E&O Loss Control

The assumption that “bigger is better” can lead to disaster if an agency’s acquisition focus is growth alone, with no attention to E&O risks.

It seems like procuring a life insurance policy for a good customer would present little risk for an errors & omissions claim. But seemingly foolproof steps can result in a claim against even the most experienced insurance agent in several common ways.

Technology has done wonders to increase an insurance agency’s productivity and sales goals. But the statements an agency makes on its website and marketing materials can lead to serious, unintended consequences from an E&O perspective.

Errors & omissions claims usually arise from a specific type of error. But once in a while, a claim comes up that’s downright bizarre. Would your agency be susceptible to a similar claim?

Too many errors & omissions claims still result in a he said/she said credibility dispute. Documenting all interactions with customers and carriers as well as every insurance transaction can be critically important in defending an E&O claim.

At the time of the initial meeting with a customer, you must discuss not only necessary coverages but also when they need to be effective.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has found that the following three issues are the most common causes of E&O claims arising from placing workers comp coverage: location, premium and time.

Lack of communication and poor documentation present significant E&O exposures for insurance professionals—risks compounded by a language barrier between agent and client.

While the name on the policy has changed to “Westport Insurance Corporation” and the ownership of the carrier to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, financial stability and strength has remained a constant.

The purpose of employee incentive compensation is clear—it encourages employees to sell more insurance, which generates more income. But what’s the relationship between incentive compensation and E&O risk?