Overview of the Program
This Real Estate E&O program provides professional liability protection for errors, omissions and negligent acts arising from real estate services. The policy is written on a claims-made basis and is intended for agents, brokers and related professionals whose exposures arise from residential, commercial and transactional real estate activities. Limits and deductibles are flexible to match different firm sizes and exposures.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Residential real estate agents and small-to-mid sized brokerages
- Commercial real estate professionals and leasing agents
- Independent and certified appraisers
- Auctioneers and transactional specialists
- Property managers and firms providing leasing or tenant-placement services
- Mortgage brokers (note: excluded from the NAR partnership)
Schinnerer typically looks for traditional real estate operations with documented procedures, reasonable transaction volume for the firm size, and standard commission and contract practices. Excessive specialty exposures (large construction escrow handling, major development projects, or high-volume mortgage lending) may require supplemental underwriting or alternative markets.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Claims-made E&O wording tailored to real estate operations
- Flexible limits up to $5 million
- Deductibles starting at $1,000 and premium options that begin at $500
- Program underwriting through CNA—strength and claims handling experience
- Customizable endorsements to address common real estate exposures (e.g., transactional errors, failure to disclose, misrepresentation)
- Schinnerer’s direct relationship with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® supports placement for REALTOR® members (mortgage brokers are excluded from that affiliation)
Underwriting Notes and Minimums
Policies are underwritten on a firm-by-firm basis. Important submission elements include current application, loss runs (typically last 5 years), copies of standard listing and purchase agreements, and a description of risk management procedures. Because this is a claims-made program, pay attention to retroactive dates and prior acts coverage when negotiating placement.
Premiums, deductibles and limits are flexible; the program lists premiums starting at $500, deductibles starting at $1,000, and limits up to $5,000,000. Larger or more complex accounts may require excess placement or individualized underwriting and pricing.
Territories and Availability
Available through Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. as a Managing General Underwriter and placed with CNA. Territories: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. The program can be written on admitted or non-admitted paper where applicable; confirm state-specific filing and availability.
Why Work With Victor O. Schinnerer on This Business
- Schinnerer brings program underwriting expertise specific to real estate E&O and direct access to a carrier with national capacity (CNA).
- The program supports REALTOR® members through Schinnerer’s exclusive relationship with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (mortgage brokers excluded), which can simplify placement for those firms.
- Flexible limits and endorsements make this program a good fit for a range of firm sizes, from single-agent practices to larger brokerages and property management firms.
- Schinnerer provides underwriting guidance and risk management considerations that help you present accounts effectively and secure competitive terms.
Example Account Scenarios
- You have a six-agent residential brokerage seeking primary E&O limits of $1 million with a low deductible and professional liability wording that includes transactional endorsements—this program can provide tailored pricing and coverage.
- A regional property management firm that handles leasing and tenant placement wants higher limits and customized endorsements for management errors—Schinnerer can evaluate and structure appropriate limits and wording, with excess placement if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of real estate professionals are a good fit for this program?
The program suits real estate agents, brokers, appraisers, auctioneers, leasing agents, property managers and many commercial real estate professionals. Appetite is best for firms with standard transactional operations rather than unusual or highly specialized exposures.
Is this coverage claims-made and what should I watch for?
Yes — the policy is claims-made. Verify the retroactive date, any prior-acts coverage, and whether tail or extended reporting period options are available when binding or renewing a policy.
What limits, deductibles and premium levels are available?
The program offers limits up to $5 million, deductibles starting at $1,000, and premium entry points shown starting at $500. Actual pricing depends on firm size, operations, loss history and requested endorsements.
Which states is this program available in?
Victor O. Schinnerer’s Real Estate E&O program is available in the states listed in the storefront (AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY). Confirm state-specific availability and filings when submitting.
What submission materials does Schinnerer typically require?
Provide a current application, recent loss runs, representative contracts (listing/purchase/management agreements), and a summary of firm operations including transaction volume and risk management practices. These materials help expedite underwriting and obtain competitive terms.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.