How to Choose a Carrier

Choosing a Medical Liability Insurance Carrier

One of the most important practice decisions you will make is choosing your medical professional liability insurance carrier.

Take an opportunity to learn all you can about the quality of the carrier and the people you'll entrust to protect your interests.

By thoroughly investigating your options, you can make the right decision in selecting a strong, reputable, and financially stable professional liability carrier who will protect and stand by you when you need them most.

Your premium rate should be weighed against the protection, service, financial strength and stability provided by the carrier. You should also consider the company's underwriting standards, claims defense performance, actuarial discipline, risk management services, and reputation.

It is imperative that you take the time you need to determine which medical liability insurance carrier will best meet your needs.

• Is the carrier financially stable?
  Advocate, D.O. is a financially stable company and has been assigned an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best. For the latest rating, access http://www.ambest.com.
• What are the company's assets?
  As of March 31, 2010, the company has over $149 Million in Net Written Premium and over $1 Billion in Assets.
• What is the company's policyholder surplus?
  The Company’s combined surplus as of March 31, 2010 is over $258 million.
• How experienced is the company's top management team?
  The most knowledgeable team in the industry has been assembled at Advocate, D.O. bringing over 200 years of combined experience in the medical malpractice industry. Donna Parker, Director of Underwriting; Brenda Freeman, Director of Claims; and Robert Morton, Director of Risk Management each have over 16 years of experience in the medical malpractice areas. This gives you assurance that you will have highly experienced professionals readily available 24/7 to answer your questions and respond to your needs.
• Does the carrier offer premium credits for policyholders?
  Many different types of premium discounts are available for physicians including, but not limited to Experience, New to Practice, Part-Time, and Association discounts.
• What are the payment options?
  Advocate, D.O. offers several different payment options ranging from check or charge, automatic monthly bank drafts, and quarterly or monthly financing. Physicians may choose the payment method that best suits their needs.
• Does the carrier offer locum tenens, and if so, for how long?
  Free locum tenens is offered for up to 30 days for all Advocate, D.O. insureds upon underwriting approval.
• Identify the defense attorneys representing their policyholders.
  Advocate, D.O. has developed strong relationships with defense attorneys throughout the state who specialize in medical malpractice defense. These attorneys have become a part of our Core Group of Attorneys and are strategically located throughout Mississippi. As a result, Advocate, D.O. selects only the most qualified and experienced defense attorneys for our insureds.
• Does the policy have a "Consent to Settle" clause?
  Advocate, D.O.'s standard and continuous policies contain a "Consent to Settle" clause. A claim will not be settled on the standard or continuous policy without the physician's written consent. The MMAP policy does not have a "Consent to Settle" clause.
• Does the company offer Medical Defense?
  Advocate, D.O. offers an endorsement providing coverage for Government Agency Investigations including Medicare, Medicaid, RAC, EMTALA and more.
• Will you have easy access to top management and decision makers?
  Insureds may reach Advocate, D.O. representatives, including top management 24/7.