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David DeLaRue, CPCU, ARM, AIC Senior Vice President National Project Insurance Practice. General Liability Only Wrap-Ups. Defined Project Specific General Liability Coverage Single policy for all insureds Sponsored by the owner or contractor Covers all eligible contractors
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David DeLaRue, CPCU, ARM, AIC Senior Vice President National Project Insurance Practice General Liability OnlyWrap-Ups
Defined Project Specific General Liability Coverage Single policy for all insureds Sponsored by the owner or contractor Covers all eligible contractors Should be used in concert with practice programs General Liability (GL) Only Wrap-Up
GL Only Wrap-Ups Rolling GL Only Commercial Wraps Residential Risk (Incl. Rolling) Commercial Risk 2010 to present Mid 1990’s to Present 2009 to Present
Coverage Certainty Addresses Additional Insured & Indemnity Requirements Project Specific Risk/Exposure Specific Removes Primary Coverage Concern for Small Subcontractors Litigation Defense Integrated Project Delivery Reduce Cost of Risk Benefits
Standard Market Deductible Minimum Retention usually begins at $250K Better control over workers’ compensation (WC) claims. Little exposure for WC subrogation Carrier safety resources Standard ISO forms with wrap-up modifications Reliance on broker administrator – Carriers will consider broker experience in underwriting Normally does not mandate TPA for QA/QC Excess & Surplus (E&S) Lines Self-Insured Retention* Minimum Retentions begin as low as $25K (or lower) No control of workers’ comp. claims Greater challenge to secure protection from WC subrogation Limited safety services Greater use of manuscript forms and endorsements – No approvals Can mandate use of third party program administration in addition to broker Can mandate TPA QA/QC firm (Residential) WC/GL Wrap vs. GL Only Wrap
Higher claims frequency (WC) Better understanding of large commercial project cover needs Greater savings or profit opportunity Greater downside exposure Greater administration burden and cost Fee based Large collateral requirements Greater government regulation Claims adjusting fees apply Longer lead time needed for marketing and set-up Greater contract dependence – i.e., complex credit recovery Low claims frequency (GL) Greater reliance on coverage limitations such as Ins. vs. Ins. Modest savings or profit opportunity** Limited downside exposure Lower administration burden and less cost Often commission based No collateral Limited regulations Claims adjusting fees may not apply Less lead time needed for marketing and set-up Lower contract dependence – Structure simplicity WC/GL CIP vs. GL Only CIP – Cont.
Understand the broker’s relationship to the E&S carrier and wholesale broker. Consider any contractual limitations on using E&S coverage. Make sure the E&S carrier is approved in the state. Coordinate coverage with the practice policy. Self-insured retention or deductible. Start early and communicate with contractors. Primary and excess policy alignment. Amend contract for the wrap-up. Considerations
Surplus lines taxes and fees usually apply – they are your responsibility. Commission, Fee, or Combination – Understand the approach Policyholder service differences. Limitations of state guaranty funds if carrier fails. Limits are shared and need to be adequate. State wrap-up legislation is now more likely to include GL Only by reference. Exposures go beyond general liability. Consider how you value the program to the owner. E&S Lines are not regulated – Terms & conditions vary widely. Contractors should request the policy and maintain a record of all wrap-ups. Underwriter anonymity – Attempt face-to-face. Considerations
Understand the implications of wrap exclusions on contractor policies. Warranty period exposures Beware of state-specific forms: for instance, California residential construction. Is there an insured versus insured exclusion? Full or limited. Broad form additional insured coverage as required by written contract. Some E&S carriers struggle with this allowance. Understand the completed operations trigger – When does the clock start? Statutes of repose may exceed the completed operations term. Does defense erode the limit? If so, consider more limit. EIFS exclusion – Does your project have it and policy exclude it. Mandatory waiver of rights to recover. Excluded contractors – No excluded contractors in the “chain of insureds.” Review the forms – Everyone! Considerations
Most wrap-up coverage benefits are delivered by the GL policy. GL Only rates can be more competitive than the GL rates on a WC/GL wrap-up. No collateral! Form freedom – Good, Bad, & Ugly Lower administration cost Five Important Things Sponsors
Ask if a project will be covered by a wrap-up. Review the contract and the wrap-up policy. Maintain thorough records of all project wrap-ups. Communicate requirements to lower level subcontractors. Structure practice programs as DIC. Five Important Things Contractors
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