Colorado
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Colorado Appraiser Errors & Omissions Insurance
January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 Policy Period - ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE!
Click “Enroll or Renew” to the left for more information.
Under agreement with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) selected RISC to provide the state group E&O insurance policy for real estate appraisers, which is issued by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company. The program is designed specifically for Colorado appraisers and exceeds state minimum requirements. The state group program offers affordable E&O insurance to each and every active appraiser by spreading the risk over a large number of insureds. Without the group program’s low premium, other carriers have no incentive to offer appraiser E&O policies at affordable prices. In states without a group program, appraiser E&O premiums may cost thousands of dollars and some appraisers report difficulty obtaining insurance.
Colorado appraisers who also have an active real estate license may satisfy Colorado’s appraiser and real estate broker E&O requirements by purchasing insurance through our real estate broker group program and adding an appraisal endorsement.
The program referenced herein is underwritten by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of the products and services offered. Only the applicable policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions, and exclusions, which may be subject to change without notice. In the event of a claim, the nature and extent of coverage is determined based upon the claim’s facts, circumstances, and allegations and application of the relevant policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions. The E&O program described herein is only available in Colorado. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © CNA. All rights reserved.
Enroll or Renew
Thank you for considering our program. If you have questions about the program or how to purchase coverage, feel free to contact us or view our frequently asked questions. Please note we CANNOT accept any payment information over the phone.
NOTICE: This policy is a CLAIMS-MADE-AND-REPORTED policy and subject to its provisions, applies only to a claim first made during the policy period. No coverage exists for claims first made after the policy period unless, and to the extent, the extended reporting period applies.
January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 Policy Period - ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE!
Enroll Online: Please Note that we now have a new online enrollment system. Unless you have made a purchase online since this site went live on October 3, 2016 you DO NOT have a login.
Enroll by Mail– Mail your completed form with applicable premium by check or money order (payable to RISC) to either address below:
Mailing Address: Rice Insurance Services Center P.O. Box 6709 Louisville, KY 40206-0709 |
Overnight Address: Rice Insurance Services Center 4211 Norbourne Blvd. Louisville, KY 40207-4048 |
Individual Licensee Coverage
- 2025 Enrollment Form: Purchase coverage to be effective on or after January 1, 2025 (expires January 1, 2026)*
- Supplemental Application Form for $1,000,000 per Claim / $1,000,000 Aggregate Increased Limits of Liability Endorsement: Contact us at 1-800-637-7319, Ext. 1 or policyadministrator@risceo.com, and we will be happy to send you this application.
January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025 Policy Period
Individual Licensee Coverage
- 2024 Prorated Enrollment Form: Purchase coverage to be effective after January 1*
- Supplemental Application Form for $1,000,000 per Claim / $1,000,000 Aggregate Increased Limits of Liability Endorsement: Contact us at 1-800-637-7319, Ext. 1 or policyadministrator@risceo.com, and we will be happy to send you this application.
- 2024 Endorsement Request Form: Request to add an endorsement to an individual policy if you already have insurance through the group policy. (If you have not yet purchased insurance through the group policy, you can purchase endorsements during enrollment.)
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT GAPS BETWEEN POLICY PERIODS AND LOSS OF PRIOR ACTS COVERAGE:
To have coverage for professional services performed before the effective date of your policy, there cannot be any break between the expiration of your prior E&O insurance and the inception of your new policy. If you have even a one-day gap, then there would be no coverage for any claims relating to professional services provided before, and through, the last day of the gap, even if you have coverage when the services were performed and again when the claim arises. If you are joining the group program after being insured through another provider, it is important that there be no gap between your current policy’s end date and the start of your coverage through the group program. It is important to timely renew your coverage to prevent any gaps. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Always pay your premium on time to avoid a break in coverage, protect yourself from uncovered claims and avoid penalties and fines.
Failure to maintain continuous coverage may also violate state law and result in administrative penalties and fines.
