An interesting move by Zurich, and certainly an indicator of how far our industry has come. -Head Jundi
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Zurich Now Offers Defense Base Act Workers’ Compensation for Federal
Contractors Working Outside U.S.
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zurich, one of the world’s largest
property-casualty insurance companies, today announced that it now offers
Defense Base Act (DBA) workers’ compensation coverage for employees of
federal contractors who are working outside the country on military bases,
overseas public works projects or similar contracts funded by the U.S.
federal government.
“As directives from the U.S. military and other federal agencies are
increasingly outsourcing support-related services such as security,
linguistics, commissary services, IT and equipment maintenance, we see this
market as a significant growth opportunity,” said Mario Vitale, CEO of
Zurich’s Global Corporate in North America (GCiNA) business unit. “Zurich’s
global reach easily enables us to deliver coverage and services on a
worldwide basis.”
Originally passed by Congress in 1941, the Defense Base Act mandated
workers’ compensation coverage for civilians employed at American military
bases overseas. Since its inception, the scope has been broadened to protect
most private-sector employees working for the U.S. government on federally
funded projects overseas. The program is administered by the U.S. Department
of Labor.
Vitale said Zurich’s existing experience in successfully underwriting and
servicing global casualty business offers customers a full array of global
casualty products. He said another advantage Zurich offers is that all
DBA-related claims are handled by a dedicated team of adjusters, based in
Dallas, with broad experience in DBA insurance issues.
About Zurich Financial Services
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial
services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North
America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other
markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170
countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading
commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global
corporate, large corporate, middle market, small business, specialties and
programs sectors.
About Zurich’s Global Corporate business division
http://www.zurichna.com/zus/zurichus.nsf/pages/Zurich+North+America
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080418/20080418005463.html?.v=1
