KIA&B May/June 2020 | Page 31

LARSON’S LESSONS admitted carrier may provide this as well]. Also, the policy stated all claims had to be reported directly to the company by the insured. While I don’t think the company could have prevailed on this defense, it was still an issue. 3. When switching claims made coverage from one company to another, always stress the importance of the insured reporting all potential claims to the companies. Simply because the insured hasn’t heard from a potential claimant for a long time doesn’t mean the claimant won’t make a claim or file suit. The tort statute of limitations is two years from the date when the injury or damage occurred. I defended many cases where a claim was made, or suit filed shortly before the statute of limitations expired. 4. Recommend all prior acts coverage, if available. When replacing one claims made policy with another, quote all prior acts coverage if possible. If you can’t get all prior acts coverage or if the insured doesn’t want to pay an additional premium for it, be sure and explain actual or potential claims will not be covered if the injury or damage occurred before the retro date. In this case, the new agent explained to the administrator there was no coverage for claims before the retro date and told him to be sure and report any actual or potential claims to the former carrier before the expiration date. That was the reason the new agent didn’t get sued. Will Larson is an attorney who has practiced E&O defense work in Kansas for 36 years. Over the course of his career, he has represented insurance companies and agents throughout the state. He is a consultant for KAIA on legal and policy issues. IT'S TIME TO EXPECT MORE FOR YOUR AGENCY More control. More commission. More customization. FirstFire Services is a comprehensive offering of property and casualty insurance solutions tailored specifically to first responders. COVERAGES INCLUDE: • General Liability • Management Liability • Automobile • Property • Inland Marine • Excess Liability ELIGIBLE CLASSES: • Volunteer • Partial Paid • Career • Combination ACCESS OPEN TO ALL AGENTS & AGENCIES IN KANSAS. CONTACT US Curtis Weible | Business Development Manager tel: 781.332.8522 | [email protected] onebeacongov.com/firstfireservices Proud to be a Bronze Partner of KAIA! OneBeacon Government Risks is a marketing brand of the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA LLC. Coverages may be underwritten by Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a New York insurer, or OBI National Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer, each with its principal place of business at 605 Highway 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441. 31