David Brauner

NEW Lower Rates on E&O/GL with most Coverages Included OREP is announcing NEW Lower Rates with the Same Broad Coverage on professional insurance for home inspectors. "A" carrier, Admitted (no surplus lines tax). "Most of the coverages you need are included in the basic policy so you don't have to pay extra for them, including Pest and GL," said David Brauner, Senior Broker. "The rates and coverages are right on the OREP site so you can compare at a glance with what you have. Don't renew without checking out this program and these rates!" The self-rating application (OREP.org) allows you to pick your coverage and submit for binding in minutes. You will also find more information about the policy and the (U.S. based) carrier, as well as important coverage questions to ask your current agent when shopping and comparing (we got them beat!). Or call, we always answer the phone (888) 347-5273 (8-5 PST).

NEW Lower Rates on E&O/GL with most Coverages Included OREP is announcing NEW Lower Rates with the Same Broad Coverage on professional insurance for home inspectors. "A" carrier, Admitted (no surplus lines tax). "Most of the coverages you need are included in the basic policy so you don't have to pay extra for them, including Pest and GL," said David Brauner, Senior Broker. "The rates and coverages are right on the OREP site so you can compare at a glance with what you have. Don't renew without checking out this program and these rates!" The self-rating application (OREP.org) allows you to pick your coverage and submit for binding in minutes. You will also find more information about the policy and the (U.S. based) carrier, as well as important coverage questions to ask your current agent when shopping and comparing (we got them beat!). Or call, we always answer the phone (888) 347-5273 (8-5 PST).

Hi Marc- this is from Consumer Reports. If you want the full report, you'll have to subscribe, I guess. None of the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms we tested did everything well individually but you can combine various types?photoelectric, ionization, combination or dual-sensor?for optimal protection. Here are the types of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to consider. If you're looking for information about carbon monoxide & smoke alarms, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports? carbon monoxide & smoke alarm reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our carbon monoxide & smoke alarm buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and carbon monoxide & smoke alarm reviews to help you choose the best carbon monoxide or smoke alarm for your needs. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/co-a ... alarms.htm You may also find the following informative. I guess there is SOME room for disagreement. http://www.wmctv.com/story/16342765/the ... -detectors This is from the story: (TN Fire Marshall Gary West) "West said a combination of data supporting both types of detectors and the introduction of dual-sensor alarms to the consumer market a few months ago convinced him to officially recommend them." It's two year's old, so maybe there is some new info. Thanks for your patience.

Guys- point of clarification- Jason, the intern, did not write the story. It's a technical article written by a fairly well respected home inspector and author who has published here quite often, if I'm not mistaken. I will never buy a smoke detector for my family from now on that is not the 'dual' kind- that's what I learned. Why would I ignore that advise? To me, that's pretty significant. Maybe you knew that, I did not. http://www.workingre.com/workingre/smok ... -page.html

First, Richard, thanks for your business. Guys- I'm not sure why Jason did this the way he did instead of just saying- we just published a good story in Working RE that you should read. We'll talk to him. But guys, the bottom line is that IT IS a good story that I learned quite a bit from. I hope you DO read it. He is an intern- give him a break, I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Enjoy the story and all the other great ones we publish for you at workingre.com. (This is David Brauner and I?m Editor of Working RE and Senior Broker at OREP.)

Marc- sorry, Friday was the first day we could sell it. And David- sorry also. If you did leave a voice message with someone here at OREP, I never got it. It is a total pet peeve of mine not having calls returned to me so I ALWAYS do- to everyone- or at least I have the person here who can best answer the question return it. I do not see your name in our database. Besides, not returning calls isn't to good for business! If you want me to call you, please email me at: dbrauner@orep.org or post your number here but I don't check here regularly.

Hi all- this is David Brauner, Senior Broker at Appraisers Errors & Omissions Insurance - Real Estate Home Inspectors Liability E&O Insurance. We're proud to announce a new E&O program with includes most coverages in the minimum premium, including BIPD/Premises Coverage. All the information is on the Self Rating application posted at OREP.org, which requires no quoting (you can get back to work in minutes). The minimum premium is $1,250 for $100k/$300k (aggregate) limit. It's Admitted, so no taxes or policy fee. To our current insureds, you will enjoy these lower rates and broader coverage at renewal! Thanks to all.

Hi Rick- good questions. I think I understand what you're asking. Current coverage should not be effected (reduced) but if you have $500k limit, that is the limit for all claims and defense for that year once they begin spending. It is a hypothetical question and I've never seen it play out in real life, so it's hard to say anything for sure but I do know you have the one limit for all claims and defense for the year. The loss reserve is just set aside in case it is needed. As I say, if your premium doesn't go up, the loss reserve doesn't effect you at all unless you decide to move coverage and then a "new set of eyes" at the new carrier will take a look. They may want to see what the claim was about too in addition to the loss reserve. That's why it's good to get the loss reserve removed after it's clear that it will not be needed.

Hi Rick, This is David Brauner. What I would say/recommend (as per the story): 1. What is a claim and when to report is a gray area. 2. If it is in writing from an attorney- absolutely. If it is an angry call or letter from a homeowner, use your judgment and monitor the situation. 3. Contact your agent if you’re unsure- we are here to help. 4. There is very little downside of reporting an issue and plenty of upside, as I say in story, for most home inspectors including coverage of the claim if it pops up later and support and help in dealing with the complaint from experienced claims managers. 5. Loss reserve: I’m not sure about whether you mean a bad year for an inspector or for the insurer. There is no clear answer about how long they hold the reserves. They are bound by law to maintain reserves to assure solvency. That is why they do it. As I say, the amount they put on reserve does not make sense to the layman (or to me) - it’s usually double what anyone would think the issue might cost. This and EVERYTHING I’ve written about here goes for every insurer I’ve ever worked with and there have been many in my 17+ years. After a period of inactivity, your loss history is cleared if nothing comes of it but sometimes they do need a nudge. If you are not switching companies and your premium doesn’t go up, it’s irrelevant. If the loss reserve has been there awhile and the issue is obviously dead, and you request a “loss runâ€