Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond
What is an ERISA Fidelity Bond?
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires that every fiduciary of an employee benefit plan, and every person who handles funds or other property of such a plan, hold minimum coverage to protect plan participants and beneficiaries from theft and fraud. Pensions, 401(k) plans, deferred-compensation plans and flexible spending accounts are all types of plans that may fall under ERISA. The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Treasury Department's Internal Revenue Service, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation are responsible for oversight and enforcement of ERISA.
To add a Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond, to your customers’ portfolio, contact your Specialty Crime Underwriter or send an email to usz.erisa.bonds@zurichna.com
If you handle employee benefit plan funds, you may need an ERISA fidelity bond
Choosing the right ERISA Fidelity Bond for your business
Navigating your responsibilities as a plan fiduciary requires careful consideration and selecting the right level of protection is a key part of that process. Zurich is here to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your plan’s structure and risk management strategy. Zurich’s approach to the underwriting and issuance of ERISA Fidelity Bonds takes two tracks, giving customers flexibility they need for their organization’s needs and compliance requirements:
Consider the Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond Express Application if you manage a single non-union plan with straightforward requirements and need Fraud or Dishonesty limits up to $1 million. Its streamlined process is built for efficiency.
If your organization has more than one plan or oversees more complex plans, such as those involving multiple employers, unions or Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), the Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond Select Application offers a more tailored approach. It provides higher liability limits and the flexibility to add specific coverages, allowing you to align bond features with your plan’s unique structure. We can work with you and your broker to determine the appropriate fit, helping you move forward with confidence.
Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond Select Application
Features:
- Liability limits up to $25 million
- Additional coverages available via endorsement
- Available in one- or three-year coverage terms
- Designated agents/independent contractors no longer need to be named
- Base form definition of Securities includes virtual currency of any kind
Additional coverages include:
- Fraudulent impersonation
- Forgery or alteration
- Computer fraud and funds transfer fraud
- Investigative expenses
- On premises and in transit
When to use:
- Complex, union, employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) and/or multiple plans
- Limits greater than $1 million
- Need for more comprehensive or flexible coverage options
- U.S. Employee Benefit Plan
Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond Express Application
Features:
- Turnkey application designed for plans that seek limits of liability up to $1 million
- Reduced number of underwriting qualification questions
- Fast-flow process for quick turnaround from submission to issuance
- Select from eight liability limit levels; pricing provided in the application
- Option to remove coverage for designated agents/independent contractors
- Base form definition of Securities include virtual currency of any kind
- Available in one- or three-year coverage terms
When to use:
- Single, non-labor union ERISA plan
- Liability limits up to $1 million
- U.S. Employee Benefit Plan
- Not a multi-employer plan or ESOP
Beyond compliance: Proactively assisting in protecting your plan assets
Fulfilling your ERISA fidelity bonding requirement is a crucial part of safeguarding plan assets. In an environment of evolving financial risks, including those related to virtual currencies, having appropriate coverage in place supports disciplined governance. This bond assists in providing protection for covered acts of fraud or dishonesty, as defined in the bond, helping preserve the integrity of your employee benefit plans.
Strength and compliance
Zurich’s fit-for-purpose ERISA Fidelity Bonds provide coverage for loss of or damage to money, securities or property resulting directly from fraud or dishonest acts committed by an employee. These bonds comply with ERISA Section 412. Additionally, the bond provides broadly defined employee language that can include designated agents/independent contractors.
Zurich’s ERISA bond is underwritten by Zurich American Insurance (ZAIC) which has financial strength ratings of AA/stable from S&P and A+ (Superior)/stable from AM Best.*
Zurich’s ERISA Fidelity Bonds are available for new business and renewals (in approved states).
By securing a Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond, you demonstrate a commitment to strong corporate governance and the well-being of your plan participants. This proactive measure helps address financial loss from covered acts, affirming the trust your employees place in your organization. To take the next step in getting coverage for your plan, contact your broker, or find a Zurich preferred broker.
FAQs
*Rating as of June 10, 2026. A.M. Best’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are under continuous review and subject to change and/or affirmation. For the latest Best’s and S&P’s ratings visit www.zurichna.com. The ratings represent the overall financial status of the individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company, and are not a recommendation of the specific policy provisions, rates or practices of each issuing insurance company.
Disclaimer
This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers through the companies of Zurich in North America, and is provided solely for informational purposes. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, offer, advice, recommendation, or any other service with regard to any type of insurance product underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company, 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage, terms and conditions. The description of the policy provisions gives a broad overview of coverages and does not revise or amend the policy. Coverages and rates are subject to individual insureds meeting our underwriting qualifications and product availability in applicable states. Some coverages may be written on a non-admitted basis through licensed surplus lines brokers. You are in the best position to understand your business and your organization and to take steps to minimize risk, and we wish to assist you by providing the information and tools to help you assess your changing risk environment.