TDIC Liability Lifeline - Volume 1, 2022

Liability

Vol. 1 2022

Exploring Insurance Coverage: A Guided Tour of Your Policies One of the most important decisions you will make as a dentist is selecting the right insurance coverage to protect yourself, your practice and your investment in your profession. continued on page 2

IN THIS ISSUE The right policies for every stage of practice 8 Decoding professional liability insurance terms 11

continued from page 2

Inside this publication you will find useful tools to help you decode insurance terminology, see how policies differ and better navigate your options.

stage of practice, the following are the most common varieties of required and recommended coverage.

Most dental professionals, especially new graduates, aren’t aware of the types of policies they need or the conditions and exclusions they contain. After all, you should be an expert at crowns and caries detection, not claims and coverage terms.

Regardless of state law, the best protection against harmful allegations is having professional liability coverage built for dentists.

The Dentists Insurance Company is here to help policyholders like you be comfortable and confident when it comes to your policies and coverage.

The following insurance basics are intended to aid you in understanding your policies. Know that you should always speak with a trusted expert about what insurance is right for your unique needs.

Understanding types of professional insurance While the insurance needs of each dentist and practice may vary according to practice size, type, location and

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Professional Liability What is it? Also known as malpractice

insurance, this policy offers protection for legal obligations arising from claims of wrongful or neglectful practices for licensed dentists and their employees.

Who needs it? If you’re a dentist, you

do! From working interviews through every stage of practice, dentist-centric coverage is necessary whether you are practicing part time, full time,

volunteering, interviewing or just starting out in your career.

Professional liability is required for practicing dentists in some states, but not all of them. Regardless of state law, the best protection against harmful allegations is having professional liability coverage built for dentists. It’s an essential means of protecting your career, business and financial interests.

How does it protect you? One out of seven medical malpractice cases directly involve a dental practitioner, according to the National Provider Databank.

These lawsuits can wreak havoc on your practice and financial health, regardless of the outcome of the case.

What to look for in your policy:

At TDIC, Professional Liability policies are designed with the unique needs of a dentist in mind. Claims are handled in-house by a team highly specialized in dentistry, and those claims are resolved quickly and efficiently. In fact, in 2018 and 2019, TDIC’s razor-sharp claims team had a 100% success rate with all claims that went to litigation.

Lifeline Liability

Another important differentiator?

TDIC Professional Liability policy rates are not based on number or types of procedures. This means you have the freedom to formulate treatment plans that are in your patients’ best interest, without worry or concern that any procedure recommended will increase the cost of your insurance premium. With many carriers that calculate premiums based on procedures, renewal requires cataloging types and numbers of procedures — which can impact your rate and slow the renewal process. TDIC offers streamlined renewals and empowers you to practice with confidence.

Additionally, TDIC’s policy covers the scope of practice, allowing you to safely keep pace with changes in clinical care. For example, you’re covered as you administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as permitted by your state’s dental board.

Dental Business Liability What is it? When explaining the

difference between professional and business liability policies, it helps to think of professional liability as covering what happens in the treatment chair and business liability covering what happens when patients leave the chair. It offers protection from claims of nondental-related incidents such as slip-and-fall injuries, third-party property damage, advertising injury, hired and non-owned auto, along with fire and water legal liabilities.

Who needs it? If

you own a dental practice or are a partner in one, this type of policy is considered essential for the financial well-being of your business.

While not required by law, many commercial leases do require tenants to carry general liability coverage.

It is recommended for protection of your financial and business interests regardless of what your lease requires.

How does it protect you? Dental business liability helps cover costly claims that can come up during normal business operations. For example, should someone suffer an accident on your business property, and you’re found liable for the injuries, the legal costs of defending your business, the medical expenses needed to treat the patient or passerby and the possibility of compensating the loss of income can add up quickly. Unless you have sufficient financial means to cover these expenses, your small business is at risk if you don’t have proper insurance coverage.

What to look for in your coverage:

TDIC lowers the cost of a Dental Business Liability policy by bundling it with Professional Liability. Other insurers are known to offer it separately with a higher premium. Years of experience specializing in dental office claims means that TDIC can process claims efficiently with attentive, responsive service for dentists of every practice size.

