A follow form excess or umbrella policies is a type of policy were the terms and conditions of an underlying layer of coverage are adopted and incorporated into the “following” layer. While these policies may still have independent provisions and exclusions, they will nonetheless relate back to the underlying, “followed” policy, for most of the terms. In many situations this way of handling excess coverage prevents inconsistencies and ensures there are no gaps in coverage. However, in complex matters involving multiple layers of coverage, or when the language conflicts with the underlying layer, many problems can occur. In claims involving these types of policies, claims handlers must fully analyze all the terms and conditions of all the policy provisions to truly understand the coverage applicable. This weeks post give 4 key areas for claims handlers to consider when dealing with follow form policies.
SPOT on Issues
Saying “I’m Sorry” Can Reduce Exposure to New Claims
It may seem counter intuitive, but with the right technique a heartfelt apology can help lower claims costs and exposures There is a wave of civility sweeping through the world of risk management as a way to lower exposure and reduce costs: Apologize. Maybe mom was right when she stood there and said “now say you’re sorry.” In fact, there are some very impressive statistics in the area of medical malpractice around the simple use of an apology. Regardless, there is a proper way to apologize while protecting rights and some policy considerations to consider.
7 Considerations When Drafting Claims Guidelines
Claims departments employ professionals that want to do a good job for policy holders as well as the company, and claims guidelines should help foster those goals. Before drafting guidelines there are a few things that should be considered and we, along with our fellow blogger Phil Loree, suggest 7 things a company should consider when drafting claims guidelines.
Important Update: Medicare Secondary Payer changes production date to January 1, 2011
The Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the following: CMS advises all NGHP RREs that … Important Update: Medicare Secondary Payer changes production date to January 1, 2011Read more
Absence of procedures to notify reinsurance is a basis for bad faith
Recently I was discussing bad faith and notice procedures with attorney Phil Loree Jr., an expert … Absence of procedures to notify reinsurance is a basis for bad faithRead more
5 Claims issues cited for non-compliance on market conduct exams & 3 tools to avoid them
Insurance Market Conduct examinations are a regular part of the insurance business. Besides the stress of … 5 Claims issues cited for non-compliance on market conduct exams & 3 tools to avoid themRead more
Improve bottom-line outcomes on claims by thinking outside-the-box!
Claim handling is just as much an art as it is a science. Synthesizing facts and … Improve bottom-line outcomes on claims by thinking outside-the-box!Read more
Med Mal Update: Reasons for decrease in frequency and recent Illinois court decision to strike down damage caps
In response to my post, medical malpractice report shows increased severity despite lower frequency, I received … Med Mal Update: Reasons for decrease in frequency and recent Illinois court decision to strike down damage capsRead more
Failing to properly document files can be costly – It cost one insurance agency $5.83 Million
Files should speak for themselves. A recent California decision is yet another example of what can happen if you don’t document your files and maintain procedures. In this case – it cost $5.83 million.
Medical Malpractice report shows increased severity despite lower frequency
The Insurance Information Institute has just released a comprehensive look at Medical Malpractice outlining recent developments … Medical Malpractice report shows increased severity despite lower frequencyRead more