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D&O cover that safeguards business leaders

Company directors and senior executives shoulder significant responsibility, making critical decisions, guiding business strategy, and upholding fiduciary duties. But with authority comes accountability and any misstep, real or perceived, can lead to personal claims and potential litigation against company directors and officers.

 

Santam’s Directors & Officers Liability insurance is issued in the company’s name but protects the personal assets of individual directors and officers. It covers legal defence costs, settlements, and damages – essential protection for peace of mind and the freedom to pursue your business vision.

Why choose Santam for your specialist risk insurance?

Expertise

Our underwriters and claims specialists have deep expertise and experience in navigating the complexities of corporate governance risks that lead to claims.

Longevity

D&O claims often emerge years after an incident and can take even longer to resolve. With over 40 years of proven expertise, we have a history of managing complex, long-tail claims with consistency and care.

Solutions

We offer bespoke D&O insurance solutions, thoughtfully designed to cover the unique risks of business leadership.

Advanced D&O Cover

Protection against wrongful acts

Covers directors and officers for breach of duty, errors, omissions, misstatements, or misleading statements made in their official capacity.

Comprehensive legal cover

Responds to claims for compensation, damages, settlements, and legal costs, whether the director or the company is liable.

Defence cost advancement

Pays for defence costs (with insurer’s consent) even in cases involving alleged criminal acts or misconduct, subject to legal outcomes.

Add-on benefits/extensions

Includes automatic cover for defamation, legal representatives, new subsidiaries, investigation costs, bail bond costs, public relations expenses, shareholder claims, extradition proceedings, and more.

Let’s discuss your insurance needs

Get customised Casualty insurance solutions. Request a call back, and our team will assist you in selecting the right coverage options.

Help and FAQ's

General enquiries

Tel: 011 731 3600

E-mail: info.specialistcasualty@santam.co.za

Roeann Lazarus

Head: Financial Lines

E-mail: roeann.lazarus@santam.co.za

Tel: +27 72 698 8276

What information is required to obtain a quote?

Santam works exclusively through licensed insurance brokers. A proposal form – available by clicking the Downloads button of this page – is required, along with recent audited financial statements and full details of previous claims.

What is at risk for directors and officers?

Directors and officers can face significant personal exposure when legal action is brought against them for actions or omissions made in their official capacity. These risks include:

 

  • Personal liability: homes, vehicles, savings, pensions, and other personal assets are at risk.
  • Family impact: spouses, heirs, and estates may be named in lawsuits.
  • High legal defence costs: without cover, legal fees can be financially devastating.
  • Asset freezes: potentially impacting the ability to cover basic personal expenses like housing, education, utilities, and insurance.

What are the common causes of Directors and Officers (D&O) Claims?

D&O claims generally stem from alleged wrongful acts and can be initiated by various stakeholders:

 

Shareholders 

Allegations related to accounting fraud, poor financial performance, breach of fiduciary duty, insider trading, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, or bankruptcy. 

 

Employees

Claims may include wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, whistleblowing, or disputes over contracts, benefits, and promotions. 

 

Competitors

Claims relating to anti-competitive conduct, intellectual property (IP) infringement, business interference, and contract breaches. 

 

Customers

Disputes involving fraud, debt recovery, breach of contract, or refusal of credit. Other Parties Claims can also come from liquidators, creditors, regulators, or government bodies.

Who is exposed to D&O claims?

Exposure is not limited to company directors. Those at risk include: 

 

  • Current and former directors and officers.
  • Executives and non-executive directors such as the CEO, CFO, and Company Secretary. 
  • Members of committees (audit, risk, remuneration, etc.).
  • Employees in managerial or supervisory roles.
  • Directors service on boards of a non-profit organisation or an associated entity at the behest of the company.

Documents and resources

Download the required forms to submit your claim, proposal, or request and attach any supporting documents before submitting.

Claims

Learn more and access the necessary claim forms for a smooth claims process.

Downloads

Find policy documents, risk reports and other essential resources in one place.

Pocket underwriter

Login to manage policies, access client information, and download key documents.

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