David Brauner

New Environmental and Other E&O Coverages Available By Isaac Peck, Associate Editor Working RE Magazine One of the largest, nationwide providers of professional liability (E&O) insurance for home inspectors announces the addition of new, important environmental and other coverages to its flagship home inspector's E&O program. Many of the new coverages are included in the base policy with no additional premium. The "A" Rated, Admitted carrier/program is available in most states. The addition of these new coverages to the OREP E&O home inspector's program makes it easy and affordable for most inspectors to be protected with comprehensive coverage, according to David Brauner, Senior Broker for E&O insurance provider OREP.org. Brauner says the OREP package includes comprehensive E&O, full general liability, pest/WDO, lead paint, pool & spa, mold, EIFS/Stucco, septic/water testing, commercial, indoor air quality testing, green building inspections, infrared thermography, rodent inspections and more. Most of the coverages are included in the base premium, which can be found at OREP.org; mold and septic inspection coverage can be added for a small additional cost. (At the time of publication in early May, coverage varies in AR, CO, FL, HI, LA, IL, MA, NH, NY, OH, OK, TX, VT. Mold and other new coverages will be added to these states soon. Please call OREP for updated details or visit OREP.org for a current list of states. 888-347-5273.) Brauner, who has helped inspectors place insurance coverage for over 20 years said, "OREP was exhibiting at a conference last year when several inspectors visiting our booth told us that they love the program but that it was missing two coverages they needed: mold and EFIS/Stucco. It took a year but these two coverages and many others have been added, making it one of the broadest packages of coverage available for home inspectors. And most coverages are included in the base policy at the already competitive minimum premium. This is why cost should no longer be a factor that keeps any inspector from enjoying complete coverage." More Coverage, More Income Having broad coverage at a competitive premium also makes it cost effective and safer for inspectors to offer additional income-producing services, Brauner said. "If you decide to give yourself a raise by offering more services, broad coverage provides the peace of mind that we buy insurance for in the first place. And it is especially nice when you don't have to pick and choose among essential coverages because of the expense. Now you can afford it all." OREP's program includes the usual coverages for prior acts, referring parties, employees and contractors of the company, commercial and industrial inspections, construction draw and new construction inspections. But according to Brauner, a closer look also shows why the program is among the most comprehensive available. "The program is full of attractive little details that separate it from the pack. For instance, there is technology coverage built in and a 50 percent deductible reduction if a claim is resolved by mediation. There is a daily expense stipend for the inspector if they must attend trials or hearings as a result of a claim- $250 per day, up to $5,000. There is built in punitive damages coverage and much more," Brauner said. "It's Cadillac coverage," he said. No Time Wasted on Quoting OREP also is the only program that allows most inspectors to get back to work fast with no quoting required. Most inspectors can secure coverage without having to waste time on the back and forth that is typically involved with quoting, Brauner said. "The self-rating application, that is unique to OREP.org, works for most inspectors and companies. It gets inspectors back to work fast. And next year most policies will renew automatically at the same premium with no application needed at all," Brauner said. "If inspectors take as much care examining their E&O insurance coverage once a year, as they do on every inspection, every day of the year, the advantages of OREP's program will be obvious," Brauner said. "Give us a call or visit OREP.org to get the details. We answer the phone!"

NEW Lower Rates on E&O/GL with most Coverages Included OREP is announcing NEW Lower Rates with the Same Broad Coverage on professional insurance for home inspectors. "A" carrier, Admitted (no surplus lines tax). "Most of the coverages you need are included in the basic policy so you don't have to pay extra for them, including Pest and GL," said David Brauner, Senior Broker. "The rates and coverages are right on the OREP site so you can compare at a glance with what you have. Don't renew without checking out this program and these rates!" The self-rating application (OREP.org) allows you to pick your coverage and submit for binding in minutes. You will also find more information about the policy and the (U.S. based) carrier, as well as important coverage questions to ask your current agent when shopping and comparing (we got them beat!). Or call, we always answer the phone (888) 347-5273 (8-5 PST).

NEW Lower Rates on E&O/GL with most Coverages Included OREP is announcing NEW Lower Rates with the Same Broad Coverage on professional insurance for home inspectors. "A" carrier, Admitted (no surplus lines tax). "Most of the coverages you need are included in the basic policy so you don't have to pay extra for them, including Pest and GL," said David Brauner, Senior Broker. "The rates and coverages are right on the OREP site so you can compare at a glance with what you have. Don't renew without checking out this program and these rates!" The self-rating application (OREP.org) allows you to pick your coverage and submit for binding in minutes. You will also find more information about the policy and the (U.S. based) carrier, as well as important coverage questions to ask your current agent when shopping and comparing (we got them beat!). Or call, we always answer the phone (888) 347-5273 (8-5 PST).

