PRODUCT: EPL Plus.

COMPANIES: HSB.

BEST RATING: A++

AVAILABILITY: Agents that are appointed with HSB client partners.

FOCUS: With the rising number of employment practices liability claims and workplace critical incidents, the workplace has become increasingly subject to various exposures. EPL Plus offers an added layer of protection to help mitigate these rising risks while maintaining the company's overall sustainability.

“Our current EPL coverage is a broad and comprehensive offering and we have been strategizing to enhance the coverage," says Sandra Tata, vice president and specialty liability lead, HSB. “We have taken the opportunity to bundle the EPL product with our Crisis Care/Critical Incident coverage. Now, our standard offering is EPL Plus."

“EPL Plus is truly a unique product offering in the market that no other carrier we know of offers," Tata says.

COVERAGE DETAILS: HSB's carrier partners can offer EPL Plus as an endorsement or coverage part to an underlying business owners or commercial package policy. Annual aggregate limits of liability are up to $1 million. Deductibles of $2,500 to $25,000 are available. There is a standard $25,000 separate limit with a $0 deductible applicable for critical incidents coverage. 

Coverage includes settlement and defense costs from claims that allege wrongful employment practices brought by full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees, recognized volunteers, independent contractors, and applicants; full prior acts coverage; a claims made and reported form in most states; defense within limits on a duty to defend basis; and third-party violations coverage for discrimination and sexual harassment claims brought by customers or vendors.

Depending on the incident, critical incidents coverage provides cover for the direct incurred costs including: professional communications response; counseling services; funeral and burial expenses; family travel expenses; workplace security guarding; loss of business income; and preparedness planning.

UNDERWRITING: Broad eligibility across most classes of business. Coverage must be written on a U.S.-domiciled general liability, BOP or commercial package.

TARGET: Small businesses with up to 100 employees.

COVERAGE AVAILABILITY: All U.S. states.

CONTACT: 800-472-1866.

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.