Jon HallDip CII Perhaps the wise old man of the team Jon has worked in the general insurance industry, both for insurers and brokers, for over 30 years, hence brings a wealth of experience from both sides of the fence. Add to this his experience in practice and you will find he applies a pragmatic, businesslike approach to his advice on insurance solutions. Jon specialises in liability insurance, but commands an excellent knowledge of other classes and services.
David Tucker IRIB David has over 19 years experience in insurance, latterly specialising in professional indemnity and other financial liability insurances. A pure broker, known for his no nonsense approach with insurers, he has secured some extremely beneficial insurance solutions for professional clients. Particularly relevant in these modern times, David understands the new technologies well and therefore can advise I.T. clients on such as Cyber Liability Exposures.
Justin Conroy BA(Hons) With the most recent experience of underwriting, having spent the majority of the latter years with Norwich Union, Justin completes the team with his extensive knowledge on the core business insurances. He creates the classic insurance portfolios such as material damage, business interruption and motor fleet, thereby constructing a solid risk protection. Justin has illustrated a creative application of often rigid insurance policies to provide unusual, but effective solutions to clients’ difficult problems.
Genesis
During the latter part of their employed careers Jon, David and Justin became frustrated in their attempts to provide discerning business people with the level of service demanded.
They knew that not only were effective, efficient insurance products required, but, more importantly, a level of informed advice and service not readily available in the market at that time, hence the birth of HTC Associates Ltd.
As a commitment to these principles HTC has the following mission:
“To provide discerning business people with a combination of the highest standard of service, informed advice and insurance solutions at a level not presently available in the market, so that they can concentrate on maximising earnings from their business, secure in the knowledge that they are properly protected against, or informed about, the risks they face.”
The Services
It is difficult in a website of such general nature to describe fully the bespoke advisory and broking services that HTC provide, but the following salient points should give an indication of their goals
1) Before any recommendations are made HTC conduct a full appraisal addressing :
The risks your business face
Establishing all the Material Facts so Full Disclosure is made
Your attitude to carrying or transferring risk
Your insurance advisory and broking service requirements
Your economic position juxtaposed to insurance and related services.
2) With all the details acquired in the appraisal a full broking exercise is undertaken:
Securing the very best terms from insurers
Checking the financial security of insurers
Conducting a detailed investigation of the cover offered
Checking claims service standards
3) HTC then submit a report to you that includes:
The results of their broking campaign
A full explanation of all covers and terms
Recommendations for any additional cover thought relevant
Advice on related services, so you fully appreciate how your business can be protected against other risks.
4) Upon your instructions to proceed, the service continues with:
Appointment of staff dedicated to you on a basis of their experience in your type of business
Advising you of ongoing service delivery, such as claims handling
Regular reviews to ensure your insurance and risk solutions remain effective and HTC are continually up to date with any changes in your business
Regular briefings to you providing advice on the changes in the legal and business environment affecting your business
Providing contacts with other professional service providers, such as I.F.A.’s, Accountants, Valuers etc, to ensure you have effective solutions available for your other financial requirements.
Service Delivery
Jon, David and Justin knew they were unable to deliver such a high level of client service and advice without the backing of a similarly minded, substantial broking operation, and so formed a partnership with the Layton Blackham Group.
Layton Blackham are in their own right a premier insurance broking operation being in the top 50 insurance brokers in the UK. They bring to the partnership exceptional contacts and schemes with insurers, together with an administration facility second to none. Also, as will be appreciated from the following mission statement given by Chris Blackham, Cheif Executive of Layton Blackham, Layton Blackham has like minded business principals. Together, HTC and Layton Blackham are determined to provide an insurance advisory and broking service unsurpassed at this time in the insurance world.
“As one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers, we have a duty and responsibility to provide our clients with a high standard of service based on a firm foundation of quality staff, superior products and cost efficient pricing. We realise that you will not tolerate poor standards and inferior broking skills. Customer service is not one issue but a large number of issues that need to be bonded together into a seamless service. We want to work with professional businesses. If you appointed us as your brokers, our commitment to you will be unequivocal and very real indeed. We realise that without your support we will not be successful in our business and as such your satisfaction with our service is our overriding priority”.
Chris Blackham Chairman & Chief Executive Layton Blackham Group
Regulation
HTC Associates Ltd are authorised and regulated to conduct General Insurance Business by the Financial Services Authority under registration number: 314299
Contact Us
Office Location & Directions
From:
TESTIMONIALS
Jon Hall, Director of HTC Associates Ltd, has advised us on, and arranged our Professional Indemnity insurance since 1992 and throughout that time has given us knowledgeable, reliable and excellent personal service. Besides ensuring we have always enjoyed the most competitive terms available in the market he has produced policy covers not only of the widest possible, but specifically tailored to our needs. Additionally, Jon has supported us with collateral advice on such as duty of care documents. I have no hesitation in recommending his services to any professional practice that require their professional risks properly assessed and managed either by insurance or risk management measures.
