PLIS Inc.

Biggest Food Borne Illness Event Since 1924!

plisinc — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:21:09 +0000

QUICK LINKS:

Other Recalls in 2011

Listeria Outbreak - Cantaloupe Recall

A major cantaloupe farmer had to recall their entire 2011 cantaloupe harvest including more than 300,000 cases distributed from July 29th through Sept. 10th across 25 states.

There were 146 ill persons reported, including 30 deaths and 1 miscarriage. Since then, the cantaloupe farmer has been trying to recover and restore their brand. They want their product vindicated and to dissolve the stigma around cantaloupes that has been noted as being the biggest food borne illness outbreak since 1924.

Do your clients have the capacity to deal with the loss of revenue (profits) and the extra expenses associated with this kind of event?

Recall Crisis Recovery (RCR) Policy is the solution!

This Recall Policy is Triggered from any of the Following:

Accidental Contamination
Malicious Contamination
Products Extortion

Policy Features:

Limits up to $5M
Reimbursement Coverage for Loss of Profits, Extra Expense, Crisis Management & Rehabilitation Expenses (Brand Restoration)
Insured’s Customer’s Loss of Profits also available
and more…

ALLEVIATE YOUR CLIENTS FEARS KNOWING THERE IS COVERAGE AVAILABLE

Contact us today for more information on our Recall Coverage and speak directly to an underwriter!

Do your clients have the proper resources and techniques to handle the onslaught of the media, customers and governmental agencies when there is a recall event?

PLUS…

Included in this policy is a Nationally Ranked and Certified Crisis Management Team available 24/7 to assist in a recall crisis.

Speak to live representatives on issues including prevention of media events, how to deal with governmental agencies, guidance with making detrimental decisions and more!

E&O Coverage Enhancements!

plisinc — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:33:59 +0000

Errors & Omissions Coverage

PLIS, Inc. has been offering Errors and Omissions Coverage for over 12 years. The PLIS Errors & Omissions Policy includes the following coverage features at NO ADDITIONAL PREMIUM:

Supplemental Payments*

Pays up to $15,000 per policy period, and includes loss of Earnings (up to $500 per insured per day).

No deductible applies!

Disciplinary Proceedings*

Pays defense costs up to $10, 000 per policy period.

No deductible applies!

Deductible Reduction/Credits*

If a claim is settled without litigation, arbitration, mediation or court mandated proceedings, the deductible will be reduced by 75%!

If a claim is settled through mediation (other than court mandated mediation), the deductible paid will be reimbursed up to 50%!

Insureds have free, unlimited telephone access to Specialty Risk Management, Inc. (SRM). SRM is a certified and experienced loss control consultant team, available to provide real time responses throughout the policy period relating to:

Client relations assistance
Company document review (Agreements, Contracts, Policies, Procedures, Disclaimer language)
Loss control procedures for documentation and communication

*All terms, conditions, limits and coverage features are still subject to individual underwriting and certain coverage features may be restricted. This flyer does not amend, extend or alter any coverage afforded by any policy. Not intended to be a representation of coverage or a guarantee of a quote or indication. See policy wording for details. © Copyright 2012. PLIS, Inc.® All Rights Reserved.

TNR Program – New Coverage Feature Available!

plisinc — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:29:34 +0000

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION & EXTRA EXPENSE POLICY FOR FOOD BORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS – EXPANDED TO COVER DATA BREACH EVENTS

NEW!!! THEFT OF PRIVATE CUSTOMER & EMPLOYEE DATA ENDORSEMENT

COVERAGE RESPONDS TO:

Customer Data Breach Events
Employee Data Breach Events
Impact from Publicity of a Data Breach Event involving the same Trade Name
Credit Card Forgery Events
Credit Card Slip Theft, Disappearance or Destruction

COVERAGE PROVIDES:

Business Interruption
Incident Response Expenses (extra expenses), including:
- Cost of marketing efforts
- Costs of a computer expert to investigate cause of event
- Costs for mailing courtesy notifications to customers or employees (when notifications are not required by law)
- Other mitigation related expenses
For Credit Card Forgery and Credit Card Slip Theft, Disappearance or Destruction Events, expenses include:
- Payments or credits to customers

Debits or charge backs assessed by credit card companies

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION & EXTRA EXPENSE POLICY FOR FOOD BORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS

COVERAGE RESPONDS TO:

Food Borne Illness, Accidental & Malicious Contamination
Impact from Publicity of an actual or alleged outbreak involving the same Trade Name
Extortion Threats

COVERAGE PROVIDES:

Business Interruption
Incident Response Expenses (extra expenses), including:
- Cost of marketing efforts
- Overtime of regular staff
- Cost of hiring temporary replacement staff
- Cost to remove contaminated product from restaurant

EXPERT & IMMEDIATE CRISIS MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE!

