Professional liability insurance is important because it protects you from financial loss in the
event of a malpractice suit. Medical malpractice settlements and judgements can be for hundreds of
thousands of dollars. For most people, recovering from a financial blow of this magnitude without
insurance would be devastating. Also, we have a defense team who is well versed in dental malpractice
issues. We'll work closely with you to ensure that we achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
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A claims made policy provides coverage for claims that occur after the retroactive date and are
reported while the policy is in force. As long as you continuously renew your claims made policy,
you may report claims for incidents that occurred in previous policy years, as far back as the
retroactive date of your policy.
Example: You became a Dentist's Advantage policyholder in 1998, and have renewed your policy
continuously since then, with no lapse in coverage. Now in 2003, a patient you treated in 1999
files a malpractice claim against you. Because you have renewed your policy continuously since
1998 and it is currently in force, you are still protected by Dentist's Advantage for that 1999 incident.
The occurrence policy protects you against incidents that occur while the policy is in force,
regardless of when the claim is reported.
Example: You became a Dentist's Advantage policyholder in 1998, and discontinued the policy in
1999. Now in 2000, a patient you treated in 1998 files a malpractice claim against you. Because
the patient was treated while the policy was in force, you're able to report the claim to
Dentist's Advantage for that 1998 incident.
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It is a specific date on your claims made policy that establishes the first date of coverage.
Coverage is only provided for claims that are made against you for treatments that took place
after the retroactive date. This provision is found only in claims made policies.
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A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and
information source. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA has experience in providing
professional liability (malpractice) insurance, as well as expertise in Dental malpractice. National Union has
earned an A rating from AM Best (September 2008).
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