Your Trusted Advisors for
Directors & Officers (D&O)
At the Chittenden Group, we are proud to have an experienced team of employees serving some of the region’s finest businesses. This team represents the full array of property and casualty insurance carriers. Their knowledge and experience have earned the trust of many small and large firms throughout the area.
We have the resources to access most of the world’s major D&O markets. The best product for your company can be sourced quickly, whether it comes from the United States, London or elsewhere.
We will also provide you with thorough comparisons and ensure that the final terms and conditions are best suited for your situation.
What is D & O Insurance – Directors and officers (D&O) insurance is a unique insurance product. This important coverage should be obtained from an insurer that has significant D&O insurance experience that can address the complex legal and risk management issues.
D&O insurance can be difficult to purchase for two reasons:
- Insurance companies do not use a standard form. Each carrier has its own form with varying terms and conditions.
- Companies offering this coverage are located throughout the world and, therefore, it is difficult to pursue all appropriate providers.
With today’s emphasis on corporate transparency and accountability, an organization’s directors and officers face a countless number of exposures. Regardless of your company’s size or mission, the legal costs associated with a lawsuit can be crippling for both the organization and your directors and officers.
Many wrongly assume that directors and officers (D&O) insurance is only necessary for publicly traded companies. However, privately held organizations can just as easily fall victim to lawsuits that can impact the company, its officers and board, making D&O insurance a must. Specifically, D&O insurance can provide the following benefits to privately held companies:
Legal cost reimbursement. In the event of a claim, D&O policies can provide legal cost coverage for a variety of claims. Specifically, D&O insurance can provide reimbursement to leaders of private companies following allegations of wrongful acts, financial mismanagement, errors in judgment and negligence. Because D&O lawsuits can occur without warning and easily reach six figures, it’s critical that private company leaders arm themselves with the right policy.
Peace of mind. D&O claims can come from a variety of sources including employees, clients, contractors and government bodies. For private companies, claims from creditors and competitors are particularly common. D&O insurance ensures that private company leaders are protected regardless of where claims originate, providing timely and effective coverage.
Improved ability to attract new directors. Simply put, having a strong D&O policy in place makes board seats more attractive. This is because purchasing insurance shows prospective leaders that you take D&O risks seriously and are prepared to protect them in the event of a claim.
Coverage for regulatory exposures. Regulatory agencies are increasing their scrutiny of private companies making D&O insurance all the more important Paying the cost of an attorney to defend a director or officer against a government enforcement action is expensive. and private company D&O insurance policies can help with these types of expenses.
Want to Learn More About D&O Insurance for Private Companies?
Many private organizations don’t believe they need D&O insurance. This can be dangerous thinking, as just one D&O claim can drain the PERSONAL assets of a company’s leadership team. To learn more about D&O insurance contact Chittenden Group TODAY!