The program referenced herein is underwritten by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of the products and services offered. Only the applicable policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions, and exclusions, which may be subject to change without notice. In the event of a claim, the nature and extent of coverage is determined based upon the claim’s facts, circumstances, and allegations and application of the relevant policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions. The E&O program described herein is only available in Colorado. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © CNA. All rights reserved
Why Choose RISC
Colorado’s mandatory E&O insurance requirement for real estate appraisers is fairly new. However, Colorado has required E&O insurance for real estate brokers for some time. RISC is proud that it was chosen to provide the state’s group appraisal program and brings the same experience and service to appraisers as it has to real estate brokers for many years.
Since 2014, over $11,000 in defense costs and damages have been incurred by Continental Casualty Company (a CNA insurance company) on behalf of Colorado real estate licensees as of September 1, 2019. RISC and the carrier share a commitment to their insureds to provide valuable coverage to Colorado appraisers. When shopping for insurance, it’s important to ask about the company’s experience and paid Colorado claims. If a company is charging a very low amount, you may find the carrier doesn’t provide much coverage or pay many claims. Remember, even frivolous claims can result in thousands of dollars in defense costs.
Experience – The Rice family and their colleagues have specialized in state-mandated real estate E&O programs since 1989. We provide the group policies in all 15 states that have group programs and require real estate licensees to maintain insurance. All of our real estate group programs allow real estate licensees who are also licensed appraisers to purchase an endorsement to cover appraisal activities, so we have handled thousands of appraisal claims. When Colorado started its group program for real estate appraisers, we had the experience and expertise to be selected to administer it.
Consistency – We handle all aspects of the program, providing ease and consistency throughout the entire process, from obtaining coverage to claims resolution. With other providers, you may have to contact different companies for different issues, such as purchasing coverage and reporting claims.
Customer Service – We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and the positive remarks we receive from insureds, regulators, educators, attorneys, and others.
Claims Handling – Even if you don’t think a claim will be made against you, how a company responds when a claim is made is important, because anyone can be the victim of a frivolous claim or make an honest mistake. Some people assume insurance companies look for reasons to deny coverage. Our duty to find coverage where the policy supports it is our utmost concern.
Our adjusters specialize in real estate E&O claims. Being faced with a claim is often frustrating. Our adjusters handle each claim with knowledge and understanding.
Dedication – You can be confident we will be here for you after you purchase coverage. Unlike some providers, we won’t cancel your policy or refuse to renew your coverage simply because you have a claim. Even the most careful professional may make an honest mistake or be the victim of a frivolous claim, and we are here to help if it happens to you.
The program referenced herein is underwritten by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of the products and services offered. Only the applicable policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions, and exclusions, which may be subject to change without notice. In the event of a claim, the nature and extent of coverage is determined based upon the claim’s facts, circumstances, and allegations and application of the relevant policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions. The E&O program described herein is only available in Colorado. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © CNA. All rights reserved
Pricing & Available Coverage
Limits of Liability, January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 – $308
$100,000 per claim / $300,000 aggregate with $500 damage deductible. (Only one deductible applies if a claim involves multiple appraisers with the same firm.)
- January – $308
- February – $282
- March – $257
- April – $231
- May – $205
- June – $180
- July – $154
- August – $128
- September – $103
- October – $77
- November – $51
- December – $26
Increased Limits Available – Available for additional premium
Increased limits available to individual appraisers in the amounts of:
- $300,000 per claim / $600,000 aggregate – $239
- $500,000 per claim / $1,000,000 aggregate – $325
- $1,000,000 per claim / $1,000,000 aggregate – $374
(To request a $1,000,000 per claim / $1,000,000 aggregate increased limits endorsement, you must submit a supplemental application form, along with the additional information listed on the form. The carrier may refuse to issue any increased limits endorsement for any reason, including a misrepresentation regarding type of appraisal activity or claims history.)
First Dollar Defense – Automatically included
Applies WITH NO CONDITIONS to all covered claims
Unlimited Defense Costs – Automatically included
There is NO LIMIT on the amount of defense costs the carrier will pay in connection with claims covered under the basic policy limits. (There are limits on defense costs under the regulatory complaints, subpoena, discrimination, and lock box coverages, since they are not covered at all under many traditional E&O policies.)
Firm Coverage – Automatically included
Appraiser firm included in the definition of insured for vicarious liability for covered claims.
