How Berkley Service Professionals Helped a Broker Turn a Crisis into a Long-Term Success

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By Tom Rea
Executive Vice President, Berkley Service Professionals, a Berkley Company

August 12, 2025

Success in excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurance is not only about having the most competitive pricing or the broadest coverage. It’s also about partnership, problem-solving and putting in the work when the stakes are high. Berkley Service Professionals is built around these values.

Here’s how we helped one broker rescue a key client after a seven-figure loss and why brokers continue to count on us for fast, reliable solutions to their most complex errors and omissions (E&O) challenges.

A Broker in Crisis

The broker’s client was a seasoned insurance professional who experienced a single, substantial claim under the agency’s E&O policy. Ultimately, the agency received a non-renewal notice, and their broker had to approach the market for a new solution.

The broker worked hard to find the same $5 million coverage limit, but most markets either declined the risk or provided only retro-inception coverage, leaving the client without prior acts protection. With the expiration date just weeks away, the broker asked for help from Berkley Service Professionals.

A Collaborative Process

We reviewed the seven-figure claim details with the broker and saw it for what it was: an unfortunate, isolated incident at an otherwise well-run insurance agency with no prior claims.

To confirm that understanding, our underwriting team arranged a call with the insured’s leadership, general counsel, and producers. This gave them the chance to explain what had happened and to share the safeguards they had put in place to prevent future claims.

This conversation showed a level of professionalism, transparency, and proactive risk management that gave our underwriters the confidence to take on the risk. We offered the full $5 million policy the client needed, including prior acts coverage. Two years later, we’re still on the account, and the relationship with the broker is stronger than ever.

Why Brokers Choose Berkley Service Professionals

This example shows the value we provide to brokers through our extensive underwriting insight, engagement and speed of service.

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Understanding Claims Reporting: Empowering Brokers for Success

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May 7, 2025

When it comes to helping your client navigate professional liability insurance, it’s essential to be well-versed in all the aspects of the policy including when to contact the carrier and how to report a claim. Whether your client is in Real Estate Services, Insurance Services, or other service industries, knowing the ins and outs of the policy can help your client better understand their coverage and how the policy responds to various incidents that may occur. While it may seem simple, there are nuances to even the basics of a professional liability insurance policy. You’ll be prepared with answers if your client asks the following questions.

When should you or your client contact the carrier?

In addition to reporting a claim, there are several reasons you or your client may need to contact us, such as:

  • Changes to the ownership structure of a firm
  • Acquisitions/mergers
  • Changes to services performed (adding or removing services)
  • Requests for changes in coverage, such as a policy enhancement or exclusion.

What do I do when my client lets me know that they have a claim?

At Berkley Service Professionals, we encourage you to promptly report any claims, potential claims, notices of subpoena, or requests for documentation from a law firm. Doing so will benefit your client and enable the carrier to manage the claim proactively.

It also helps to have something reported earlier so that your client does not admit liability or agree to pay without the carrier’s consent.

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Berkley Service Professionals Announces New Real Estate Developers E&O Product

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Glastonbury, Conn. (April 7, 2025) – Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley company, specializing in professional liability insurance products for miscellaneous non-medical service professionals, is excited to announce the launch of its Real Estate Developers E&O product.

“We are pleased to broaden our product offering to include Real Estate Developers E&O coverage,” said Tom Rea, executive vice president, Berkley Service Professionals. “As a leader in the miscellaneous professional liability space, we are continuously looking for ways to serve our wholesale brokers and policyholders better.”

The Real Estate Developers E&O product protects developers from lawsuits or claims related to property damage, bodily injury, pollution and third-party discrimination. This coverage can safeguard developers from financial loss while also protecting their reputation.

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Knowing the Policy Helps Brokers Provide Top-Notch Service

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By Tom Rea
Executive Vice President, Berkley Service Professionals, a Berkley Company

January 22, 2025

As an insurance professional, it’s vital to have a good understanding of professional liability insurance policies. It’s especially important to know what the policy covers and how it responds to various incidents that may occur. Whether your client works in real estate services, insurance services or other service industries, you can provide better assistance if you are well-versed in the nuances of professional liability insurance policies. To prepare yourself for any questions your client may have, it’s important to know who qualifies as an insured, what professional services are covered, what endorsements are needed and what exclusions are in the policy.

Who is an Insured?

For Berkley Service Professionals’ Professional Liability policies, an insured typically is the Insured Organization, which means any named insured designated on the policy declaration, and any subsidiary, which is generally defined as an entity in which the named Insured owns more than 50% interest.

In addition, an independent contractor and an employee are both considered insureds, but only for services performed on behalf of the organization. Other individuals who may qualify as insureds include a partner, principal, officer, director, shareholder, managers, and members, but only for services performed on behalf of the organization.

Finally, named insureds and additional insureds may be added via endorsements to the policy. If you have any questions, always refer to the policy for specific and complete definitions and speak with an underwriter for additional clarification.

