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January 2013

Employee Dishonesty Insurance Reimburses a $441,000 Loss!

 

Barbara Giroux enters guilty plea on fraud charges 

 

The Importance of Employee Dishonesty Insurance

A $441,000 insurance reimbursement for fraud?

Yes, it can happen. One of our clients was reimbursed $1 million for frauds perpetrated against them by a former controller. Unfortunately for that client, the $1 million insurance proceeds did not offset the multi-million dollar loss incurred.

 
Did you know that by the time most frauds are uncovered, losses are in excess of $100,000? The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) estimates that the typical organization loses 5% of annual revenues to occupational fraud. In fact, the median loss caused by occupational frauds is $140,000[1].

 

There are a multitude of ways to protect yourself against employee theft, including implementation of internal controls and segregation of duties. But in the event you or your clients find themselves a victim of fraud, what is the recourse?

 

Employee dishonesty insurance is often the sole option. Sometimes referred to as fidelity bond, crime coverage, or crime fidelity insurance, employee dishonesty insurance is a type of business insurance that protects a small business employer from a financial loss as a result of fraudulent activities of an employee or group of employees. The loss can be caused by an employee's theft of money, securities or other property of the employer.

 

Coverage

Insurance companies can provide stand alone policies designed to cover employee thefts. It is also common to have employee dishonesty insurance as part of your general business liability policy.

 

Exclusions

Some typical exclusions include accounting errors or omissions, math errors or omissions, vandalism, government seizure or destruction of business property, profit and loss restatement, theft by policyholder or owners, and loss to income that could have been realized had there been no loss of or damage to money, securities or other property.

 

Limits & Cost

The limit of coverage will depend on the potential for loss, type of business, area where the business is located, and the needs of the insured. Generally, broad blanket coverage with a limit high enough to cover maximum exposure is recommended. At a $100,000 limit our research showed annual premiums ranging from $326 to $858. Many policies will cover $500,000 without significant additional premiums.

 

We encourage you and your clients to contact your insurance agent and ask the following questions:

 

1. Do I have employee dishonesty coverage?

 

2. Is my coverage at least $100,000?

 

3. Does my coverage cover the cost of a forensic accountant or other legal fees incurred as a result of the loss?

 

Having this type of insurance in place can go a long way in protecting your company, you, and your assets. 

Need more information? 

Please call us at 360.573.5158 or click here

  

 Knowledge is Power  - click here to Get the Facts on Fraud


 [1] 2012 ACFE Report to the Nation 

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In the News
  
Tiffany's 2013 Speaking Schedule

 

January 2013
Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA)
Assess Practice Vulnerability to Fraud
Webinar Series
 
February 2013
Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA)
Internal Control Best Practices
Webinar Series
 
March 2013
Emerging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) 2013 Issue and Speaker Series
Local Government Case Studies
Portland, Oregon

 

Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA)
Cooking the Books with QuickBooks
Webinar Series

 

April 2013
WSPCA South Sound Industry Chapter
Assess Your Organization's Vulnerability to Fraud
Fife, Washington

 

May 2013

ASWA NW Regional Conference
Fraud Risk - The Financial Professional's Responsibility in Educating Clients
Tacoma, Washington

June 2013
OSCPA 2013 Accounting & Auditing Conference
Financial Statement Fraud
Portland, Oregon

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Annual Conference
Financial Statement Fraud
Las Vegas, Nevada

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