An ERISA Bond is not Fiduciary Liability Insurance. The ERISA bond protects the plan’s participants, but a Fiduciary Liability policy protects the administers of the plan.
Customer
- Every person who “handles funds or other property” of an employee benefit plan
Coverage
ERISA Fidelity Bonds cover losses from theft and fraud
- At least 10 percent of the plan assets that are handled and
- A minimum of $1,000, and a maximum of $500,000 (or $1 million for retirement plans that hold company stock)
- Claim payments are made to the retirement plan
Cost Factors
- Coverage limit purchased
- Number of people covered
- Assets in the plan
Claim Examples
- Funds are transferred out of the plan
- Forgery
- Misappropriation
- Theft
- Misapplication of funds
One of ERISA’s most important requirements is that plan administrators with fiduciary duties obtain surety bonds. Since these plan administrators have substantial power over employees’ retirement funds, it’s crucial that employees be protected in the event that an administrator commits misconduct. An ERISA bond is a tool that’s intended to provide that protection.