1-800-428-4384
  ARCHIVE DECEMBER 2008
 Home
 New Products
 Enhancements
 Contact Changes
 Subscribe
 Archive

Any excess, surplus, and/or specialty lines product or insurance program offered new to the industry. Disclaimer (please read)


Victor O. Schinnerer & Company

Schinnerer Announces Its Forest Products Program

Chevy Chase, MD - Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is pleased to announce its newly acquired Forest Products program.

The program offers insurance coverage for an array of forest management professionals. They include timberland owners, loggers, log and chip haulers, and sawmills. Schinnerer, along with its A rated carrier, offers general liability loggers broadform property damage, automobile, crime, inland marine, property, and umbrella coverage to these clients.

Started in 1977, the program has been endorsed by a leading logging association for 30 years. The program is based out of Schinnerer's Sacramento, California office, also newly acquired.

The Forest Products program is currently available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY, with plans to expand. Coverage is available on an admitted basis.

For more information visit http://www.Schinnerer.com or call the appropriate contact: Program Contact: Dawn Eichelkraut, Vice President (916) 286-5311, Dawn.Eichelkraut@Schinnerer.com. Marketing Contact: Mary Jefferson, Corporate Marketing (301) 951-9798, Mary.L.Jefferson@Schinnerer.com

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is one of the largest and most experienced underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty insurance programs in the world. Schinnerer now serves more than 55,000 policyholders in various specialty industries through independent agents and brokers. Learn more about Schinnerer at: www.Schinnerer.com.


Brownyard Programs, Ltd.

Brownyard Programs, Ltd. Appointed National Administrator for Liberty Mutual's Security Guard Workers Compensation Program

EAST ISLIP, NY September 5, 2008 - Brownyard Programs, Ltd. today announced that it has been appointed the National Program Administrator for Liberty Mutual's Workers Compensation Program for Security Guard Companies effective August 1, 2008.

"We're extremely excited about our new relationship with Liberty Mutual as National Program Administrator for the Private Security Industry. Our BestGuard Workers Compensation Program is designed for high-quality, low-risk security guard companies, private investigative agencies and electronic security companies anywhere in the US. Because we specialize in this market segment, we are able to evaluate risks on an individual case-by-case basis. That means we can make sure the best security companies are charged the lower premiums they deserve," says Bruce Brownyard, President of Brownyard Programs, Ltd.

About Brownyard Programs
Brownyard Program, Ltd. has been providing general professional liability, excess umbrella liability and workers compensation insurance to the private security industry since 1993. Currently, Brownyard Programs, Ltd. insures nearly 1000 security agencies coast to coast including 15 of the top 40 security guard companies in the US. Liberty Mutual ranks 94th on the Fortune 500 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2007 revenue.

For more information about Brownyard Programs, Ltd. go to www.BrownyardPrograms.com.

CONTACT: Helen Henner, CPCU, EVP, 631.581.9300, ext. 111 or Helen@BrownyardPrograms.com


ASI Lloyds Offers Louisiana Investors and Seasonal Residents Property Insurance Coverage

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - ASI Lloyds (ASI), an admitted Louisiana insurer, launched an Investor, Rental, and Seasonal Dwelling policy for Louisiana properties in addition to its current Homeowners offering. ASI, who opened for business in Louisiana on April 30, 2008, now has two personal property products sold through its network of independent insurance agents.

ASI will fill a current void by offering coverage to homeowners, investors, seasonal residents, rental properties and even owners of homes under construction.

"This product expansion," said John Auer, ASI Lloyd's President and CEO, "reaffirms our commitment to Louisiana for the long term. Our objective is to offer residents and investors an appealing alternative to Louisiana Citizens and other carriers in the state." Residents seeking coverage should consult their local independent agent.

ASI is a $500M multi-state carrier focusing on homeowners and other property insurance with coverage offerings in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, and Arizona. The company currently holds licenses in 11 other states and has plans to expand nationally in the future.

In December 2007, ASI was upgraded to A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The rating affirms ASI's strength and ability to remain financially sound even after the devastating hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005.

ASI Lloyds Inc. is a subsidiary of American Strategic Insurance Corp. domiciled in Florida. The ASI group of companies specializes in homeowners insurance and has more than 346,000 policyholders in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, and Colorado. The company also offers Flood coverage as a Write Your Own (WYO) Flood Service Provider. The A- (Excellent) rating applies to American Strategic Insurance Corp, ASI Assurance Corp, ASI Preferred, and ASI Lloyds.

