Insurance for Data Breach Expenses

The vast majority of insurance agencies do not have any insurance coverage for reimbursement of the costs incurred due to a client data breach. Here are just a few of the reasons why a Network Security and Privacy (NSAP) policy makes sense for insurance agencies:

  • Coverage for data and other non-physical perils is routinely excluded under Property policies.
  • The “intentional acts” exclusion found in a standard E&O policy might eliminate coverage if the breach was caused intentionally by an employee.
  • E&O coverage may not respond at all for acts that are outside the provision of professional services.
  • Liability arising out of the destruction of electronic data is not typically covered under the standard General Liability or Property policies.
  • Crime policies generally only cover theft of money, securities or other tangible property – not information theft or the destruction of electronic data.

Don’t be the cobbler with holes in his shoes! You need to take the appropriate risk management steps to protect the private client information contained within your electronic and physical files.

If that does not work, you will be glad you have separate coverage.

Reduce Agency E&O Claims

The Independent Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has created a new Web-based agency resource called the Big “I” Virtual Risk Consultant (VRC) powered by Rough Notes.

“One in five claims that we see with the Big ‘I’ Professional Liability Program are a direct result of recommendation or risk assessment errors alleged against the agent,” says David Hulcher, Big “I” director of agency E&O risk management. “The VRC will go a long way to help agents avoid these types of claims and will increase the professionalism of agency staff.”

The VRC offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help agency staff better understand customer operations and to identify risk exposure with business-specific questionnaires and checklists that also provide solid customer file documentation should a claim arise. This service allows members to create more professional customer proposals and effectively explain complex insurance coverage. The VRC also provides invaluable content to assist the agency in successfully promoting its services, such as in the way of pre-written business letters and hundreds of articles for use in customer communications and marketing.

Big “I” members can learn more and purchase the VRC directly. An annual subscription for an agency with 15 or fewer users is $250 per year, per state. The fee for agencies with over 15 users is $500. A four-year subscription for the price of three is available for $750 and $1,500, depending on agency user count.