Commercial Property Commercial property insurance safeguards your investment in and reliance upon your practice’s physical assets. It protects the dental office and its contents, whether you own your business, building or both.

What is it?

Who needs it? Any dentist who owns

a practice should be protected by a business owner’s policy.

Although it’s not required by law, proof of commercial property insurance is almost always required by landlords. In other words, you will need this type of policy in order to sign and maintain an office lease agreement. Without it, you’re responsible for paying the costs to fix or replace your damaged business property — even if the damage was caused by another party.

If you own a building — regardless of whether you practice there or lease it — you also need to secure protection for the office structure, the general liability exposure that comes with ownership and the loss of income due to a covered property loss.

When your name is on the door, everything behind it matters.

How does a policy protect you?

You’ll be covered not only for damages to structures or equipment, but for the loss of dental practice income, accounts receivable, valuable papers, employee dishonesty and more.

What to look for in your coverage:

Once again, the differentiator is a singular focus on dentists. Other carriers typically do not have a defined understanding of the specialized equipment invested in by dental offices, requiring the dentist to bear the burden of proof to provide replacement value in case of loss. TDIC has tools and expertise continued on page 4

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to accurately assess the replacement cost of an office, which means losses are handled smoothly and without additional effort on the part of the dentist.

In comparison to other insurers, TDIC Commercial Property policies have some unique features that make them more cost-effective with broader coverage. For instance, TDIC offers discounts for closed water lines and fire sprinklers.

What’s more, TDIC provides protection for up to 24 months of lost income due to covered practice interruptions, compared to the industry average of just 12 months.

Dentists practicing in states that have suffered an increase in wildfires will also be relieved to know that TDIC’s Commercial Property policy premiums are not rated based on area risk, unlike many other carriers.

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Cyber Suite Liability What is it? This type of policy provides tools for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents, with the range of coverage varying by insurer. At TDIC, Cyber Suite Liability goes beyond data breach. It covers the costs related to breach of information, unauthorized intrusion

or interference with computer systems, damage to data and systems from computer attacks and related litigation. In most cases, general liability policies do not fully cover cyber incidents, so adding cyber coverage to your Business Owner’s policy is a good defense against the financial effects of cyberattacks.

Who needs it? Practices of every size

Why cyber coverage matters

The average cost of an office data breach is $400 per patient.

need comprehensive cyber protection.

Dental offices are particularly vulnerable businesses when it comes to cyberattacks due to handling both financial and sensitive HIPAA information.

How does it protect you?

Cybercriminals are targeting dental practices with more frequent, complex cyberattacks.

Understanding the importance of protecting private dental, medical and

billing information is paramount when structuring the appropriate coverage for a dental office. Due to sensitive patient information, dental offices are particularly vulnerable to cyberattack.

Recent studies indicate that while the average black-market price for an identity record is about $25, the price of a single electronic health record can be $400 or more, putting these records at particular risk.

Proactively adding cyber coverage helps protect your records, reputation and practice costs. The immediate cost of a data breach can be significant; the latent costs can be devastating without coverage.

What to look for in your coverage:

How does it protect you? When an

employee experiences a workplace injury or illness, a workers’ compensation policy provides required medical care and compensation for their lost income.

It ensures your employees can connect to the benefits they need while you can access the resources you need to avoid interruption in practice operations.

dentists who lead teams, regardless of practice size, need protection in the event of a discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment or unfair treatment claim.

While EPLI is not required in most states, it is highly recommended due to the costly nature of employmentrelated claims.

What to look for in your coverage:

How does it protect you? With an

Workers’ Compensation coverage is mandated by the state in which you practice. One advantage of acquiring your policy from TDIC is that it offers policies only to dentists, allowing premium prices to remain competitive since TDIC has no need to compensate for coverage of employees in higher-risk industries.

average employment claim costing $75,000, this coverage for settlement, civil damages and defense costs is essential to protecting your financial well-being.

Every state has laws that require businesses to notify consumers of data breach — as a minimum. Choosing a comprehensive, cyber-specific policy ensures you not only have the means to comply with the law, but also can protect your records and reputation while responding to and recovering from a broad range of incidents.

