Partnership or Corporation or their spouse when driving a non-owned car, such as a vehicle that is rented or borrowed. Who needs drive other car insurance? Drive Other…

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Return to Work Programs

Return to Work Programs If you don’t already have an established return-to-work (RTW) program, the time to start one is now. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), lost time accounts for more than 40% of the total…

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Insurance Claims or Incidents

INSURANCE CLAIMS OR INCIDENTS – Ensure the fastest possible response to your insurance claim or incident Reporting insurance claims or an incident (a situation that very well could turn into an insurance claim) as soon as reasonably possible is of…

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Fiduciary Liability vs. ERISA

Fiduciary Liability vs. ERISA If you have and Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) or a 401K plan for your employees you probably also have an ERISA bond.  This type of fidelity bond is required and you are to carry 10%…

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Extended Reporting Period Options

Extended Reporting Period Options What are the different extended reporting period options available on Professional Liability for architects/engineers? The extended reporting period options (ERP) also known as tail coverage will vary with insurance companies. The premium is based on the…

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Personal Umbrella Insurance

Personal Umbrella Insurance An umbrella doesn’t just protect you from the rain. With an umbrella insurance policy, you can be protected from liability claims with affordable coverage that goes beyond the limits of your home or auto policy. An umbrella…

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Weather Event Preparedness

Weather Event Preparedness When there is a prediction of a potential weather event, don’t wait until the last minute to get prepared. Start now so that you may keep yourself and your loved ones safe. It is important to make…

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Time Is of the Essence Clause

Time Is of the Essence Clause A Time Is of the Essence Clause (TOE) is language contained in a contract that specifies that a certain time or date is important. In effect, a time is of the essence clause is saying, “the times…

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Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance

Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability insurance helps cover defense costs and damages (awards and settlements) arising out of wrongful act allegations and lawsuits brought against an organization’s board of directors and/or officers. These types…

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Asbestos Risks During Design Phase

Asbestos Risks During Design Phase Most professional service agreements assume that the site for a project is “clean” and that no risks from an environmental hazard such as asbestos will affect the project or the design professional’s delivery of services….

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Summertime REMINDERS!

  Summertime REMINDERS! As the weather gets hotter and the days stay light longer, it’s a fact that mishaps will happen more.  Be SAFE out there this summertime! Car accidents: More teenagers are killed in motor-vehicle accidents between Memorial Day and…

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Umbrella Liability Policy FAQ

Umbrella Liability insurance is a form of liability insurance that will supplement your basic liability policies, such as your auto, home, or renters insurance. An umbrella liability policy covers a much higher limit and goes above and beyond claims directly relating…

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Architect/Engineer Pro Bono Services

Providing  Pro Bono Services  Whether or not professional services are provided for a fee or on a complimentary basis, the professional liability risks are the same. Professional liability insurance coverage is also the same, even though no premium is calculated…

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Malpractice Statute of Limitations

  Malpractice Statute of Limitations applies to Breach of Contract Claims asserting Negligent Supervision but Indemnification Obligations Extend Time for Filing Suit Statute of Limitations for causes of action for negligent supervision and breach of engineering contract are both deemed…

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Fiduciary Liability Coverage

Fiduciary Liability Coverage Why you and your organization need protection – If your company sponsors a retirement or health plan for its employees and you are involved in any way with the management of that plan, you are likely considered…

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Does car insurance cover pets?

Does car insurance cover pets? It depends. While pet coverage is readily available by some car insurance companies, it’s not always a given — some insurers automatically include coverage for your pet if it happens to be injured in a…

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Insurance – Good to know!