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Christopher N. Downs Named Senior Vice President, National Sales & Distribution Director of Berkley Alliance Managers

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Glastonbury, Conn., December 16, 2024 – Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley company, specializing in professional liability insurance for design professionals, construction professionals and miscellaneous service professionals, announced it has promoted Christopher Downs to senior vice president, national sales & distribution director.

In this role, Chis will be responsible for distribution strategies and broker management for Berkley Alliance Managers’ business units: Berkley Design Professional, Berkley Construction Professional and Berkley Service Professionals.

“We are excited to have Chris take on this expanded role leveraging his experience in broker relations, underwriting and professional liability insurance,” said Stephen L. Porcelli, president, Berkley Alliance Managers.

“Having a dedicated broker relationship manager for our producers across all Berkley Alliance Managers’ businesses will strengthen our broker relationships and enhance our commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience,” continued Porcelli.

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Protecting Manufacturers: The Critical Role of E&O Insurance

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By Jude Sedliak, RPLU
Senior Vice President, Underwriting, Berkley Service Professionals, a Berkley Company

October 21, 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, the demand for products like computer chips, semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries and embedded software is skyrocketing. This surge presents significant opportunities for manufacturers, but it also introduces a range of professional liability exposures that many manufacturers may not fully understand. As brokers, it’s crucial to educate your clients about the importance of Manufacturers Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to safeguard their businesses against these risks.

Catalysts for Industry Growth
The manufacturing sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by federal initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). According to Deloitte’s 2024 Manufacturing Industry Outlook*, investments in semiconductor and clean technology manufacturing have surged, with commitments nearly doubling in 2021 compared to 2019. Additionally, around 200 new clean technology manufacturing facilities have been announced since the IRA’s passage, representing an $88 billion investment.

Manufacturers are under pressure to accelerate product development and enhance delivery efficiency. However, in their pursuit of growth and efficiency, manufacturers may overlook the professional liability exposures that can arise during the manufacturing process.

Protecting the Client’s Business
While most manufacturers are aware of risks like property damage or bodily injury, they may be less familiar with the professional exposures related to negligence, defective products, design flaws, or quality control issues. This is where Manufacturers E&O insurance becomes indispensable. It protects companies from third-party financial losses and litigation resulting from alleged product or work defects.

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Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, Named in Business Insurance’s Annual Best Places to Work in Insurance

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Glastonbury, Conn., September 10, 2024 – Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley company, specializing in professional liability insurance for miscellaneous non-medical service professionals, announced it has been named in the annual Best Places to Work in Insurance program, which recognizes 100 employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work and help their companies grow.

“We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to cultivating an exceptional work environment,” remarked Stephen L. Porcelli, president, Berkley Service Professionals. “Every day, our employees embody our entrepreneurial values, giving them a voice and the power to drive meaningful change.”

Berkely Service Professionals has been named a Best Places to Work for its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. The company values the input of its employees at all levels, encouraging diverse ideas and opinions and emphasizing personal growth through various learning opportunities. The premium placed on teamwork, ethical conduct, and employee well-being creates an environment where employees feel empowered and valued.

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Berkley Service Professionals Announces New Manufacturers E&O Product

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Glastonbury, Conn. (May 14, 2024) – Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley company, specializing in professional liability insurance products for miscellaneous non-medical service professionals, announces the launch of their new Manufacturers E&O product.

“As a leader in the miscellaneous professional liability insurance market, we continually look for new ways to meet the needs of our wholesalers, brokers and policyholders,” said Tom Rea, Executive Vice President, Berkley Service Professionals. “We are pleased to expand our product offering to include Manufacturers E&O coverage.”

The Manufacturers E&O product covers two primary risks: damages caused by an alleged product or work defect resulting in a third-party financial loss and any related litigation expenses, excluding bodily injury or property damage. It can help protect a manufacturer from financial loss while also safeguarding its reputation.

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Jude Sedliak Joins Berkley Service Professionals as Vice President of Underwriting

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Glastonbury, Conn. (March 24, 2021) – Jude Sedliak joins Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley Company as a vice president of underwriting. He is responsible for underwriting primary and excess business within the wholesale insurance community, fostering strong broker relationships and achieving profitable growth for Berkley Service Professionals’ expanding miscellaneous professional liability, insurance and real estate services portfolio.

“Jude’s deep understanding of more than a dozen E&O insurance classes greatly enhances our ability to serve the complex needs of existing clients, while increasing our presence with new markets nationwide,” says Tom Rea, executive vice president of Berkley Service Professionals. “His specialization with numerous professional liability products including miscellaneous professional, real estate and insurance agents will further our goal to meet the ongoing market demands for new endorsements, products and services.”

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Tom Rea Named Executive Vice President of Berkley Service Professionals

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Glastonbury, Conn. (Feb. 4, 2021) – Tom Rea has been named executive vice president of Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley Company. He is responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations, strategic direction and business development efforts.

“We are excited to welcome Tom,” says Stephen L. Porcelli, president of Berkley Alliance Managers. “He has a strong track record as a leader and innovator in the Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance market. Tom joins an outstanding team at Berkley Service Professionals, and together, they have the expertise and experience to enhance our opportunities for profitable growth in this segment.”

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