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During our more than five-year relationship with Ames & Gough, we have grown to depend heavily on their experience in the A/E industry. Their skill at identifying risk exposures, skill in reviewing our contracts, and personal approach to insurance brokerage have made Ames & Gough indispensable to our firm. As contract negotiations become more complicated and the risk of litigation greater, there is no price our firm can put on having Ames & Gough and a good lawyer on our team.
- Ms. Polly Brazelton, Senior Associate, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates -
Everyone at Ames & Gough has tremendous depths of knowledge about both design professionals and managing risk in the construction process. We refer firms to Ames & Gough because their professionalism is obvious from the first conversation. Their client focus, nationwide reach, and high level of services makes Ames & Gough an outstanding broker for any design professional. We've given Ames & Gough our 'A/E Choice' designation signifying that they are truly dedicated experts.
- Kate E. Frownfelter, Senior Vice President and Construction Industry Group Manager, Victor O. Schinnerer & Company -
Beazley has had a close trading relationship with Ames & Gough since their formation in the 1990s. We consider them to be one of the real pros in their market niches of architects, engineers, and law firms. We appreciate their professional representation of their clients; as well as their integrity and attention to detail.
- Jerry Sullivan, Head of Professionals, Beazley Group -
I believe we were Ames & Gough's first client. In those 19 years, they have never failed to provide us with exceptional service, well beyond being only our A/E broker. Their depth of service, their technical expertise, and their responsiveness to our requests set them apart and account for our long-term relationship.
- Jim Fagan, President, Hazen and Sawyer -
We rely on Ames & Gough as our portal to the commercial insurance market for law firms. Their knowledge and service are exemplary, and we thank them for their contributions to our success.
- Phil Sunshine, General Counsel, Finnegan -
Ames & Gough is proactive and very responsive to our needs. Their in-depth knowledge of law firms is evident and helps them deliver superior service and coverage expertise while keeping our insurance costs low. I think any law firm's time would be well spent talking to Ames & Gough.
- Jeff Geiger, Partner, Sands Anderson -
Ames & Gough has always been very responsive to our queries, large or small, for contract review and situations regarding potential liability. They have provided immediate answers to quick questions, offering clear advice and direction, and have responded promptly on the more comprehensive requests.
- Suzette Bois, Controller, SMRT, Inc. -
For years, Hogan Lovells has relied upon Ames & Gough’s deep understanding of the professional liability issues faced by law firms. Our firm’s needs are consistently met by responsive, friendly senior-level professionals with an unyielding focus on client service and putting our needs at the fore.
- Warren Gorrell, Co-Chair, Hogan Lovells -
Ames & Gough has worked closely, proactively, and successfully with our law firm. They have been very effective at obtaining the best insurance coverage for the best price. Additionally, the personnel have been extremely responsive on all our risk management issues. They are very knowledgeable and we are glad they are an integral part of our team.
- Steve Leonard, Chief Operating Officer, Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP -
The expertise of the individuals at Ames & Gough has been invaluable to Hoyle Tanner. Over the course of many years, they have consistently provided Hoyle Tanner with knowledgeable advice and excellent service.
- James D. Boothroyd, P.E., President, Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc.
International Insurance
Today, a growing number of professional services firms based in the U.S. have clients and projects outside the country. These activities often require company leaders and employees to travel or work internationally.
While many elements of international business projects can be facilitated through communications involving e-mails, phone calls, and other technology that can reduce the need for travel, much work still is required on-site and with face-to-face meetings in countries where clients are located.
Often, once a project is awarded, employees can remain in the countries during the duration of the work being completed. The length of time employees are outside the U.S. can vary from several days to several years.
Some firms may have a false sense of security when it comes to insurance. They have coverage that protects them from lawsuits or losses that arise in the U.S. However, when they conduct business overseas their domestic insurance policies (i.e. Property, General Liability, Commercial Automobile, Workers’ Compensation, etc.) have restrictions should incidents occur outside the U.S. Even company benefits, such as medical care, could be denied outside the U.S.
Firms doing businesses also may need insurance to satisfy contractual obligations. In many cases, services described in written contracts or agreements are required to be covered by insurance. In light of the territorial restrictions on their domestic insurance policies, U.S. firms may need international insurance policies to evidence insurance that will cover claims that occur outside the U.S.
Insurance Coverages
Foreign Package Policy. The most common type of international insurance, a Foreign Package Policy offers several different coverage parts in one policy. A typical Foreign Package Policy will include: Foreign General Liability, Contingent Automobile Liability, and Foreign Voluntary Compensation/Employers’ Responsibility. Other policies will also offer Kidnap and Ransom, Travel Accident (aka Accidental Death & Dismemberment), and Foreign Property coverages.
Foreign General Liability. The coverage provided by the Foreign General Liability is similar to that of the Commercial General Liability found on a domestic policy. Suits are brought and remain in the foreign country where the project takes place.
Contingent Auto Liability. If an employee is driving a vehicle in another country, they may be required to show proof of minimal liability limits. If your firm is liable for an accident in that country, the required limits may not be sufficient to cover the losses. In these cases, a Contingent Auto Liability can provide that additional protection.
Foreign Voluntary Compensation/Employers’ Responsibility. When employees are injured in the course of their employment while oversees, they may require hospitalization or surgery or other medical procedures outside the U.S. Local hospitals and health care facilities may not admit employees because a domestic insurance policy doesn’t offer the protection. A Foreign Voluntary Compensation/Employers’ Responsibility can pay for these types of losses. Coverage may also extend to transport injured victims to a stateside location, where treatment can be given.
Travel Accident. When traveling to and from the U.S. an employee can get injured from acts other than those occurring while on the job. Travel Accident (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) can help pay for losses associated with getting sick or injured as a result of being on an airplane or other modes of transportation. An injury can result in loss of body parts which may not be covered by an employee’s own health insurance.
Kidnap & Ransom. Instability around the world has resulted in an increased demand for Kidnap and Ransom coverage. An employee taken hostage by someone demanding a large of sum of money for their safe return is one of the ways you can be protected by this coverage.
Kidnap and Ransom and Travel Accident can also be purchased separately from a Foreign Package policy.
Another type of insurance, known as Defense Base Act, provides coverage for employees who sustain injuries or die in the course of their employment while working in a foreign country on a contract authorized by the U.S. Government.