CONTACT: Deepak Menon, ASI Lloyds Inc., +1-727-821-8765, ext. 853, Web site: www.americanstrategic.com


The Combined Group

Combined Group Offers Agent Direct Express™ Service for Travelers Select Agents

The Combined Group now offers a fully automated service for Travelers Select commercial insurance lines. Combined's Agent Direct Express™ and Quantum's Real Time Express™ service offerings now enable agents to quote rates, place binding coverage in force and receive direct commissions, all in a single transaction.

CARROLLTON, Tex. - The Combined Group, a national leader in multi-carrier online insurance services, now offers Travelers agents the full benefits of its acclaimed Agent Direct Express™ service to quote and bind coverage for Travelers Select business and receive all compensation with minimum paperwork.

Using this first-ever offering, retail agents directly appointed by Travelers can dramatically reduce the normal insurance issuance cycle and get coverage in force for small-to-medium-size business clients immediately. By inputting data only once, agents receive quotes from multiple leading insurance carriers for comparison purposes. Agents who choose Travelers can get immediate coverage as part of the process.

Agent owners and the CSR staff benefit from the streamlined process. The reduced cycle time means agents can see more clients and write more business while eliminating paperwork. Agents simply complete an easy to navigate online "interview" and receive multi-carrier quotes within minutes. With the Direct Express offering agents receive full commissions directly from Travelers.

Agent Direct Express is the Single-Entry-Multiple-Carrier-Interface (SEMCI) service the Combined Group provides its appointed agents. Real Time Express is a Software as a Service (SaaS) product offering of Quantum Integrated Systems, Inc., an insurance software development company that is part of the Combined Group. Quantum provides Real Time Express to independent insurance agencies nationwide.

Combined Group CEO Blake Stock said Agent Direct Express and Real Time Express were developed to provide retail insurance agents a powerful tool to help grow their small account commercial business without adding more staff.

"Agents throughout the United States who specialize in small account commercial business know Combined well," Stock said. "Now, agents already working with Travelers, but who may not have worked with us yet have every reason to do so."

To get full benefit of the Direct service, agents must be an appointed agent of Travelers and have a licensing agreement with Combined or Quantum. Stock said first-time agents can apply online at Combined's Website, www.combinedgroup.com or www.realtimeexpress.com.


NIP Programs

NIP Programs Announces New Insurance Program: SignagePro

NIP Programs is pleased to announce the development and launch of SignagePro®, a new specialty insurance program targeting the Sign, Display Advertising and Awning industry nationwide. SignagePro® is a comprehensive insurance program available for the Sign and Display Advertising industry.

For more information see SignagePro Program Guidelines here or download the SignagePro Application. "We're excited to have the opportunity to focus on serving the sign and display advertising industry," said Dave Springer, President of NIP Programs.

SIGNAGEPRO PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Class Eligibility:
Sign Manufacturers, Sign installation, Outdoor Advertising, Sign Shops and Awning Shops. (75% of payroll must be within classes).

Coverage Options:

  • General Liability (limits up to $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate)
  • Product Liability (limits up to $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate)
  • Auto Liability (limits up to $1M per occurrence)
  • Property / Inland Marine (limits up to $500K)
  • Workers' Compensation (Statutory Limits)
  • Umbrella Liability (limits up to $10M)- Garage Keepers Liability
  • Limited Pollution Liability Extension Endorsement

Minimum Premiums:
$1,000 GL

3-Year Loss Runs:
Incurred 3-year loss ratios less than 50%

Highlights:
Nationwide, AM Best A+ Rated Carrier (Company Size XV), Competitive Rates, Attractive Commissions, Superior Customer Service

For a Quote, send submissions via fax SignagePro at (866)-536-1258 or visit our website www.nipgroup.com to learn more about our other programs.


PGI Commercial

PGI COMMERCIAL TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR SELF STORAGE FACILITIES

MORRISTOWN, NJ, - PGI Commercial today announced the addition of a comprehensive program for Self-Storage Facilities. Coverage is provided by member companies of Argonaut Insurance Group (Rated A, Excellent, IX by AM Best)

The BOP policy can include property, general liability and crime. Customer goods legal liability and sale and disposal legal liability as well as three levels of product specific enhancements are also available. The product is available in all states except Hawaii and Alaska.

Richard Trezza, of PGI Commercial, stated "We are pleased to add this program to our growing list of products and very excited to have forged a new relationship with Argonaut Insurance Group."

Insurance producers who would like more information about this product should contact PGI Commercial at 800-834-2109.

About PGI Commercial
PGIC is a part of the Bermuda based insurance distributor Primary Group Limited and manages U.S. property and casualty programs on a nationwide basis. www.pgicommercial.com


Combined Group

Combined Group offers Comprehensive Employer's Indemnity program backed by North American Capacity Insurance Company, a member of the Swiss Re group

Dallas, TX - Combined Group announced today the availability of their Comprehensive Employers Indemnity (CEI) program with Swiss Re's North American Capacity Insurance Company. The CEI program is designed for employers making the decision to nonsubscriber their Texas-based occupational injury exposures. Combined Group has written over $2.1 billion in workers compensation equivalent nonsubscription premiums and adjusted over 44,000 since 1989.

