The Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation increases the competence, confidence, and credibility of insurance professionals who sell or underwrite insurance for contractors. A contractor who buys insurance from a CRIS designee will know he or she is dealing with a professional who is committed to the construction industry.
Recommended for agents/brokers, customer service representatives, and in-house risk managers.
Course Requirements
CRIS Part 1 - Commercial Liability for Contractors
This course provides a general overview of standard commercial general liability insurance and umbrella liability insurance, with specific attention to provisions that most affect coverage or create problems for some or all contractors. It covers elements required to trigger coverage, application of standard policy exclusions, and various standard endorsements, all within a construction context. Suggestions for modifying coverage to address potential coverage gaps and other problematic provisions are provided where appropriate.
CRIS Part 2 - Contractual Risk Transfer in Construction
This course reviews the ways in which risk is allocated in construction contracts. In addition to a technical review of the types of techniques available, this course examines strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of risk transfers in construction contracts. Topics include indemnification provisions, waivers of subrogation, limitations of liability, insurance requirements, and some of the key areas of risk allocation in standard construction contracts. Tips for writing and negotiating fair and effective insurance requirements are provided where appropriate, as well as for verifying compliance with these requirements.
CRIS Part 3 - Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPs, and Miscellaneous Lines
This course reviews the various types of insurance often needed by contractors that are not covered in the other core courses. This includes auto liability and physical damage, professional liability, pollution liability, employment practices liability, and directors and officers liability insurance. It also provides a basic review of claims-made and occurrence coverage triggers, wrap-up or controlled insurance programs (CIPs), and surety bonds.
CRIS Part 4 - Property Insurance fo Contractors
This course focuses on builders risk and contractors equipment insurance, including suggestions for maximizing the effectiveness of the coverages. It also includes a review of important concepts with respect to insuring the contractor's office or other permanent property. Topics include covered and excluded property, covered and excluded perils, covered parties, and alternative methods of reporting covered values. Various policy provisions that impact the scope of coverage – such as subrogation, occupancy, and cancellation – are also examined. Suggestions for modifying coverage to address potential coverage gaps and other problematic provisions are provided where appropriate.
CRIS Part 5 - Workers' Compensation for Contractors
This course provides a general overview of standard workers compensation and employers liability insurance, with specific attention to provisions that most affect coverage or create problems for some or all contractors. In addition to the standard policy provisions, key statutes that impact contractors workers compensation exposure and costs, such as independent contractor liability, employee leasing, overtime pay, and various federal acts, are also addressed. Suggestions for modifying coverage to address potential coverage gaps and other problematic provisions are provided where appropriate.
Reaccreditation
Once you complete the five specialized courses, which can be taken in any order, on construction risks and insurance, your CRIS designation will be valid for 24 months. Following the initial certification period, designation holders are requried to recertify on an annual basis.