In most states, a workers’ compensation policy is required by law for dentists who have employees.

As part of TDIC’s risk management resources for policyholders, you have access to reference tools, guides and checklists for navigating cyber threats.

Employment Practices Liability

Workers’ Compensation What is it? This policy covers employees’ workplace-related injuries and illnesses, providing medical care and compensation to employees hurt in workplace incidents.

Who needs it? In most states, a

workers’ compensation policy is required by law for dentists who have employees. Coverage is mandated by each state and the wage and medical benefits vary by state.

What is it? As an endorsement to your professional liability policy, Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) covers any civil damages, defense costs or settlements resulting from certain violations of labor laws brought against an employer by an employee, including discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination. Though sometimes confused with workers’ compensation, EPLI coverage protects you if a staff member or applicant files a claim against you, a different situation than when an employee is hurt on the job.

Who needs it? All

What to look for in your coverage:

TDIC offers dedicated expertise in protecting dentists in their roles as employers. When you bundle your EPLI policy with a TDIC Professional Liability policy, special rates are available. Support and training offered

by TDIC’s sharp analysts can help you mitigate risk and avoid costly claims.

The bottom line

If you have employees, you need EPLI coverage.

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Welcome to dentistry.

Looking for exceptional protection from people who understand your profession? We are The Dentists Insurance Company, TDIC, and protecting dentists is all we do.

Our new graduate program makes it easier and more affordable to obtain comprehensive coverage as you’re just starting out.

• $0-$50 for your first year of Professional Liability coverage* • 45% discount in year two and 25% in year three • No-cost expert risk management guidance by phone Plan to have coverage through your employer or practice? Talk to our experts about the type and amount of coverage new dentists need.

Get started at tdicinsurance.com/newgrad.

Protecting dentists. It’s all we do.

®

@TDICinsurance | tdicinsurance.com | CA Lic. #2361-4

*First-year TDIC Professional Liability coverage rates are $0 in AZ and IL, $50 in ID, TN, MT, OR, WA, AK, CA, HI, MN, NJ, NV, ND and PA. Rates depicted are for new and never-practiced dentists, licensed within the last 12 months and are valid for $1M/$3M coverage amounts.

Rates increase until a mature policy is reached.

TDIC RISK MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Calibrate Your Risk Radar By identifying the warning signs of a problem patient or adverse outcome, you may reduce, mitigate or eliminate potential complaints, claims or lawsuits against your dental practice. Through The Dentists Insurance Company’s current seminar, learn how to spot issues arising during treatment from actual cases and Risk Management Advice Line calls.

Upon seminar completion, you’ll better understand: • • • •

Patient and case selection criteria and when to refer Warning signs of high-risk patients, situations and cases When to contact TDIC for advice on a patient or case Building and maintaining trust in doctor-patient relationships

Understand the role of good communication, documentation, patient selection and case management in lessening risk. Plus, earn 3.0 ADA CERP credits upon course completion.

See details and register at tdicinsurance.com/seminars.

Protecting dentists. It’s all we do.

®

@TDICinsurance | tdicinsurance.com | CA Lic. #2361-4

Important information about your 5% Professional Liability premium discount: TDIC policyholders who complete a full-length seminar or eLearning option at least 60 days in advance of their policy renewal date will receive a two-year, 5% Professional Liability premium discount effective at the time of policy renewal. Premium discounts for full-length seminars or eLearning options completed within 60 days of policy renewal will not go into effect until the following year’s policy renewal. Non-policyholders who complete a full-length seminar or eLearning option and are accepted for TDIC coverage will also be eligible for this discount. Oregon policyholders are not eligible for the premium discount. The discount for Washington policyholders will apply for three years.

The Right Policies for Every Stage of Practice Students and New Dentists Dental students generally don’t need professional liability protection until they have passed their board exams and are licensed to practice. This is because the dental school assumes the responsibility (and liability) for the care provided in an educational setting and during exams.

But coverage is still needed earlier than you may think! Professional liability insurance protects newly licensed dentists during working interviews and while volunteering.

To make it easier for dentists who are just starting out, the cost of coverage in the first year is only $0 to $50, with significant discounts for years two and three.

