• Derivative Investigation Coverage is an insurance agreement (known as “Party D” coverage) listed on the Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) policy forms. This coverage covers costs associated with investigating the activities of the insured corporation, but only those related to derivative claims by shareholders. (Derivative claims are brought by one or more shareholders on behalf of a corporation alleging the entity’s financial losses. Any indemnity in such claims is in favor of the corporation itself, not the shareholders bringing the claim.) Investigations may also be required by various regulatory agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ). ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and others that are not covered by “Part D” of the policy. As part of the investigation, policyholders typically must hire external consultants, as well as various accounting, financial, and regulatory experts. These parties help the organization manage document requests, answer questions, and testify. There are three specific shortcomings associated with the investigation coverage contained in the “D Party” of the D&O Liability Policy. First, the scope is limited to investigating shareholder demand for derivatives. Second, the vast majority of insurance companies cover Party D with only a $250,000 sublimit, which is generally inadequate given the speed with which investigation-related costs can accumulate. Finally, virtually no excess D&O insurers will agree to provide “drop-down” coverage after the $250,000 “Side D” sublimit is exhausted. For example, suppose an insured person spends $1.25 million investigating a derivative claim against them. In this situation, his excess insurer will not cover the $1 million that will not be reimbursed by the insured’s primary D&O insurer.