Loss Control

Distinguished Programs understands the importance of recognizing exposures that create risk and taking 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 and Loss Control Tips, Fire Safety Tips, and Senior Housing Life Safety Tips. Hard copies of the safety materials are available for Property Managers' use.

How safe would you be in the case of a fire? Take our Fire House Tour and find out!

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 or 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 are subject to inspection. These are some of the conditions we look for during an inspection:

• Well maintained properties without housekeeping issues
• Smoke detectors installed and in working order.
• Life Safety requirements (based on construction and number of stories) - see our Life Safety Chart    for details, which may include:
  • Emergency Lighting
  • Illuminated Exit Signs
  • Fire Alarms
  • (Maintained and Tested) Sprinkler Systems.
  • Secondary Means of Egress
• 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
• Clean and regularly maintained laundry Room Lint Build-up (including lint build-up)
• Safety procedures for steam room, sauna, and hot tub operations and equipment
• Safety procedures for Pool operations and equipment
• Safe storage of flammable liquids & rags
• Hazard free commercial cooking including fire suppression and safety planning
• Specific life safety plans in the event of a Day Care on premises
• Certificates of Insurance and contractual language in place and collected and reviewed as respects: Tenants, Service Vendors, Subcontractors, et al.
• Outdoor lighting
• Proper storage and safety planning for exercise equipment and free weights.
• Playground Safety standards
• Unobstructed and working sprinkler/fire alarm systems with certificates of annual tests performed (where applicable)

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.

Click here for Life Safety Chart