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SERVICES Phase I – Enrollment Only: DSS ensures each Owner or Contractor Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) is set up accurately by providing the following services: Education: DSS provides on-site orientation which provides the construction team with a comprehensive understanding of their OCIP. Customized Bid Documents: DSS educates the Owner/Sponsor on different methods of obtaining premium contributions from Trade Partners. As with other components of large insurance programs, the method of handling the deduction of insurance costs under an OCIP should be individually designed to meet the needs and achieve the objectives of the owner. Modification of Contracts: DSS provides OCIP addendums for contract and subcontract documents. DSS legal counsel not only customizes the OCIP addendum to match all contractual agreements but also ensures the builder is not adversely impacted. DSS assists the client in determining whether to allocate or transfer deductible or self insured retentions to the Trade Partners and if necessary provides the appropriate contractual wording. Enrollment of Trade Partners: DSS coordinates the enrollment process with the OCIP carrier and broker providing all Trade Partners with a Certificate of Enrollment. Participants: DSS will determine who is included and excluded from the OCIP policy. DSS maintains a comprehensive record of each Trade Contractor (including contact information and type of trade) on behalf of the builder for a period of 13 years. Because carriers prefer a centralized location for claim information to determine the specifics of the wrap-up project, DSS provides a project close-out manual to the Owner/Sponsor, General Contractor and the OCIP insurance broker upon completion of the construction project. The project manual ensures all records are complete in the event of a claim. On-Going Support Services: DSS remains on-call until completion of construction for troubleshooting and to answer any questions pertaining to the OCIP. Our specialization and expertise in OCIP Administration allows us the time and resources to provide excellent customer service to each and every client. Phase II – Premium Allocation/Insurance Credit Services (Optional Services): A budget analysis is performed in an effort to provide the Owner with a projected premium contribution amount from the Trade Partners. The budget analysis will assist the Owner in deciding whether they would like DSS to provide these services. DSS obtains copies of the Trade Partner’s insurance policies and other documents for determining an appropriate allocation of the insurance credit amount. DSS educates and communicates with the Trade Partners if insurance policies do not provide adequate detail or significant pricing information for an allocation to be made. This is a very time consuming process and DSS will work to make this part of the OCIP as easy as possible for not only the Sponsor/Owner and General Contractor but for the Trade Partners as well. With the DSS system, the Trade Partners can avoid unnecessary and time consuming paperwork which may result in increased construction costs. DSS was in the development industry for over 40 years and understands the relationship between the General Contractor and its Trade Partners. The DSS philosophy is to treat both parties with fairness and integrity. If the insurance bid credit is not established correctly, the Trade Partner will add contributions back into their bids. Certificates of Insurance Tracking (Optional Service): Insurance is vital to every business but not always straight forward. Understanding and managing insurance certificates can be a daunting task. DSS can relieve your staff of the complicated and time-consuming responsibility of tracking insurance documentation. We will retrieve, store, and manage your certificates of insurance. We correspond directly with your trades to ensure compliance with your insurance requirements. In addition, we maintain an impressive, user-friendly website which allows remote access to your trades’ insurance documentation. Our low cost services are provided to developers of any size. Safety Services (Optional Service): DSS has also partnered with Safety Compliance Company (SCC), one of three companies recommended by OSHA. SCC provides each insured with a full safety program with customized Codes of Safe Practice, including periodic updates. A Guide for a Safe Job, which includes an Agreement to Comply with Company’s Safety Rules and Regulations form, will be provided to the insured for employee sign-off. In addition, an OSHA compliant customized safety manual will be provided for the project job site.SCC provides monthly or quarterly on-site safety inspections to California and Nevada clients. They will also work with on-site personnel to address safety concerns and will write an evaluation after the inspection. The inspector will discuss the evaluation with the Superintendent and will also issue violations to Trade Partners and employees when given approval from the program General Contractor. This will help to protect the clients and the carrier from action-over lawsuits. In addition, it will assist the General Contractor in avoiding OSHA fines. Visit the SCC website at www.safetycompliance.com. For as long as clients are receiving monthly safety inspections, Safety Compliance will provide the following services as well:
"EVERY STEP YOU MAKE IS A RISK YOU TAKE!" The Industry The continuing growth of construction defect claims and complex multi-party litigation involving alleged-defective or dangerous conditions within structures across the country over the last decade can be traced to a number of factors. First, there has been an increase in consumer expectations in every single detail of construction. From the foundation slab to the roof, including installed products and items under warranty through their manufacturers, home buyers have sought to make the general contractor the guarantor of the perfection of each of these items. Further, there has been an increase in the average home buyer’s awareness of construction defect claims, thanks to several high-profile and highly publicized court battles over construction defects and mold allegations. In addition to esculating consumer demands, plaintiff’s lawyers appear to be willing to assert construction defect claims. Their ability to attract new homeowners to represent and their knowledge of construction law have deepened. Builders and insurance companies’ interests are necessarily more connected than ever before. While, by its nature, the underwriting of construction projects is a risky venture, insurance is necessary to make housing affordable and assist contractors in responding to and, where applicable, defending against claims of defects by homeowners. Risk Reviews and Assessments It is imperative that all interested parties contribute to their efforts and DSS is here to assist each party in that. DSS will perform a risk management assessment on behalf of the insurance carrier. Here's what DSS can do for you:
Insurance Carriers Once an insurance policy is bound, DSS can receive instruction from the underwriters via email or fax. Carriers also can require the insured or its retail broker to contact us for service. We’ll provide reports for each stage of the process to the main underwriting contact, and we’ll help resolve compliance issues with the insured and retail broker. Insurance Agents The best time for insurance agents to contact DSS is before your client's next project begins or prior to renewal. We'll help agents and their clients meet risk management requirements through our Risk Management Reviews. We can start services after the policy has been bound or conduct a pre-binding risk management review. Builders The most successful projects have effective risk management practices in place. DSS will help you protect yourself and your company with effective and proactive services. We understand your business and the business of risk management. Our team will help you guard against the things that can go wrong and prevent losses. Remember that our commitment to the building industry is boundless because we care about your business and strive to create long term relationships!
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