This is also the time to consider a disability policy. An unexpected injury or illness can happen at any stage of practice. You’ve made a substantial investment of time and money in your profession. Choose coverage now to ensure that in the event you need it, you have the freedom to focus on healing instead of financial stress.

Until you have employees or lease office space, no other policies are necessary at this stage of practice.

Associate Dentists Frequently, new dentists begin their careers as associates or as employees of corporate practices. If you join a smaller practice that does not offer professional liability coverage, you will need to acquire a policy on your own.

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Typically, corporate practices provide professional liability insurance that only covers dentists while within their facilities. Many new dentists want the flexibility to gain additional experience by volunteering or also working outside of the corporate setting. In that case, they would not be covered by their employer’s professional liability policy.

One option is to take advantage of low premiums and maintain a separate Professional Liability policy for flexible protection. The policy can be used as secondary, supplemental coverage to your corporate policy.

On average, new graduates who start in corporate practice will transition to private practice within six months to two years, so it can be advantageous to secure low-cost premiums when starting out to maintain consistency and competitive pricing through earlycareer transitions.

Practice and Property Owners For those who have reached the stage of leading or partnering in a practice, it’s essential to protect the business and its assets with more robust coverage.

A number of additional policies are recommended or — depending on your state or landlord — required.

In addition to Professional & Dental Business Liability, Disability and Health coverages, you’ll also need: • Commercial Property insurance (Business Owner’s and/or Lessor’s Risk policies)

• Cyber Suite Liability insurance • Business Overhead Expense insurance

To protect your employees and offset your risk as an employer, you should also have Workers’ Compensation insurance and Employment Practices Liability insurance.

Once you get ready to build your practice team, you’ll build your protection too: • Workers’ Compensation insurance • Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) insurance • Small Group Health coverage (practices of two to 49 employees).

Retired Dentists Many dentists enjoy the flexibility of continuing to work limited hours or to provide care on a volunteer basis after retiring from practice. Naturally, if in retirement you continue to lease property or have a partnering interest in a practice, you will need to maintain most of the same policies listed above. On the other hand, if you have sold your practice and commercial property, your insurance needs are significantly reduced.

Should you choose to continue to practice in some capacity, it is important to maintain a Professional Liability policy to protect you from possible malpractice litigation. TDIC liability policies are written to provide coverage throughout the state in which you are licensed to provide care, which means you are not tied to

Lifeline Liability

When to Add or Change Coverage What milestones within your dental career should signal you to add or adjust insurance policies? Consult with TDIC or request a free coverage review whenever you anticipate professional or life changes: • Graduating and gaining licensure • Buying or selling a practice • Hiring employees • Changing a practice location a specific practice location so long as you remain within that state.

Volunteer Dentists Know that you are covered as you generously give back. When volunteering, you are already covered by your TDIC Professional Liability policy for care given within the state where you are licensed. Should you want to offer volunteer services out of state,

check with the charitable organization to see if it offers liability coverage. If not, reach out to a TDIC representative to discuss available options.

If you are a retired dentist who practices or volunteers infrequently, TDIC offers liability insurance on a temporary basis, which can be cost saving if you don’t require ongoing coverage.

• Acquiring new dental equipment • Purchasing or leasing new space • Experiencing a disability • Retiring

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Love your practice with less paperwork.

Manage your TDIC account online, anytime.

Let The Dentists Insurance Company keep you covered and confident, so you can focus on the parts of practice you love.

Our website has more than a fresh new look. It’s also now faster and easier to manage your policy when and how it works for you.

•

Pay a bill or set up recurring debits

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Submit a claim and track its status

•

View and download policy documents

•

Access more risk management tools

Sign in and explore enhanced features or learn more at tdicinsurance.com.

Looking for one-on-one guidance navigating insurance options? We’re always here for you. . @TDICinsurance | tdicinsurance.com | CA Lic. #2361-4

Lifeline Liability

Decoding professional liability insurance terms Have you ever tried to navigate an unfamiliar city with a GPS programmed to give directions in a language you haven’t learned?

It’s a jarring experience, one with high potential for confusion and frustration.

Insurance jargon isn’t — and isn’t expected to be — your native tongue.

