Management Liability Insurance protects you and the company against the risks and exposures of running the company (i.e. your liability for mismanagement).

 

Without adequate protection you could risk losing, not only your business, but also your personal assets. This insurance therefore protects you personally and therefore your wealth and lifestyle.

The legal costs to defend allegations of wrongful acts alone can be financially crippling for businesses and individuals.

 

Who can bring an action against a company, its directors, officers and employees?

• Regulators (e.g. ACCC, ASIC and the ATO)

• Clients

• Employees

• Liquidators/Administrators

• Competitors

• Shareholders (especially minority shareholders)

• Creditors

What does Management Liability Insurance Cover?

Damages and claimant costs awarded against you

• Investigation costs

• Defence (i.e. legal) costs

• Civil fines & pecuniary penalties

 

Management Liability Insurance is a packaged product which will normally cover the following management liability risks:

 

Will protect the past, present and future directors and officers plus anyone else involved in the management of a company for claims alleging a wrongful act and for which the company does not grant indemnification to such person. Employees can also be covered. Claim examples include Unfair competition, Fraud/Breach of fiduciary Duty, Misappropriation of Trade Secrets, insolvent Trading, Manslaughter

 

Provides cover to the company, directors, officers and employees for claims made by current, past and prospective employees for issues arising from employments practices, including harassment, unfair dismissal and other employment issues. Claim examples include Bullying/Harassment, Unfair Dismissal, Discrimination

 

Covers certain individuals and the company for fines and penalties from operating the business including fines related to workers compensation and occupational health & safety. Claim examples include Occupational Health and Safety Penalties, EPA and Pecuniary Penalties, Other Pecuniary Penalties (Civil Penalties)

A comprehensive crime section provides cover to the company for loss arising from dishonest acts such as theft and fraud by employees including theft of stock. Claims examples include Theft by Employee, Theft of Inventory, Theft by Contractor/Consultant.

 

Extremely relevant for companies that are owned by the directors by providing cover to the company for actions arising from managerial matters. A claim against the company will cause the same financial hardship to the owner; therefore this cover is extended to provide protection to the company. Many of the same claims against the directors and officers will, typically, be brought first against the company. Claim examples include Wrongful Act/Fraud, Shareholder Dispute, Shareholder Employment

 

Legal representation costs that are incurred by directors/officers and the company for attendance at official investigations or enquiries are covered. Claim examples include ASIC Enquiry.

 

Additional management exposures can also be insured against under management liability insurance, to reimburse the company for certain costs incurred during a tax investigation by the ATO or to engage professional assistance in a crisis. Claim examples include taxation investigation, public relations and crisis containment.