The Social Worker Program

There is no membership requirement to purchase the professional liability insurance. You are eligible if you hold a minimum of a bachelors degree in the field of social work, providing that you have supervision by a masters level mental health professional, or if you hold a masters degree or above.

American Professional Agency, Inc. is the Program Administer for the Social Workers Professional Liability Insurance program. The program is underwritten by Allied World Insurance Company, a member company of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH, a Fairfax Company (“Allied World”).

No, there is no deductible applied should a claim arise.

A claims-made policy will provide professional liability coverage for you for incidents that happen between the effective date and the expiration date of your policy, the claim must be reported while the policy is in force. An Extended Reporting Period Endorsement, or “tail”, is necessary to protect against claims presented after the policy expires.

An Extended Reporting Period Endorsement (ERP) or “tail” allows you to terminate your policy, and still have coverage for future claims that are made based on events that occurred during the time period your policy was in force. The (ERP) is only available when the policy is terminated and it may be obtained for a charge. If you become permanently disabled, or in the event of your death or if you permanently retire the “tail” is offered to you free of charge.

Claims-made liability insurance has small stepped increases during the early years for each individual insured on the policy. Your rates increase for 6 years and then level off or mature. You should not expect additional rate increases on a mature claims-made policy unless you make changes to the policy.

Some states may require that you carry a minimum amount of coverage so it may be best that you check with your state licensing or regulatory board. You may also find that most managed-care entities, hospitals, and facilities require you to carry a minimum limit of $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 aggregate. A limit of liability as high as $2,000,000 per claim/ $4,000,000 aggregate is available (unless a higher limit is required by your state).

Yes, legal defense expenses are included in the policy and are outside of the limit of liability. This means that you still have the full limit of liability for each individual claim.

Yes, provided your total working hours in all positions including your W2-form employment do not exceed 20 hours on an average week. You may exclude your activities as a W2 employee to obtain the part-time rate. The rates are available by clicking on the “Rates” section on this page.

Yes, you will pay less if you are working as a W2-form employee. The rates are available by clicking on the “Rates” section on this page.

Yes, we do offer a discount for the first two years after you graduate. The rates are available by clicking on the “Rates” section on this page.

Yes, the policy can be tailored to the way you practice, however you would not be eligible for the exclusively employed rate. Both part-time and full-time rates are available. The rates are available by clicking on the “Rates” section on this page.

Yes, please call our office at (800) 421-6694 (ext. 2308) to discuss this type of coverage and to obtain a quote.

Yes, there is a $35,000 defense reimbursement limit per incident. per proceeding, with NO annual aggregate limit,  included in the policy; higher limits up to $150,000 are available at an additional charge. If there are no claims or complaints pending and you are not aware of any situation that may arise in a claim or complaint you may select the higher limits when you apply or make the change at a later date.

Yes, there is Information Privacy Coverage included in the policy with defense limits up to $25,000 for federal and state regulators who investigate you for violations of the privacy protections statute (where allowed by law).

Premises liability coverage is included in the policy. This coverage is for bodily injury and/or damage to property of patients on your primary location(s). To review the policy, please scroll down to the section named “Policies”. You can find specific information on pahe 1 of the contract uner:
I. INSURING AGREEMENTS
B.General Business Liability

Additional information on Fire Legal Liability, Medical Payments coverage and other coverages included in the Social Workers Professional Liability insurance are explained in the Policy Contract.  If you prefer to speak with a representative please contact American Professional Agency, Inc. at (800) 421-6694 Ext.2308 or (631)691-6400 Ext.2308 for assistance.

There is First Party Assault and Battery Coverage with reimbursement up to $25,000 in medical expenses related to injuries and/or personal property damage caused by a patient or client. Please consult our policy for a full description of the coverage and benefits included going to the “Policies” section on this page.

Yes, risk management consultative services are accessible to our policyholders for a variety of topics such as record requests/retention, privacy questions and other risk related issues. To contact our knowledgeable risk managers please call (800) 897-0033.

Please contact American Professional Agency at (800) 421-6694 Ext.2308 or (631)691-6400 Ext.2308 for assistance or you may email us at socialwork@americanprofessional.com or you may also fax to (631) 608-1055.

You may apply online or go to the “Applications” section to download and prnit an application which can be scanned and emailed to socialwork@americanprofessional.com or faxed to (631) 608-1055.

The fastest way to apply is online. If you are sending a paper application the fastest method is to download and print an application and scan to socialwork@americanprofessional.com or FAX to (631) 608-1055; we will then set up a payment by credit card and send an email with instructions to make your payment. You may also use an online check. If you prefer to mail the application and a check (payable to the American Professional Agency, Inc) send it to:

American Professional Agency, Inc.
Attn: Social Work Department
95 Broadway
Amityville, NY 11701

Our knowledgeable representatives are available and happy to assist you. Please call our switchboard at 800-421-6694 or 631-691-6400 (x-2308), email us at socialwork@americanprofessional.com or send a fax to (631) 608-1055.