Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

  • Where can I find an application for lawyers professional liability insurance (LPL)?

    You may apply online through the portal. A PDF application is also available on the LPL information page, or you may call 405-471-5380 and we can email or mail you an application

  • How long will it take to get a quote?

    In most cases, our underwriting department will provide a quote to you within 24-48 hours of receipt of your application. If further information is needed after reviewing the application, someone from our Underwriting Department will contact you to request any additional information.

  • I am just starting my own law office and do not have any office systems in place yet. How should I respond to those questions on the application?

    Please answer the questions to the best of your ability. If your answers do not satisfy our underwriting requirements, our Underwriting Department will contact you with suggestions for ways you can meet the requirements.

  • Do I have to use computer software office systems to be insured with OAMIC?

    We do not require the use of any specific computer software systems; however, we do require the use of certain office and risk-management procedures to reduce the risk of errors. Someone from our Underwriting Department will notify you if you are not meeting the requirements.

  • What date can I make the policy effective?

    The policy can be effective the day OAMIC receives your application or later. We are unable to backdate coverage.

  • What do I need to send in to get a policy issued?

    You must submit a completed application (with renewal applications submitted annually), including any supplemental information, plus any information subsequently requested by the Underwriting Department. Once you receive quote(s) matching the limit(s) and deductible(s) you chose, you must indicate which option you have chosen and provide payment. To do so online, log into the portal and select the quote you choose, then make your payment. To do so by mail, indicate your choice on the last page of your quote and mail it with payment. Partial or full payment of the premium either online or by check confirms acceptance of all terms and conditions, thereby creating a binding policy.

  • When do I receive a copy of my policy?

    Approximately 24 hours after your payment is received, we will issue your policy. You will receive an email notification stating your policy will be available online through the portal or it mailed to you, depending on the preference indicated on your application.

Billing and Payments

  • How long after I pay for my quote before I receive a policy?

    Approximately 24 hours after your payment is received, we will issue your policy. You will receive an email notification stating your policy will be available online through the portal or it mailed to you, depending on the preference indicated on your application.

  • Who do I contact with my billing or invoice questions?

    Call our Billing Department at 405-471-5380 for assistance.

  • What are my payment options?

    Deductibles must be paid in full. For payments on policies or endorsements (changes to your policy), your policy quote will typically include the payment options. For details on each option, please visit our Payment Options page.

  • How do I make a payment?

    For paid-in-full or non-ACH installment plans, you can pay your premium invoice online through the portal. You may also mail a check or money order to OAMIC, P.O. Box 5590, Edmond, OK 73083-5590. See the next question for deductible payment information.

    A 3% convenience fee is applied to all credit/debit card payments. No convenience fee is applied to payments made by check or online e-check

  • How am I notified if a deductible is due and how do I make a payment?

    You will receive an invoice via email or USPS mail, depending on the delivery preference you selected on your application. Your invoice will include payment instructions. Deductibles must be paid in full.

  • Is my payment accepted immediately?

    Online payments are posted immediately. Mailed payments are posted on the date they are received by OAMIC.

  • Can I make a one-time online payment without setting up an account?

    We encourage policyholders to set up an account so they may have full access to view all billing transactions and invoices. Currently, it is not possible to make a payment if you do not have an account. If it is an emergency, you may call and ask to speak to the Billing Department about making a one-time payment over the phone.

  • Am I eligible for the payment plan?

    Your premium invoice will include all payment options. Most policyholders are eligible for an installment payment option unless there has been an unacceptable payment history.

  • If I am on the payment plan, can I pay it off early?

    Yes, you may pay any amount between the minimum amount due and full premium due. Any payment over the minimum will be credited to the next invoice.

Coverage

  • How does a claims-made policy work?

    In order for an incident to be covered under a claims-made policy, two things must be true: you need to have a policy in place when the claim is first made and the policy must extend retroactively to the date the incident occurred. The insurance policy in effect when the claim is reported is the one that actually responds to the claim, hence the name claims-made. Because there are two factors involved in determining if a claim is covered, continuity of insurance is very important for claims-made policies. For a full explanation, see our article “Understanding Your Claims-Made Insurance Policy.”

  • What is prior acts coverage?