Specialty Risk Management, Inc. (SRM) is the oldest active running hotline and has a 95% success ratio in preventing media events.

SRM is a 24/7 highly experienced & qualified crisis management team with over 100 years of industry-specific experience necessary to assist with the issues that uniquely face your business.

This includes, but is not limited to experience in pathology, microbiology, marketing, communication and regulatory requirements.

Bed Bugs Attack X Factor Singers

plisinc — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:55:27 +0000

First and Third Party Bed Bug Coverages

plisinc — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:31:11 +0000

New Bed Bug Coverage Forms Available for Lodging/Habitational Facilities

Developed by:

PLIS, Inc.® – Underwriting Facilities

From loss of revenues to defending liability claims, we have created two NEW coverage forms necessary to address your lodging/habitational client’s ever-growing exposures associated with bed bug events.

First Party Coverage

First- Ever Bed Bug Infestation Recovery (BBIR)

This program is designed to cover the loss of lodging revenue and extra expenses associated with bed bug infestations.

*Policy Features Include:

Loss of lodging revenue (business interruption) – no deductible
Rehabilitation expenses (extra expense) – no deductible, also include:
- Cost of marketing efforts
- Overtime of regular staff
- Other mitigation related expenses

Decontamination expenses for affected lodging room and lodging rooms immediately adjacent to affected lodging room – for the first $5,000 – no co-insurance applies (10% co-insurance applies after the first $5,000)
Expert and immediate crisis management services, including:

24/7 customer/crisis information line
Assistance with regulatory authorities and regulatory requirements
Assistance with community reputation, effective marketing and media control

Costs of cleaning, decontaminating or exterminating affected customer’s homes – no deductible
First aid administered to customers onsite – no deductible
Extortion threat payments – no deductible
No waiting period / No loss threshold required to trigger coverage
Up to six month period of restoration / rehabilitation available
Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s (AM Best Rated A)

First-Ever Bed Bug Liability Policy(BBL)

This program addresses the growing exposure of liability associated with bodily injury arising from bed bug events.

*Policy Features Include:

Claims arising from bodily injury due to a bed bug event
Claims made & reported policy
Pay on behalf/duty to defend
Punitive & exemplary damages (where insurable)
Supplementary payments (up to $10,000)
Insurable limits up to $1 million/$5 million
Risk management included
Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s (AM Best Rated A)

Specialty Risk Management Available for Insureds

Each policy holder receives live assistance with bed bug issues from Specialty Risk Management, Inc.® (SRM®), a loss control consulting company. Insureds have free, unlimited telephone access to SRM as a resource throughout the policy year.

PLIS, Inc. Offers New Bed Bug Liability Insurance

plisinc — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:43:39 +0000

PLIS, Inc. – Underwriting Facilities Develops New Bed Bug Liability Program

¬Over the last 5 years, reports of confirmed bed bug events have skyrocketed, causing the general publ¬ic to panic and take extreme measures to rid themselves of these pests. Bed bug events have become such a hot-topic in the media it is no surprise to see the up-turn in bed bug related litigation. General Liability/Commercial insurance carriers have declined to cover this exposure leaving the hospitality and lodging industries to finance this litigation from their own revenues.

In March 2006, a woman staying at a New York hotel claimed she awoke with more than 600 bed bug bites all over her body. She described the feeling as being “on fire” and wanting to tear her skin off. This case is being considered a “landmark” case for bed bug litigation with a demand of $20 Million!

PLIS, Inc.® – Underwriting Facilities, an innovative industry leader in new and unique product development, introduces the first-ever Bed Bug Third-Party Liability Insurance Program for the hospitality and lodging industries. This program addresses the growing exposure of liability associated with bed bug events.

Program features:

- Claims Arising from Bodily Injury due to a Bed Bug Event (Cimex Lectularius/Cimex Hemipterus)
- Claims Made & Reported Policy
- Pay on Behalf/Duty to Defend
- Punitive & Exemplary Damages (where insurable)
- Supplementary Payments (up to $10,000)
- Insurable Limits up to $1M/$5M
- Risk Management Assistance
- Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s (A.M. Best Rated A)

Each policy holder receives live assistance with bed bug issues from Specialty Risk Management, Inc.® (SRM®), an experienced loss control consulting company. Insureds have free, unlimited telephone access to SRM as a resource throughout the policy year.

