Engineering Inc. - January/February 2008 - 28

C Now Hiring Simpson Gumpertz & Heger is a national consulting engineering ﬁrm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures. We are always looking for highly qualiﬁed candidates interested in working on challenging and exciting projects in an environment that promotes employee growth and satisfaction. We have ﬁve ofﬁces: Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. 2007, though there was increased activity in certain sectors. Survey respondents, for example, continue to see higher claims in school projects at the K-12 and university levels, where tighter budgets often lead to an increase in claims. Claims are increasing among residential and multifamily projects, especially in Florida—thanks in part to a soft housing market, explains Farrar. Developers are looking to A/E firms—and just about anyone else—to recoup their investment, he says. The current market offers PLI carriers two choices, says Corbett: Providers can compete on price or choose to distinguish themselves through “value-added services.” He recommends that engineering firms decide on a carrier with an eye to the latter, paying close attention to such factors as underwriting experience, pre-claims assistance, claims-handling experience and risk management services. But use caution, says Corbett. Not all of these services are created equal, as carriers often differ in how they define their terms. “Certain firms will say they offer pre-claims assistance free of charge until a claim is filed. Others will say they offer pre-claims assistance, but only at their discretion,” he says. Some firms offer regular risk management training seminars, while others might offer the service, but only at the most basic ertain firms will say they offer pre-claims assistance free of charge Others will say they offer pre-claims assistance, but only at their discretion. tiM CorBett sMArtrisk From left clockwise: Macallen Building, Boston, MA; MIT Simmons Hall, Cambridge, MA; John Hancock Tower, Boston, MA; John Adams Courthouse, Boston, MA T We offer an excellent compensation and beneﬁts package in a corporate culture based on learning and growth. To learn more about SGH and current job opportunities, visit our web site at www.sgh.com/ EmploymentOpportunities. Please send your resume to: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. Attn: Human Resources Dept. 41 Seyon Street, Bldg. 1, Suite 500 Waltham, MA 02453 Fax: 781-907-9009 he [insurance market today] is about as stable as it gets. John FArrAr ClArk Dietz engineers level. Corbett urges design firms “to make sure they know what services the carrier is offering.” Knowledgeable insurance agents or brokers typically are good guides for firms looking to evaluate their options. Dana Hughes, an underwriter at Beazley Group, a London-based insurer with offices in Connecticut and Florida, urges engineering clients to do their research. Potential clients should review an insurance carrier’s track record and select one with a history of fair pricing, especially during hard markets. A/E firms need a carrier “that’s going to be stable and not try to gouge you,” she says. This is particularly important as rates start to climb, which they inevitably will. Choosing the right insurance carrier is a challenge for several reasons—not the least of which is that the product (insurance) is priced before its true cost is known, says Lorna Parsons, president and chief underwriting officer of Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc. In today’s market, Parsons says, “there are a lot of competitive pressures to keep prices low, which makes it more likely that you’ll guess wrong.” As with any professional service, Parsons says, A/E firms need to “check out who’s providing” their PLI. Claims can hurt A/Es that have switched carriers “if you don’t properly give notice to either the carrier you’re departing or the carrier you move to.” Again, a good broker can sort through the fine print of policies to determine whether the new coverage is adequate. 28 enGIneerInG InC. January / February 2008

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Engineering Inc. - January/February 2008

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