While you don’t need to know it all, just a few plain-speak explainers can make it easier to understand your coverage options. The experts at TDIC are always happy to answer your questions and provide more details specific to your situation and coverage needs.

Here are some aspects of professional liability policies and how claims are handled that may differ between TDIC and other insurers.

Timing of claim coverage When it comes to professional liability, insurance companies set the conditions for when and how they will respond to claims. The insurance industry has two different ways to determine whether a filed claim is eligible for coverage based on the timeframe of the occurrence and when the claim is filed. These are known as: • Occurrence-based coverage.

• Claims-made and reported coverage.

The only difference between these two policy types is what triggers the coverage. However, the type of claim coverage utilized by your insurer

impacts the cost of your premium, so it is important to understand both types so you can assess the cost benefit.

Occurrence-based coverage This type of coverage differs from claims-made coverage in how the timeframe of covered claims is determined. Not all liability claims are filed immediately following an incident.

Sometimes there is a delay between when incidents occur and when the alleged injuries appear and when the claim is filed.

A liability policy that is written with extended reporting periods means that it covers you for claims that occur during the period the policy is in force along with any claims that are filed in the future for occurrences while the policy was in force. While at first glance this appears to be very robust coverage, there are some important considerations.

• Policy cost. Occurrence policies are more costly because dentists pay upfront for the “tail” or extended reporting coverage to protect against of potential liabilities occurring outside of the dates in which the policy is in force.

• Claim limits. When a claim is filed with an occurrence-based policy, the limits of coverage are those that existed in the policy when the claim occurred, not when the claim is filed.

This can lead to being underinsured if limits were significantly lower during the time of occurrence or if multiple claims with the same occurrence year are filed at different times.

• Changing carriers can be difficult. Because policyholders pay more money upfront for the extended reporting period of occurrence-based policies, they often feel “stuck” with that policy carrier, even if service levels or claim limits are subpar. And because claims that occur before the policy is in force are not covered, it can be risky to transition to this type of policy.

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Claims-made and reported coverage TDIC offers claims-made and reported Professional Liability insurance. This means that your TDIC policy provides coverage for: • Claim incidents that occur during the time the policy is in force.

• Claims that are reported while the policy is in force.

Note that your coverage remains in force when you pay premiums for your new policy and any subsequent renewals. Each year the policy is continuously renewed, your coverage period for claims is extended.

• Lower premiums. Since the insurance carrier does not need to anticipate the risk of future claims made outside of the policy dates, there is often significant premium savings for claims-made and reported coverage.

• Other cost savings. Limits for claims are those in force at the time the claim is filed, which ensures you benefit as liability limits increase in response to inflation and the rising cost of practice and litigation.

Occurrence-based coverage

Claims-made coverage

Covers claims reported for occurrences during the period the policy is in force and claims for occurrences during the policy which are reported after the policy ends.

Covers claims that occur and are reported while the policy is in force.

✔ Claims covered that occur during ✘

✘

during the time the policy is in force

✔ Claims covered that are reported

No coverage for claims filed for occurrences prior to the policy

✘

after policy ends if they occurred during the policy

✘

✔ Claim incidents covered that occur

the time the policy is in force

✔ Coverage for claims that are filed Costly premium because you pay upfront for extended reporting coverage Limits for claims are those in force at the time of occurrence, not time of report

Possibility of being underinsured if limits were significantly lower during the time of occurrence or if multiple claims with the same occurrence year are filed at different times.

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There are some key value and protection advantages to this coverage when compared to occurrence-based coverage.

while the policy is in force No coverage for claims that are filed after the policy ends

✔ Premium cost is lower since it does not include a tail endorsement

✔ Limits for claims are those in force at the time the claim is filed Insured benefits from cost savings of lower premiums. Risk of being underinsured is lower since claim limits are those in force when the claim is filed.

There is no need for dentists to prepay for the cost of possible future claims at every renewal. However, when you select a policy with claims-made and reported coverage, you can opt to maintain protection for delayed claims if you want to change carriers or have a career transition. That’s when tail coverage becomes relevant.

