1. Forms
2. PR
3. PR-00-13

What the form is

The PR 00 13 Veterinarians Professional Liability Coverage Form is an insurance policy contract developed by ISO (Insurance Services Office) that provides professional liability, commonly known as malpractice insurance, to veterinarians. This form offers coverage on an 'occurrence' basis, which means it covers claims for incidents that happen during the policy period, irrespective of when the claim is actually filed. It is designed to protect veterinarians from liability for damages resulting from a 'veterinary incident' in the rendering of or failure to render professional services.

Classes of business it applies to

This form is specifically designed for:

• Individual veterinarians
• Veterinary practices, clinics, and hospitals

For example, if a veterinarian misdiagnoses an animal leading to harm or death, or if an error occurs during a surgical procedure performed by the insured veterinarian, this policy would typically respond to the resulting professional liability claim.

Special considerations

Key considerations for this form include:

• Occurrence Basis: Understanding the trigger of coverage is crucial. An 'occurrence' form like PR 00 13 responds to incidents that take place while the policy is active, offering long-term protection for those incidents even after the policy expires. This differs from a 'claims-made' form (like its counterpart, PR 00 14), which covers claims first made during the policy period.
• Definition of 'Veterinary Incident': The scope of coverage hinges on the policy's definition of a 'veterinary incident'. This typically involves a negligent act, error, or omission in the rendering of professional veterinary services.
• Policy Limits: The form will specify limits of liability, which may include an 'Each Veterinary Incident Limit' and an 'Individual Professional Liability Aggregate Limit' for all claims during the policy period.

For instance, a veterinarian retiring or ceasing practice might prefer an occurrence policy purchased during their active years, as it would continue to cover incidents from that period without the need to purchase 'tail' coverage, which is often necessary with claims-made policies.

Key information for agents and underwriters

Agents and underwriters should focus on:

• Risk Assessment: Evaluating the type of veterinary practice (e.g., small animal, large animal, specialized surgery), the experience and claims history of the veterinarians, and the practice's risk management protocols.
• Coverage Comparison: Clearly explaining the difference between PR 00 13 (occurrence) and PR 00 14 (claims-made) to clients is essential so they can choose the coverage that best suits their long-term needs and potential exposures.
• Exclusions: Being aware of standard professional liability exclusions, such as those for intentional acts, illegal activities, or liability assumed under contract. The PR 00 13, like other professional liability forms such as PR 00 01, has specific exclusions that should be reviewed.
• Pricing: Occurrence forms are often priced higher initially than claims-made forms due to the longer period of potential claim reporting for covered incidents.

For example, an underwriter might assess a higher risk (and therefore premium) for a veterinary surgical center performing complex procedures compared to a general wellness clinic, due to the increased potential for severe or costly veterinary incidents.