Insurance – Good to know! For architects and engineers there is always something to learn about insurance.  Whether it is benefits to the policy or ways to get additional discounts, there is always something to learn. Did you know most…

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What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Workers’ compensation insurance (also known as workman’s comp insurance) provides benefits to employees for work-related injuries or illnesses including medical care, wages from lost work time, and more. Workers’ compensation insurance covers a deceased worker’s family with…

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Third-Party Vendor Problems

Third-Party Vendor Problems Third-Party data breaches are becoming the normal. Partnering with a third party often requires sharing confidential and sensitive information. Too often, cyber security is ignored when companies are looking to secure business relationships. It is important to…

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Understanding Builders Risk Insurance

 Understanding Builders Risk Insurance  Builders risk insurance is essential protection for construction projects, but it is complex and often misunderstood. This isn’t surprising. There are no standardized policy forms for builders risk and coverage varies from insurer to insurer and…

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Indemnity Clauses in Contracts

Indemnity Clauses in Contracts According to Brian K. Stewart, Esq. : Indemnity legal wording for a way to shift the risk for a particular problem that might arise on a construction project. The variety that we are concerned with for purposes…

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Business Income Insurance

Business Income Insurance How will your business provide for loss of income during a disaster? Is your business prepared in the event of a disaster?  No matter what the disaster may be ……Fire, Tornado, Earthquake, Power Outage, Theft, Wind and…

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Mitigating Indoor Weather Risks

Mitigating Indoor Weather Risks Throughout the year, severe weather nationwide creates hazards that can prove costly for retailers and other businesses. Slip and fall claims accounted for almost 30,000 injuries in 2016. These affect both customers and employees. Slip and…

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Umbrella/Excess Policies for A/E

Umbrella/Excess Policies for Architects/Engineers While umbrella/excess policies are not common they are available to architects and engineers.  A few items to be aware of when your firm does get an umbrella policy. What is an umbrella policy?  – The umbrella…

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Indemnification Clause

Indemnification Clause A properly worded indemnification clause is critical to reducing risk in a construction contract. An indemnification clause may include any, or all, of three distinct obligations, including to (1) indemnify, (2) defend, and (3) hold harmless the client. …

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FAQ on Professional Liability for A&E

FAQ on Professional Liability for Architects & Engineers   These are some of the common questions we receive with regards to Professional Liability for design professionals. -What is a claims-made policy? – Claims-made policies are most commonly Professional Liability policies.  The…

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Vehicles for College Grads

Vehicles for College Grads 10 safest, most affordable vehicles to insure for college grads The official start of summer is still a few weeks away, but it’s already started for many college students who have finally graduated. Over the years, parents have…

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CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE WARS

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE WARS We are now entering a phase of business where owners are relying on third party associates to handle their certificates of insurance in an attempt to limit their own risk and alleviate the pain of requesting…

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Policy Premium Increased?

Policy Premium Increased? Why has my Professional Liability policy premium increased?  Architects and engineers often have this question, because who wants to pay more in premium.  However, there could be several different reasons for an increase. The Professional Liability insurance…

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Space heaters in the workplace?

 Space heaters in the workplace?  Check your insurance! Travelers Insurance provides helpful information in their safety article with respect to space heaters. If you are renting a building or a suite your Business Liability insurance provides you coverage for ‘Damage to…

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Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle Safety When spring is in the air, motorcycles are everywhere. Do you long for the freedom that comes with riding on the open road? Then it’s critical to respect your machine and improve your skills throughout your lifetime. But…

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Reporting Claims

Reporting Claims for Architecture and Engineering Firms What is the process of reporting a claim for your firm? First and foremost, when reporting a claim, is to report it as soon as possible, this goes for any type of claim…

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Keeping Workers Compensation Claims Down

Keeping Workers Compensation Claims Down Extreme winter weather and temperatures have been impacting most of the United States.  In these conditions, fostering safe working conditions can be a challenge. To keep work comp claims down, follow these tips from OSHA…

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Engineering Scholarship

 2019 Schedule Announced – ACEC Engineering Scholarship – And, 2018’s Winning Essay a/e ProNet is proud to sponsor the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Scholarship.  Each year this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to well-rounded engineering students.  The application deadline…

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Understanding the Deductible

