Certified public accountants today are faced with tremendous competitive and regulatory pressures, in a rapidly changing business environment. While most of the headlines have centered on the large national firms, the fact remains that the vast majority of businesses and individuals in the United States rely upon the services of small to midsize firms.
	With these changes come an increasing number of legal and ethical questions and potential pitfalls. Many firms are expanding their practices to include various forms of consultancies, including management, computer/technology, even legal. In fact, the "multi-disciplinary practice" or "MDP" issue has come to the forefront in the accounting profession's efforts to stay up to date.
	Throughout our country, the economy is continuing its rapid shift from the manufacturing base of the past 100 years, to the service/technology base of the next 100 years. Today's accounting professionals are scrambling to adapt.
	Of course, no change occurs without risk. The frequency and severity of malpractice claims against CPA's has risen dramatically over the past 10 years. Some view the Savings & Loan crisis of the 1980's as the watershed of today's professional liability climate for the accounting industry. As part of the effort to clean up hundreds of failed financial institutions, the federal government's Resolution Trust Company - as well as thousands of individuals - forged new case law; expanding the potential liability of both accountants and attorneys. A potent legal weapon is used with increasing frequency - that of the class action lawsuit. Regardless of whether you believe this to be fair or not, it is a reality.
	Even a small or midsize firm, which might handle only compilation, review or non-audit services, or tax or business management issues for businesses or individuals, is faced with a significantly increased risk of a professional liability claim.
	According to one major insurer, tax engagements alone accounted for over 50% of all claims during the years 1993-97! The fact is that even if you have done nothing wrong, you can still find yourself on the wrong end of a claim. Are you prepared to arrange - and pay for - your defense?
	Remember, defense attorneys are paid, regardless of the circumstances, and regardless of the outcome. Are you prepared to deal with the many otherwise billable hours you must now devote to your defense?
	Prudent CPA's and accounting firms know the value of a properly underwritten policy of accountants' professional liability insurance, and many professionals are turning to an experienced, knowledgeable, independent insurance broker for this coverage. After all, when you deal only with an association-endorsed "program" for your coverage, the program's insurance broker is committed to selling the product of only that one insurance carrier, which obviously limits his or her objectivity - not to mention your options!
	While it is true that some programs offer good, reliable coverage, they are generally "slot underwritten"; meaning there is only very limited flexibility for customizing the coverage terms - and the pricing - to match the practice profile of each individual firm or professional.
	As independent insurance agents and brokers, our highest priority is to represent you, in order to find the most appropriate coverage terms, at the most competitive premium. We have direct access to many different insurance companies; all "A" rated or better; all aggressively seeking to write professional liability coverage for virtually any type of accounting professional.
	If your firm's practice profile is low-risk, you will be underwritten accordingly. If, on the other hand, your firm enjoys the added challenges that come with higher liability assignments, such as IPO's, financial institutions, or auditing publicly held companies, well, I know which carriers are most comfortable with this level of risk-profile, and therefore where to obtain the broadest possible coverage at the best possible price.
	Even if you, or your firm, has had your professional liability insurance cancelled or non-renewed due to claims experience, regulatory or disciplinary actions, or any other adverse situation, we can help!
	Why don't you give me a call at, 877-320-4061, to discuss the specifics of your particular situation? My phone system will attempt to locate me, 24-hours a day, and if I am available we will be connected. If I can't take your call at that moment, you will have the opportunity to leave a private voicemail message.  All inquiries are held in the strictest confidence, and if it turns out that your best option is the keep the coverage you have, rest assured that I will tell you so.
	You can click here and fill out a quick and easy form, which will be transmitted to me instantly, or you may also send me e-mail at, insurance@professional-liability.com.
	I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Bruce R. Swicker