BHSI launches professional liability, network security and privacy policy in Canada

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has introduced a product designed to address the needs of a variety of enterprises, from systems integrators to telecommunications providers to IT staffing firms.

The Professional First Professional Liability and Network Security & Privacy Policy, introduced on Monday, provides coverage for numerous exposures encompassing: third party exposures resulting from security and privacy breaches, including regulatory investigations, fines and penalties; a wide range of direct expenses an insured incurs in responding to a breach or extortion threat; media liability exposures; and lost income and related expenses resulting from interruption of the insured’s business due to a network security failure.

“The new form was purposefully drafted with clear, concise language, and builds in as standard many coverages traditionally available only by endorsement,” BHSI said in a press release.

The company also announced on Monday that it had appointed Geoffrey Kendrick (pictured below left) as head of professional lines in Canada. Kendrick joins BHSI after 11 years at Zurich Financial Services, Global Corporate. At Zurich, he held various underwriting roles of increasing responsibility focusing on professional indemnity and product safety & recall business in offices around the globe. Kendrick, who is based in BHSI’s office in Toronto, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from King’s College at the University of Western Ontario.

Geoffrey Kendrick is BHSI’s head of professional lines in Canada

“We are pleased to round out our Executive & Professional Lines products with comprehensive professional liability coverage for large, complex technology-related risks,” said Michael Densham, head of executive & professional Lines with BHSI in Canada. “We are also excited to have Geoff leading our efforts in the Professional Lines marketplace. His extensive experience will serve BHSI and our customers well.”

Last year, BHSI marked its initial entry into Professional Lines in Canada with the launch of Professional First Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance, geared for large commercial entities, from consultants to property managers. It has since offered numerous products in Canada, and in January announced it introduced inland and ocean marine insurance in Canada.

BHSI provides commercial property, casualty, healthcare professional liability, executive and professional lines, surety, travel, programs, medical stop loss and homeowners insurance. In Canada, it underwrites on the paper of National Liability & Fire Insurance Company, a part of Berkshire Hathaway’s National Indemnity group of insurance companies. Based in Boston, BHSI has offices in Atlanta, Asheville, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Irvine, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Ramon, Seattle, Stevens Point, Auckland, Brisbane, Düsseldorf, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Melbourne, Singapore, Sydney and Toronto.