ACE Expands and Streamlines Product for Public Entities

ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operations of the ACE Group, today announced the introduction of a new, enhanced Public Entity Liability policy designed to address the unique risks faced by public entities. The enhanced policy combines public officials liability and employment practices liability coverages with the benefits of a general liability and auto liability product, thus providing a comprehensive group of coverages in a single insurance solution.

Published on March 9, 2012

“ACE continues to demonstrate its commitment to the unique specialty coverage needs of public entities,” said Richard Vincelette, Senior Vice President, ACE Public Entity. “And these new products further exemplify our multifaceted approach—from product development to risk management-focused claims expertise.”

“ACE’s policy enhancements demonstrate a sound understanding of public sector professional liabilities, and offers risk managers a comprehensive group of coverages that are customized to address the unique exposures associated with the day-to-day operations of political subdivisions, agencies and authorities,” said Michael Tanenbaum, Senior Vice President, ACE Professional Risk. “Our policyholders will reap the benefits of these enhancements.”

Key features of these policy enhancements include:

    •    General Liability and Auto Liability limits are separate from Public Officials Liability and Employment Liability Practices limits
    •    Expanded definition of the insured includes outside directorship, and coverage for professional services provided by employees acting solely on behalf of the insured such as a lawyer or an accountant
    •    Expanded definition of wrongful acts
    •    Crisis management coverage of $25,000
    •    Reporting requirement is “as soon as practicable” for the Public Official Liability
    •    Definition of claim language states that a claim occurs when the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a “right to sue” notice to the claimant
    •    Insured versus Insured exclusion has an exception for cross claims and third-party claims
    •    Sixty-day period after end of policy period allowing for reporting of claims arising from a wrongful act taking place during the policy period
    •    One extended reporting period for both Public Official Liability and Employment Practices Liability
    •    Public Official Liability defense is in addition to and equal to the indemnity limits

ACE Public Entity, a unit of ACE USA, specializes in meeting the underwriting insurance needs of public entities, with specialists in underwriting, claim management, loss control, risk and safety engineering. For more information about ACE Public Entity and its range of products and services, please visit our website. ACE Professional Risk, a division of ACE USA, is staffed by a specialized team of innovative underwriters and provides management liability, professional liability, and surety products throughout the U.S. For more information about ACE Professional Risk and its range of products and services, please visit our website