Determining D&O Insurance Needs with Real Market Data
In this SPAC Podcast Spotlight, Chaz Churchwell, President of The Churchwell Agency, explains how he helps clients determine the right level of D&O insurance coverage. Rather than relying on vague estimates, Chaz emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging sources such as Stanford Law Review, Cornerstone Research, and peer analytics to assess litigation trends and coverage benchmarks.
He describes how factors like market cap, industry segment, and peer data can guide companies—especially those preparing for IPOs—in making informed decisions about coverage needs. By combining analytics with real-world risk exposure, Chaz helps companies prepare for potential settlement costs and legal defense obligations.
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The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or financial advice.
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Chaz Churchwell – The Churchwell Agency
Website: https://www.churchwellagency.com/about-our-agency/meet-our-owner/team-member/chaz-churchwell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaz-churchwell-6073694/
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https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/chaz-churchwell/
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Michael Blankenship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
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Disclaimer:
Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.
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👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
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Mike: How do you help clients determine coverage limits?
Chaz: Numbers don’t lie, right? It’s all about data. So, I was in Beverly Hills just a few weeks ago at a conference, and one of my clients—who’s about to IPO—met me there. They told me, “Chaz, do you know why we picked you?” And I said, “Not really.” They explained that when they asked other firms how much coverage to buy, the answers were vague: “We’ll pull some data and let you know.”
But I was able to say immediately, “These are the numbers, these are the statistics.” I could show them where they stood based on their market cap and industry. I also had a colleague on the call who shared peer data about what similar companies were purchasing.
For example, Stanford Law Review publishes annual securities litigation trends, and Cornerstone Research organizes that data into clear reports. I drill into it, focusing on micro- and small-cap companies, and use those trends to show clients what coverage makes sense for them. If a client says, “This is our market cap, this is our raise,” I can explain how potential settlements and legal defense costs should be factored in. We then add peer data analytics so they can see what others in their sector are buying, ensuring they understand both the industry benchmarks and their specific risk exposure.
Chaz Churchwell
Founder & Principal
Chaz is a ~20 year industry veteran and U.S. Army Reserve veteran. He holds membership with the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and is regularly asked to speak internationally on insurance coverages/trends for public companies. With a BA from the University of North Texas and an MA in Apologetics from BIOLA University, his commitment to excellence is evident. Establishing Churchwell Insurance Agency in 2014, Chaz and team are now serving over 1,200 clients.
Specializing in executive liability insurance, he’s on track for the prestigious ExecPLP designation. Chaz and his team prioritize personalized solutions, adeptly navigating complex financial scenarios. Beyond work, he values investing time in family, fitness, and faith. He loves supporting his daughter’s basketball pursuits and continues to hope for a Cowboys’ Super Bowl return, despite renewed disappointment every season. Chaz’s favorite charity is The Mighty Oaks Foundation that fights veteran suicide, by bringing veterans who are suicidal and their spouse in to a no-cost program to find purpose and save that vet’s life. A portion of agency profits goes to fight for the lives of those who risked their lives to fight for us.