Contractors risk—Many opportunities and some pitfalls 01/06

SPECIALTY LINES MARKETS

Contractors risk

Many opportunities and some pitfalls

By Larry G. France

The “2005 Hurricane Festival” added to problems in Florida where rebuilding was still going on in some areas that were devastated by the previous year’s storms. As happens in any disaster, many good people stepped up to offer help. Regrettably, others decided to take advantage of the situation. In some cases, there were outright fraudsters who just took the money and ran. In other cases, there were problems with coverage that could jeopardize already beleaguered home owners.

Contractors converged on Florida to help with the rebuilding effort. Unfortunately, according to an article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the majority of roofing contractors were hiring great numbers of illegal aliens, without providing workers compensation. As a result, the home owner could be held liable if the workers were injured because “that’s where the money is.”

Another problem arose from the fact that some uninsured contractors worked without a permit. If a home owner were to decide to sell the home, the work might not pass muster under Florida law. If, for example, it involved a roof replacement, the home owner would have to place $11,000 in an escrow account until the roof passed inspection.

And it isn’t just the home owners who are affected. Contractors who do purchase the proper coverage pay higher premiums.

But, as everyone knows, Florida was not the hardest hit area last year. New Orleans and the Mississippi Coast were so severely damaged that most rebuilding couldn’t start even months after the event. The “clean-up” was still in progress and involved removal of buildings and debris that was often toxic. Many contractors without proper training accepted contracts as environmental contractors, with no protective clothing, no breathing protection or knowledge of the required methods to dispose of hazardous waste.

Michael Hill, president of Freberg Environmental, says that on September 7, 2005, Reuters reported that 500 Louisiana sewage plants were damaged or destroyed and that there were 170 sources of leaking hydrocarbons. “Other sources reported 6,000 underground storage tanks discharging their contents and Louisiana Superfund sites being submerged, causing uncertainty about the possible extent of contamination that could result,” Hill says. That day, the Louisiana Secretary of Environmental Quality said, “Everywhere we look there’s a spill.” The U.S. Coast Guard estimated that nearly 5 million gallons of petroleum product had been released into the area. Hill adds: “On November 10, Waste News.com reported that ‘sediment samples are showing levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, diesel and oil range organic chemicals, and arsenic at levels exceeding the amounts environmental officials consider protective for adults and children over a long-term basis.’”

Hill says, “Being perfectly suited for the job, [qualified] environmental remediation contractors will find more than enough work in Louisiana, Mississippi and the other impacted areas. We are seeing a variety of submissions for new firms that plan to take advantage of the situation to start a new operation. Contractors that are moving to New Orleans include those planning on performing debris removal, soil and water remediation, demolition, and mold abatement among other services. We are yet to see submissions for wrap-ups but we expect those, also.

“In the general market,” continues Hill, “we see underwriters offering flat or slightly increased renewal terms to environmental contractors outside the hurricane area. However, we are yet to know how the catastrophic losses of the hurricane have impacted the casualty market in general as reinsurance treaties renew this month (January). Underwriters of environmental insurance products have become quite knowledgeable in the line of business and understand the increased hazard presented by a variety of geographic areas as well as the increased risks associated with particular types of environmental services.”

Hill notes that many non-environmental contractors in the impacted region are considering contractors pollution liability for a variety of reasons—residential home builders and developers because of the future occurrence of mold; street and road grading contractors, sewer and water pipe installation contractors for meeting the project owner’s contractual requirements; fire and water restoration contractors, HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors because of the possibility of encountering environmental exposures such as asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, and mold.

Hill predicts that 2006 should be an interesting year as underwriters begin to understand the full impact of the hurricanes on the insurance market. “Our program grew considerably in 2005 and we are expecting another strong year in 2006.”

What of the other-than-environ-mental contractors?

The residential general contractor market in 2005 leading into 2006 was hardening. “Although many national and regional standard markets are writing artisan contractors, general and artisan contractors with heavy or exclusive use of insured subcontractors are being written in the E&S marketplace,” notes Seth Johnson, vice president of Atlantic Specialty.

Johnson says that trends in forms being used vary greatly by carrier. Some form examples are products/completed operations exclusions, subcontractor coverage limitations, and uninsured sub exclusions. The year 2005 saw the unprecedented use of claims-made policy forms for contractors. Johnson warns, “Forms should be always reviewed because, in many cases, cheaper premiums are indicative of less coverage.”

According to Johnson, “Custom home builders are the easiest to find placement for, while contractors building tract housing, condos, and townhouses are much more difficult. In Florida, the demand for new homes coupled with the repairs from multiple hurricanes are presenting an increased opportunity for E&S brokers. One Florida broker commented that he had quoted 10 residential contractors on a Friday before noon and he expected a bind order on at least half of them.”

Johnson reports that one major E&S carrier has suffered a downgrade due to improper pricing and underwriting, “so don’t expect pricing to plummet on those classes in the near future. Actual claims and the fear of construction defect claims sweeping in from the West should keep the pricing steady in the Atlantic states. Most carriers have specific underwriting guidelines limiting the number of homes written in one year and in one neighborhood.”

Clearly, the market remains problematic and will for quite some time. The clean-up in New Orleans and environs could take years and should give pause to any underwriters who might be tempted to be “optimistic” in determining rates. As will the fact that many believe that this hurricane season is a harbinger of the future as warming waters in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico continue to provide fuel for mammoth storms.

During the next three months Rough Notes will feature specialty articles on Watercraft, Cyber Liability and the Hospitality industry.

The following have responded to our survey and indicated that they are a market for contractors risk. The Insurance Marketplace directory lists 33 specialty contractor types of operations. Go to www.insurancemarketplace.com for more information.

Aberdeen Insurance Group
1364 Welsh Rd., Ste. E2
North Wales, PA 19454
Contact: Thomas S. Downie
Phone: (800) 845-4150
Fax: (215) 641-1456
E-mail: aberdeeninsgrp@hotmail.com
Web site: www.aberdeeninsgrp.com
An E&S broker that operates in DE, MD, NJ, OH and PA with limits of $1 million/$2 million. Target market is builders/artisans with $10 million of receipts. Can offer inland marine, builders risk and general property. Carriers are Lloyd’s, United Coastal, United National, AIG, and INEX.

Agency Marketing Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 67218
St. Pete Beach, FL 33736
Contact: Jayne McKeehan
Phone: (800) 542-2805
E-mail: jmckeehan@agencymarketing.com
An E&S broker that operates in FL only with primary GL limits of $1 million/$2 million/$1 million and excess/umbrella of $5 million. Target markets are trade/artisan contractors, commercial GCs and residential GCs building custom homes. Will not consider residential GCs with more than 8 homes per subdivision, or use of EIFS or Dryvit. Can offer commercial umbrella, environmental, commercial property, builders risk, contractor’s equipment, and installation floaters. All carriers are A rated.

Allied Insurance Brokers, Inc.
4 Allegheny Ctr., 4th Fl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Contact: Chuck Weisenborn, Ext. 228; Marty O’Brien
Phone: (800) 569-9427
An MGA that operates nationwide with GL limits of $1 million/$2 million/$1 million and excess/umbrella of $5 million. Target classes are mobile crane operators and rental equipment dealers. Can offer all lines including property and equipment. All carriers are A rated.

American Safety Insurance Services, Inc.
1845 The Exchange
Atlanta, GA 30339
Contact: Frank Dunne, John Rich
Phone: (800) 388-3647
Fax: (770) 955-8339
E-mail: info@americansafetyinsurance.com
Web site: www.americansafetyinsurance.com
An insurer that operates in all states with limits of up to $11 million and $3 million/$6 million on surety. Target classes are environmental contractors, consultants and professionals, and residential/commercial contractors. Will not write demolition, scaffolding or roofers. Can offer GL, professional liability and pollution liability for environmental contractors/consultants, and GCs with significant environmental exposure. Can also offer GL to certain classes of commercial and residential contractors through E&S unit. American Safety Casualty, American Safety Indemnity, and American Safety Risk Retention Group are all A rated.

Arlington/Roe & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 80803
Indianapolis, IN 46280
Contact: Helen Parker, Pam Majors
Phone: (317) 554-8550
Fax: (317) 554-8551
E-mail: hparker@arlingtonroe.com pmajors@arlingtonroe.com
Web site: www.arlingtonroe.com
An MGA that operates in IL, IN, KY, MI, OH and TN with various limits. Will consider all classes. Can offer performance payment bonds and miscellaneous bonds. HCC Surety, Capitol Indemnity, CNA, Zurich, First Sealord, Hartford, INSCO/DICO, Merchants, Ohio Casualty, and Travelers are the A rated carriers.

Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc.
701 B Street, Ste. 2100
San Diego, CA 92101
Surety
Contact: Ron Ballard, David Roalkvam (contract bonds); Athena Panos (license and permit bonds)
Phone: (800) 903-5489
Fax: (877) 895-7161
E-mail: ebonds@arrowheadgrp.com
Web site: www.arrowheadsurety.com
A general agent/program manager that operates in AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY; call for limits. Target classes are general and specialty contractors and developers. Will not consider reclamation and customs bonds. Carrier is rated A-.
Specialty Contractors Package
701 B Street, Ste. 2100
San Diego, CA 92101
Contact: Keith Donsky
Phone: (800) 903-5489
Fax: (800) 566-7650
Web site: www.arrowheadagents.com
A general agent/program manager that operates in AZ, CA, NV, OR and WA with limits of up to $1 million/$2 million. Target class is artisan contractors. Call for information regarding classes not written. Carrier is rated A-.
Contractors
140 S. Lake Ave., Ste. 302
Pasadena, CA 91101
Contact: Consult Web site
Phone: (626) 844-2464
Fax: (626) 844-2460
E-mail: contractors@arrowheadgrp.com
Web site: www.arrowheadprograms.com
A general agent/program manager that operates in most states except CT, LA, MA, MS, NH, NV (Clarke County,) NY, OK, VA and WV, and with limits of $2 million/$2 million/$2 million (higher limits available upon request). Target classes are sub- or trade contractors for WC and general contractors or developers. Call for information regarding classes not written. Can offer wrap-ups and WC. Carrier is A rated.

Atlantic Specialty Lines, Inc.
9020 Stony Point Pky., Ste. 450
Richmond, VA 23235
Contact: Seth Johnson, Greg Provenzo, Dave Adcock
Phone: (800) 368-2095
Fax: (804) 320-7280
E-mail: Consult Web site
Web site: www.atlanticspecial.com
An E&S broker that operates in DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, NY, PA and VA with limits of $1 million/$2 million; excess up to $5 million. Target classes are custom home builders, artisan contractors and commercial GCs. Will not consider developers or construction managers. Can offer property, inland marine, auto and EPLI. All carriers are A rated.

AVRECO Brokerage
550 West Van Buren St., Ste. 1200
Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: Mark Senkbeil, Kathie Hearlston
Phone: (800) 776-7475
Fax: (312) 922-7563
E-mail: msenkbeil@avreco.comkhearlston@avreco.com
Web site: www.avreco.com
An E&S broker that operates in all states with limits that vary by account (size, type of contractor and state). Target classes are residential, commercial and industrial contractors. Will not write EIFS contractors. Can offer builders risk and equipment floaters. Carriers are Probuilders Specialty, Scottsdale, Aspen Specialty, Arch Specialty, Mt. Hawley, United National, and Steadfast.

Bohrer, Croxdale & McAdoo, Inc.
P.O. Box 2760
Springfield, MO 65801
Contact: Grace Cumley, Marilyn Foster, Twila Hall
Phone: (800) 779-2550
Fax: (888) 869-2550
E-mail: gcumley@bcmins.com
mfoster@bcmins.com
thall@bcmins.com
Web site: www.bcmins.com
An MGA operating in AR, IL, KS, MO and OK with limits of $1 million/$2 million/$2 million. Targets are all areas of contracting. Can offer umbrella, contractors equipment, contractors pollution liability and contractors design liability. Carriers are Scottsdale, Northland, Maxum, Atlantic Casualty, Capitol Specialty, Capitol Insurance, and National Fire & Marine.

Britt Paulk Insurance Agency, Inc.
100 Glen Eagles Court
Carrollton, GA 30117
Contact: Mike Pilla (builders risk), Jeff Vaughn (equipment)
Phone: (800) 842-8917
Fax: (770) 836-8563
E-mail: john.paulkiii@brittpaulk.com
Web site: www.brittpaulk.com
An MGA that operates in DC and all states except HI with open limits. Targets are builders risk and contractors equipment. Will not write surety—property coverage only (inland marine). Can offer reporting forms and installation floaters. All carriers are admitted and A rated.

Brownyard Group
21 Maple Ave./P.O. Box 9175
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Contact: Torrence Brownyard, Sharon Rohkohl
Phone: (800) 645-5820
Fax: (631) 666-5723
E-mail: info@brownyard.com
Web site: www.brownyard.com
A program administrator that operates in all states except WY with limits that vary by program. Target classes are security guards and pest control operators only. Can offer CGL, WC, excess/umbrella liability, auto and property/crime. Coverage is written through members of the Arch Insurance Company group, which is rated A-.

Buckingham Badler Associates, Inc.
286 Richmond Valley Rd.
Staten Island, NY 10309
Contact: Jane Dall
Phone: (800) 282-2080
Web site: www.bbainsurance.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in CT, NJ, NY and PA. Various standard and E&S carriers are used.

BuildersRisk.com
P.O. Box 10610
Jacksonville, FL 32247
Contact: Jeff Benson
Phone: (866) 279-8253
Fax: (904) 398-7982
Web site: www.buildersrisk.com
An insurance services company that operates in all states except HI. Target classes are residential and commercial construction (commercial, institutional, industrial). Zurich is the A rated carrier.

Capitol Indemnity
Corporate Office
1600 Aspen Commons
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone: (800) 475-4450
Surety Regional Office
115 Glastonbury Blvd.
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Contact: Rick Allen
Phone: (800) 394-7806
Fax: (860) 494-4904
Web site: www.capitolindemnity.com
A surety company that operates in all states and DC with surety limits of $10 million/$10 million. Target surety areas: license and permit, court, fidelity, public official, probate, miscellaneous, ERISA, supply, supply and install, subdivision, performance and service. Will not write construction performance and payment bonds, self-insurer bonds or environmental bonds. Both Capitol Indemnity and Platte River are A rated companies.

Century Surety Group
P.O. Box 163340
Columbus, OH 43231
Contact: Mark Soule
Phone: (800) 878-7389
Web site: www.centurysurety.com
An insurer that operates in all states except MA, MN, RI and WV with GL limits of $1 million/$2 million. Target classes are artisans, GCs, trades and home builders. Can offer excess liability. The company is rated A-.

Delaware Valley Underwriting Agency, Inc.
420 S. York Rd.
Hatboro, PA 19040
Contact: Rita Hanebury (Hatboro, PA), Linda Bobro (Pittsburgh, PA), Mark Howerton (WV)
E-mail: info@dvua.com
Web site: www.dvua.com
Hatboro, PA office
Phone: (800) 388-0215
Fax: (215) 672-7983
MA office
Phone: (508) 651-3090
Fax: (508) 651-1080
NJ office
Phone: (800) 772-2207
Fax: (973) 377-2430
South Jersey branch
Phone: (856) 988-9477
Fax: (856) 988-9478
North Carolina office
Phone: (800) 499-3361
Fax: (877) 847-6644
Pittsburgh, PA branch
Phone: (800) 892-5938
Fax: (412) 366-1760
South Carolina office
Phone: (866) 442-0711
Fax: (843) 899-5292
West Virginia office
Phone: (800) 982-3882
Fax: (800) 362-2907
An E&S wholesaler that operates in CT, DE, GA, KY, MA, MD, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA and WV. Will consider all types of residential and commercial contractors. Can offer inland marine, property, auto, umbrella and GL. Various carriers, all rated A- or better, are used to place business.

Evolution Insurance Brokers International (EIB International)
8722 Harrison St.
Sandy, UT 84070
Contact: Marketing Manager
Phone: (877) 678-7342
Fax: (801) 304-5551
E-mail: info@eibdirect.com quotes@eibdirect.com
Web site: www.eibdirect.com
An E&S broker that operates in all states with all limits. Will consider all classes. Prime Insurance Syndicate is a B rated carrier.

First Capital Group
3 Expressway Plaza, Ste. 220
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
Web site: www.first-capital.com
Commercial Contractors Program
First Capital of Illinois, Inc.
1230 E. Diehl Rd., Ste. 780
Naperville, IL 60563
Contact: Jack “J.P.” Kane, Emil Berzenski, Ralph W. Swank, Jr.
Phone: (630) 245-1500
Fax: (630) 245-1533
E-mail: jpkane@first-capital.com eberzenski@first-capital.com rswank@first-capital.com
An MGA that operates in AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, OK and WI with GL limits of $1 million/$2 million; auto liability of $1 million CSL. Target market is commercial contractors. Will not consider residential contractors. Can offer owners contractors protective liability and railroad protective liability. All carriers are A rated.

Freberg Environmental Ins.
1451 Larimer St., Ste. 200
Denver, CO 80202
Contact: Danelle R. Nielsen, Allison McGreal, Cindy Worthington
Phone: (800) 377-4152
Fax: (303) 623-8101
E-mail: info@feiinsurance.com
Web site: www.feiinsurance.com
An MGA that operates in all states with limits of $10 million. Target classes are environmental service firms or all types of contractors for contractors pollution liability. Will not consider fire and water damage restoration contractors. Can offer CGL, contractors pollution liability, professional liability, auto liability (hazardous waste). Hudson is the A rated carrier.

Gary Markel Surplus Lines Brokerage, Inc.
15950 Bay Vista Dr., Ste. 250
Clearwater, FL 33760
Contact: Paula Ross
Phone: (877) 545-9100
Fax: (727) 540-9600
E-mail: mail@gmarkelsurplus.com
Web site: www.gmarkelsurplus.com
An E&S broker operating in FL only with limits of up to $10 million. Target classes are developers, general contractors, roofers, bridge painters, steel erectors, demolition contractors and environmental contractors. Will not write standard market risks. Can offer GL, property, inland marine, contractors pollution, excess liability, builders risk, and architects/engineers professional. Essex, Colony, Mt. Hawley, Evanston, First Mercury, Scottsdale, and Admiral are the A rated carriers.

Gateway Underwriters Agency
1714 Deer Tracks Trail, Ste. 210
St. Louis, MO 63131
Contact: Mary Beth Fox, Barb Smeltz
Phone: (800) 325-7652
Fax: (314) 238-0065
E-mail: marybeth.fox@gua-stl.com barb.smeltz@gua-stl.com
Web site: www.gua-stl.com
An MGA that operates in IA, IL, KS, MO and NE. Target classes are artisan and commercial/residential general contractors. Can offer contractors equipment and builders risk. Nautilus, Western World, National Fire & Marine, and Scottsdale are the carriers.

H.R. Keller & Co., Inc.
1520 Sheridan Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14217
Contact: Rob Martin, John Barton
Phone: (800) 424-2202
E-mail: rmartin@kellerandco.com
Web site: www.kellerco.com
A wholesaler/E&S broker that operates in NY state only with limits that vary by company. Will consider all classes. Can offer inland marine, contractors equipment, builders risk and pollution coverage. Various carriers are used to place coverage.

Insurance Innovators Group
130 S. Easton Rd.
Glenside, PA 19038
Contact: Fran Reh, Michael Kravitz
Phone: (800) 523-6422
Fax: (215) 886-2482
Web site: www.iiigroup.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in DE, MD, NJ and PA with limits of up to $2 million/$2 million. Target classes are residential, commercial and industrial contractors, including paper GCs. Can offer umbrella, excess, wrap-ups and OCP. All carriers are A rated.

Intercorp, Inc.
1438-F W. Main St.
Ephrata, PA 17522
Contact: Stephen Arnold, Elaine Matternas, Scott Barry
Phone: (800) 640-7601
Fax: (717) 721-3515
E-mail: info@intercorpinc.net
Web site: www.intercorpinc.net
A program administrator/environmental insurance wholesaler that operates in all states with limits ranging from $500,000/$500,000 to $100 million/$100 million. Target classes are environmental, GCs, mechanical, excavation/grading, street/road, carpenters, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical, painting, asbestos, concrete, demolition, drilling, oil-field and mold. Can offer WC, GL, umbrella, project specific, cleanup cost cap, owner controlled programs, and professional liability. All carriers are A rated.

The Jack Nebel Companies, Inc.
P.O. Box 159
Palatine, IL 60078
Contact: Jack Nebel, Tom Clark
Phone: (847) 705-5805
Fax: (847) 705-5808
Web site: www.jnebel.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in IL, IN, MI, MO, MN and WI with limits of $5 million/$5 million/$5 million. Target classes are commercial/residential GCs (GL). Can offer builders risk, umbrella, and excess. RLI (A+), Nautilus (A), and Essex (A) are the carriers.

M.J. Hall & Company, Inc.
709 N. Center St.
Stockton, CA 95202
Contact: Norm Amick
Phone: (800) 948-8944
Fax: (209) 465-3843
E-mail: norm@mjhallandcompany.com
Web site: www.mjhallandcompany.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in AK, AZ, CA and NV with liability limits of $25 million or more. Target classes are commercial contractors (including apartments), custom home builders, artisan contractors and wrap-ups. Will not write surety. Can offer property, excess liability, inland marine, builders risk and commercial auto (not available in all states). Carriers are rated from B+ to A++.

M.J. Kelly Co., Inc.
4415 E. Sunshine
Springfield, MO 65809
Contact: John Jennings
Phone: (800) 725-7211
Web site: www.mjkelly.com
An E&S broker that operates in AR, FL, IA, IL, KS, MO, MS, OK, TN, TX and UT with limits of $1 million - $2 million (excess available). Target classes are artisans and mid-sized accounts. