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What is E-Pack and why do I need it?
E-Pack is comprised of three coverages: Employment Practices Liability (EPLI), Directors & Officers (D&O) and Fiduciary Liability.
EPLI is Employment Practices Liability insurance. If you employ people in your business, you have an exposure to claims alleging a wrongful employment practice which includes but is not limited to wrongful termination and harassment. EPLI protects you against financial loss from these allegations.
D&O insurance protects directors and officers against loss (damages and defense costs) arising out of their status or conduct as directors or officers. Common claims allege breach of duty, security law violations and unfair competition.
Fiduciary liability insurance protects fiduciaries (as defined by ERISA) against loss (damages and defense costs) arising from the administration and management of employee benefit and pension plans. Common claims allege ERISA violations, negligent advise, careless plan management and errors and omissions.
Are punitive damage claims covered?
Yes, the E-Pack policy provides punitive damage coverage as permissible by state law.
Can you write this coverage for businesses other than architects and engineers?
Yes, many of the firms that are eligible for coverage in our Specialty Construction Consultants program, as well as Environmental Consultants are also eligible for our E-Pack program. Contractors are not eligible for coverage, nor are firms outside of the construction industry.
Does the policy provide coverage for wrongful employment practices taking place
outside of the U.S.?
Yes, coverage is worldwide.
Is this coverage an endorsement to the professional liability policy or a stand-
alone policy?
It is a stand-alone policy, except for Small Firm accounts. Small Firm coverage is by endorsement, and is for EPLI only.
Do the firms have to have their professional liability with CNA?
No, we welcome design firms and consultants that are insured with other professional liability carriers; note that there must be a professional liability policy in force in order for us to offer E-Pack coverage.
Can I submit an application directly to Schinnerer?
As an underwriting manager, Schinnerer does not accept applications sent directly from potential policyholders. You should submit an application through your local insurance broker or agent. Don't have a broker? Find one in your area.
Which application do I fill out? Small firms? Premier? Large firms?
We calculate which program your firm falls into by its annual billings:
Small firms - under $500,000
Mid-size firms (Premier) - $500,000 to $5 million
Large firms - Over $5 million
My firm is providing construction management services. Do I fit into the A/E program?
We divide construction management services into two categories: at-risk and agency form. A/E firms who perform construction management services may fit into our Design Firm program. Your total billings will determine which program should receive the submission.
At-risk construction managers are not eligible for our Design Firm program, but may be eligible under our Contractor's Program. Not sure what the difference is between agency and at-risk construction management?
Firms who provide construction management services exclusively should apply for our Specialty Construction Consultants Program.
Can firms domiciled outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands purchase coverage?
We cannot provide coverage to firms that are domiciled outside of the US, Puerto Rico, San Juan, and the Virginia Islands. However, our policyholders are covered for professional services that they perform anywhere in the world.
What factors are considered when determining my premium?
There are many factors that affect your final premium, the primary ones being the services your firm performs, its billings, claims experience and location. Unique exposures such as condominium projects, fast-track projects and design/build services will also impact your pricing.
Why did my premium increase this year?
There are several reasons that your premium may change. First, if something about your firm has changed, such as an your billings, you may see an increase in premium. Second, your state may have approved a rate or program change since your last renewal.
Is the A/E program written with an admitted or a non-admitted carrier?
CNA, the carrier for the A/E program, is an admitted carrier in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The insurance policies are issued by Continental Casualty Company, or one of the CNA companies.
Is the policy a claims-made or an occurrence policy?
The policy is claims-made. Not sure what the differences are between a claims-made and an occurrence policy? This article (link to contractors article on this subject) can help.
When can I increase the limits of a policy? How often?
Policy limits can be increased at any time during the policy period. However, limits can be increased or decreased only two times within the policy term.
Can I add additional insureds to the policy, such as my client?
Additional insureds cannot be added to the professional liability policy. Because your clients are not usually performing professional services, they do not have the risk that the policy is designed to cover. Read more about this issue.
What payment plans are available?
Firms with an annual premium greater than $5,000 are eligible for our 40/30/30 payment plan. 40% of the premium will be due at inception. 30% will be due 90 days after inception. The final 30% will be due 180 days after inception. There is no additional charge for this payment option.
There is a 5% discount for firms that choose to pay the three-year premium in full at inception of the policy.
Do I need to have an endorsement added to the policy when a firm changes address?
No, an endorsement is not necessary to change the address of an insured firm. You will, however, receive a letter notifying you of the change in address for your records.
What is Commitment Plus and will I receive a return this year?
Commitment Plus is the only profit-sharing program of its kind in the architects' and engineers' insurance marketplace. Developed in conjunction with the AIA and the NSPE, Commitment Plus caps CNA's underwriting profit. Over a designated period, CNA and Schinnerer return to their policyholders any premiums that exceed the cap. Read more about Commitment Plus.
What is the reserve premium?
The reserve premium is a contingency fund to cover losses in excess of the standard
premium for the entire program. Depending upon the entire program's loss experience either
all or a portion of the reserve premium will be returned to the insured after 4 years.