Hi Marc- this is from Consumer Reports. If you want the full report, you'll have to subscribe, I guess. None of the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms we tested did everything well individually but you can combine various types?photoelectric, ionization, combination or dual-sensor?for optimal protection. Here are the types of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to consider. If you're looking for information about carbon monoxide & smoke alarms, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports? carbon monoxide & smoke alarm reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our carbon monoxide & smoke alarm buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and carbon monoxide & smoke alarm reviews to help you choose the best carbon monoxide or smoke alarm for your needs. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/co-a ... alarms.htm You may also find the following informative. I guess there is SOME room for disagreement. http://www.wmctv.com/story/16342765/the ... -detectors This is from the story: (TN Fire Marshall Gary West) "West said a combination of data supporting both types of detectors and the introduction of dual-sensor alarms to the consumer market a few months ago convinced him to officially recommend them." It's two year's old, so maybe there is some new info. Thanks for your patience.

Guys- point of clarification- Jason, the intern, did not write the story. It's a technical article written by a fairly well respected home inspector and author who has published here quite often, if I'm not mistaken. I will never buy a smoke detector for my family from now on that is not the 'dual' kind- that's what I learned. Why would I ignore that advise? To me, that's pretty significant. Maybe you knew that, I did not. http://www.workingre.com/workingre/smok ... -page.html

First, Richard, thanks for your business. Guys- I'm not sure why Jason did this the way he did instead of just saying- we just published a good story in Working RE that you should read. We'll talk to him. But guys, the bottom line is that IT IS a good story that I learned quite a bit from. I hope you DO read it. He is an intern- give him a break, I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Enjoy the story and all the other great ones we publish for you at workingre.com. (This is David Brauner and I?m Editor of Working RE and Senior Broker at OREP.)

Marc- sorry, Friday was the first day we could sell it. And David- sorry also. If you did leave a voice message with someone here at OREP, I never got it. It is a total pet peeve of mine not having calls returned to me so I ALWAYS do- to everyone- or at least I have the person here who can best answer the question return it. I do not see your name in our database. Besides, not returning calls isn't to good for business! If you want me to call you, please email me at: dbrauner@orep.org or post your number here but I don't check here regularly.

Hi all- this is David Brauner, Senior Broker at Appraisers Errors & Omissions Insurance - Real Estate Home Inspectors Liability E&O Insurance. We're proud to announce a new E&O program with includes most coverages in the minimum premium, including BIPD/Premises Coverage. All the information is on the Self Rating application posted at OREP.org, which requires no quoting (you can get back to work in minutes). The minimum premium is $1,250 for $100k/$300k (aggregate) limit. It's Admitted, so no taxes or policy fee. To our current insureds, you will enjoy these lower rates and broader coverage at renewal! Thanks to all.

Hi Rick- good questions. I think I understand what you're asking. Current coverage should not be effected (reduced) but if you have $500k limit, that is the limit for all claims and defense for that year once they begin spending. It is a hypothetical question and I've never seen it play out in real life, so it's hard to say anything for sure but I do know you have the one limit for all claims and defense for the year. The loss reserve is just set aside in case it is needed. As I say, if your premium doesn't go up, the loss reserve doesn't effect you at all unless you decide to move coverage and then a "new set of eyes" at the new carrier will take a look. They may want to see what the claim was about too in addition to the loss reserve. That's why it's good to get the loss reserve removed after it's clear that it will not be needed.

Hi Rick, This is David Brauner. What I would say/recommend (as per the story): 1. What is a claim and when to report is a gray area. 2. If it is in writing from an attorney- absolutely. If it is an angry call or letter from a homeowner, use your judgment and monitor the situation. 3. Contact your agent if you’re unsure- we are here to help. 4. There is very little downside of reporting an issue and plenty of upside, as I say in story, for most home inspectors including coverage of the claim if it pops up later and support and help in dealing with the complaint from experienced claims managers. 5. Loss reserve: I’m not sure about whether you mean a bad year for an inspector or for the insurer. There is no clear answer about how long they hold the reserves. They are bound by law to maintain reserves to assure solvency. That is why they do it. As I say, the amount they put on reserve does not make sense to the layman (or to me) - it’s usually double what anyone would think the issue might cost. This and EVERYTHING I’ve written about here goes for every insurer I’ve ever worked with and there have been many in my 17+ years. After a period of inactivity, your loss history is cleared if nothing comes of it but sometimes they do need a nudge. If you are not switching companies and your premium doesn’t go up, it’s irrelevant. If the loss reserve has been there awhile and the issue is obviously dead, and you request a “loss runâ€