At long last, legal departments and law firms are becoming aware of crisis communications and litigation public relations services in relevant insurance policies tied to legal matters. The reason for the delay? There are a number of possibilities, including: lack of clarity whether legal departments or firms are responsible for such activities, how to source and utilize such services in connection with legal counsel or bias against speaking to the press. Simultaneously, in recent years, the world’s most reputable and fastest-growing insurers are increasingly reviewing crisis communications and public relations recommendations as part of their overall coverage as another means to reduce overall risk—and rely less on legal counsel. Even if they don’t have riders, endorsements or specific crisis policies, insurers are still providing guidance and encourage the use of such services.

In AIG’s “Crisis Communications: undervalued and misunderstood? A handbook for brokers,” the insurance giant’s United Kingdom division provides guidance with the assistance of a public relations agency. The handbook speaks to brokers regarding AIG’s insurance product coverage for crisis communications to directors and officers or private companies if they are sued, investigated, threatened or prosecuted.