Richard Cheng, Bsc CEng FIStructE, Director, Sidebottom Richard Cheng Ltd, Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers.
Jon Hall, Director of HTC Associates Ltd, has been advising us on the management of our professional risks, whether by insurance or otherwise since 1997, and I am pleased to recommend his services to any professional practice that requires an in depth, knowledgeable and reliable service of this nature. As well as always ensuring we have enjoyed the most competitive terms with reputable insurers, Jon has ensured our policy cover is the widest possible and specifically tailored to our needs. Further, he has always been on hand to provide timely additional advice on such matters as expansion of our services or when we felt exposed to possible claims.
Any practice that feels in need of in depth advice and services on protection from professional liability risks could not be better served by Jon and his practice HTC Associates Ltd.
R J Lester FCA, Partner, Turner & Smith, Accountants
I have no hesitation in recommending Jon Hall, Director of HTC Associates Ltd, to advise on, and arrange, the insurances required by any professional practice in protecting them from the myriad of financial liabilities that exist in business life in these litigious times. Jon has advised us on our Professional Indemnity and other insurances since 1991 and throughout that time has given us accurate and knowledgeable advice together with a reliable and excellent personal service. Besides negotiating the best terms available for our actual insurances he has produced imaginative solutions, whether by insurance or risk management, to our risk exposure. Additionally Jon has supported us with excellent advice on such as duty of care documents and in handling allegations against us, so our practice’s best interests are preserved.
Peter Cole BSc CEng FIStructE MICE ACIArb , Director, Peter Cole Consultants Ltd, Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers.
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for the continued excellent service.
As you are of course aware, when we first met a little over a year ago I was concerned about the level of our PI premiums. I think you almost cut our premium in half that year and this year’s premium certainly seems very competitive.
You obviously have a thorough knowledge of the professional indemnity market and have always been quick to respond to any particular queries we have regarding warranties or particular aspects of our cover.
Steve Rayner RIBA, Rayner Davies Architects - Nottingham
We found HTC Associates provided not only extremely competitive terms for our insurance, but also gave excellent informed advice on insurance issues affecting our practice and the best methods of transferring risk.
Jim Scully FCA Managing Partner, Hobsons Accountants - Nottingham I was pleased greatly that HTC Associates were able to reduce our PI premium in the first instance and have found both the renewal service and after sale care to be extemporary.
David Urwin MRICS, John German Estate Egents - Loughborough Justin, I am writing to thank you for your excellent service over the last four years when dealing with all our insurance requirements. Your helpful advice and extensive knowledge has ensured that our requests have been fully met even when timescales have been tight.
Susanne Lamb, East Midlands Business Ltd I have found HTC Associates to be professional in everything they do. They have demonstrated an in depth understanding of the issues we face as a business and have always provided efficient responses in difficult situations. I have no reservations in recommending HTC to anyone who requires competitively priced commercial insurance.
Steve McQueen, Managing Director, Converged Communications Ltd , Northumberland BT Local Business
On behalf of Elder & Twells Ltd we would like to compliment you on your ongoing personal service relating to insurance. We have been particularly pleased with your practical approach to dealing with our Professional Indemnity cover and the ongoing service you have provided with queries we have raised. Similarly you have been a most constructive reference to our Office and Buildings cover. You have obtained a competitive quotation which we have been pleased to accept. We also consider you have a balanced approach to the need to obtain competitive quotes yet maintain effective cover.
I have found that David and HTC Associates have provided excellent service, demonstrating a first class understanding of the risks we face and how we may best protect ourselves from these. They have been able to achieve, on our behalf, very real savings in our premium without compromising the level of cover provided.
J.P. Allen FCA, FCCA, MABRP, Partner, Mabe Allen LLP
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Products & Services
Under Construction
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE It has long been held in Civil Law that any person or organisation holding themselves out as possessing above average knowledge on any particular subject (the Professional) will be held legally liable to any individual or organisation for losses they incur when relying on the professional services provided, if those services are not of the standard expected of the average, competent practitioner within that profession. It is this legal liability, called professional negligence, that professional indemnity insurance is designed to indemnify you against.
Hopefully the following answers to the more common questions asked regarding this subject will help you understand your professional risks and how professional indemnity insurance protects you.
Who Is A Professional?
At one time the use of the description “Professional” was restricted to the traditional professions, Doctors, Lawyers, Architects etc, but now it is used to describe anyone, or any organisation, that professes to possess the above average knowledge or skill on a given subject.
