Miller Nash hosted a fantastic panel for its May 18, 2021, “Understanding Insurance Coverage Issues & Minimizing Liability Exposure.” The webinar, part of Miller Nash’s Construction Webinar Series, provided an in-depth discussion and an insider’s perspective on many of the coverage topics most currently impactful to developers, contractors, and subcontractors. We would like to extend a huge thank you to our panelists—Matt Hoskinson of Assured Partners, Melody Olson of Propel Insurance, Josh Tyndell of HUB International, and Sky Wolfe of Parker Smith and Feek—and moderators, Tristan Swanson and Carrie Mount of Miller Nash.
Below is a short recap of the topics discussed:
- Owner- or Contractor-Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs + CCIPs). Our panel discussed the increased popularity of OCIPS and CCIPs, cost and coverage considerations, and best practices for OCIP/CCCIP claims, administration, and enrollment. Exclusively available for larger projects in the past, the OCIP and CCIP market is continuing to evolve and is now is something to be considered on almost every project large and small, residential and commercial.
- Subcontractor Default Insurance. General contractors are increasingly turning to SDI in lieu of traditional performance bonds. Our panelists discussed SDI’s benefits and the important differences between SDI and traditional performance bonds.
- Builder’s Risk. Owners and general contractors have seen steep premium increases on this first-party property insurance. Our panel members provided tips for negotiating premiums down, as well as what sublimits and additional coverages are most important in builder’s risk policies.
- Project specific design insurance or “Owner’s Protective Professional Indemnity.” A relatively rare but increasingly important coverage product, our panelists discussed the considerations behind procuring “OPPI” insurance and its future for contractors and developers.
- The “Hard Market” and the Underwriting Process. A “hard” market means increasing premiums and less willingness from carriers’ to place coverage in in the first place. Our panelists discussed how to make the best of our current hard market: planning for a longer underwriting process, organization for successful underwriting, financial statements, and what they see underwriters rewarding (or punishing) when it comes time to renew or place coverage.
The conversation was so good we couldn’t get to everything! Stay tuned for a follow up webinar where we address some of the topics time limitations forced us to skip: new CGL endorsements, additional insurance issues and strategies, and E&O and pollution coverage.
If you would like to view the presentation, you can register to view it on-demand here. If you would like to be notified of available CLE credit, please contact mcle@millernash.com.
