When putting together a commercial truck insurance program, it may be easy to overlook coverage that protects your business operations. With a wave of high-profile litigation related to the owner-operator model, it may be time to consider coverage to properly protect your business.
An Employment Practices Liability policy (EPLI) is a good place to start, though it’s important to ensure coverage is adequate for independent contractor exposures. A typical EPLI policy provides coverage for claims alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and other workplace issues. Even if a claim is illegitimate, the cost to defend an employment practices lawsuit often runs in the tens of thousands of dollars. There is a wide variation between policies, so here are some questions you should ask prior to purchasing coverage:
• Are claims brought by independent contractors included in coverage?
• Are employment status misclassification claims covered?
• Does the insurance company provide any support services?
• Does the insurance company have a “duty to defend” my company?
• Can I select my own attorney or do I have to use the insurance company’s counsel?
Along with our commercial truck insurance professionals, the Daniel & Henry Company has a Management Liability practice team that can help assist you in obtaining EPLI coverage that fits your company’s structure. Contact Danny Clayton at 1-877-406-5915 to discuss how to best protect your company’s bottom line.
The Daniel & Henry Company provides commercial truck insurance in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa, Tennessee, and Nebraska. Contact us today at one of our convenient locations in Saint Louis, Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, or Chicago.