Anyone, therefore, who proffers advice, or undertakes designs etc, to or for the layman will be deemed a Professional and held liable if that advice, design etc is found not to achieve a reasonable standard of care (professional negligence). Even gratuitous negligent advice given by a Professional can create a liability and, perversely, a Professional who appears to be knowledgeable on a subject outside his profession, will be liable for that advice if they do not disclaim liability for the advice. An example is ourselves, being Insurance Brokers, giving advice on the Law, so can we here and now disclaim any liability for any such advice given. A solicitor should be consulted on the Law, not an Insurance Broker.
What Is The Standard of Care Expected?
The standard of care required by the Law is not perfection, but is only that expected of the average, competent practitioner within that profession.
It is not that displayed by the most proficient practitioner of a profession, only that of the average, competent one, although no concession is made for the inadequacies of the trainee as they are still required to achieve the “average” standard. What is the standard expected will be determined by experienced, practising professionals in the profession by giving an “expert” opinion on the veracity of the services provided.
Notwithstanding this accepted “average” standard, it can be argued that if a Professional declares they are an expert, or possess an exceptionally high level of skill, the standard of care against which they will be judged could be deemed to be higher than the average practitioner.
To Whom Is The Professional Liable?
Fortunately the Law does limit the class of persons to whom the Professional is liable, or to whom they owe a duty of care, to their client in contract or one with whom they have a special relationship.
The identity of the former is usually quite clear, but there is often a great deal of argument as to who the latter could be. In simple terms it would be a person or organisation who the Professional should reasonably have been aware would act on his professional services, or be affected by them, when they were undertaking their task. Such is the difficulty of deciding who has such a special relationship that collateral warranties were invented when the Law reduced the class of persons to whom a Professional was liable following the Caparo case in 1990.
For What Losses Is There a Legal Liability?
Disregarding any specific losses agreed in contract, and, as we know, anything can be agreed in contract, there is still a substantial raft of losses for which Professionals can be liable generally under Law.
They will, naturally, be responsible for the cost of correcting their work and rectification or repair costs in the event they have wrongly designed a product, building or other tangible item.
Their greatest financial liability, however, are consequential losses. Imagine wrongly designing the shelving for a new hypermarket of a well known chain, which entailed the opening was delayed by one month. It was projected the 54 tills at the store would take an average of £50 per customer, with queues of 4 people at each till during peak time, and the store would earn 50% profit on sales. The months delay would create a consequential loss of profit approaching £2m (54 tills; one customer per 10 minutes for 8 hours, spending £50 @ 28 days with 50% profit = £1,814,400). The design error may only cost a few pounds to resolve, but the one month delay could bankrupt the professional practice. The insurance moral of this story is always to buy the highest indemnity limit as possible, as it is difficult to foresee the consequences of even a simple error.
Will My Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover Everything?
Glibly any insurer will always declare “Insurance can cover anything, but does not cover from everything”.
Besides uninsurable risks and risks covered by other insurances, in its basic form professional indemnity insurance will cover risks and losses generally in the public domain, of which the Insurance Underwriter should be aware. This does not include activities or liabilities accepted by the Professional in a contractual agreement that would not normally be accepted. If you are an Architect, it will not cover you to undertake Engineering; if you accept liability for liquidated damages, they will not be covered. Also, it will not cover liability accepted for a higher standard of care than the Law would normally impose. The insurance will exclude cover for all such matters by provisos and exclusions, so Professionals should consult experienced Professional Indemnity Insurance Brokers to establish all their activities and contractual liabilities are covered, or if some are not, what they are. Some extraordinary activities and liabilities can be included, but only after negotiation with insurers which should only be undertaken by Specialist Brokers.
Why Is Professional Indemnity So Unusual?
Professional Indemnity is different to nearly all other types of insurance due to its claims made feature, which throws up unusual features of cover such as run-off cover and retrospective cover.
In basic terms the insurance must be in force when a claim is brought against the Professional, which can be some years after the design or advice is completed and any loss or damage occurs or is discovered. For instance, defects in the design of a building may not manifest themselves for many years. Then it can take more years to establish the defects were due to faulty design and who actually undertook the design, therefore against whom the claim should be made. If the insurance has been in force since start of practice, and there has been no circumstances apparent (more of this later), there should be no problems in having any claim arising from such a scenario paid, but if a circumstance was apparent or the insurance was taken out some years after practice began, there could be problems.
When a first professional indemnity policy is issued, automatically the insurer sets a retroactive date as inception of the insurance, which effectively means any claims arising from work done prior to that date are excluded. Retrospective cover can be purchased to cover claims arising from past work, but this will exclude any claims already made against the practice and circumstances that exist that it would be reasonable to expect would lead to claims against the practice. A circumstance is a matter, such as an error or an allegation made by a client that an error has been made, that may lead to a claim against the practice. Often subsequent claims are repudiated by professional indemnity insurers because, during investigation of the claim, it is discovered the Professional was aware of, or should reasonably have been aware of, circumstances that may lead to a claim. If such circumstances were prior to the start of the insurance, which includes the start of a new year of insurance following renewal, any subsequent claim is excluded.