    Under OAMIC’s policy, prior acts are covered subject to certain circumstances. If an act or omission occurred prior to the effective date of the current policy, there is coverage as long as the act or omission occurred after the prior acts date and the insured had no prior knowledge and the claim is made and reported to OAMIC during the current policy term.The specific prior acts date will be shown on Endorsement #2 of the policy page.

  • What is tail coverage or extended reporting endorsement?

    When an attorney changes firms,* retires, becomes a judge or exits private practice for any reason, an extended reporting endorsement (ERE) – also known as tail coverage – may be necessary. An ERE extends the terms and conditions of the prior existing policy and allows an additional period of time in which a claim may be reported. See a more complete explanation on our ERE page.
    *Some firms only provide coverage from an attorney’s start date at that firm. Be sure to ask if their policy extends coverage for acts prior to you joining (commonly called “prior acts coverage”). See more at “How LPL Works When You Leave Your Firm.”

  • What happens to coverage if the policy is cancelled?

    The named insured has the option of purchasing an extended reporting endorsement (ERE), which extends the terms and conditions of the prior existing policy and allows an additional period of time in which a claim may be reported, unless the policy is cancelled for non-payment of a premium or deductible amount owed.

  • If the named insured ceases private practice or retires, does the policy in effect prior to retirement provide coverage?

    The named insured has the option of purchasing an extended reporting endorsement (ERE), which extends the terms and conditions of the prior existing policy and allows an additional period of time in which a claim may be reported, unless the policy is cancelled for non-payment of a premium or deductible amount owed. If this option is not exercised, coverage ceases as of the expiration date.

  • Do you offer coverage for title agent errors and omissions?

    Yes; however, this coverage is subject to applicant eligibility. Contact us at 405-571-5380 for more information.

Policy Changes

  • Who do I call if I have questions about my policy?

    Call 405-471-5380 and we will direct you to someone who can help with your specific question(s).

  • What happens if I cancel my policy?

    Continuity of coverage is important, but additional information on what happens to a policy if or when you cancel is available in our article “How LPL Works When You Leave Your Firm.” Regarding refunds or remaining balance on your premium, your pro rata return will be applied to any outstanding balance and a refund check will be issued or you will be sent a revised invoice.

  • How do I notify you of changes within the firm such as a new attorney, address changes or firm name changes?

    You will need to submit a supplemental application for changes, which you may access through the portal or see the PDF version on our LPL page. Please be sure to indicate the exact date you would like the change to be made. If additional information is needed, our Underwriting Department will contact you.

  • How do I remove an attorney from the policy?

    If a lawyer leaves your firm, you will need to submit a supplemental application to remove them from your policy, which you may access through the portal or see the PDF version on our LPL page. For information on changes in premium due to changes to your policy (like removing an attorney), see the Endorsement section of the Payments page.

  • What do I do if a new attorney joins my firm?

    You will need to submit a supplemental application to add the attorney, which you may access through the portal or see the PDF version on our LPL page. For information on changes in premium due to changes to your policy (like adding an attorney), see the Endorsement section of the Payments page.

  • Do I need to notify OAMIC if I hire a law clerk, paralegal, legal secretary or any other nonlawyer staff?

    There is no need to notify OAMIC as long as the law clerk, paralegal or legal secretary is not a licensed lawyer. See the question above if an attorney will be joining your firm.

  • When I add or delete an attorney during the policy year, how is it invoiced or credited?

    When adding or removing an attorney during the policy year, the premium will be adjusted to reflect the change. This is typically done by pro-rating the amount from the effective date to the end of the policy year. Unearned premium will be returned to you, and additional pro rata premium due will be requested by invoice.

  • Do I need to notify OAMIC of changes in my area(s) of practice?

    Only notify OAMIC of changes to your area(s) of practice if it significantly changes your practice. Minor changes can be made upon the renewal of your policy. It is best to contact OAMIC if you have questions or are uncertain of the impact of the change on your practice.

  • Can I change policy limits mid-term?

    You may send a written request either by mail or to contact@oamic.com. In your request, include the desired limits, the reason for the change (e.g., requested by client, etc.) and the desired effective date of the change.

  • Can I cancel my policy mid-term?

    You may send a written request either by mail or to contact@oamic.com. In your request, include the cancellation date and the specific reason for the cancellation.

