Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bentley Insurance Group?

Bentley Insurance Group (Bentley) is a risk purchasing group formed for Illinois physicians and surgeons to purchase medical professional liability insurance. Eligible physicians will be preferred physicians who have a favorable loss history and are committed to aggressive risk management protocols.

What is a risk purchasing group?

A risk purchasing group (RPG) is a group of policyholders with similar risks who may group together to purchase liability insurance authorized by the Federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Authorization under the federal statute allows a group to be incorporated in one state, but to purchase insurance in a number of states, subject to certain specific and limited restrictions. The Federal Act preempts state law in many ways.

Is an RPG an insurance company?

No, a risk purchasing group is not an insurance company. It is a pool of like risks that buy insurance as a group from an insurance company. No additional risk is assumed and there is no capital contribution required of members.

What are the advantages to membership in a risk purchasing group?

Coverage and pricing can be tailored to the members’ needs. There is greater risk management control. There is no capitalization requirement. Strict eligibility insures higher quality insureds.

Who is the insurance company behind the Bentley program?

Bentley is underwritten by First Professionals Insurance Company (FPIC), a member of the First Professionals Insurance Group. Founded in 1975, FPIC has over 30 years of underwriting experience with and protecting physicians and surgeons. Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, FPIC is rated A- excellent by A.M. Best’s and A- by Fitch. Both rating agencies believe FPIC has a stable outlook. FPIC insures physicians and surgeons in Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas and now, Illinois.

Who administers the Bentley program?

AVRECO, a division of Risk Placement Services
550 W. Van Buren
Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60607
(800) PRO-RISK

How is the FPIC policy different than other insurance companies’ policies?

The FPIC policy is at least as good, if not better than other insurance policies. The policy is claims made with an incident trigger for reporting claims. “Tail” is free after five years of continuous coverage with FPIC for insureds that retire, regardless of age. Corporate coverage and coverage for allied healthcare employees is available. Investigation defense is automatically included. Per physician limits of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 are offered and defense is in addition to the limits of liability. Click here to view a sample policy.

Does a physician applicant have to purchase “tail” from his/her current insurer to be eligible for the Bentley program?

Applicants must meet Bentley’s underwriting eligibility in order become members and secure coverage from FPIC. With the exception of physicians who perform OB or are emergency room physicians, most specialties are eligible for coverage with Bentley. All applicants should have a favorable loss history over the immediate preceding 10 years. Though not required, it is preferred that applicants be board certified. In most cases, if physicians meet Bentley’s eligibility criteria, full “prior acts” coverage will be granted. Therefore, physicians should not need to purchase “tail” from their current insurance company.

Will hospitals accept proof of insurance from FPIC?

All Illinois hospitals should be satisfied with FPIC as the insurer. As an admitted and rated (A-) insurance company, FPIC is among the most financially strong and stable companies doing business in Illinois today. If any hospital has any questions about FPIC or the Bentley program in general, they should contact Jack Ahern, president of Bentley, who will answer any questions or concerns they may have.

How do I get more information about the Bentley program?

The best way to contact Bentley is by going to the Bentley web site (www.bentleyinsurancegroup.com) or by calling Bentley at 800-984-7570.

How do I send a submission to the Bentley program?

Please direct all submissions to info@bentleyinsurancegroup.com. Please click here to view the Application Checklist, which provides detailed information as to what is required with each submission.

Where do I send my premium payments?

FPIC
P.O. Box 919211
Orlando, FL 32891-9211