For more information on this program, contact PLIS, Inc. at 800-761-7547 or underwriting@plisinc.com

NEW COVERAGE! Bed Bug Infestation Insurance (Business Interruption and Extra Expense)

plisinc — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:51:04 +0000

NEW COVERAGE!

BED BUG INFESTATION

RECOVERY INSURANCE TM(BBIR) TM

Bed bug infestations are becoming a national epidemic, racking up expenses and devastating profits. According to the National Pest Management Association, 95% of U.S.-based pest management companies have seen an increase in bed bug calls in the past year (from 1-2 per week to 1-2 per day).

For years lodging facilities have faced this exposure alone and uncovered.

PLIS is proud to introduce the first business interruption and extra expense coverage for bed bug infestations for lodging facilities.

Coverage Responds To:

Confirmed bed bug infestations* in lodging rooms
Impact from publicity of a confirmed bed bug infestation at the Affected Covered Location
Extortion Threats

*Coverage applies to infestations of cimex lectularius and cimex hemipterus

Coverage

Provides:

Business Interruption – Loss of Lodging Revenue
Rehabilitation Expenses (Extra Expenses):
Cost of marketing efforts
Overtime of regular staff
Other mitigation related expenses
Decontamination expenses for affected lodging room
Decontamination expenses for lodging rooms immediately adjacent to affected lodging room
Costs of cleaning, decontaminating or exterminating affected customer’s homes
First aid administered to customers onsite
Extortion Threat Payments
Expert & Immediate Crisis Management Assistance

Additional Program Features:

NO DEDUCTIBLE applies to Loss of Lodging Revenue
NO DEDUCTIBLE applies to Rehabilitation Expenses
NO DEDUCTIBLE applies to Crisis Management Expenses
NO DEDUCTIBLE applies to Extortion Threat Payments
NO DEDUCTIBLE / CO-INSURANCEapplies to the first $5,000 of Decontamination Expenses (10% co-insurance applies after first $5,000 paid per period of insurance)
NO waiting period / NO loss threshold required to trigger coverage
Up to 6 months period of restoration / rehabilitation available
Broad range of limits available

Expert & Immediate Crisis Management

Proactive, well coordinated and cohesive operating team with solutions specific to client’s needs
24/7 Crisis Management Assistance
The longest running crisis response center with certified staff (HACCP, ARM, CRM, PHR, SPHR) and expertise in:

Public health laws, HIPAA privacy laws and the mechanics of Public Health Response systems including local and state Health Departments and the CDC. SRM has the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable crisis management response activities
Structuring responses for the business interruption of a negative media event while being sensitive to associated issues regardless of the fact that it is not a liability policy. SRM can help improve the outcomes in related areas of:

Liability exposure
Director and Officer issues
Employment Practice Liability issues
Sarbanes Oxley requirements

Ability to harness the above knowledge to help anticipate, prepare, and respond to an evolving and associated media event including reducing and rebuilding community relationships.

Professional Liability Insurance Services, Inc.®

Underwriting Facilities

800-761-7547

www.plisinc.com

underwriting@plisinc.com

This is not a liability policy. All terms, conditions, limits and coverage features are still subject to individual underwriting and certain coverage features may be restricted. This flyer does not amend, extend or alter any coverage afforded by any policy. Not intended to be a representation of coverage or a guarantee of a quote or indication. See policy wording for details.

Dog Groomers Professional Liability

plisinc — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:22:37 +0000

Whether a pet is a registered pure bred or a pound puppy, people love their animals as they would their children. Many dog owners treat their beloved canines to a day of pampering by their favorite Dog Groomer. But, even Dog Groomers can have a bad day and that can translate into big troubles for Poochy and the Dog Groomer. Don’t leave your Dog Groomer clients in the kennel with unhappy pet owners.

PLIS, Inc. can help with a Professional Liability policy for dog groomers including mobile groomers!

Policy Coverage Features include:

Claims Made & Reported Policy
Pay on Behalf / Duty to Defend Policy
Prior Acts Coverage Available (premium discount available for inception coverage)
Punitive & Exemplary Coverage (where insurable)
Broad Range of Limits and Deductibles Available
NEW! Included In Policy!
- Deductible Reduction/Credit (up to 75%)
- Disciplinary Proceedings (up to $7500 in defense)
- Supplementary Payments (up to $15,000 for loss of earnings)
Features Available For Additional Premium:
- Defense Outside the Limits
- Bodily Injury & Property Damage Coverage Sublimit
- Personal Injury Coverage Sublimit

Insureds have free, unlimited …
telephone access to Specialty Risk Management, Inc. (SRM), a certified and experienced Loss Control Consultant team, as a preventive resource throughout the policy year.

Insureds receive real time responses related to professional liability issues.