Understanding the Deductible on Professional Liability for Architects/Engineers It is important to understand what a deductible is on Professional Liability.  The deductible is your firm’s obligation to pay per claim in the policy year as described in your firms Professional…

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Limitation of Liability Clause

    Benefits of a Limitation of Liability Clause A limitation of liability clause (sometimes referred to simply as a liability clause) is the section in a contracted agreement that specifies the damages that one party will be obligated to…

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Professional Liability Premiums

Professional Liability Premiums The economy is experiencing growth at a consistent rate for the first time in a long time. With the uptick in business comes with it higher expenses for most companies, including professional liability premiums. It would make…

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Professional Liability Claim?

What does my design firm do in the event of a Professional Liability claim? There are several steps in the claims process for Professional Liability. The first step is report the claim to your Professional Liability insurance company or your…

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My Predecessor Firm

My Predecessor Firm – Does my Professional Liability policy cover it? There are a few factors to verify with your insurance company with regards to your predecessor firm. The first and probably the most important factor to determining if your previous…

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Saved By the Contract

Saved By the Contract   The Facts Acme Engineers was hired by Perfect Paperz to provide a feasibility study and engineering report for the company’s wastewater treatment plant at its nearby paper recycling mill. After the study, but prior to…

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Home Safety While on Vacation

Home Safety While on Vacation Don’t let the anticipation of a well-deserved vacation blind you to the risks of leaving your home unprotected. Go ahead and plan your holiday, but take precautions before you leave. Consider Hiring a House-or Pet-Sitter…

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Directors and Officers Insurance

Directors and Officers Insurance Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance protects the personal assets of corporate directors and officers, and their spouses, in the event they are personally sued by employees, vendors, competitors, investors, customers, or other parties, for actual…

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Navigators Design Professionals

Allison Esrig, head of the architects and engineers Professional Liability group, and Roseanne DeBellis, senior claims counsel, work for different departments at Navigators, but the brokers and companies they serve would never think of them as operating in two different…

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Recreational Vehicle Insurance

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE INSURANCE Mother nature has finally caught up with the calendar here in Michigan.  Now is the time to start thinking about rolling out all those fun ‘toys’ we store away all winter long, just waiting for spring to…

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Spring Webinar

Spring Webinar Spring is upon us (at least calendar-wise) and Great American Insurance Group would like to invite you to their spring webinar. On April 25th 1PM (Eastern) Great American Insurance Group is hosting Kent Holland of ConstructionRisk LLC to…

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Vacation Safety Tips

Vacation Safety Tips! Vacations are a time to relax and have fun, but travel can quickly unravel due to unforeseen disruptions; including travel delays, medical emergencies, and crisis situations. There are ways to prepare and prevent any interruption while on…

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Avoiding Litigation

Engineering on the Margin: Practical Considerations for Avoiding Litigation Architects and engineers have enough to worry about while designing their projects that the thought of a claim is sometimes the last thing on their minds. Further to that, the thought…

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Claim Denied – Why?

Claim Denied – Why? Reasons a Claim Can Be Denied on a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers While this is not something that happens very often it can happen and its best to understand the reasons why a…

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Explaining ‘Limit of Liability’

Explaining ‘Limit of Liability’ on Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers There are some portions about the limits of liability in Professional Liability policies that your firm should be aware of. Aggregate limit – What does an aggregate limit…

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Insurance for Cryptocurrency

  Insurance for Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, etc.,  may be the waive of the future as more and more companies are beginning to accept the products as legitimate currency. Along with this wide acceptance comes the potential for risk…

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Request For Proposal (RFP)

  Request For Proposal (RFP) One of the challenges that our clients face almost every day is responding to a Request For Proposal (RFP). Because this is an important part of our clients responsibilities, we are always happy to assist…

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Mediation Deductible Credit

Mediation Deductible Credit in a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers Many carriers will give a credit to your deductible if your firm agrees to mediation during the claims process.  Below are examples of the mediation credit in policies:…