Tail coverage, aka “extended reporting endorsement” Tail coverage is an extended reporting period endorsement offered by TDIC to provide protection for claims filed after your claims-made policy is canceled or expires. Tail coverage

Tail endorsement Extended reporting period endorsement can be added to a claims-made policy to include claims filed after policy ends.

✔ Coverage for claims that occur

during the policy that are filed after the policy expiration

✔ Ensures continuity of liability

coverage in case of future changes to your practice, location or policy

✔ You don't pay for it until you need it ✔ TDIC offers policyholders of three or more consecutive years complimentary tail coverage when they retire

Ideal for dentists facing transitions like changing practices, pursuing graduate studies, retiring.

Lifeline Liability

ensures continuity of professional liability coverage despite future changes to your practice, location or policy.

Tail coverage does not extend the length of time the policy is in force or require ongoing liability coverage. It simply allows for coverage of claims that are filed after the policy’s expiration date, so long as the incident took place while the policy was in force.

The advantage of tail coverage is that it’s an added endorsement to your policy that you don’t need to pay for until you actually need it. The times you need to consider adding tail coverage to your policy are when you: • Switch insurance carriers.

• Enter a postgraduate dental program and want to switch from personal coverage to your program’s liability coverage.

• Become disabled to the point where you can no longer practice.

• Retire (TDIC offers customers of three or more years complimentary tail coverage when they retire).

Consent to settle TDIC will never settle a professional liability claim without your written consent. A consent to settle clause in TDIC’s policies requires explicit approval from you, the insured, prior to settling a claim.

Did you know?

3 of 4 small businesses experienced an insurable event in 2020. to the policyholder and TDIC representatives, given all the variables in a particular case.

Many policyholders express concern that settling a professional liability claim is equivalent to stating they are at fault for an occurrence.

TDIC’s standard release language contains wording that specifically states the settlement is not an admission of liability. Settlement is sometimes the easiest and most costeffective solution, as it avoids lengthy and expensive litigation.

If you need assistance interpreting or understanding any aspect of your policy, please speak to a helpful TDIC representative.

Policyholders are entitled to have a clear picture of all the available options for claim resolution and be able to select the one that feels right to them.

Some policyholders weigh the option of pursuing a case through litigation versus the time and expense of being away from their practice. In some instances, the settlement demand is within a range that is considered acceptable 13

Glossary AM Best rating: The AM Best Company provides authoritative ratings on insurance carriers. The ratings are the industry’s standard measure of financial strength and the ability to meet policyholder obligations. TDIC has earned A (Excellent) ratings for 28 consecutive years.* Autopay: The option to streamline

premium payments through automatic recurring debits from a chosen checking or savings account.

Claim: A claim is a demand for

money or services due to alleged injuries or damage. In a liability policy, a claim starts with the filing of a lawsuit or legal proceedings. For other policies, a claim starts as a result of loss or damage to property and equipment or on-the-job injuries.

Conditions: The conditions of a

policy identify the requirements of both insured and insurer on procedures, rights, provisions, exclusions, cancellations and changes in coverage.

Declarations: Typically, the front page or pages of a policy that outlines the insured’s name, address, policy number, limits and other key information.

Deductible: The amount the insurer

will deduct from the loss before payout. The insured is responsible for this amount.

Endorsements: A supplemental

provision that modifies or amends an existing policy’s agreements, definitions, exclusions, conditions or coverage terms.

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Exclusions: Provisions in a policy that preclude coverage under certain conditions or circumstances.

Extended Reporting Endorsement: A feature that

can be added to your claims-made professional liability policy that allows you to report claims for an extended period after your policy expires. Also known as “tail” coverage.

Indemnity: Compensation for loss

or injuries that have already occurred or a guarantee to repay another party for loss or damage that might occur in the future.

Losses: When a policyholder experiences damage to the space and equipment they use to do business or experiences any threat to the financial health of their business.

These include liability loss, income loss and property loss.

Policy number: Identifying number

assigned to the written contract between insurer and insured.

Online account: TDIC policyholders’ account access through secure login at tdicinsurance.com, allowing 24/7 access to coverage, claims, policy documents and risk management resources.

Paperless: The option to “go green”

and have communications for any or all policies delivered electronically.

