What are Wrap-Ups or Controlled Insurance Programs (CIPs)?
The use of Wrap-Ups or Controlled Insurance Programs (CIPs) can be traced back to the late 1940s and early 1950s with the boom of mega-construction projects.
Now Wrap-Ups are used as a risk management technique for handling loss exposures related to single and multiple site construction activities.
Wrap-Ups provide coverage for the job-site risks of the following key players:
Owner
Construction Manager
General Contractor
Contractors
Subcontractors
Design Firms (CGL only) unless on-site for WC
What are the benefits associated with Wrap-Ups?
Key benefits include:
Negotiated labor rates through project labor agreements
Unified Loss Control program, Underwriting and Policy Services, Claims Management
One General Liability policy
Minimized litigation
Effective job-site safety training
Greater competition – i.e. more contractors are able to bid, as the high limits of insurance are no longer barriers
The insurer may be admitted with a quality rating vs. many subcontractors with non-admitted insurance and lower rated insurers. Non-admitted wrap-up insurers will be A-rated
Removal of the risk of not being notified that insurance is cancelled or non-renewed
Increases ease of financing project – i.e. banks or limited partnerships can be named as an additional insured
So why CHANGE something that has worked since the 1950s?
There's always room for improvement, and the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) brings several key advantages to the table:
One Workers’ Compensation (WC) policy
One payroll administrator
One HR benefits coordinator
A healthcare plan to comply with the Federal Affordable Care Act
Direct deposit of actual payroll on a regular basis to all employees
Prompt notice and investigation of any WC claim
Pre-employment physicals on employees on a discounted basis
Work with unions where applicable
Focus on enhanced workplace safety
Ability to fire any employee for failure to comply with safety requirements
Drug and Alcohol testing on a pre-employment, random, and/or post accident basis
Arrange for installing and monitoring of job site surveillance cameras as well as regular tool box discussions on safety and training issues
Compliance with NY Wicks Law