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Claims-Made Coverage

Comprehensive protection for claims made during your active policy period, with flexible options and competitive pricing.

What is Claims-Made Coverage?

Claims-Made coverage protects you against medical malpractice claims that are both made and reported during your active policy period. This is one of the two primary structures for medical malpractice insurance, alongside Occurrence coverage.

With a Claims-Made policy, coverage applies when a claim is first made against you during the policy period, regardless of when the alleged incident occurred (as long as it happened after your retroactive date).

This type of policy typically starts with lower premiums that increase gradually as your policy matures, making it an affordable option when you're starting your career or opening a new practice.

Key Features

  • Lower Initial Premiums

    Start with reduced premiums that increase gradually over time

  • Retroactive Protection

    Coverage for incidents back to your retroactive date

  • Tail Coverage Available

    Option to purchase extended reporting when you retire or change carriers

How It Works

1

Policy Activation

Your policy starts with a retroactive date, typically the first day of coverage. This date marks the earliest incident that can be covered.

2

Claim Made

When a claim is filed against you during your active policy period, your insurance responds—even if the incident occurred years earlier (after your retro date).

3

Defense & Settlement

Your insurance carrier handles the defense, legal costs, and any settlement or judgment up to your policy limits.

Premium Structure

Claims-Made policies feature a step-rated premium structure that gradually increases as your policy matures, typically over 4-5 years until reaching the "mature rate."

Year 1

60-70% of mature rate

Year 2

70-80% of mature rate

Year 3

80-90% of mature rate

Year 4

90-95% of mature rate

Year 5+

100% mature rate

Important Considerations

  • You'll need tail coverage if you retire, change carriers, or stop practicing
  • Maintain continuous coverage to avoid gaps in your retroactive date
  • Your retroactive date should remain constant throughout your career
  • Claims must be reported during your active policy period or extended reporting period

Who Should Choose Claims-Made?

New Practitioners

Residents, fellows, and new physicians seeking lower initial costs

Career Changers

Physicians switching specialties or practice settings

Budget Conscious

Professionals seeking predictable premium growth

Get Your Customized Quote

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