Similar to retrospective cover is run off cover, which extends cover when practice has ceased, such as due to retirement. As claims can be brought many years after the negligent advice is given, or design completed, retiring Professionals are advised to continue to purchase Professional Indemnity insurance so they have protection when claims are made. Premiums for run-off cover tend to reduce as time elapses from the cessation of practice, but the cover is subject to no further professional services being undertaken by that actual practice.
We do hope the foregoing goes some way to explaining the background to professional indemnity insurance and the mechanics of its cover, but realise the information may have created more questions, so please do not hesitate to contact us by any of the following means, as we are willing to provide a certain amount of free advice.
The Law makes Directors and Officers of a company legally liable to the fullest extent of their personal assets in the event it can be proven they caused loss to a third party from mismanaging their company’s affairs. Importantly, although a company can limit its liability, an individual Director or Officer cannot.
Besides actual claims, unfounded claims can be brought that need defending together with the commensurate cost in time and legal fees. In certain circumstances the company can pay such costs, but naturally this will place a burden on the company’s finances.
How Does the Legal Liability of Directors & Officers Arise?
Firstly from the plethora of wide-ranging legislation, including: -
Insolvency Act Trade description Act Health & Safety at Work Act Environmental Protection Act Data Protection Act Consumer Protection Act Racial Discrimination Act Sex Discrimination Act Companies Act
Under the Companies Act alone there are more than 200 offences that may result in action against an individual director or officer !
Other causes include: -
Breach of Authority Libel & Slander Unauthorised Payment Breach of Duty Plain error of judgement Conflicts of Interest Breach of Trading Standards Wrongful Trading Negligent Supervision Breach of Trust Negligence, Error or Omission Corporate Manslaughter Breach of Contract Imprudent Investment Decisions
Who Might Bring A Claim?
Shareholders Investors Liquidators Banks Creditors Regulators Government Employees
Directors and Officers involved in merger, acquisition or divestiture activities also have a considerable risk of litigation from potential buyers, shareholders and regulatory bodies.
In light of the foregoing and the present litigious & informed climate, fuelled by “no win, no fee” arrangements, more claims are being brought than ever before, so it is important insurance protection is in place to protect both individual Directors and Officers and their companies.
Available Cover:
Directors & Officers insurance provides indemnity for the Legal Costs involved in responding to and defending an action, with any damages and claimants costs that may be awarded.
Cover is for any “Wrongful Act”, defined as any breach of duty, breach of trust, neglect, error, misstatement, misleading statement, omission, or breach of warranty of authority.
The policy defines the insured as any past, present or future Director, Officer, or equivalent Executive Manager of the company, as well as any Employee while acting in a managerial or supervisory capacity. It is the role being undertaken at the time of the commission of Wrongful Act that will determine whether that person is an officer of the company.
HTC's Services include,
A Full appraisal of your risks
Submission of a full proposal to ensure Disclosure obligations are fulfilled
Submission to all reputable insurers to obtain the best terms available
Submission of a full quotation report to you comfirming the best terms and explaining fully the contract
Ongoing reviews and advice especially if claims occur
If you wish to discuss Directors’ & Officers’ Liabilities further
There is NO LIMIT to the compensation that an Employment Tribunal may award following race, disability or sex discrimination. Compensation following unfair dismissal may be as much as £50,000 and legislation in the UK and Europe seems certain to extend the liabilities of a Company.
Increasing Claims
Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number and cost of employment-related claims due to many factors, including: -
Proliferation of "No Win - No Fee" agreements Increasingly more stringent legislation for employers Re-interpretation of existing legislation Aggressive action from vested interests (e.g. Campaign for Racial Equality) Greater awareness by employees of their rights
Employment Liabilities
Employers are liable for discrimination not only by the Company's Directors and Management, but also by employees acting on their own initiative, unless reasonable steps have been taken to avoid it. Furthermore, if an employee suffers harassment by a third party, such as a client or supplier, the employer again becomes liable unless reasonable steps have been taken to prevent it.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
The basis of cover is to provide defence of an action being brought by a complainant and payment of any damages awarded. It also includes cover for Criminal Prosecutions and any Administrative or Regulatory Proceedings (cover cannot include fines or penalties imposed).
Who Is Covered
The Insured Organisation Directors, Officers and Employees Subsidiary Companies Independent Contractors
What Is Covered
Discrimination based on Sex, Race, Disability, Religion or Politics, Wrongful or Unfair Dismissal, Harassment, Wrongful Disciplinary Action, Defamation Whistle-Blower Retaliation, Failure to Employ or Promote, Misrepresentation, Wrongful Infliction of Emotional Distress, Wrongful Deprivation of a Career Opportunity, Injury to Feelings
Cover also extends to include claims for Discrimination or Harassment brought by non-employees, customers, clients, suppliers or vendors.
