Insurance Coverage Helped a Hockey Equipment Factory Pivot to Make PPEs (AM BestTV)

This episode of ^AMBestTV highlights how Zurich Canada expanded its client Bauer Hockey's liability coverage so that its hockey and lacrosse equipment factories could make needed face shields during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=weberarbuckle620 to view the entire program.

As many factories shut down due to the COVID-19 quarantine, some were able to shift gears to produce products needed to help fight the pandemic. Making that change on the factory floor also meant shifting liabilities and insurance coverage. Larry Weber, Bauer Hockey risk manager, spoke about the transition.

"Once various government regulations were put in place that restricted the workforce at various facilities, we knew we wanted to keep our workers engaged," said Weber. "We decided that making a face shield is something that is a fairly easy pivot for us. We had the workforce that was knowledgeable. We had a local supply chain so we could get the raw materials very quickly. It was the right thing to do."

Matthew Arbuckle, casualty underwriting specialist with Zurich, addressed how this switch in product impacted the company's insurance.

"The product was similar to what they already were producing, so yes, we did need to change the insurance a little bit to make sure that they were supported on a go-forward basis. When a product is changed, you change the exposures, as well as who is buying it who is going to be using it. Therefore, it is important to contact your insurance company."

Both Weber and Arbuckle agreed that they learned how important it is to work in partnership. Both stressed the need for a long-term relationship between insurer, client and broker, as any new product transition can prove challenging and time-consuming.

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