Transition Q & A
1) Why am I getting a Notice of Non-renewal? Do I have coverage?
Your coverage with Westport remains in effect until your policy reaches its expiration date. This date can be found on your notice of non-renewal and on your policy.
Since Westport is no longer the endorsed insurance company for our program in Pennsylvania, our contract with them comes to a close. In accordance with insurance regulations, Westport is obligated to notify you that they will not be renewing your policy. This allows for the transition to the new program insurance company, CNA. Your Westport policy will continue to be serviced by us until it expires.
2) Why is my insurance company being changed? Is CNA the new carrier endorsed by the Bar for our program?
After extensive research and consideration, the Montgomery County Bar Association is endorsing a new insurance company this year. CNA is a market leader in Lawyers Professional Liability insurance, providing superior underwriting, leading edge risk management tools and stellar claims services. Association members will enjoy more favorable premiums and additional opportunities for credits.
3) Is CNA a good insurance company? How do they rank?
CNA has more than 50 years of experience insuring attorneys in the private practice of law, with more than 150,000 attorneys in their state programs.
They are rated “A” (Excellent), XV ( > $2 billion) by A.M. Best
4) What makes the CNA policy better for me?
While we encourage you to thoroughly review the CNA policy for all of the coverage afforded to you, the CNA form for the state of Pennsylvania includes expense reimbursement for certain privacy breach events, supplementary payments for expenses related to disciplinary proceedings and requires the written consent of the Named Insured to settle a claim. A sample form and extensive program details will be included with your CNA transition kit which will be mailed to you 90 days prior to the expiration of your current policy.
5) Am I losing any coverage?
Although all policy forms have variations, we are confident that CNA provides one of the broadest policy forms available and that you will benefit from coverages not previously available to you. We recommend that you take some time to read your new policy, a sample of which will be made available to you approximately 90 days prior to the expiration of your Westport policy. Should you have specific questions at that time, please call us.
6) Will I be paying more?
The rates with CNA were designed to generate a reduction in premium from your expiring policy and it is highly likely you will see a reduction. There can be exceptions though as it is possible that changes to your individual situation, including claims or material changes to your firm, could result in an increase.
7) Can you tell me more about the 5% bar membership credit?
The Bar membership credit of up to 5% is available to members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Allegheny County Bar Association. The credit is applied to the premium for each member attorney only. If all attorneys in a firm are members of one of these associations, the total credit will accrue to a full 5% on the total policy premium.
8) Can you tell me more about the Risk Management Credit?
The risk management credit is 7.5% and is applied against the premium for each attorney who attends an approved risk management course. The credit is applied at the next renewal date and is good for two consecutive policy terms. Multiple coursework in this two year period will not increase the credit.
9) I’m a busy attorney. Will I have to fill out a new application for CNA?
You will be receiving a CNA transition kit approximately 90 days prior to your expiration date. Enclosed in the kit will be a simplified application that should only take minutes to complete.
10) Does CNA offer coverage for part time attorneys?
CNA does provide an endorsement to the policy for part time attorneys at a reduced premium based on the number of hours worked. Part time is based on hours available to practice law, not billable hours.
11) I’m retiring soon, but not before this transition. Will I still get a free “tail?”
As long as you have been continually insured in the Bar endorsed program for at least three years, you will be entitled to a free non-practicing endorsement from CNA which provides an unlimited extended reporting period. It is important to be completely retired before ordering this endorsement.
12) When will the changes take place?
Approximately 90 days prior to your expiration date, you will receive a CNA transition kit from USI Affinity. We will be calling you shortly thereafter to answer questions and assist with completion of the brief application. Your CNA policy will be delivered to you within days of receipt of your fully completed application.
13) Can I get a CNA policy now? Why do I have to wait?
It is in your best interest to allow your current policy to run its full course. Retroactive dates generally run concurrently with policy effective dates and it is a good idea to keep this relationship between key dates intact. Furthermore, cancelling your Westport policy early will result in a premium penalty, reducing any return premium due to you from Westport. If there are other compelling reasons that may cause you to cancel your policy early, please contact us for guidance. (Change in entity, for example.)
14) Can I still renew with Westport?
USI Affinity cannot provide you with a Westport policy.
15) Do I need to buy an Extended Reporting Period, or “tail coverage,” from Westport?
Your CNA policy will provide the same retroactive date, if any, as your expiring Westport policy. Therefore you do not need to incur the expense of an Extended Reporting Period from Westport if you are placing your coverage with CNA at expiration of your Westport policy.
16) What is this about loss runs? Do I need to ask for my loss runs?
Loss runs are a record of your claims with an insurance company and can show the nature of the claim, relevant dates, expenses and damages paid on your behalf. Loss runs are not required to become insured with CNA at expiration of your Westport policy. There is no need to contact Westport for loss runs since CNA is automatically accepting all expiring Westport policies into the program.
17) I have a claim to report. Where do I report it?
All claims of which you are aware or think may be coming your way should be reported immediately to Westport. Please refer to your insurance policy for the precise circumstances under which you must report an actual or potential claim. Properly reporting a claim to Westport is important to preserve your rights under your current policy. Claims made policies are very stringent about reporting claims in a timely manner. The failure to properly report a potential claim or actual claim may result in the loss of coverage for such claim.
To Report A Claim
Fax to Frank English, Claim Team Leader 1-877-880-1590
Email to CI_Specialtyclaims@swissre.com
Mail to Westport Insurance Corporation c/o Specialty Claims
P.O. Box 29221
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201
Overnight to Specialty Claims Imaging
Westport Insurance Corporation
5200 Metcalf
Overland Park, KS 66201-1391
18) With whom will I be working at USI Affinity?
You will be working with the same friendly and knowledgeable representatives at USI Affinity that you have come to know over the years. We have also added new talent to our team to make sure we can provide a superior level of service. You can feel certain that your interests will be looked after with the care you deserve.