Employers must follow myriad federal, state and local employment-related laws—and a lack of compliance can lead to an employment practices claim. Additionally, employers are exposed to claims for breaches of contracts and various workplace torts, like invasion of privacy and negligent hiring practices. COVID-19 has made things even more complicated as employers grapple with vaccine mandates and flexible work arrangements.
And, it’s not just employees and prospective employees who are making claims. What about the customer who feels he’s been discriminated against? Or the person who claims she is unable to access a website to take advantage of certain promotions or materials?
Employment practices liability insurance can help with all of this, but insurance producers must understand the basics so they can help clients evaluate their options.
Things to consider when considering EPLI:
- What is the importance of certain dates, such as a retroactive date, or a pending- or prior-litigation date?
- Who is covered as an insured?
- What types of employment acts are covered?
- Is there coverage for claims by third parties? If so, how broad is it?
- Is there coverage for wage and hour claims?
- Why is it so critical that the application for coverage be accurate?
You can learn more
Are you comfortable discussing EPLI exposures and coverage with your client? If you’re not, you can learn when you register for EPLI Exposures in Today’s World–2021, taught by Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AU, AAI, CRIS, ARM, MLIS, TRIP, on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, from 10 a.m.-noon. This online, continuing-education course has been approved for CE credits.
For more information, or to register for this class, log on to the PIA Northeast education schedule.
Cathy Trischan
Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AU, AAI, CRIS, ARM, MLIS, TRIP, is the director of commercial underwriting at the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, N.J. She is a regular speaker for PIA Northeast and in The National Alliance’s CIC, CISR and Ruble programs.
