Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to complete a notice of loss on-line for Property, Automobile, or Premises Liability incidents/accidents. If you prefer, call Eileen Ladden at the Diocese Property and Casualty Office during normal business hours (216) 696-6525 extension 4520.

The Master Plan provides comprehensive protection of participants assets. The major categories of claims or situations that should be reported are:

• Damage to your property – Fire, Wind, Water, Theft etc.
• Automobile accidents-involving damage or injury to others or to your vehicle.
• Premises Liability-incidents involving bodily injury or damage to property of others.
• Crime-theft of any property, including money and securities including Electronic Funds transfer fraud.
• Employment practices-EEOOC charges or lawsuits brought by employees.

If an accident occurs, it should be reported promptly, regardless of whether or not you may be at fault. Never admit fault or assume responsibility, but do take appropriate action as the situation dictates such as calling 911. In a property loss you should take all steps necessary to protect your property from further damage.

Letters from attorneys, EEOOC charges or lawsuits should be reported immediately. All claims are handled by the Master Plan, including selection and assignment of legal counsel.

Dependent on the type and severity of your claim it is assigned to either a Company or a Plan adjuster for handling. In most cases claims are handled by the adjusters without problems or delays. However, there are instances where the settlement can be denied or delayed by the party causing the damage. In these cases, in order to expedite matters the Plan may pay your claim less your deductible and then subrogate against the negligent party to reimburse the Plan for the payments made.

Many times a reserve is set by the claim adjuster based on what they feel may be the most probable payment to be made in a particular claim. These reserves are adjusted periodically until the claim is settled. Claim payments do not impact your insurance premiums.

To check on the status of your claim call Eileen Ladden at the Diocese Property and Casualty Office (216) 696-6525 extension 4520 and she will be able to assist you or refer you to the appropriate party.

Click here to submit your change on-line. If you have questions, call Alison Johnston at DISC (216) 621-7183.

Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) can be ordered direct from DISC office. Click here to obtain the form to order a MVR on a driver. Once completed, fax or mail to DISC at the address listed. Motor Vehicle Reports should be ordered for each new employee who will be driving your vehicle. It is suggested that Motor Vehicle Reports should also be ordered on any driver 65 or over. Due to privacy laws the actual MVR Report cannot be sent to you but you will receive a notice advising if the driver has a poor or questionable driving record.

Notify the DISC office (216) 621-7183 if one of your vehicles is used and garaged in a different city or state. Many states have different insurance requirements and it is important that your coverage be adapted to meet these requirements.

The DISC commercial auto policy does not pay for a temporary rental vehicle while your vehicle is out of service. Long term leased and rental vehicles should be added to your DISC policy by calling Eileen Ladden at the Property and Casualty Office at (216) 696-6525 extension 4520.

Changes to your policy such as adding or deleting property can be ordered directly from the DISC office by calling Alison Johnston (216) 621-7183. Each year the Industrial Appraisal Company sends your location a form on which to update your property and values. The completed form should be faxed or mailed direct to Industrial Appraisal Company. This form can also be accessed on-line by clicking here.

Vacant land on which there is a structure needs to be added to your insurance coverage. Call Alison Johnston at (216) 621-7183 to add this land. Vacant land without any structures is automatically covered under your insurance policy and does not have to be specifically added.

The Master Plan contracts with Hartford Steam Boiler Co. (HSB) to provide this service to Plan participants, Click here for HSB information.

Even if your location does not have a boiler, Boiler and Machinery coverage is still provided by the Plan. This coverage extends to such items as hot water heaters, refrigeration and air conditioning units etc.

DISC has contracted with Industrial Appraisal Company (I/A) to appraise all of the property insured in the Master Plan. This commercial appraisal sets the values of your building and property. Each year I/A increases your values by a percentage to keep your values in line with increased replacement and construction costs. In addition to this I/A sends your location an update form each year where you are to add or delete new property.

Parish properties are re-appraised by I/A on a scheduled basis and other properties can schedule a re-appraisal by contacting Keith Lalley of I/A at (440) 885-3147.

Although the vast majority of locations are insured on an all-risk, replacement cost basis there are some exceptions to this. Buildings that are either vacant, unused or substantially under-utilized can be insured on an “Capped” or Agreed Value basis”. As this severely limits the amount of coverage on a building to a maximum of $250,000.00 an understanding and agreement form must be completed and signed by the appropriate parties. Capping of any building is subject to the final approval of the Bishop.

Any individual or group who leases, rents or uses your facilities must, either provide you with evidence of liability insurance for the event, or purchase Special Events coverage through the DISC office. As the property owner you can be held liable for any bodily injury or property damage occurring at the event. To obtain a Special Events Application click here.

Although festivals are a great source of income and community building they pose specific insurance risks which must be avoided. Some rides, games and items that are specifically excluded and have NO COVERAGE for injuries or damages are:

• Dunk the Dolly Booths.
• “Any tumbling, springboard, or rebounding devices/attractions”
• Any rides/games/devices used or operated in connection with aviation activities such as Hot Air Balloons.

The on-line DISC manual contains detailed requirements and information for Festivals and Events. Click here to access this information.

You should request a certificate evidencing liability insurance from:

• Contractors providing services-lawn care, snow plowing, security. Major repairs.
• Tenants leasing your property.
• Anyone who uses or leases your facilities for Special Events and parties.

The Certificate should generally evidence liability limits of at least $500,000.00 and name your entity as an additional insured. In the case of parishes and other Diocesan or Catholic Charities Entities, the Diocese and the Bishop should also be named as additional insured.

Although you may have had the same handy man or contractor for years it is important that they Provide you with evidence of liability insurance. If they cause bodily injury or property damage their liability and not the Master Plan will respond to the claim. Any person or contractor who cannot, or will, not provide you with the required certificate of liability should not be used.

If you are requested to provide a certificate evidencing your liability coverage to another party or entity due to a contract or agreement call Alison Johnston at (216) 621-7183. A copy of the contract or agreement must be secured and forwarded to the DISC office for review prior to obtaining this certificate.

Many contracts contain legal and insurance agreements that may go beyond the scope of coverage provided to your location by the Master Plan. These contracts are legally binding and should be forwarded to the DISC office that, in conjunction with the Diocesan Legal Office, will review them and will advise you of any problems contained in the contract.

Certificates of Insurance that are received should be forwarded to the DISC office for review so to verify that the insurer is admitted to operate in Ohio, has an adequate Best Financial Rating and has complied with the required limits of insurance and additional insured clauses.

The Master Plan Liability coverage extends to all employees and volunteers of the insured, to all Clergy and Religious Brothers and Sisters of the Diocese affiliated with your location and acting on behalf of it. The Master Policy provides coverage for all parishes, institutions and corporate entities recognized and named in the Plan Directory.

Workers Compensation coverage applies to all employees listed on your location’s payroll for whom a premium is paid.

The Master Plan provides a single limit of liability insurance on an occurrence basis of $1,000,000.00 for both bodily injury liability and property (of others) liability. The cost to defend any lawsuits is included even if the suit brought forth is groundless and false. The policy applies to all properties owned by the insured and to all operations of the insured.