The Combined Group's CEI program is underwritten by North American Capacity Insurance Company (a member of the Swiss Re group), with an A.M. Best rating of A+ XV. The CEI facility provides employers with medical and liability limits up to $25MM and best-in-market indemnity periods up to 260 weeks.

"We are very pleased to partner with Combined's organization", said Bob Solitro, Managing Director and Head of North American Capacity Insurance Company. "They bring seasoned nonsubscription experience to the marketplace, both underwriting and claims services, on a time-tested policy form."

Combined Group's CEI product makes available employee sub-limit options and provides broad legal indemnity to nonsubscribing companies.

"The CEI offering is addressing the needs of larger employers that opt out of the worker's compensation market," said Blake Stock, CEO of the Combined Group. "The Combined Group's historical nonsubscription underwriting and claims experience, backed by North American Capacity's strong financial standing, provides a superior product to meet employer's needs."

About Combined Group
Combined Group offers a comprehensive menu of commercial insurance products available through nearly two dozen well-respected and reliable carriers. The company is a leading provider of nonsubscription services, including specialized coverage options, claims administration, risk management and loss prevention.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd
Swiss Re is a leading and highly diversified global reinsurer. The company operates through offices in more than 25 countries. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1863, Swiss Re offers financial services products that enable risk-taking essential to enterprise and progress. The company's traditional reinsurance products and related services for property and casualty, as well as the life and health business are complemented by insurance-based corporate finance solutions and supplementary services for comprehensive risk management. Swiss Re is rated "AA-" by Standard & Poor's, "Aa2" by Moody's and "A+" by A.M. Best.

Contact: Ken Dahl, (469) 892-9813, www.combinedgroup.com


Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc.

Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. Offers New Program for Para-Transit and Rural Transportation Providers

Rock Hill, NY - Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. (ISA), a leading specialty underwriter of insurance package programs for the Social Services field, recently announced the addition of a new program focused on Para-Transit and Rural Transportation. Written through member companies of AIG, an A+ rated carrier and administered by ISA, this program proves to be an exciting opportunity for independent agents and brokers with clients in the Transportation field.

ISA Transportation Program Highlights Include:

  • Comprehensive Package includes General Liability, Auto, and Umbrella
  • Abuse coverage available
  • Garage Liability available
  • For-Profit and Not-For-Profit agencies are eligible
  • Limited capacity for emergency services vehicles in conjunction with Para-Transit services
  • Employees as insureds endorsement
  • Hired Car physical damage up to $50,000
  • Extensive Fleet and Driver Risk Management services available
  • No Driver exclusions - (drivers must meet underwriting guidelines)
  • Available in all states except: AL, MS, WV, LA

Submission requirements include: Acord applications, Agency Brochure, currently valued five year loss runs, supplemental applications, a copy of safety & driver manuals and a driver's list.

Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. offers innovative and competitive insurance solutions for provider agencies within the social service, developmental disabilities, addiction treatment, transportation and mental healthcare fields. ISA programs are available exclusively through independent agents and brokers.

For more information please visit www.siegelagency.com. Contact: Sara Ruggiero, Director of Corporate Communications, Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc., (800) 622-8272


NAS Insurance

Attn: Wholesale Brokers
NEW, EXPANDED HR RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES BENEFIT EPLI

NAS is pleased to announce that HReSource™ will be providing new and expanded HR risk management support and services with the purchase or renewal of EPL insurance! HReSource™ offers the Insured direct access to:

  • HR Support Center with unlimited telephone support by qualified HR consultants
  • Audio Seminars featuring Employment Law attorneys and HR experts
  • Training Modules, Programs, Bulletins and Podcasts for supervisors and line employees
  • Internet-based HR Management System Features offer access to on-line forms, policies and procedures, including 102 sample state-specific employee handbooks and step-by-step procedures for handling common HR management issues regarding hiring and termination, discipline, compliance, and more.

A demo of HReSource™ is available now! For your free demonstration of the extensive services and support available to NAS EPLI insureds, please contact an NAS underwriter:

For more information on all of NAS' products, please visit our website at www.nasinsurance.com.


Victor O. Schinnerer Co., Inc.

Schinnerer Announces Its Academic Security Risk Management Program

Chevy Chase, MD - Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is pleased to announce its new Academic Security Risk Management program. The program was designed to meet the specific needs of academic institutions of all sizes ranging from small private grade schools to large public universities.

