Optio Group (Optio), an independent specialty MGA, today announces the launch of WorkSafe, a standalone sexual abuse and misconduct liability product. The new offering has been developed in response to heightened regulatory scrutiny and evolving contractual and lender requirements across the United States.
Demand for standalone sexual abuse and misconduct coverage has accelerated in the U.S. due to widening exclusions under domestic general liability policies and the introduction of mandatory coverage in certain sectors. WorkSafe provides up to US $5 million in limits and offers both primary and excess capacity, supporting a broad range of insureds including healthcare-related risks, education, childcare, transportation, social services and other organisations with employee-led exposures.
In addition to insurance cover, WorkSafe includes support with risk mitigation and management, with access to specialist support services focused on prevention, education and incident response. These services are provided through a partnership with risk management and compliance specialist ePlace Solutions.
Ben Wilson, head of healthcare at Optio, said: “Sexual abuse and misconduct liability has become a critical coverage requirement across many industries in the US. With WorkSafe, we are bringing meaningful capacity to the market, alongside a preventative, risk management-focused approach that supports insureds not just when a claim occurs, but in helping reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents in the first place.”
Gary Head, group chief underwriting officer, added: “Optio’s underwriting approach remains disciplined and targeted, with a focus on clearly defined classes and a solution-led response to market need. WorkSafe is another example of how Optio continues to build specialist propositions in complex and evolving risk areas. By combining deep underwriting expertise with risk management and mitigation services, we are delivering a product that supports insureds navigating challenging exposures.”