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Professional Services

Professional Liability for Architects and Engineers – defining Professional Services Each insurance company has a different definition of what is considered a Professional Service under the policy.  It is essential that your firm is aware of what services your firm…

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Social Engineering

Social Engineering – What is this new phrase you have been hearing about?  Social engineering, in the context of information security, refers to psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. This is becoming very common and more…

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Construction Contract Administration Services

Construction Contract Administration Services Q: I feel that there is more risk doing contract administration services. Am I better off avoiding providing that service? A: There is no indication that providing construction contract administration services (CA), if done properly by…

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Copyrights in Design Contracts

Copyrights in Design Contracts A copyright may not be the first thing a design professional contemplates while reviewing or writing a contract. Standard design industry contracts (e.g., AIA and EJCDC), keep the copyright with the design professional and provide for…

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Insuring Personal Jewelry

Jewelry Putting an insurance policy on your engagement ring may sound unromantic, but nothing’s sweeter than peace of mind. Many Homeowners or Renters policies will include a limited value for jewelry. However, this coverage will only apply when there is…

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Auto Liability and Your Employees

Auto Liability and Your Employees Guard against personal use loss A LOSS LESSON The incident A contractor allowed an employee to operate their commercial vehicles (pick up trucks) while on personal business. As a permitted user, the employee hit a…

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That’s good to know!

That’s good to know!  Things you may not have known about Professional Liability, Workers Compensation and Business Owner policies There are so many intricacies with insurance; there are a few highlights and things to know about different insurance coverage’s for…

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Earthquake coverage in Michigan?

Earthquake coverage in Michigan? According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency; Michigan has a “very small probability of experiencing damaging earthquake effects”. In fact, most tremors felt in Michigan originate elsewhere. However, buildings can suffer effects from earthquakes in neighboring states that have a…

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FREE SEMINAR

FREE SEMINAR to all that register- 2017 Professional Liability Seminar for Design Professionals Registration is in full swing!  Click HERE to send yours in now.  Don’t procrastinate, it will only take you a couple minutes to do.  Then you’ll be…

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CLAIMS-MADE vs. OCCURRENCE

CLAIMS-MADE vs. OCCURRENCE Most liability policies are written on an “occurrence” policy form. Occurrence policies need only to be in effect on the date that an accident causing damage occurs in order to trigger coverage. A claim asserted against the…

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Drone Insurance

Have you thought about, or already began, using drones in your day to day business? If so, you are going to want to look into aviation liability insurance.   The most important stipulation for getting good drone insurance is that…

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Workplace injuries can hurt!

Workplace Injuries Workplace injuries can hurt small businesses. Workers Compensation Insurance is so very important, it will pay for those medical costs and lost wages associated with a workplace injury claim. According to a study completed by the Hartford there’s…

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Non-Owned Automobiles

Non-Owned Automobiles When Personal Vehicles Become Business Company-owned vehicles are not the only ones used for business purposes – in many companies, employees use their own vehicles as well. Employees who operate their own vehicles to carry out business create liability…

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Limitation of Liability

Limitation of Liability Limitation of Liability is a contractual provision that caps the amount of liability one party to the contract may have to the other party. Frequently used to equalize the imbalance between the potentially enormous risks assumed in performing…

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A/E ProNet

A/E ProNet is a group of brokers committed to the insurance needs of Design Professionals.  Professional Underwriter’s three offices are members of this prestigious group.  What does this mean for your Design Professional firm? -A/E ProNet has members across the…

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Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber Liability: Will my insurance pay the ransom?  Does your business insurance provide coverage if your system is kidnapped and your digital information is held hostage? Will your business insurance provide coverage if a former employee decides to take revenge by…

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Insurance for your A/E firm

Types of Insurance to consider for your Architecture and/or Engineering firm: Professional Liability – protects against negligent acts, errors or omissions in the performance of professional services.  Also know as errors and omissions insurance. Business Owner Policy – combines both…

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