CASW Professional Liability Insurance Program
Social work demands personal interaction with people in all walks of life. As a social worker, you face situations daily where you are open to the possibility of lawsuits and significant defense costs. Clients could hold you responsible for malpractice, mistakes or errors arising from your performance of professional services.This brochure is of a general nature. Please refer to the policy for detailed coverage information.
This program has two expiry dates to enable us to provide the best level of service to you as a member. For new applications received:
- between October 31st and April 30th, coverage will expire the following October 31st
- between May 1st and October 30th, coverages will expire the following May 1st
- Annual premiums apply, even if you join mid-term.
- renewal certificates will be processed upon receipt of application and payment prior to renewal date.
- All premiums are fully retained and non-refundable.
| Plan I | |
| $ 2,000,000 | Professional Liability - (per claim) |
| $ 5,000,000 | Professional Liability - Total Maximum (per year) |
| $ 2,000,000 | General Liability - (per occurrence) |
| $ 5,000,000 | General Liability - Total Maximum (per year) |
| $ 1,000,000 | Abuse Limitation |
| $ 150,000 | Disciplinary Defense Costs - (per claim) |
| $ 100,000 | Disciplinary Defense Costs - Total Maximum (per year) |
| Cost | $ 125.00 per year |
| Plan II | |
| Identical to Plan I and includes $25,000. Office Contents coverage with a $500.00 property deductible | |
| Cost | $ 268.00 per year |
| Plan III | |
| $ 2,000,000 | Professional Liability only (per claim) / $5,000,000 Total Maximum (per year) |
| $ 1,000,000 | Abuse Limitation |
| No coverage for General Liability, Disciplinary Defense Costs or Office Contents. | |
| Cost | $ 100.00 per year |
ALL Premiums are subject to applicable Provincial Sales Tax.
(Ontario 8% and Quebec 9%)
Additional Options
| If you wish to increase Professional/General Liability coverage |
Covers: Professional/General Liability (Plan I or II) to $5,000,000. (any claim) $5,000,000. total maximum (per year)
Abuse Limitation remains at $1,000,000. |
Cost: $250.00 per year. |
| If you retire (or take leave greater than 12 months) ) or you wish to extend the reporting period of a professional liability claim. |
Covers: Covers: Professional Liability for 7 years post retirement. How to apply: Simply send a written request and payment. |
Cost: $175.00 - one time charge. |
| If you have a social work university student (hired or in practice) and want to cover them |
Covers: Professional/General Liability (Plan I or II) to $5,000,000. (any claim) $5,000,000. total maximum (per year)
Abuse Limitation remains at $1,000,000. |
Cost: $25.00 per student, per year. |
| If you incorporate and wish to cover your legal entity |
Covers: Covers: Your corporation if named in a suit. How to apply: Application required and is subject to satisfactory review by the insurance company. |
Cost: $100.00 per year. |
Clarification of Insurance Terms
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITYProtects you against liability/allegations for damages resulting from a negligent act, error, omission or malpractice arising out of your professional capacity as a social worker. Note: Civil cases only; no coverage provided if you are criminally charged. Abuse limitation: $1,000,000.00
SOCIAL WORK
It is not the role of your insurer to define the activities of a social worker. If the activity is approved by your Provincial Organization (CASW member), then your professional liability insurance coverage would apply. If you are not sure that what you are doing is considered social work, please contact your Provincial Organization (CASW member).
GENERAL LIABILITY
Covers your legal liability to a Third Party imposed by law for Bodily Injury and/or Property Damage arising from your premises or business operations. Occurrence Policy Form. Abuse limitation: $1,000,000.00
DISCIPLINARY DEFENCE COSTS
Provides for the cost of defending you against a disciplinary action brought against you.
OFFICE CONTENTS
Provides all risks coverage for your business contents (e.g. desks, chairs, filing cabinets and computers) while situated in your place of business. Claims examples: fire, theft, vandalism
LEGAL ENTITY COVERAGE
Provides coverage should the legal entity be listed in a lawsuit. Requirements under the CASW Program are as follows:
- Completion of legal entity application.
- If any other social workers are employed by your corporation, please indicate their names and certificate numbers. We require that they be insured under the CASW Plan or confirmation of coverage elsewhere.
- Corporations employing any other type of professionals, i.e. psychologists or any other type of counsellors, arel NOT accepted on the program. This program is intended for operations of social workers only.
- The premium charge for this additional exposure is $100.00.
- Once the application has been reviewed and accepted by our office, an endorsement will be issued adding the corporation as an insured.
- Addition of the legal entity does not increase the limit of coverage provided under the policy.
How to apply for coverage
Visit www.casw.aon.ca or simply call 1-800-951-CASW for an application, or your Provincial Organization. Coverage will be in effect only upon receipt of satisfactory payment and application.The insurance coverage will be effective only if you are a member in good standing with your Provincial Organization, or affiliate member of CASW at the time the loss occurs.
| Other Aon Services Available |
| CASW Group Benefits Program 1 -800-669-7921 |
| CASW Group Home and Automobile Program 1-877-221-2271 (not available in Quebec) |