Retroactive / Prior Acts Coverage – Automatically included
Insures prior transactions, provided you have maintained continuous real estate appraiser E&O insurance (from any provider) from the date of the professional services to the date the claim arises. Some policies do not apply to professional services performed while the insured was with a different carrier or associated with a different appraiser firm.
Discrimination / Fair Housing Coverage – Automatically included
$100,000 per claim / $200,000 aggregate (damages and defense costs, combined)
Lock Box Coverage – Automatically included
$10,000 per claim / $20,000 aggregate (damages and defense, combined)
Regulatory Complaints Coverage – Automatically included
$2,500 per regulatory complaint / $5,000 aggregate (defense costs)
Subpoena Assistance – Automatically included
Up to $2,500 (maximum during the policy period) in attorneys’ fees to respond to a subpoena arising out of covered professional services.
Appraisal Trainee Endorsement – $100 per trainee
Insures specific appraiser trainees listed in the endorsement up to policy limits.
Territory – Subject to Policy Provisions
If you are domiciled in Colorado (either actually domiciled or considered to be domiciled by the policy provisions), the policy will insure professional services provided anywhere in the world, provided you are duly licensed in the state where services were provided, and the services would require a appraiser license had they been performed in Colorado. If you are not actually domiciled in Colorado or not considered to be domiciled in Colorado under the policy provisions, the policy will only insure professional services rendered in Colorado.
The program referenced herein is underwritten by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of the products and services offered. Only the applicable policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions, and exclusions, which may be subject to change without notice. In the event of a claim, the nature and extent of coverage is determined based upon the claim’s facts, circumstances, and allegations and application of the relevant policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions. The E&O program described herein is only available in Colorado. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © CNA. All rights reserved.
Comparing Policies: What to Consider
What to Consider When Selecting an E&O Policy
Always Review the Actual Policy Provisions – The most accurate representation of what a policy covers is the policy itself. Some questions you might want to consider:
Does the basic policy provide first dollar defense?
RISC: Yes. There is no deductible for defense costs.
WATCH OUT FOR: Stringent requirements that must be followed to qualify for first dollar defense.
Does the basic policy offer unlimited defense costs?
RISC: Yes. There is no limit on the amount of defense costs under the basic policy (defense costs are limited under the regulatory complaints, subpoena assistance, discrimination and lock box sublimits which were not traditionally covered at all under many E&O policies).
WATCH OUT FOR: Caps on the amount of defense costs an insurer will pay.
Does the basic policy insure transactions you do for relatives?
RISC: Yes. Our group policy applies to claims involving services performed for your parents; grandparents; siblings; aunts; uncles; cousins; children; and your spouse’s or domestic partner’s parents, grandparents, siblings, and children.
WATCH OUT FOR: Policies that exclude coverage for claims arising from transactions involving parents; grandparents; siblings; aunts; uncles; cousins; children; or your spouse’s or domestic partner’s parents, grandparents, siblings, or children.
Does the policy insure claims relating to all types of real property?
RISC: Yes. Our policy insures claims relating to professional services, regardless of the type of property involved.
WATCH OUT FOR: Limits on the type of property coverage applies to or additional premium for property other than residential. Even if you currently handle only residential appraisals, consider whether you are willing to forgo an opportunity to work with commercial property or farm land or to risk not having coverage for a claim resulting from the transaction.
Does the policy insure your firm for its vicarious liability for your professional services?
RISC: Yes. Our policy insures covered claims alleging your firm’s vicarious liability for negligence in your professional services.
WATCH OUT FOR: Policies issued to individual appraisers that do not provide coverage for the firm’s vicarious liability for the appraiser’s actions, which may leave the firm uncovered in the event of a claim.
Are insureds satisfied with the provider’s service?
RISC: Yes. Below are excerpts from actual emails we have received from insured Colorado appraisers:
“I just wanted to say thank you for all your help. . . . Your excellent customer service is truly appreciated!”– M.G.
“I want to thank you and . . . the rest of your team for helping with my E&O setup for this year.”–J.B.
You are always so helpful. Thank you for always making this so simple for me. J.M. Insurance providers who do not consider you their top priority.
WATCH OUT FOR: Insurance providers who do not consider you their top priority.