PLIS, Inc. Offers New Bed Bug Liability Insurance

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)

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. Copyright © 2011 PLIS®, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Dog Groomers Professional Liability

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 …

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

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.

Restaurants and the New Food Safety Bill

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (HR 2751) was recently signed into law by President Obama.  The law was mainly written to protect consumers from poor practices of food manufacturers and producers to reduce the number of food borne illnesses and control the practices of these facilities.  However, agents need to be aware of the ramifications to their restaurant clients:

• Restaurants are considered a “qualified end-user”, not a producer or manufacturer and are therefore excluded from many of the requirements of this bill.  However, if a restaurant produces or manufacturers its own product (i.e. pizza dough or sauce, BBQ sauce, etc.) then that portion of the business may fall under the new requirements.
• The bill will largely have an impact on produce products and ready-to-eat foods but allows current regulations (i.e. fish regulations, juice HACCP and pasteurized milk ordinance, etc.) to remain in force. 
• It reaches into the retail environment by establishing rules by which grocery stores will be required to notify customers regarding contaminated and recalled food.
• There’s language predicting future rules “within a year” that may affect restaurants with regard to traceability requirements and terrorism.
• Restaurants could see an increase in food supply interruptions not previously seen due to the procedures associated with new inspection requirements at their suppliers.
• The new rules could strengthen the restaurant goals in establishing stronger vendor certification programs simply because the requirements will exist as a function of the new law.
• The presence of a pathogen may not be the only reason for foods to be announced as recalls.  We could see recalls based on broader definitions of adulteration due to:
  • Lack of written plans
  • Inadequate surface testing programs
  • Inadequate GMPs, SSOPs and SOPs. 
• Every food production facility has to register every two years but food registration now means licenses can be revoked or non-renewed and no food can be shipped legally to the restaurant.
• For those using imported foods the rules are stronger on import documentation.

Restaurants need to think carefully about their Trade Name being displayed as part of the packaging on the product being shipped to their restaurant.
 
Don’t forget – our Trade Name Restoration program offers coverage for both supplier and restaurant-caused events (in addition to many other great features).  Contact us for a full range of coverage features.

For more specific details on how this legislation may impact your current or future restaurant clients, Specialty Risk Management, Inc. is available to answer questions for all insureds 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.

UPDATE: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

Update:

With the short amount of time left in the “lame duck” session, it appeared that this bill may have died in the Senate (due to a procedural mistake made by the Senate earlier in December in their first version of this bill).  However, in a surprise vote on Sunday, December 19th, the Senate fixed its error and unanimously passed S. 510 (which is now called HR 2751 The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act).  It has since passed the House and is now waiting for President Obama’s signature. 
 
New Exemptions:

An amendment was added to the bill (the Tester-Hagan amendment) that exempts small farms and producers from some of the requirements:

• Small Farms:  If a farm grosses less than $500,000 and sells more than half their products directly to consumers or restaurants within 275 miles, the farm will NOT have to comply with the produce safety standards of registering the farm.  However, the farm must still either put a label or display a sign with the farm name and address.  If the FDA directly links the farm to an outbreak, the exemption can be withdrawn for that farm.
• Businesses that process foods and sell more than half their products directly to individual consumers (not businesses) will not have to register with the FDA nor comply with the HACCP-requirements. 
• Businesses that process foods and sell less than half their products directly to individual consumers may also be able to exempt themselves from the requirements of the bill if they qualify by producing paperwork showing:
  •  
    • that they qualify (i.e. gross under $500,000 and sell more than half their products to consumers, local restaurants and local retailers combined) and
      that they comply with any applicable local and state laws.  But, they still have to register because of the existing requirements under the Bioterrorism Act, even though they do not have to go through the extensive HACCP-type requirements that will be added on under S510/HR 2751
    • Even small businesses are not exempt from the government if food is believed to be adulterated.

Reminder – Basic Info on HR 2751:

• Allow the FDA to order a recall of tainted foods. Currently the agency can only negotiate with businesses to order voluntary recalls.
• Require food processors and manufacturers to register every two years with the FDA and create detailed food safety (HACCP) plans, GMPs, SOPs and SSOPs and surface testing.  Registrations can be revoked.
• Expands definition of adulteration to a “reasonable probability” that processes are insufficient based on records
• Require the FDA to produce new safety regulations for producers of the highest-risk fruits and vegetables
• Establish stricter standards for imported foods
• Increase inspections of domestic and foreign food facilities which means higher probabilities of finding “adulteration” based on observations of processes and records
• Increased requirements for laboratories to share test results with federal government

As an added benefit of the RCR program, insureds can contact Specialty Risk Management, Inc. for FREE for details on this new legislation and its requirements to manufacturers.

 

 

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.