Premium: The actual cost of an

insurance policy.

Quote: The estimated cost of an insurance policy.

Risk Management Advice Line: A

no-cost service for TDIC policyholders that provides one-on-one guidance from dedicated analysts by phone.

Subrogation: After payment for

a claim, the process of recovering the loss amount from the legally responsible parties.

TDIC Insurance Solutions: The Dentists Insurance Company’s dedicated agency, which offers expanded coverage options from the nation’s leading carriers.. * AM Best Company rating effective February 2022. For the latest rating, access ambest.com.

Lifeline Liability

What to expect when you submit a claim Even the most skilled and cautious dentists can be faced with a claim.

Receiving notice of a potential legal action or experiencing a property catastrophe is stressful but reporting a claim shouldn’t be. TDIC’s in-house claims team is here to support you through the process.

TDIC’s personalized and experienced interaction begins as soon as you submit a claim. Easily file a claim online, right within your TDIC account or call 800.733.0633.

Once submitted, most claims go through the following process: 1. Claim assignment. The specifics of your claim are evaluated, then it is assigned to a claim professional experienced in those areas. Your claim professional will guide you through each step of the process and will be your dedicated contact until your case is closed. TDIC may also assign experienced defense counsel when the need arises to protect your interests.

2. Initial contact. Your representative will contact you promptly after receiving your claim report to discuss the specifics of the claim, explain the claim process and your policy coverage, provide personalized guidance and advice and agree upon a collaborative claim strategy.

3. Investigative process. Your representative will review your

specific TDIC policy coverage and provisions and begin a thorough investigation into the matter.

For Dental Business Liability or Commercial Property claims, the process may include gathering the details pertaining to the incident or loss, identifying the specific location of the damage or what may have been the cause of the loss, interviews with witnesses or affected parties and photos or documents such as receipts and estimates for repairs.

Specifics such as weather conditions, lease provisions, existing mitigating factors and remediation efforts are also considered.

For Professional Liability claims that proceed into litigation, TDIC will retain and consult with appropriately qualified experts to create an experienced and aligned defense team for your case. The defense team will assist you with determining if the case should be positioned for settlement or trial. It is important to note that your TDIC policy specifically provides that no settlement can be considered without first obtaining your written consent.

4. Resolution. If you have questions about your claim payment, do not hesitate to contact your TDIC representative. Cashing a check does not waive any rights you have under the terms of your policy. If your damages are not covered in part or in whole by your policy, TDIC will

illustrate how the amounts paid under your policy were calculated and the applicable limits.

5. Claim closure. Once your claim is resolved, it’s closed. Know that if you discover additional expenses, your claim will be reopened for further investigation. You are always welcome to contact TDIC with any questions you may have about your claim.

How do I….

Request a quote? Start a free, no-obligation quote online any time or call a knowledgeable agent during business hours.

Review, add or change my existing coverage? Contact TDIC for guidance choosing the right type and amount of insurance for your needs, along with support for updating your coverage as your practice changes.

File a TDIC claim? You can file a claim right within your online account, through a webform or by phone at 800.733.0633.

Get a copy of my TDIC policy documents? After signing into your online account, you’ll be able to see your TDIC policies listed on your Account Summary dashboard. Select a policy by clicking the policy number to view, download, save or print it.

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Lifeline Liability

Liability Lifeline is published by: The Dentists Insurance Company 1201 K Street, 14th Floor Sacramento, California 95814

©2022, The Dentists Insurance Company

Endorsed by: Alaska Dental Society California Dental Association Hawaii Dental Association Idaho State Dental Association Illinois State Dental Society Nevada Dental Association New Jersey Dental Association Oregon Dental Association Washington State Dental Association Also in: Arizona, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee

TDIC reports information from sources considered reliable but cannot guarantee its accuracy.

Need one-on-one risk management guidance?

• Get answers to your critical questions through a confidential phone consultation with an experienced TDIC risk management analyst.

• Request a consultation at a time that’s convenient for you at tdicinsurance.com/RMconsult or by calling 800.733.0633.

Protecting dentists. It’s all we do.

®

Risk Management Advice Line | 800.733.0633 | tdicinsurance.com

@TDICinsurance