Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance expanded its inland marine product line in Canada. Ironshore Hong Kong launched a specialty professional lines product post-commercial litigation protection for legal expenses. Beazley started a new professional liability coverage large-sized US construction contractors. American Family Insurance has come up with a way to help its customers get cheaper wireless home security technology.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has expanded its inland marine product line in Canada with the launch of its Motor Truck Cargo Legal Liability policy.

The new policy protects against the legal liability exposure commercial truckers face when carrying third party goods. It is designed for mid-sized Canadian-based motor carriers specializing in transporting commodities primarily in Canada or cross-border with the U.S., according to BHSI, wich added that truckers and cargo are covered anywhere within Canada and the continental U.S.

Key policy highlights include:

• Legal liability coverage for property of others while in the ordinary course of transit or while at a terminal location for a specified period of time.
• Cross Docking coverage addressing an insured’s legal liability for direct physical loss or damage to property insured in its care, custody or control during cross docking operations at a scheduled terminal.
• Defense costs coverage that is outside of the policy limit.

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Ironshore Hong Kong launched a specialty professional lines product that offers protection for after-the-event legal expenses following commercial litigation.

Ironshore’s After-the-Event Legal Expenses product provides insurance against adverse costs awards, Ironshore explained.

The coverage, which is standardized in the U.K. legal community, has been adapted specifically for the Hong Kong insurance markets in response to client demand. It will be underwritten through Ironshore Hong Kong Ltd.

Senior underwriter Geoffrey Lee in Hong Kong will oversee product development and distribution in the Hong Kong market in collaboration with David White, director of Professional Lines.

Ironshore Hong Kong Ltd underwrites on behalf of Pembroke Syndicate 4000 at Lloyd’s.

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Beazley is now offering tailored professional liability coverage for large-sized US construction contractors who have more than $100 million in annual turnover.

ContractorPro will cover first and third party professional liability and pollution risks. It also includes protection in the event of a sub-contractor’s professional liability or contractors’ pollution liability insurance being exhausted, or not responding to the contractor’s own claim.

Cover for the policy is written on a surplus lines basis, allowing clients to benefit from the Lloyd’s chain of security. Limits up to $25 million are available.

ContractorPro is a complementary offering to DevelopPro, Beazley’s professional liability offering for developers and owners of construction projects.

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American Family Insurance said it is partnering with wireless home security provider Frontpoint to help customers more affordably protect their homes and families using cutting-edge technology.

Beginning in October, American Family customers can purchase a $600 basic wireless Frontpoint home security system for $99.95 with a 36-month monitoring price lock guarantee.

The upgradeable package includes a control panel, window, motion and flood sensors, a heat/smoke detector, a yard sign and window decals. Frontpoint professional monitors the system with alerts sent to customers’ mobile phones, and customers can also use the Frontpoint app to personally check their sensors and cameras. The system is expandable, and also cellular, allowing customers to easily set up the system. It is also tamper-proof, and moveable to a new residence.

Sources: BHSI, Ironshore, Beazley, American Family