Distinguished Blog - Community Associations
Market insights and industry news.
Community Association Team – Employee Highlight Videos
Distinguished Programs’ community association insurance team is made up of exceptional individuals who are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and support to their clients. Our team is composed of experienced underwriters, risk managers, and support staff who work together to deliver specialized insurance programs that meet the unique needs of community associations….
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Remote Work Cybersecurity Best Practices
Hacking activity is up, with cybercriminals taking advantage of remote work vulnerabilities amid the COVID-19 crisis. There are approximately 85 million Americans working from home. In fact, researchers cite that activity against corporations in the United States more than doubled by some measures in March, with malware infections, phishing tactics ,and ransomware running rampant. That’s…
Covid and Swimming Pools at Community Associations
Temperatures are rising and the summer heat has everyone looking for a reprieve at the beach or poolside, including at community associations where residents and their guests are accustomed to taking advantage of this cool, liquid amenity. But not all board members and property managers took the plunge and opened their pools at the same…
Navigating Today’s Umbrella Insurance Market
In our previous article, we discussed what factors are driving rate increases, capacity restrictions, tighter underwriting, and program structure changes in the Excess Insurance market. It’s important to note that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, carriers were already tightening underwriting in the Excess/Umbrella market, specifically in the hotel, restaurant, and habitational sectors. In recent months,…
Potential D&O Risks in the Wake of COVID-19
Businesses have been dealing with many different issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic, including exposures involving employee illnesses, event cancellations, business interruption and director’s and officer’s (D&O) liability risks. While the full impact of COVID-19 is still unknown there are various potential D&O exposures of which businesses should be aware.
Mitigating COVID-19 Outbreaks at Multifamily Buildings
The COVID-19 death toll now tops 14,000 nationwide with officials warning that within the next weeks we could experience an even more alarming rate of infections and deaths. As more cases arise across the country, it’s critical that apartment owners, condominium associations, and HOAs continue to take precautionary measures to help stop the spread of…
Preparedness Leads to Successful Crisis Management
Property owners face many different types of risks, including liability events that can result in media scrutiny and negative publicity, reputational damage, and additional loss of revenue. From a pool drowning at a condo to sexual assault in an office-building elevator, a deadly shooting at a mall, or allegations of tenant discrimination at a co-op…
Understanding the Importance of Crisis Response Coverage
From a balcony collapsing at an apartment complex to sexual assault in an office building, the fallout from catastrophic events can quickly draw media attention. Property owners and managers must take action immediately to minimize reputational damage and protect their financial welfare. If not handled properly, losses to the company can be devastating.
Spotlight on Cyber Threats for Community Associations
In a recent article, “Data Defense,” published in Common Ground magazine, Pat Bruen, Product Manager for Distinguished’s Community Association Program, provides valuable insight on the various cyber threats HOAs, condo associations, co-ops and PUDs face. These community associations in their day-to-day operations handle and store confidential, personal identifiable information, such as homeowner names, addresses, bank…
What Lies Beneath Older Community Association Properties
The community associations for most developments are obligated under their governing documents, which are comprised of articles of incorporation; bylaws; declaration of covenants, conditions, restrictions, and easements; and any other rules and regulations, to maintain, repair and replace items and amenities in the common areas. This involves performing regular inspections and maintenance of heating and…
Maintenance Safety Tips at Community Associations
Community associations face a number of security and safety issues – from premises injuries to public security. Under respective state statutes and the association’s governing documents, an association has a duty to inspect common areas, investigate complaints and make repairs. To help clients meet their duties and prevent losses, it’s critical to underscore the importance…