Are three-year policies available for surveyors?
Three-year policies are available for surveyors with annual billings of less than $250,000, as long as the firm demonstrates-among other factors-stability of revenue and excellent loss experience.
What is the minimum premium and what are the deductibles offered in the Surveyors Program?
Depending on your limits, we offer several different options:
Limit
(claim/annual aggregate) |
Deductible |
Minimum Premium |
$100,000/$100,000 |
$2,000 |
$1,000 |
$250,000/$500,000 |
$2,000 |
$1,424 |
$500,000/$1,000,000 |
$2,000 |
$1,856 |
$1,000,000/$1,000,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,276 |
Are higher deductibles available?
Land surveying and landscape architecture firms with greater billings may be eligible for greater deductibles, usually up to 2% of their gross billings.
Does my membership in an ACSM-member organization have an impact on my premium?
Yes. If all of your principals, officers and other parties responsible for your projects are members of any ACSM Member Organization, you may be eligible for a 15% premium reduction. The premium credit does not apply if your practice is domiciled in Indiana or New York.
Have the changes at ACSM changed the 15% premium credit?
The 15% credit has not changed, but the member organizations that are eligible for the credit has. Previously, our premium credit was limited to qualified firms that were ACSM members. With the recent structure changes at ACSM, the premium credit now applies as long as the qualified firm is a member of any ACSM member organization.
What are the eligibility requirements for Premier?
For a firm to be eligible for Premier, it must be an architectural and engineering firm with annual billings between $500,000 and $5,000,000. We also look for a good loss ratio.
Can retired parties be covered under my active professional liability policy?
Yes, under specific circumstances. Retired partners, officers, directors, members or employees of your firm are covered while acting within the scope of their duties as a consultant for you.
How do you determine a firm's premium?
Some of the factors we consider include billings, scope of services and loss history.
What is the minimum deductible?
$2,000
What are the typical limits of liability you offer?
$250,000-$5,000,000
Do you offer supplemental limits of liability?
Yes. We offer two per policy. More information on our Supplemental Additional Limits Endorsements (SALEs).
What is the toll-free number for contract reviews?
1-888-329-7384 or 1-888-329-FAXREVIEW
Who is eligible for property and casualty coverage?
Architects and engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects and many other construction industry consultants.
What is the minimum premium for BOP Policies?
In the majority of the states, it is $500 for a one-year policy. The
exceptions are as follows:
North Carolina - $400
Virginia - $450
How do I obtain an application for property and casualty coverage?
Submit the Acord® Property & General Liability application with a supplemental application.
Do you provide blanket additional insured/waiver of subrogation endorsements?
Yes, in 47 states where we write the BOP. Read more about this endorsement.
Where can I find the supplemental application for P&C?
The supplemental application can be found on our website in our Applications & Tools section.
Can my certificate holder be added as an additional insured to my auto policy?
There is no need for an endorsement; this coverage is included in the auto coverage form. See page 2 of form CA0001, Section II, Item 1.5c.
My Business Owners' Policy (BOP) has the Blanket Additional Endorsement G123127B. Do I need to contact my broker to add on additional insured?
Your policy automatically includes additional insureds if you have this endorsement.
Can a loss payee be added to my auto policy?
Loss payees are automatically included as their interests may appear. This is noted on your Declarations page.
If I am on a business trip, is my laptop covered?
Off-premises laptop computers are covered under the Business Owners' Policy for up to $10,000, unless the policy has been endorsed to a $25,000 limit. Laptops are also covered on worldwide basis if policy has G140332A property endorsement for a charge of approximately $40.
Where do you mail the workers' compensation kit?
We forward it to your broker, who should send it on to you.
Who do I call for billing questions?
Please call 877-574-0540 or 877-276-7507.
Where do I report business auto or workers' compensation claims?
Please call 877-262-2727 or fax 800-953-7389.
Can I obtain a copy of my policy?
Yes, please send us a request in writing to:
CIG - Property & Casualty
Victor O. Schinnerer & Company
Two Wisconsin Circle
Chevy Chase, MD 20185
We will order a reprint and forward it to you.
Is professional liability coverage included in my Business Owners' Policy (BOP)?
No, professional liability must be purchased separately. Please contact your broker to purchase professional liability through our DesignOne program. View policy highlights.
Do you offer waivers of subrogation?
For the TCPP, waivers of subrogation are offered on a blanket or specific basis on general liability, auto and workers' compensation. There is no charge for the general liability or auto, except in Texas, where the fee is $100 for a specific waiver and $500 for a blanket waiver. There is a charge for workers' compensation. The minimum in most states is $500, with the final charge subject to audit. Waivers of subrogation are not permitted in NH, NJ, KY and PA.
How do the Blanket Additional Insured Endorsements work?
The Blanket Additional Insured Endorsement for Non-Contractors (Form #G-134802) is used to broaden the definition of who is an insured in the ISO Commercial General Liability Form CG 0001.
