Cravens Warren

Serving the risk management and commercial insurance needs of business. Cravens Warren, founded in 1946, has been serving the insurance needs of...

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Contact Info

  • 10011 West Gulf Bank
    Houston, TX 77040
  • Phone (713) 690-6000
    Fax (713) 690-6020
  • Contact Us

Client Account & Resources

Defense Base Act Insurance

As businesses look to expand their operations into the global arena, understanding the importance of Defense Base Act insurance is more important than ever. Cravens Warren has experience with all of the major DBA markets and coverages and can help you find answers quickly to make sure you are adequately covered. Not only is the right level of Defense Base Act coverage important but it is crucial that, as an employer, you remain compliant as well. Since we have direct contact with the Department of Labor, we can guide you through the process in the unfortunate event of a claim.

In relation to the actual coverage, Federal law requires Defense Base Act (DBA) workers’ compensation coverage for contractors and their employees while working abroad. Cravens Warren has partnered with CNA, a leader in both foreign and domestic workers’ compensation coverage. We have the underwriting and risk analysis expertise to respond to the unique needs of your business. CNA has secured exclusive contracts with several government agencies to provide DBA coverage for their civilian contractors while working outside the Continental U.S.

Overview of the Defense Base Act

  • Federal law mandates that employees who work on international government contracts be protected under the DBA which requires government contractors and subcontractors to provide workers’ compensation coverage for work- related accidents.
  • The DBA is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) which provides disability compensation and medical benefits to employees and death benefits to eligible survivors.
  • The DBA applies to civilian employees of government contractors and subcontractors while working outside of the U.S.
  • Employees covered include U.S. and foreign nationals as well as local nationals.
  • Claims should be reported to CNA as soon as possible as losses must be reported to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) within 10 days of the employer’s knowledge of injury or death. Our claim team is available to help you navigate through the claim process. Please refer to the overview of claim services to learn more about our excellent customer service.

The information is intended to present a general overview for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for the guidance of retained legal or other professional advisors or to constitute a binding contract. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy or claim service agreement can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states. 

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