CLAIMS EXAMPLES
An Employment Tribunal awarded a former employee of Birmingham City Council £67,000. The former part-time Housing Officer told the Tribunal how a change of role sent her into a downward spiral because she had not been trained to cope.
A worker in the motor trade was awarded £15,000 for discrimination, bringing his total awards received to £40,000 from 12 actions over a five-year period. He told the Tribunal how he suffered serious health problems after being rejected for an interview. His tactic would be to submit two applications for a vacancy, one in his own name and one in the name of a female. If there were any difference in the way the two applications are treated, he typically would take the company to an Employment Tribunal.
An Asian computer operator was awarded over £350,000 for persistent racial discrimination over a period of time.
A sex-change female pilot was awarded £77,000, including £14,000 for hurt feelings, when she was rejected for an interview for a job with EasyJet. This was despite the Recruitment Officer's statement that he had worked with the individual before and had found her unable to work in a team, hazardous to safety, prone to flaunting her femininity and that other pilots preferred not to fly with her.
A former Detective Constable was awarded £184,000 for compensation for sexual discrimination. She claimed that advances she received from a Sergeant, which she continually rejected, made her life miserable.
A single mother who lost her job at Heathrow Airport was awarded three years' pay by an Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination.
A council warden working at a designated gypsy site was awarded £203,000 in damages due to work-related stress, having been attacked by a dog and shot at whilst working at the site.
HTC's Services include,
A Full appraisal of your risks
Submission of a full proposal to ensure Disclosure obligations are fulfilled
Submission to all reputable insurers to obtain the best terms available
Submission of a full quotation report to you comfirming the best terms and explaining fully the contract
Ongoing reviews and advice especially if claims occur
If you wish to discuss Employment Practices Liabilities further
The financial burden place on a company that is the subject of a TAX or VAT investigation, Health & Safety Prohibition, Employment Tribunal, Contract Dispute or any other legal action could be crippling.
Legal Expenses insurance not only defends you in the event of civil action or criminal prosecution, but also provides cover for the legal expenses incurred in pursuing claims that you may bring against other parties.
Increasing Costs
Recent years have seen a significant increase in the costs of legal expenses incurred by businesses due to many factors, including: -
Health & Safety Executive exercising their powers more regularly
Increasing numbers of investigations by Inland Revenue
Proliferation of "No Win - No Fee" agreements
Increasingly more stringent legislation for employers
Re-interpretation of existing legislation
Greater awareness by employees, consumers and suppliers of their rights
Commercial Legal Expenses
The basis of cover provides indemnity for fees incurred in defending a claim or in pursuing certain claims against a third party.
A 24-hour Helpline often accompanies the policy, which provides legal advice on most issues. For certain claims insurers require that the Helpline is referred to for the policy to respond. In addition, there must also be reasonable prospects of success for cover to operate.
Certain insurers provide a Debt Recovery service that operates in conjunction with the policy, recourse to legal action being taken only where this service is unsuccessful.
What May Be Covered
Contract Disputes
Personal Legal Protection
Tax, PAYE audit & VAT investigations
Property Legal Protection
Employment Representation
Disputes with Landlords
Employment Awards
Protection of Licences
Prosecution Defence
Restrictive Covenants
Debt Recovery
Data Protection Act
Business Motoring
Jury Service & Attendance Allowance
The specialist team within HTC Associates Ltd specialise in assisting their clients in facing these risks. We advise on, and arrange protection against, the many claims that a Company may face in today's business environment.
HTC's Services include,
A Full appraisal of your risks
Submission of a full proposal to ensure Disclosure obligations are fulfilled
Submission to all reputable insurers to obtain the best terms available
Submission of a full quotation report to you comfirming the best terms and explaining fully the contract
Ongoing reviews and advice especially if claims occur
If you wish to discuss Commercial Legal Expenses Insurance further
Professional practices have unique general risks, other than professional ones, that must be catered for and following careful research we have been able to construct a package policy that provides cover for these risks.
The salient sections and features of this policy are:-
Material Damage Section including
full accidental damage coverage
cover for items away from the office
wide definition of Contents
Computer section including
specialist cover, such as accidental erasure of data
breakdown cover
cover for such as laptops away from the office – worldwide if necessary
additional expenses, reinstatement of data and engineers costs
Business Interruption section including
full loss of revenue cover
important extensions such as public utilities, denial of access etc
Combined Liability section including
Employers Liability with unsatisfied court judgements cover
Public Liability including wide cover for non manual visits away from the office
Product Liability cover where applicable for such as models or prototypes
Loss of Money section including
Personal Assault benefits
Cash collection covers
All Risks section including
cover for particularly vulnerable items away from the office – worldwide if necessary
HTC's Services include,
A Full appraisal of your risks
Submission of a full proposal to ensure Disclosure obligations are fulfilled
Submission to all reputable insurers to obtain the best terms available
Submission of a full quotation report to you comfirming the best terms and explaining fully the contract
Ongoing reviews and advice especially if claims occur
Many small practices believe that motor fleet insurances are only available when they own or run 10 vehicles, but we do have facilities that will offer fleet policies when a practice has only 3 vehicles.
