Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the difference between professional liability insurance and commercial general liability insurance?

A. While the professional liability covers you for the rendering or failure to render professional services, commercial general liability is extended to cover claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage to others for which you are legally liable. Commercial General Liability insurance provides protection for Mediators for non professional liability exposures associated with serving clients. For example, the liability for clients falling and being injured on your premises or in your office.

Commercial General Liability also extends to include such coverage as libel, slander, wrongful eviction and defamation.

Q. What is a claims-made policy?

A. A "claims made" policy protects the policyholder against claims or incidents that are reported while the policy is in force, or during an "extended reporting period". The negligent act, error or omission must have also occurred during the specific time frame set by the policy.

Q. What is the difference between a claims-made policy and an occurrence policy? 

A. An Occurrence policy protects you against incidents that occur while the policy is in force, regardless of when the claim is reported. A Claims Made policy protect you against claims that are made or reported during the policy period regardless of when the claim actually happened. 

Q. Can I renew my professional liability coverage over the phone?

A. No, we cannot accept renewals over the phone. Every other year you are required to update your renewal application. You then have the option of faxing/emailing or mailing us your professional liability renewal form.

Q. What happens to my professional liability insurance if I move to another province or work outside of Canada?

A. Our policy provides liability insurance coverage Canada-Wide. We can cover you for special circumstances outside of Canada if you have temporary work outside of Canada for a number of other reasons.

Q. How do I become a member of the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM)?

A. The CFPM was created in 1999, under the name CFFS, by a small group of practitioners who recognized a need for a national association that was open for membership to all chiropodists and podiatrists in Canada. In 2004 the Association's name changed to CFPM, Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine, which better represented the Association's mission and membership.

If you would like to become a member and take advantage of the member benefits please apply for coverage -> click here! or contact them.

The Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine, CFPM,200 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P9
Phone : 1-888-706-4444

info@podiatryinfocanada.ca

Q. How long does it take to get a quote?

A. Rates are published in our application. However, we recognize that CFPM members want to buy their insurance quickly and simply. That is why our insurance policy is backed up by exceptional service levels featuring:

Complete applications with payment are processed within 48 hours with the exception for those with claims.

We fast-track service for urgent submissions

Confirmation of Insurance is provided within 48 business hours of binding.

Q. Am I covered if I see clients at home?

A. Yes, the policy covers you to work at or from any location within Canada. This includes your home, and the coverage is not restricted in any way by working from home. However you may find that your homeowners insurance company may restrict or invalidate your home insurance if you have business visitors to your home. If this is the case, don't worry, Holman Insurance Brokers Ltd. has a special Homeowner's insurance policy which will cover you to see clients at home.

Q. What should I do if I think I might need to claim?

A. You should notify us immediately, even if you only think you might need to make a claim. We are here to help and quick action could mitigate costs or even prevent a claim. Equally, if you have a routine query on which you would like our opinion, we are always happy to help.

Q. What happens if I retire, die or cease to do business?

A. Remember professional liability policies are written on a "claims made basis". Once you lapse or cancel your policy you will no longer have coverage for work that has been performed in the past. To solve this problem we can provide ‘run-off’ or extended reporting coverage. If you take out this cover, if any claims come in after you have retired, they will be covered if they arise from your business activity while you had coverage in effect. This cover would ensure that any late claims are still covered while the extended reporting coverage is in effect. You must contact us (or your Estate) to arrange this cover, and a charge will apply.

Q. If students work in my practice as part of their supervised training, does my insurance cover this?

A. Yes, as long as they are working as part of their training with the approval of their college. Any treatment carried out will be on your patients and as they will be working under your direct supervision at all times you will be responsible for everything they do. You must, however, ensure that they have been certified by their College as being competent in any technique you ask them to carry out. A student must never be allowed to carry out treatment without supervision.

Q. I understand that I am not insured unless I charge a fee for services. Is this correct?

A. No, it is not correct. A fee, however, does establish that a contract is in place and can help protect the rights of both the patient and the practitioner.

Q. How can I pay for my Insurance?

We have may options available for you to pay for your premiums with the exception of credit cards.

A. For payment options click here 

Q. How do I know if I am eligible for coverage under the program?

If you answer YES to any of the questions below, you will NOT be automatically eligible for coverage. This however does not mean that you are precluded from applying for coverage. Instead, you must complete the application and send it to Holman Insurance Brokers and include such things as a copy of the statement of claim and other details regarding the claim. The underwriting process may take 3-5 business days and acceptance is not guaranteed. A premium surcharge may also apply if you answer YES to any of the following questions:

• Has any claim been made or lawsuit brought against you due to any actual or alleged wrongful act or mistake?
• Have you or any of your employees been the recipient of any allegations of professional negligence in writing or verbally?
• Are you or any of your employees aware of any facts, circumstances or situations which may reasonably give rise to a claim?
• Has there been or is there now pending against you any suit(s), proceeding(s), claims(s), fact(s), or situation(s) that would have been covered by this insurance?
• Have you ever had any license suspended or cancelled?
• Have you had any insurance company either decline to issue or cancel any errors and omissions insurance?
• Have you ever been charged with or convicted of a dishonest or fraudulent act?
• Have you ever been found guilty of any violation of Federal or Provincial insurance or securities law or regulation?