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The Maryland Judicial Insurance Plan
Berkley Insurance in coordination with Mason & Carter, Inc is pleased to provide a new insurance product offering for Maryland Judges. This defense cost only policy pays for the costs of defense, up to the stated policy limits, that are incurred by an enrolled judge to defend a complaint brought by the Commission on Judicial Disabilities.
TWO COVERAGE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO NEW JUDGES AS FOLLOWS:
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PLEASE NOTE:
SEE "PRO RATA ANNUAL PREMIUM SCHEDULE FOR NEW JUDGES" IN THE SECTION BELOW FOR PREMIUM COSTS.
A County District Court judge shared her personal experience with a claim brought against her. She incurred significant out of pocket costs to defend the claim. She explained these are costs any Judge can expect to pay to defend a claim.
Overall, defending a claim can potentially cost a Judge over $100,000 of their own money.
Then there are also possible tax implications of defending a claim:
This is a great example of why every Judge needs The Maryland Judicial Insurance Plan.
For illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of some of the coverages offered under the policy. Please remember that only the insurance policy can give actual terms, coverages, limits, conditions and exclusions. Coverages are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.
- The estimated cost to file the initial Answer to the Complaint is $1,500 to $2,500.
- It will cost an additional $20,000 to $30,000 to proceed through the Inquiry Board and the Commission, pre-trial.
- If the Commission votes to sanction the Judge and the Judge seeks to fight the sanction recommendation, the hearing process before the Commission may cost a minimum of $45,000.00 to $55,000.00.
- An appeal to the Court of Appeals may cost approximately $20,000.00.
Overall, defending a claim can potentially cost a Judge over $100,000 of their own money.
Then there are also possible tax implications of defending a claim:
- Unless a Judge has $100,000 or more in liquid cash, he/she may have to sell their investments to raise the capital or obtain a loan.
- Selling investments can create capital gains, which are taxable events.
- The unfortunate timing of these sales during a bad market may result in missed opportunities to grow your investments on any upside of the market.
This is a great example of why every Judge needs The Maryland Judicial Insurance Plan.
For illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of some of the coverages offered under the policy. Please remember that only the insurance policy can give actual terms, coverages, limits, conditions and exclusions. Coverages are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.
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In the event of any “occurrence” that may result in a claim against this policy you should immediately report the incident and provide as much information as possible.
New claims can be reported by email, fax, mail or phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
| SUBMIT BY | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| FAX | (804) 525-1362 |
| Verus Underwriting Managers Attention: Claims Department 4820 Lake Brook Drive, Suite 200 Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 | |
| PHONE | (804) 525-1360 (877) 598-3787 |
Coverage and Carrier Features:
- FULL PRIOR ACTS coverage is provided for unknown occurrences
- Experienced Defense Counsel panel offered or option to select preapproved counsel
- Extended Reporting Period (Tail) competitively priced offered for 1, 2, and 3 years terms
- Extended Reporting Period (Tail) Premium Waived for Eligible Judges due to Disablement, Retirement or Death
- Financial strength of Berkley is A.M. Best Rated A+ (Superior) XV and has been in business for over 50 years
- SEE THE POLICY FOR ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Enrollment:
A completed application and payment must be remitted through this site. You will be asked to complete the application and remit payment for whichever option you select. If additional underwriting information for approval is needed a representative from Mason & Carter will contact you.
The plan renews on an annual basis. The annual plan starts on 6/1/2024 and the plan will renew for all judges in the plan on 6/1/2025. Newly enrolled judges start in the plan on the first day of the following month after completed applications and payments are received. For example, if a judge enrolls on 11/15/2024, the start date of coverage is 12/1/2024. The premium amount is prorated from the start date to the next renewal date per the table shown above. At annual renewal, the new judge will pay for the next full year’s annual premium and not the prorated amount at enrollment.
The plan renews on an annual basis. The annual plan starts on 6/1/2024 and the plan will renew for all judges in the plan on 6/1/2025. Newly enrolled judges start in the plan on the first day of the following month after completed applications and payments are received. For example, if a judge enrolls on 11/15/2024, the start date of coverage is 12/1/2024. The premium amount is prorated from the start date to the next renewal date per the table shown above. At annual renewal, the new judge will pay for the next full year’s annual premium and not the prorated amount at enrollment.
Standard Terms and Conditions:
- Flat cancellations are not permitted.
- A completed application and payment must be received in order to receive coverage.
- All policies are subject to 25.00% minimum earned premium upon binding.
DOWNLOAD INFORMATIONAL PDF DOCUMENTS
PLEASE NOTE: The online application process has been temporarily suspended due to upcoming program changes.
