AJ Wayne & Associates, Inc.

I ran across some really interesting independent contractor language the other day: "Any other individual or entity who is employed or retained by the Named Insured as an independent contractor, solely in connection with the rendering of or failure to render Professional Services on behalf of the Named Insured; provided always that the independent contractor does not constitute an Insured if another policy affords coverage for the provision of Professional Services, in any amount, regardless of whether such insurance is sufficient to cover the Damages sustained and regardless of whether notice or conditions necessary to trigger that coverage have been met" Hypothetical scenario: An independent contractor incorporates an entity to work on behalf of the named insured. The independent contractor is non-exclusive. The insured agrees to cover the independent contractor for work they do for the insured. The independent contractor buys a separate professional liability policy for work they do for other clients. The independent contractor makes a mistake on behalf of the named insured. An incident arises. Is the potential claim covered? Key in on this language: 1. The independent contractor does not constitute an insured if another policy affords coverage for the provision of Professional Services, 2. regardless of whether such insurance is sufficient to cover the Damages 3. regardless of whether notice or conditions necessary to trigger that coverage have been met; Based on the above language, the independent contractor would lose their insured status even if their other policy does not trigger. The most interesting part about the provision is that the named insured might not know their independent contractor has an additional policy they use for other clients. And most importantly, the named insured might not know the effect of an unrelated policy to their own coverage with respects to their independent contractor's insured status. Bottom line: Independent contractors can be exclusive or nonexclusive. How a policy is structured to respond to an independent contractor exposure is crucial to how the policy will respond in the event of a claim. #independentcontractor #professionalliability

Monday mornings are difficult to get going. If you have a difficult professional lines submission on your desk, did you know: 1. You do not need to a contract to have it reviewed and placed by AJ Wayne. 2. AJ Wayne has no production requirements. We are not high pressure and value every submission. 3. AJ Wayne is truly independent. We are family owned since 1989. 4. We answer our phones, and provide great service. Don't let a case of the Monday's get you down. Try a AJ Wayne broker for a professional lines submission today! [email protected] - 773-559-1883.

Some management liability policies contain a claims hotline for insureds to use in the event they need advice. It's worth reminding your insured that if they feel the need to use the hotline for any reason, their second call should be to their insurance agent to memorialize what was said on the call via contemporaneous notes, and to be sure no other action is necessary. When in doubt, always assume nothing, and document everything. #claimshotline

Tomorrow we drop a great episode of The Power Producers Podcast with Andrew Kelly from AJ Wayne & Associates, Inc. This guy is a next level wholesale broker which becomes evident from the beginning. He also may be the one person we have interviewed that has more monitors than I do. This one is live on YouTube and drops on all major podcast channels tomorrow. Definitely one worth listening to, especially if you are placing wholesale business.

Please note that we are closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. We'll resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 21. Wishing you a reflective MLK Day. #MLKDay #ajw #professionalliability

As we welcome 2025, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued trust and support. It's because of our amazing clients that we can serve our community year after year. Please note that our office will be closed beginning Tuesday, Dec 31st at noon CT, in observance of the New Year holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Thursday, January 2nd. Wishing you a Happy New Year! ??. #AJW #NewYear2025 #professionalliability

The holidays are here, and we're sending you our warmest wishes for a season full of joy and laughter! AJW will be closed Tues and Wednesday, Dec 24-25, reopening on Thurs. Happy Holidays from all of us! #AJW #professionalliability #happyholidays

From our AJW families to yours, we extend our warmest wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with great food, good company, and plenty of joy. Our office will be closed beginning Wednesday, November 27th at noon CT, but we'll be back and ready to serve you on Monday, December 2. Enjoy the holiday! #HappyThanksgiving #AJW #professionalliability

?? Great times and good vibes! AJW brokers Matt Bielaga (far L) and Collin Roberts (2nd from far L) had a fantastic lunch at Siena Tavern during the #PLUS Convention, joined by our wonderful friends from @VanguardSpecialty. ?? It's always a pleasure sharing insights and building strong connections over a delicious meal. Cheers to more collaborations and exciting ventures ahead! #InsuranceCommunity #TeamLunch #AJW #Professionalliability

Had a fantastic evening with our partners at Professional Risk Facilities at The Gage in Chicago. It is always great to see everyone again, and we appreciate the partnership over all of the years!