This can be important as the benefits of holding a fleet policy are:-
all vehicles owned, hired or loaned to a practice are covered
vehicles are immediately covered without the need to disclose to insurers other than in the declaration, which can be annually; this is subject to MID regulations
any drivers, any age, for any type of car can be covered
all employees are covered for both business & pleasure use
any driver with the practices permission is covered for pleasure use
the fleet discounts, no or low claims bonuses, are immediately applied to additional vehicles
vehicles owned by partners or directors can be included.
Besides these general benefits of fleet insurance, we offer the following benefits:-
fleet policies available from 3 vehicles
full accident management service to ensure your claim is handled quickly, courtesy cars are arranged and any uninsured losses are recovered with solicitor fees paid if necessary.
HTC's Services include,
A Full appraisal of your risks
Submission of a full proposal to ensure Disclosure obligations are fulfilled
Submission to all reputable insurers to obtain the best terms available
Submission of a full quotation report to you comfirming the best terms and explaining fully the contract
Ongoing reviews and advice especially if claims occur
We all know of bad luck insurance stories. The problems usually start because most home insurers sell standard “one size fits all” policies. So, if you own a high quality home, you are likely to find – often, after the event – that the policy is simply not adequate to cover your needs.
Fortunately, not all insurers are the same. There are a few specialist insurers, who deal only with higher-value, quality homes, offering exceptional cover and service specifically tailored to the needs of individuals who enjoy above average income or wealth.
No hassle with paperwork Changing your home insurer can be an ordeal. You are expected to spend time filling in a lot of forms with a lot of information. With a specialist insurer this hassle is minimised. The majority operate without requiring you to fill in any forms – even claim forms! Working out the cost of replacing your home and possessions Most insurers expect you to assess the cost of replacing your home and possessions. Get it wrong, and when you make a claim they may penalise you for being under-insured. A penalty that often means more than just losing the difference. Rather than simply paying up to your level of cover, they may reduce your settlement in proportion to the amount of your under-insurance! You could end up significantly out-of-pocket.
Some specialist insurers offer a complimentary home appraisal – to eliminate the risk of under-insurance. They may visit your home to assess an accurate rebuild value and can give advice on the correct level of contents and valuables cover. Once you have agreed the rebuild value, some will even offer unlimited cover on the building – so even if they have got the sums wrong, you will still be paid in full. An approach that treats you as a responsible human being To minimise their risk most insurers will insist on placing all sorts of restrictions and limitations on you. For example, you may not be covered for theft if you go out and forget to set your alarm, or fail to keep your jewellery locked in a safe. They call these limitations – “warranties”. The policies of the best specialist insurers are “warranty free”. They don’t place restrictions on how you live your life. Instead, they trust you to take care of your own possessions and won’t invalidate your insurance because of the occasional human error. A policy that offers more useful protection for genuine peace-of-mind Standard policies state what is covered – and everything else is excluded! As a result, you may think you are covered for 99.9% of all eventualities … until you come to make a claim, or read the small print, and discover the gaps, exclusions and shortfalls. Specialist insurers take a far more generous stance. They usually state what is excluded – and everything else is covered! In addition, their cover limits are bigger and geared to an understanding of your needs and lifestyle. Most will automatically cover your possessions for all risks worldwide and offer very competitive travel insurance. Often they will insure a second home, even one outside the UK, on similar terms to your main home. Some even offer car insurance that eliminates some of the irksome problems of standard motor insurance. The most comprehensive offer lifestyle protection covering the emotional trauma of increasingly common crimes such as Aggravated Burglary, Car Jacking, Stalking, Road and Air Rage, and Identity Fraud. All your insurances on one policy and no gaps in cover With standard insurers you may have your buildings with one insurer and contents with another. Two claims, two loss adjusters, lots of paperwork, not to mention those grey areas where nobody accepts responsibility! Specialist insurers will include all your needs on one policy – even, in some cases, your cars. With everything under one roof, there’s only one renewal date to remember, one premium to pay and no cracks to slip down. A claims service tailored to your individual needs Making a claim is the moment of truth. It is when the insurer delivers on his promise. Unfortunately, with a standard insurer it is often a moment that creates a feeling of disenchantment or worse – with summary deductions on the sum you thought you were insured for, an insistence that you take a replacement rather than a cash payment or the demand that you accept a repairer chosen by the insurer.
Specialist insurers try to make this moment as easy as possible for you.
