Distinguished Blog - Community Associations
Market insights and industry news.
Distinguished Programs and Berkley Program Specialists Partner for Community Associations D&O and Crime Coverage
New York – Distinguished Programs (“Distinguished”), a national insurance program manager, announced an expanded partnership with Berkley Program Specialists (“BPS”), a leading provider in the industry, to underwrite its Community Associations Crime and D&O products. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Distinguished will begin to consolidate their Crime, D&O, and Package coverages under one carrier. “This expanded…
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Hard Market Trends for Directors and Officers Coverage
When major conglomerate Pacific Gas and Electric filed bankruptcy (after fielding claims of negligence after the California wildfires this past fall), D&O coverage was caught in the spotlight. Claims against directors and officers are on the rise nationwide, and analysts are questioning how far the market for D&O coverage will harden.
The “Silent Killer” of Toxic Gas and How You Can Avoid It
Can you believe that an estimated 20,000 people receive treatment annually due to gas poisoning? That’s a staggering figure. And, nearly 500 deaths per year are caused by that same toxic gas alone. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports approximately 61,000 gas-related incidents yearly. But what gas could have such a harmful effect on…
The Go-To Guide for Railing and Window Safety
They can be pretty. But they can also be pretty dangerous. When it comes to railing and window safety, there are some key codes to follow to ensure that your home or business are accessible and danger-proof. In this guide, you’re going to learn about why you need to be aware of the dangers of…
How to Create a Safer Pool Area for Public Facilities
Is your pool area safe for swimmers, large and small? Taking a dip during those hot summer days can be fun and inviting, but many people overlook some essential features when it comes to keeping their pool safe and secure. Without the right safety features in place, a day of fun can turn into a…
Claim Story – Even the Best Intentions can Lead to Bitter Disputes
We know that it’s essential for you to have the tools you need to show your customers the importance of proper D&O coverage for their community association. We also know that nothing makes that point clearer than a real-world claim illustrating how even the best intentions can lead to dispute and disaster.
Claim Story – Pool Safety
Teenage horseplay at a condo’s swimming pool took a turn for the worse when one young man dove headfirst into the shallow end of the pool. The condominium’s community association was left facing a $5 million personal injury claim due to not having proper pool safety rules clearly posted and enforced, as well as a…
High Cost of a Pool Claim
For many, a community swimming pool is a small luxury that can bring family and friends together. But just like any other recreational area, there is always the risk of personal injury for those using the facilities. A pool claim can be costly to a community association. Emergency room visits for a near drowning victim can range…
Four tips to manage decision-making in a community association
Oftentimes the people that act as decision-making members of the board have regular day jobs and are not professionally trained in group management. Therefore, it is essential for them to know their rights, risks, and responsibilities when making choices on behalf of a large group of individuals. Letting your customers know about their risks and…
A Strong Wind Is on the Way
As Bob Dylan says, “A hard rain is gonna fall…” and with it this weekend, a strong wind is gonna blow! The greater New York area is bracing for wind gusts up to 70 mph Friday, according to the National Weather Service, not to mention a coastal flood advisory through Saturday. Are you ready? Doing…
A Spooky but True Halloween Story
In honor of Halloween today, we’re re-sharing one of our claims that came in through our City Homes program a while ago. On a cold, dark night in early November, snow and ice glazed the sidewalks up and down the block. Tired building owners shuffled out at first light to make sure their patches of sidewalk…