FAQs

Why do I need Lawyers’ Professional Liability insurance?
 
I already have liability insurance. Why consider the Ohio Lawyers’ Professional Liability through USI Affinity?
 
What is a potential claim?
 
What is a claim?
 
What is Extended Reporting Period (ERP) or “Tail” coverage?
 
What is the difference between Defense Inside and Outside?
 
How do I select the right amounts of liability?
 
How can I switch if I am already covered?

Why do I need Lawyers’ Professional Liability insurance?
In an administrative ruling, the Ohio Supreme Court modified DR 1-104 of the Ohio Code of Professional Responsibility regarding disclosure of information to clients.  Ohio lawyers must notify clients in writing at the beginning of the representation if the lawyer does not carry malpractice insurance with certain minimum liability limits.  Specifically, the ruling requires lawyers to inform clients if they do not have professional liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 in the aggregate.  This ruling took effect July 1, 2001.

I already have liability insurance. Why consider Ohio Lawyers’ Professional Liability through USI Affinity?
If you already have coverage, it is advisable that you look at two key areas: your standard policy’s breadth of coverage; and your range of coverage options.  In addition to our broad coverage and extensive list of options, we also provide you with valuable tools for selection of liability limits, risk management, and claim prevention.

What is a potential claim?
A potential claim is any act, error, omission, circumstance, or personal injury that might reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim against any insured under the policy; or any breach of duty to a client or third party that has not resulted in a claim against an insured. 

What is a claim?
A claim is a demand made upon any insured for loss, including, but not limited to, service of suit or institution of arbitration proceedings or administrative proceedings against any insured.

What is Extended Reporting Period (ERP) or “Tail” coverage?
Extended Reporting Periods are used to provide coverage for claims that may be reported after the end of a claims-made policy period.  The option to extend the reporting period does not extend the policy period.  The ERP cannot be renewed or extended.

What is the difference between Defense Inside and Outside?
Defense Costs Inside the Limits of Liability means that both the loss amount and claims expenses are deducted from the available limit of liability, and reduce the amount of your available limits to pay the actual claim.  Defense Costs Outside the Limits of Liability means that only the damages/settlement amount is deducted from the available limit of liability, and that defense costs are in addition to the limits of liability.

How do I select the right amounts of liability?
Downloadable information to help you select the right amounts of liability:

Limits Guide
Self Quiz

How can I switch if I am already covered?
Please complete the brief form to the right, and we will contact you 60 days prior to your policy expiration date.