Signing on to sell products for a new carrier is a little like buying a new car—you really want to get under the hood, so to speak. One thing that needs your careful consideration (but is often overlooked) is a carrier's ratings.
The general public is becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to purchasing policies rated A- and below. And they can find this information easily with the click of a button. But what does it mean to you as a producer to sell B-rated products? I looked at the E&O policy for my company and found this specific exclusion related to a carrier's ratings:
This Policy does not apply to any Claim based upon, arising out of, directly or indirectly, or in any way involving: Any financial inability or refusal to pay, insolvency, receivership, bankruptcy, or liquidation of any entity in which an insured has placed or recommended to be placed, coverage or the funds of a client; however, this Exclusion shall not apply to any insurer that was rated A- or better by A.M. Best at the time of the insured's act.