Loss control procedures for documentation and communication (i.e. client relations assistance)
Company document review:
- Indemnification/Hold Harmless Agreements
- Contracts
- Professional Policies / Procedures
- Disclaimer language
- Mediation/Arbitration Agreements

All coverage features are subject to individual underwriting and certain coverage features may be restricted. Not intended to be a representation of coverage or a guarantee of a quote or indication. See policy wording for coverage details. Copyright © 2011 PLIS®, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Love is in the Air …

plisinc — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:01:18 +0000

Will Restaurant Guests Catch the Love Bug or a Stomach Bug?

Many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate dinner for two at their favorite restaurant. For restaurants, it can be a very busy night serving one couple after another. But, the after-affects of a night gone wrong due to a “stomach bug” or “something she ate” can be devastating, not only to the restaurant but the guests as well.

Make a date with your restaurant clients before Valentine’s Day and secure the coverage they need to protect their business income from the impact of a night gone wrong.

The Trade Name Restoration® program includes:

100M in available capacity per trade name
Food Borne Illness, Accidental & Malicious Contamination Covered
Business Interruption & extra expense due to an Incident
Immediate 24 / 7 Crisis Management by SRM
Full policy limits for adverse media (i.e. TV, radio, internet, social media) & malicious contamination caused by product extortion threats
Coverage for both Supplier & Restaurant caused events
Limits Available for Extortion, Workplace Violence, Royalties, Recalls and Inoculations, Vaccinations & Testing
Extortion Sublimit has NO DEDUCTIBLE, if purchased!
Removal of 7 Day/10% loss threshold & waiting period available

Specialty Risk Management, Inc.® (SRM®) is included in the policy to help with:

The Health Department, Media, Customers and Employees
Support before, during and after an Incident
Restoration of community reputation through proven effective marketing and media control
Access to preventative resources throughout the policy period
Notification of current events in client’s area
Informal questions throughout the policy period

Nationally Ranked Certified Crisis Managers, HACCP-Certified

SRM has a unique blend of industry experience in pathology, microbiology, marketing, communications, agricultural science, statistical process control and total quality control

It’s the same team – all the time, anytime, everytime!

Contact our office more details on this coverage and any features of the Trade Name Restoration program.

All coverage features are subject to individual underwriting and certain coverage features may be restricted. Not intended to be a representation of coverage or a guarantee of a quote or indication. See policy wording for coverage details. Copyright © 2011 PLIS®, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

The Hotel vs. The Tomboy

plisinc — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:52:15 +0000

The Issue

In 2005, Brenna Lewis was hired at Heartland Inns of America and in 2007 was promoted to a night shift, front desk job. The Director of Operations, Barbara Cullinan, hired Lewis after a phone interview, sight unseen. However, after seeing Lewis for the first time, Cullinan requested a second interview telling the manager that Lewis was “not a good fit” and lacked the “Midwestern girl look”. Lewis, who described herself as “slightly more masculine” preferred to wear loose-fitting clothing including mens button-down shirts and pants, stayed away from makeup and wore her hair short. Lewis challenged the second interview and was fired three days later for thwarting the interview process and hostility towards new procedures. Within this time frame, a new policy was enacted requiring all front desk interviewees to go through two interviews.

The Result

Lewis sued Heartland Inn for sexual stereotype discrimination and retaliation. Three years and an appeal later, a jury awarded Lewis more than $50,000 for her retaliation claim. She did not win on the sexual stereotype discrimination claim.

Good Reason for EPLI

Even though some consider it “discretionary” insurance, EPLI is an essential coverage.

Typical lawsuits last at least two years (this lawsuit lasted three years)
Defense costs average $120,000 to go to trial (defense costs were probably higher in this case since it went through the appeals process)
Jury awards average $252,000

What do you get with the purchase of an EPLI policy through PLIS, Inc.?

Predictable monthly or annual premium (could be less than $5 per day)
Assisance from experienced EPL attorneys
FREE, UNLIMITED telephone access to risk management and HR services through SRM
Punitive & Exemplary Damages (where insurable) Liquidated Damages Coverage
$2500 in First Dollar Defense for Administrative Proceedings Coverage
50% Deductible Reduction Broad Definition of Inappropriate Employment Conduct

Human Resources / Risk Management Intervention Needed

If Heartland Inn had consulted a reliable risk management company (i.e. Specialty Risk Management®, Inc.), the outcome may have been different. Poor company practices, inappropriate statements (i.e. “front desk personnel should be pretty”) and the lack of proper policies and procedures all played a hand in this ruling.

However, with proper direction and documentation in place, this claim could have been avoided, settled for minimal dollars or the jury award reduced.