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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 -
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 -
Weston & Sampson has been working with Ames & Gough for approximately 12 years now. Ames & Gough has been extremely helpful in obtaining the best insurance coverage for the best price. Additionally, the personnel have been extremely responsive on issues, questions, client contract reviews, etc. They are very knowledgeable about our industry and the variety of risk management-related issues that come up from time to time. It has been a real pleasure to work with the A&G folks over the years!
- Deirdra A. Taylor, CPA, Director & CFO, Weston & Sampson -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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 -
Effective risk management is an integral part of our company's productivity goals. Ames & Gough provides the support we need to help us understand and implement good risk management practices. Their professional seminars and outstanding support have helped us to keep our insurance costs down as well as to maintain high standards. We value our relationship with them, are happy that they are part of our team, and thank them for their contributions to our success.
- Mark Teden, Executive Vice President/Treasurer, Bruner/Cott & Associates, Inc. -
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 -
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
Professional Liability
A vital coverage for many professional firms and organizations is professional liability, or errors and omissions (E&O), insurance. This insurance provides financial protection against a variety of claims arising from an error and omission due to the insured’s negligent performance.
The coverage typically is structured to provide reimbursement for an insured professional or entity’s legal defense costs as well as to pay the costs associated with any damage awards and settlements. Because the policy can address these various costs, buyer of this coverage need to make careful and informed decisions with respect to the adequacy of their policy limits. For example, a costly defense could exhaust a policy’s limits, leaving little additional insurance proceeds to pay the cost of a settlement or award.
A number of insurers offer professional liability policies with a variety of optional features. For example, some policies for architects and engineers can be structured to provide extended protection for risks associated with LEED certification, punitive damages (where permitted by law), acquisitions, pollution exposures, as well as to extend reporting periods for covered claims and to provide credits when mediation is used to resolve claims.
Nearly all professional liability policies issued today are underwritten on a “claims-made” basis, meaning that coverage is restricted only to claims made during the policy period. Underwriting is based on a variety of factors that form the risk profile of the insurance buyer, including prior loss history, recent and anticipated merger and acquisition activity, and an evaluation of the scope and nature of work of the entity seeking the coverage.
Firms doing business internationally need to be sure their professional liability insurance policy is designed to cover exposures outside the U.S. Insurance regulations vary by country, and any coverage should be structured in accordance with local requirements.