Q:  What’s the process for sending a submission to HUFL?

A:  First, work with the physician to thoroughly complete the application process. Second, fax or email the completed application and loss runs, CV and other supporting documents as required (be sure to include the agent cover sheet!).  Third, respond promptly to any requests from our underwriters for more information.  HUFL generally begins the underwriting process the same day an application is received.

Q:  Why is it necessary to create a separate cover page for each application faxed to HUFL?

A:  The fax cover sheet is the first thing we see when a pfax is delivered.  It enables HUFL to know immediately which agent is making the submission and how many pages we should expect. By looking at the cover page, we will know immediately if any pages were lost in the transmission and which agent and agency should receive credit for the submission.

Q:  Why can’t I fax several applications to HUFL at the same time under a single cover sheet?

A:  Applications to HUFL should be faxed or emailed one at a time.  A pause of just one minute between faxes will suffice.  This is necessary to enable HUFL to capture each application as a separate electronic document and place it in the proper file.  If several applications are faxed at the same time, they become a single electronic document and will significantly delay processing.

Recently, underwriting has added an additional pfax number so that you can fax documents more quickly and efficiently. The additional number enables agents to alternate between the two fax numbers (888-484-3299 and 888-484-3293).

Q:  How do I bind coverage with HUFL?

A:  Approval to release certificates of insurance can only be given once full payment of premium and capital has been verified.  This approval will be sent to the agent by email.  You must have the approval in writing from us to issue certificates.  When you issue a certificate, please fax a copy to us.  If you are making financial arrangements through a bank, keep in mind the process takes at least 3-4 days after the bank receives all information.  Agents are not authorized to bind coverage.

Q:  Does HUFL plan on offering a financing option in the future?

A:  It is under consideration.

Q:  Can I arrange financing on behalf of my client with HUFL’s bank?

A:  You can certainly assist your client but he or she may need to provide personal financial data and will need to sign the application.

Q:  Does HUFL accept only electronic submissions?

A. Yes. HUFL is a paperless operation.  We will accept applications by either email (to huw@hugroups.com) or fax.  If you choose to send an email, do not send it to an underwriter’s email address.  Use only the huw@hugroups.com address.

Q:  How often are commission payments made?

A:  Commissions due to the agency are paid within twenty days of the close of the month in which premium payments are processed on policies that are effective.

Q:  How are commissions levels determined by HUFL?

A:   Refer to your agency agreement for specific details outlining commission tier levels.

Q:  How long does it take for underwriting to process an application?

A:  Applications can be processed as quickly as five business days as long as all information has been submitted.  Incomplete applications, large group applications and applications with unusual circumstances may take longer.

Q:  What happens to the capital contribution if a physician leaves HUFL?

A.  The capital contribution always remains with HUFL. 

Q:  Can ownership in HUFL be sold or passed on to an estate?

A.  Ownership in HUFL cannot be sold.  However, it can be passed on to an estate as long as the owner-policy has purchased or qualified for tail coverage.

Q:  Does HUFL have, or expect to have, capacity issues in the future?

A.  HUFL does not have and likely will never have capacity issues.  Since every new policyholder-owner brings capitalization and thus their own capacity to the company, HUFL is always in a position to write coverage for “the next good doctor.”

Q:  How do I qualify?

A:  If you are a licensed agent with a good reputation in the market and experience specifically in medical professional liability insurance, you should be able to qualify.  To learn more, contact our VP and Chief Sales Officer, Ronald Goff at rgoff@hugroups.com

Q: What are the best reasons to represent HUFL?

A:  HUFL is a non-profit entity owned and governed by Florida doctors.  Our company offers an alternative to commercial companies.  We always put the best interests of our policyholder-owners first.  Doctors are our only customers and medical malpractice insurance is our only product!  In addition, we are committed to aggressively defending our policyholder-owners. See the About Us section to find out more about the HUFL alternative.

Q. Why does HUFL use insurance agents?  Couldn’t HUFL save money by insuring doctors without agents?

A. There are basically two ways to build an insurance company – directly or through the use of qualified agents.  It has been our experience that both distribution models develop similar costs.  Unlike other lines of insurance, the sale of professional liability protection is not a process that can be automated.

It takes time and complete communication to tell the HUFL story and to help a doctor/group through the underwriting process.  To develop a successful direct sales department that could properly serve physicians throughout the state, HUFL would have to hire well qualified staff and spend a great deal more money on such things as marketing, advertisement, travel and entertainment (all costs currently borne to a large extent by our appointed agents).   Our time and energy would be spent working to take business away from well qualified agents – a potentially costly battle.

We have been able to quickly and cost effectively provide superior service to doctors throughout the state by carefully selecting agents that 1. are highly experienced in medical malpractice insurance, and 2. have a demonstrated history of putting their doctors/clients interests ahead of their own.

Q:  What kind of access to management does HUFL provide?

A:  Active HUFL agents have access to HUFL’s management team at virtually any time.  Our management team is eager and willing to accompany agents on sales calls to physicians and groups as requested by the agent.