NLADA Insurance Program Transition To The Hanover

What is the NLADA Insurance Program?

Created in 1994, the NLADA Insurance Program serves as an advocate and provider of professional liability insurance products for the full spectrum of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) membership community—individuals and programs working for equal justice. Today, 1,100 NLADA members nationwide purchase an array of quality professional liability insurance products from the NLADA Insurance Program. Our Board of Directors is comprised of NLADA members who ensure your interests are represented at the top level of decision-making. NLADA Insurance Program policies are underwritten by a leading domestic underwriter with a superior financial rating of “A” or “Excellent” and represented in the commercial marketplace by a well-respected insurance broker. A portion of all net proceeds of the NLADA Insurance Program is reinvested in the work and mission of NLADA.We’re committed to expanding to meet your changing needs, ensuring you receive the best coverage, price and service available, today and in the future.

Why should I buy professional liability insurance from the NLADA Insurance Program?

1. Our premiums, coverage and service are better than or comparable to anything available in the marketplace.
2. Since the NLADA Insurance Program is a member of your community, our chief role is to serve you, and meet your specialized insurance needs. We advocate on your behalf to ensure
   you get the best coverage, pricing options and customer service available.
3. A portion of the NLADA Insurance Program’s net proceeds is reinvested to benefit you, supporting the mission and the work of NLADA and the entire equal justice community.

Who is the NLADA Insurance Program's broker?

Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Inc., whose presence in the program assures NLADA Insurance Program policyholders’ interests are always effectively represented in the commercial insurance marketplace.

Who is the underwriter for the NLADA Insurance Program?

In 2011, NLADA Insurance Program will be transitioning from CNA Companies (Columbia Casualty and Continental Casualty) to The Hanover Insurance Group (“The Hanover”) as its underwriter. The Hanover is an excellent carrier that is financially stable with assets in the billions, and a financial rating of “A” or “Excellent.” CNA will continue as the underwriter for the full policy period where there is an inception date of December 31, 2010 or earlier but will no longer be authorized to underwrite any NLADA Insurance Program policies with a later inception date.

Why did the NLADA Insurance Program decide to change underwriters?

Our chief role is to be an advocate for our policyholders; we’re constantly looking for ways to retool and upgrade our insurance program to meet your needs today and in the future. The Hanover is an underwriting company that shares both our current and future goals who:

1. Is committed to investing in the long-term growth and success of the NLADA Insurance Program. Our ability to keep your premiums down and continue to ensure quality coverage depends on our competitive position in the marketplace.
2. Gives us greater access to risk management and loss prevention products, as well as increased pricing flexibility, customized coverage and superior service.
3. Enthusiastically collaborates with us to design for the future by setting up an operational program of systems and structures using advanced technology to get us there.

How does the transition to The Hanover benefit NLADA Insurance Program policyholders?

1. Sound financial strength, excellent ratings, professional liability expertise and strong management. The Hanover, an “A” (Excellent) rated company is financially stable with assets in the billions, maintains a strong balance sheet and capital position, has a conservative investment philosophy and an experienced team in professional liability products and services.
2. Aligned vision. The Hanover is supportive of the NLADA Insurance Program’s objective to be an advocate for our policyholders by increasing participation in the program. Also, The Hanover provides greater opportunity for the NLADA Insurance Program to participate more extensively in influencing and streamlining the underwriting process, including underwriting guidelines, which ultimately benefits all members.
3. Excels in risk management and technology. The Hanover will partner with us to design specific risk management programs that will benefit our policyholders. They are committed to upgrading and enhancing our operational systems and technology to better serve you today and in the future.
4. Meets and will broaden our coverage features. As our collaboration with The Hanover develops, you can expect the NLADA Insurance Program to offer enhanced coverages.

When will my policy transition to The Hanover?

Policies that have an effective date of January 1, 2011 and beyond will be underwritten by The Hanover. Policies with an effective date through December 31, 2010 will continue to be issued through CNA and expire in 2011. Before expiration of your policy in 2011, you will receive notification from CNA regarding your policy’s expiration and information from The Hanover regarding your new NLADA Insurance Program policy.

How will it affect my premium?

Premiums will not increase with the transition to The Hanover. Moreover, we’re confident we’ll be able to offer premium improvements in the near future, as a direct result of The Hanover partnership.

If CNA is my underwriter for 2010 and into 2011, what do I need to know?

IMPORTANT: Be sure to file ALL CLAIMS and KNOWN POTENTIAL CLAIMS with CNA before the 2011 expiration date of your CNA policy. Please canvas your employees to ensure you are aware of all possible claims and circumstances. Although CNA will no longer be the underwriter for the NLADA Insurance Program, they remain obligated to all terms and conditions of existing policies underwritten by CNA.

We’re committed to making the transition to The Hanover as your underwriting company smooth and seamless for you. Your policy underwritten by CNA will remain in effect until its expiration and you’ll continue to receive excellent coverage. The Hanover will underwrite your NLADA Insurance Program policy effective in 2011.

Please contact the NLADA Insurance Program with questions or comments.
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036,
(800) 725-4513 or (202) 452-9870 FAX (202) 452-9879