The endorsement replaces the eight most-commonly used ISO additional insured endorsements. This form does not replace any other ISO additional insured endorsement other than those listed below.
- CG 2005 Additional Insured - Controlling Interest
- CG 2011 Additional Insured - Managers or Lessors of Premises
- CG 2012 Additional Insured - State or Political Subdivision - Permits
- CG 2013 Additional Insured - State or Political Subdivision - Permits Relating to Premises
- CG 2018 Additional Insured - Mortgagee, Assignee or Receiver
- CG 2024 Additional Insured - Owners or Other Interests From Whom Land Has Been Leased
- CG 2027 Additional Insured - Co-Owner of Insured Premises
- CG 2028 Additional Insured - Lessor of Leased Equipment
How do I get this endorsement and how much does it cost?
The endorsement is automatically included on all TCPPs that include general liability. There is no extra charge for this endorsement.
Is the current version of the ISO Additional Insured Form (CG 2010 01) still available?
Yes, if the blanket additional insured endorsement is not acceptable to a particular person or organization, the current version of ISO CG 2010 01 is still available. A separate endorsement is required and there is a separate $500 charge for each request.
Since many policyholders enter into contracts that require this coverage, it is important to remember that the 2001 version of CG 2010 01 specifically excludes products/completed operations coverage. The CNA/Schinnerer Blanket Additional Insured Endorsement provides this coverage.
What about Blanket Additional Insured Endorsements for contractors?
The Contractor's Scheduled and Blanket Additional Insured Endorsement with Limited Products-Completed Operations Coverage (Form #G-17957-G) is quoted, and in most cases included on all our general liability policies. There is a charge that varies per state. Full products coverage is also available upon request (Form #G-140331-A).
Where do you mail the workers' compensation kit?
We forward it to your broker, who should send it on to you.
Who do I call for billing questions?
Please call 877-574-0540 or 877-276-7507.
Where do I report business auto or workers' compensation claims?
Please call 877-262-2727 or fax 800-953-7389.
Can I obtain a copy of my policy?
Yes, please send us a request in writing to:
CIG - Property & Casualty
Victor O. Schinnerer & Company
Two Wisconsin Circle
Chevy Chase, MD 20185
We will order a reprint and forward it to you.
Is professional liability coverage included in my Tailored Commercial Package Policy (TCPP)?
No, professional liability must be purchased separately. Please contact your broker to purchase professional liability through our DesignOne program. View policy highlights.
What is the minimum premium and what are the deductibles offered in the Small Firm program? Surveyors program?
Depending on your limits, we offer several different options:
Limit
(claim/annual aggregate) |
Deductible |
Minimum Premium |
$100,000/$300,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,250 |
$250,000/$500,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,350 |
$500,000/$1,000,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
$1,000,000/$1,000,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,850 |
Are higher deductibles available?
For A/E firms with billings greater than $250,000, deductibles of $3,000, $5,000, $8,000 and $10,000 deductibles are available.
Can I get a three-year policy?
Firms with average annual billings under $250,000 are eligible for three-year policies, as long as they demonstrate - among other factors, stability of revenue and excellent loss experience. Firms with greater billings are only eligible for a one-year policy term.
How does a three-year policy work?
A three-year policy covers the insured for a three-year term and guarantees the same annual premium for each of the policy years. Neither a new policy nor application will be needed until the firm renews in three years' time. However, you will receive an invoice approximately 45 days prior to each anniversary for the next annual premium due. Should you choose to cancel the policy at anniversary, there will be no charge to cancel.
What is the mold paragraph showing up on my three-year policy quotes?
For all of our multi-year policies, we add an endorsement that allows CNA/Schinnerer to exclude mold claims at the policy's next anniversary, pending state approval. The exclusion would only apply to bodily injury claims, not property damage claims. For more information, please contact your underwriter.
Where can I go to get help filling out the application?
Your broker is your best bet. If you don't have a broker, we can help you find one in your area. If you're filling out the Small Firm application, try our Application Companion which answers the most common questions.
Do I need to include subconsultant fees in my firm's gross billings? Why?
Yes, the you must include fees from your subconsultants in the firm's gross billing totals. This is because you are vicariously liable for the professional services of your subconsultants and may be pulled into a lawsuit, should a claim arise. As a result, these fees must be included in the premium calculation.
Can I get full prior acts coverage for my firm?
Full prior acts coverage is available for new business submissions that currently carry professional liability coverage. Subject to review, a firm that does not receive full prior acts coverage at inception will be eligible to receive it on the first anniversary of the policy.
Are project-specific policies available?
Specific additional limits endorsements (SALEs) and project policies are available for firms that qualify. However, firms must carry limits of $500,000 annual/$1,000,000 aggregate or higher to qualify.
Can I get a quote directly from Schinnerer?
If you are interested in a quote, you can fill out our online form. We will provide a copy of the premium indication to a specialist broker in your area who will then contact you to discuss purchasing coverage. If you decide to purchase coverage, you will still need to submit a full application to your broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
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