For over 20 years we have been providing high-quality, competitive insurance programs for condominium and homeowners associations throughout the Chicagoland area. As an independent agency, member of Community Associations Institute (C.A.I.) and Association of Condominium Townhouse & Homeowners Association(A.C.T.H.A), we have the expertise to find you the best, most cost-effective insurance program for your association.

As an association member, making sure you have the correct coverage and adequate limits of insurance is one of the most important things you can do to assure your condominium association is protected. Condominiums present special insurance considerations that every property manager and board should periodically review.

Directors & Officers Insurance

Associations may anticipate liability claims for the "slip and fall" accident in the lobby or a "cut-foot" injury in the swimming pool. Too often, however, associations neglect to consider the real potential of liabilities stemming from their obligations to fulfill business and government responsibilities. For example, boards are expected to manage the association in a "prudent or businesslike way." This definition leaves room for a potential claim of mismanagement, which can result from things like:

· The board's failure to collect monthly assessments from unit owners
· Not properly reserving for eventual repair or replacement of common property

Because the association is a governing entity, it is exposed to liabilities including:
· Making or enforcing rules (i.e. regulating exterior alterations or additions)
· Not exercising the right of first refusal on unit sales

Association directors and officers can be held personally liable for these "errors and omissions" that result in a financial loss to the association -- so Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) coverage is essential. D&O coverage is on a claims-made basis, and generally protects the directors and officers against losses and expenses based on an error or omission, negligent act, misstatement or misleading statement, or breach of duty. This coverage is available up to $5 million. Ask us to help you determine the appropriate limit of coverage for your association. Top

Umbrella Liability Protection

This important liability coverage increases the overall level of liability protection for your association. Please be aware that $1 million may not be adequate -- we can help you assess your exposure and determine the right limit. Coverage up to $15 million is available. Top

Hired & Non-owned Automobile Liability

At one time or another, a board member will use his or her vehicle for association business. if involved in an accident during this time, the association could have a liability exposure. Hired & Non-owned Automobile Liability covers this type of loss.Top

Garage Keepers Legal Liability Coverage

If you offer convenience services for unit owners or guests such as valet parking or car care, you need this type of coverage. It's specifically designed to protect against loss when other people's automobiles are in your care, custody or control.Top

Liquor Liability

Many associations have clubhouses or areas reserved for meetings orfunctions where liquor is served or sold. Liquor Liability insurance is important if your association intends to sell liquor at any type of event. Top

Worker's Compensation in Illinois

The law mandates Worker's Compensation Insurance if you have employees. What many people don't realize, however, is even if your condominium association doesn't have employees, you still have an exposure and need Worker's Compensation coverage. Independent contractors that the association employs for things like mowing the lawn, fixing the roof, plowing the snow, painting, etc. can pose a risk. As independent contractors they are responsible for providing their own insurance--but if they don't have this insurance or have let it lapse, the association can be held responsible to pay benefits to and injured contractor. To protect the association, you should purchase a Worker's Compensation policy on and "if any" basis. Just as important, your association must insist on a current certificate of insurance from all contractors you hire--before any work is started. Top

Boiler & Machinery Coverage

Many property policies don't cover electrical short circuits, equipment explosions or mechanical breakdowns. Boiler & Machinery policies cover losses caused by a sudden and accidental breakdown of insured's electrical equipment, heating boilers, compressors, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, pumps, engines, and other machinery. Let us take a look at your policy to see if this coverage is necessary for your building. Top

Demolition/Increased Cost of Construction Coverage

This coverage applies if the enforcement of any building , zoning or land law results in added costs that are not covered as a direct loss in your main policy. This occurs with laws that require demolition or regulate construction, such as laws that do not allow the same type of land use upon rebuilding as the insured had before the loss. It covers loss to an undamaged area of the building, demolition and removal costs of undamaged parts of the structure, and any increased cost of repairs or reconstruction.Top

Call Today for a Complete Insurance Analysis

This article touches on just some of the coverages your condominium association should consider. For a complete no-obligation analysis of your insurance needs, call us today at (630) 574-3573, or click here to contact us. Top