  • If I am a solo attorney, who can be a “backup” person responsible for my practice if I am suddenly absent from my office for a length of time?

    This person can be an attorney who has knowledge of your office and its systems. The person listed in response to this question would not be asked to step into your shoes and represent your clients. Rather, in the event of your prolonged absence or debility, it would be someone who would be able to look at your calendar/docket and make the appropriate contacts to continue litigated matters, reschedule appointments and defer responses where no statute is involved but there is a deadline. In other words, this would be a person who could satisfy the requirement noted in ORPC 1.1 and 1.3.

  • How do I change my password?

    Go to the OAMIC portal and log in. Click the Account Profile icon (person icon) in the top right of the page. On that page you will be asked to enter your current password and what you want your new password to be.

  • What do I do if I forgot my password?

    Go to the OAMIC portal and click the “Forgot your password?” link. You will be emailed information on how to create a new password. If you do not see the email within several minutes, be sure to check your spam/junk folder.

Claims

  • How does a claims-made policy work?

    In order for an incident to be covered under a claims-made policy, two things must be true: You need to have insurance when the claim is made and your prior acts date contained in your policy must be on or before the date the incident occurred. The insurance policy in effect when the claim is made is the one that actually responds to the claim, hence the name claims-made. Because there are two factors involved in determining if a claim is covered, continuity of insurance is very important for claims-made policies. For a full explanation, see our article “Understanding Your Claims-Made Insurance Policy.”

  • How do I report a claim or incident to OAMIC and what is the process?

    The easiest way to initiate the claims reporting process is to visit our portal. You may also call us 405-471-5380.
    You will be asked to complete a form and provide a written narrative that summarizes the nature of your representation and the circumstances of the allegations or incident. You may also be asked to meet with us or to provide a complete copy of the case file.
    When a report is made to OAMIC, it is immediately reviewed to determine if the error can be corrected or the damage mitigated in any way.
    An experienced team of professionals, including our in-house claims staff and outside counsel, work side-by-side with our insured attorneys. Many claims and incidents never become lawsuits. If they do, we will work closely with you and the defense attorney we choose to represent you. Your defense attorney and our claims staff are available to answer questions whenever you need them.

  • What is the difference between a claim and an incident?

    claim is a demand upon you for money damages relating to alleged damages as a result of your legal services. This would include, but is not limited to, the receipt of a summons and petition.
    An incident is any circumstance, act, error or omission that could be expected to be the basis of – or lead to – a claim or suit covered by your insurance policy. This includes any notice, advice and/or threat, written or verbal, that an entity intends to hold you responsible for an alleged error or omission.

  • When do I report a claim or incident?

    Your OAMIC policy requires you to report any act or omission that might reasonably lead to a claim against you. OAMIC policyholders must report both actual and potential claims, whether they are meritorious or groundless. This may include missed deadlines, default judgement entered against your client, threatening or complaining letter from client, or filed bar grievance.
    You should report a claim or an incident to OAMIC as early as possible because not only can late reporting jeopardize coverage, but incidents that are reported early can frequently be repaired.

  • Should I report something even if there has not yet been a demand for money or services?

    Yes. As the insured, you need to report an incident regardless of the client’s knowledge or action in the matter and regardless of whether or not you believe it has merit. This may include missed deadlines, default judgement entered against your client, threatening or complaining letter from client or a filed bar grievance.

  • Should I report something that I don’t think is covered?

    Yes. It is best to let the OAMIC Claims Department determine coverage. However, if you fail to report a claim in a timely manner, coverage could be jeopardized.

  • Should I report a claim I think is within my deductible?

    Yes. Often, the full amount of the claim is not readily ascertainable and late reporting could jeopardize coverage for the claim.

  • What does the deductible apply to?

    The deductible applies to payments made to a claimant, as well as legal fees and expenses incurred in defending a claim. You may refer to your policy language or contact OAMIC with any questions.

  • Should I advise my client about a mistake I discover?

    Yes. You should contact OAMIC immediately and – if possible – prior to discussing the situation with the client.

  • Should I advise my client to retain new counsel or can I continue to represent my client after I discover I have made an error?

    Every situation is unique. It’s best to contact OAMIC for clarification regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Apply for Coverage

Apply for professional liability coverage today through our convenient online portal. In most cases, you will receive a quote within 24 hours.

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