The program protects directors, officers, trustees, faculty and staff, students, and campus visitors. A wide scope of events are covered such as acts of violence against insureds, threats to harm individuals or divulge information, damage to property, disappearance of students and child abduction.

Expenses including students' and employees' medical charges, increased security, lost wages, temporary facilities, and communication and public relations services are covered under this program.

A prevention fund is available to apply towards risk management resources tailored to academic institutions. These risk resources include periodic travel seminars, simulation exercises for crisis team members, and country risk analysis for study abroad programs.

The Academic Security Risk Management program is available on an admitted basis in all states and the District of Columbia with exception for Washington and South Dakota where it is offered on a non-admitted basis.

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is one of the largest and most experienced underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty insurance programs in the world. Schinnerer now serves more than 40,000 insureds in the real estate and construction industry programs through independent agents and brokers. Learn more about Schinnerer at: www.Schinnerer.com.

Contact: Mary Jefferson, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc., Two Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, Phone: (301) 951-9798, Fax: (301) 951-5444, www.Schinnerer.com


Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Philadelphia Insurance Companies Launches A New Apartment Product

Bala Cynwyd, PA - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (NASDAQ: PHLY) proudly introduces its newest product niche, Apartments. Providing one of the Broadest Coverage forms in the market, PHLY's new Apartment product offers comprehensive coverage for General Liability, Property, Crime, Automobile and Umbrella.

The new Apartment product is designed for the above average, professionally managed and well maintained Market Rate Apartment. Â Eligible classes include complexes originally built in 1980 or later. Acceptable amenities include club houses, fitness centers, playgrounds and swimming pools.

The underwriting preference is single location accounts. Location schedules are only considered if all properties meet underwriting criteria and have common ownership. Frame apartment buildings cannot exceed 3 stories and must contain masonry firewalls if the unit count is high to be acceptable. Prior loss runs are required even if the ownership has recently changed.

Submission requirements include a PHLY Residential application, color photographs, plot plan, statement of values and 4 years of company loss runs.

In operation since 1962, PHLY designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. The Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A1 for insurance financial strength by Moody's Investors Services, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, Forbes' Platinum 400 list of America's Best Big Companies and Forbes' 100 Best Mid-Cap Stocks in America. The organization has 47 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service.

To locate your nearest office or for more information, visit us on the web at www.phly.com or contact Paula Negro at 800-873-4552 ext. 3227.


Beacon Hill Associates

PartnerOne Environmental/Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. Launches New Environmental Insurance Coverages in Partnership with ACE Westchester

PartnerOne Environmental, Beacon Hill Associates' underwriting division, unveiled four new environmental insurance products in partnership with ACE Westchester. These products are designed to offer quality coverage for agents pursuing environmental protection for their clients. Policies are issued by one of the following companies: Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Illinois Union Insurance Company or ACE American Insurance Company. (A.M. Best rated A+).

"Beacon Hill's PartnerOne Programs Division has enjoyed great success over the last few years and is excited to expand its product line. We have created a new opportunity for agents to offer innovative environmental coverages for clients operating in a broad range of consulting and contracting areas," said Bill Pritchard, President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc.

The new policies were introduced in June 2008 and they include PartnerOne Self Storage Plus, which addresses pollution exposures to self storage facilities; PartnerOne Property Management Mold E&O, which is geared toward property management operations with the potential for mold; PartnerOne Premises Pollution for industrial and commercial facilities, and PartnerOne CPL Plus, a combined Pollution/Professional Liability form. These products will target both contracting risks as well as fixed site exposures, providing enhanced insurance at an affordable price.

"We're pleased to join forces with PartnerOne's experienced team of specialized professionals to further extend the availability of our innovative risk management solutions and product offerings in the environmental arena," said Barbara Deas, Senior Vice President, ACE Westchester Environmental.

PartnerOne Environmental is a fully integrated, single source for environmental insurance products. It offers coverage for a variety of small to middle market contractors, consultants, and property owners and managers. Most PartnerOne products are rated, quoted, bound, and issued in-house, enabling Beacon Hill Associates to provide fast turnaround times and excellent service. All products are offered by carriers rated "A" or better.

ACE Westchester is the U.S.-based wholesale-focused operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor's. ACE Westchester, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information on ACE Westchester and its products and services can be found at www.acewestchester.com. Product highlights are summaries only; please see actual policy for terms and conditions. Products may not be available in all states. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance products and services for a diverse group of clients around the world.

If you would like more information on environmental insurance products, please contact Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. at 1-800-596-2156 or info@b-h-a.com.


 
 

This message was sent by The Rough Notes Company, Inc.,
11690 Technology Drive, Carmel, Indiana, 46032
1-800-428-4384