Loss Control

Distinguished Programs understands the importance of recognizing exposures that create risk and takes action to minimize those risks as much as possible. For suggestions on how to maximize loss control, review our safety materials including General Life Safety & Loss Control Tips and Fire Safety Tips. Hard copies of the safety materials are available for Property Managers' use.

Please note our Loss Control and Inspection process, which includes our requirements for Life Safety .

Loss Control & Inspection Process: What can you expect?

• All properties where we write the property and/or primary liability coverage.
• Some properties where we write umbrella "only", including all affordable housing risks. 

• Verification of exposure and protection of life safety information.
• Verification of a well maintained property with owners and tenants that care.

• By a physical inspection of the premises within 60 days of binding and possibly a telephone interview with the owner or property manager.

• We send Loss Control Recommendation(s), if any, with an accompanying letter outlining three possible results of the inspection and summarizing the requirements for each: (1) An Ineligible Risk (2) Essential Recommendation(s) (3) Risk Improvement Recommendation(s). The below mentioned "Loss Control Conditions" outlines the protection and life safety features we look for during an inspection.
• In addition, changes to the risk description and/or exposure information revealed from the inspection may result in a change in premium and/or a requirement for an improvement of the premises to conform to the information that was originally submitted to us, and/or a requirement to remove hazards that increase the property's exposure to loss. Cancellation of coverage may result if compliance with recommendations is not achieved or if the information differs materially from the original submission.

• To correct hazards that cause claims. Controlling claims costs allows for premium stability so that the cost of insurance remains affordable.
• To confirm exposure information so that we're charging the right premium and that the property meets our program eligibility requirements.
• To assist our properties in protecting the safety and well being of their occupants.

Loss Control Conditions

All properties covered through our insurance program may be subject to inspection. These are some of the conditions we look for during an inspection:

• Well maintained properties without housekeeping issues
• Illuminated exit signs.
• An established fire emergency procedure that staff is trained in.
• Entire building protected by fire and/or smoke detection/alarm system.
• All emergency doors equipped with alarms.
• Roofs in satisfactory condition.
• Plumbing systems in satisfactory condition.
• HVAC systems in satisfactory condition.
• Electrical / wiring all in satisfactory condition.
• No trip and fall hazards in interior and exterior stairwells, sidewalks, parking lots or grounds.
• Retrofits on all Aluminum Wiring Connections.
• Safe storage of flammable liquids & rags.
• Hazard free commercial cooking including fire suppression and safety planning
• Special events carrying the minimum coverage requirements (Certificates of Insurance with at least $1,000,000 of liability insurance and Hold Harmless Agreements from all third parties involved in the event.)
• Commercial tenants (and/or using contractors and subcontractors if the commercial tenants) providing the landlord with certificates of insurance evidencing insurance coverage (Workers Comp and at least $1,000,000 in liability) and naming the museum as additional insured. The lease/contract must also contain a hold harmless agreement in favor of the owner.
• Onsite Conservation Labs complying with OSHA regulations for the safe handling of chemicals.
• Well-lit and maintained parking lots and garages with written procedures for removal of ice/snow.
• Armed Guards, if applicable, contracted through a third-party company and carrying Certificates of Insurance with at least $1,000,000 of liability insurance.

Depending on the characteristics of the premises, some if not all of these conditions may be required. As a result, we may determine that the property is an Ineligible Risk or submit Essential Recommendation or Risk Improvements for implementation.