Many offer “agreed value” for the total loss of homes, specified valuables – and, in some cases, cars. This means you will be paid exactly what was agreed upfront on the policy without any deduction for depreciation.
Most offer a choice to take cash, without any deduction, rather than replace.
Often you can even choose your own repairer.
Financial security The best specialist insurers earn excellent ratings from independent credit-rating agencies. This means you can be secure in the knowledge that they are in a position to pay claims now and in the future. Specialist insurance costs a little more, but we think you’ll agree the benefits are well worth it. As you might expect, there are differences in the policy benefits and service that individual specialist insurers offer, you should ask us for details.
If you wish to discuss High Net Worth Home Insurance further
Professional Indemnity cover is a compulsory requirement of the Law Society of Great Britain for Solicitors in England and Wales, traditionally this was provided by the Solicitors Indemnity Fund however practices have been able to place cover in the insurance market since 2000.
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is imposed by the Law Society and varies according to your practices legal status. Minimum limits of indemnity are:-
£3,000,000 Relevant Recognised Body
£2,000,000 All other cases
Policy Coverage including: Civil Liability Successor Practice Indemnity Defence Costs In Addition Unlimited Defence Costs Prior Practice Indemnity Full Retroactive Cover Any One Claim Cover Excess not applying to defence costs No policy avoidance Ombudsman Extension
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity Insurance is compulsory for members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is imposed by the ICAEW calculated according to fee income. The Limit required is two and a half times the fee income for your last completed financial year,
Subject to a minimum of £100,000 for all practices*
Subject to a Maximum of £1,500,000 You may effect a higher Limit of Indemnity than £1,500,000 if you wish. *These minimum Limits of Indemnity are subject to review by the ICA and ACCA
Policy cover is written in accordance with the requirements of the ICAEW and ACCA on a “Civil Liability” basis and with an “Any One Claim” Limit of Indemnity.
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is compulsory for members of many Professional Institutes and prudent for any practising Consulting Engineer.
In its basic form it provides your practice, and you personally, protection from claims made against you for professional negligence. Not only can the damages awarded in such actions be quite substantial, but defending spurious actions can also be expensive in terms of legal fees and expert witness costs. This insurance protects against both.
We Also Insist Cover Includes:
Housing Regeneration & Construction Act
Collateral Warranties
Loss of Documents
Prosecution Defence costs
Infringement of Copyright
Breach of Confidentiality
Libel Slander
Mitigation Costs
Costs in Addition to Indemnity Limit
Dishonesty
Excess Not Applying to Defence Costs
Innocent Non-Disclosure with Independent Arbitrator
Other covers for which the need is established during consultations.
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is required by any individual or company that provides any design, specification or advice to their clients. A professional is any person that holds themselves out to have an above average knowledge in any particular subject.
The professional person must exercise whatever degree of care and skill is reasonably expected of any competent practitioner in that profession at that time. If a person provides advice or a service to another and carries that work out negligently, he can be held legally liable for the consequences. Hence the need for Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Policy cover can also include the following: -
Libel & Slander Dishonesty of Employees Loss of Documents Unintentional Breach of Confidence Infringement of Copyright &/or Intellectual Property Rights
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is a compulsory requirement of the Law Society of Great Britain for Solicitors in England and Wales. Traditionally this was provided by the Solicitors Indemnity Fund however practices have been able to place cover in the insurance market since 2000.
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is imposed by the Law Society and varies according to your practices legal status.
Minimum limits of indemnity are:-
£3,000,000 Relevant Recognised Body
£2,000,000 All other cases
Policy Coverage can include: Civil Liability Successor Practice Indemnity Defence Costs In Addition Unlimited Defence Costs Prior Practice Indemnity Full Retroactive Cover Any One Claim Cover Excess not applying to defence costs No policy avoidance Ombudsman Extension
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is of paramount importance for any company, firm or person who is advising clients on I.T. solutions, hardware or who provide support and other services.
In its basic form it provides your practice, and you personally, protection from claims made against you for professional negligence. Not only can the damages awarded in such actions be quite substantial, but defending spurious allegations can also be expensive in terms of legal fees and such as expert witness costs. This insurance protects against both.
We Also Insist Cover Includes:
Breach of Duty Libel and Slander Loss of Your Own or Customers Documents Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights Mitigation Costs Covering Costs to Prevent a Claim or Protect Your Customer Relationship Dishonesty Unintentional Breach of a Written Contract to Supply Hardware or Software Products Liability So Software is Covered Whether Deemed a Product or Service Other covers for which the need is established during consultations can be included.
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively, feel free to call us on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is strongly recommended for any individual or company that provides any design, specification or advice to their clients.
The professional person must exercise whatever degree of care and skill is reasonably expected of any competent practitioner in that profession at that time. If a person provides advice or a service to another and carries that work out negligently, he can be held legally liable for the consequences.
Policy cover may include the following: -
Libel & Slander Dishonesty of Employees Loss of Documents Unintentional Breach of Confidence Infringement of Copyright &/or Intellectual Property Rights
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover in this hybrid form of Design & Construct Insurance is highly recommended for any organisation that takes on the joint duties of designer and supplier of a single project whether that is a building, bridge or other product. The law will impose on such an organisation a higher standard of care than the independent designer or builder as the design and construct organisation virtually guarantees the final product will be as required. There are few defences. We have particular experience in arranging this complex policy and cannot only negotiate superior cover, but upwards of 20% savings for our clients Policy Coverage may include: Any One Claim Limits of Indemnity Defence Costs in Addition Wide Definition of Professional Duties Mitigating Costs Loss of Document Cover Compensation for Court Attendence Prosecution Defence Libel & Slander Cover Collateral Warranty .
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is compulsory for members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is stipulated by the RICS calculated according to fee income:
Fees less than £100,000 p.a. £250,000 minimum* Fees between £100,000 & £200,000 £500,000 minimum* Fees over £200,000 £1,000,000 minimum*
The permitted policy excess is not to exceed:
2.5% of the sum insured or £10,000, whichever is the greater, where the Limit of Indemnity is £500,000 or less*
2.5% of the sum insured, where the Limit of Indemnity exceeds £500,000*
Policy cover is written in accordance with the requirements of the RICS on a “Civil Liability” basis with an “Any One Claim” Limit of Indemnity and includes:
RICS Variance of Wording Housing Regeneration & Construction Act adjudication awards and costs Dishonesty of Employees Loss of Documents Surveyors & Valuers Arbitration Scheme endorsement RICS Asbestos endorsement
* These minimum Limits of Indemnity and policy excesses are subject to review by the RICS
To obtain your Quotationreport and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is a compulsory requirement of The Financial Services Authority and must be maintained in order that the practice may trade.
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is imposed by the FSA, with excesses which can be varied according to your own capital adequacy requirements.
Minimum limits of indemnity are:-
€1,000.000 any one claim with €1,500,000 in the aggregate
Excess Limits: £5,000 or 3% annual income for firms holding client money and assets; or
£2,500 or 1.5% annual income for firms not holding client money and assets or a higher excess where the firm holds additional capital.
Our Insurance Consultants facility generally provides cover far in excess of the minimum requirements, without additional cost to you.
Policy Coverage can include: Any One Claim Cover Innocent Non Disclosure Libel & Slander Dishonesty Of Employees Unintentional Breach Of Confidentiality Ombudsman Awards Extension Loss of Document Cover Binding Authority Extension Civil Liability Wordings
To obtain your Quotation report and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is a compulsory requirement of The Financial Services Authority and must be maintained in order that the practice may trade. Historically IFA’s have had a tough time in the market and have been subject to volatility of premiums, we have however worked closely with insurers to establish relationships that we hope will guard against this in future. We have also negotiated a special scheme with a leading underwriter which can provide a 30% discount for qualifying practices.
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is imposed by the FSA, with excesses which can be varied according to your own capital adequacy requirements.
Minimum limits of indemnity are:-
€1,000.000 any one claim with €1,500,000 in the aggregate
Our IFA facility however generally provides cover far in excess of the minimum requirements, without additional cost to you.
Policy Coverage can include: Excesses from £2500 Unintentional Breach Of Confidentiality Delegated Claims Handling Authority Loss of Document Cover Libel & Slander Dishonesty Of Employees
To obtain your Quotation
report and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
Alternatively call now on 01773 768564 or register your interest HERE
Professional Indemnity cover is compulsory for members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a mandatory requirement for registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and prudent for any practising Architect or Technician.
A minimum Limit of Indemnity is imposed by the ARB dependent on your fee income as follows:
Fees less than £100,000 in the last financial year £250,000 limit required*
Fees between £100,000 & £200,000 in the last financial year £500,000 limit required*
Fees above £200,000 in the last financial year £1,000,000 limit required*
*These minimum Limits of Indemnity are subject to review by the ARB
Policy cover is written in accordance with the guidelines of the ARB on a "Civil Liability" basis, "Any One Claim" Limit of Indemnity, Defence Costs in Addition.
We also insist on including:
Housing Regeneration & Construction Act
Collateral Warranties
Loss of Documents
Prosecution Defence costs
Infringement of Copyright
Breach of Confidentiality
Innocent Non-Disclosure with Independent Arbitrator
Dishonesty
Libel Slander
Others as per you requirements established during consultations.
To obtain your Quotation report and to enable us to review your risks, please click HERE and complete the PROPOSALsending it to us by any of the following means.
We look forward to being of service to you and hope the information given in the pages of our website answer your questions regarding this very important insurance.
Remember, Professional Indemnity Insurance is your best protection against costly claims for a breach of professional duty, so allow only specialists in this unique class of insurance to advise you.
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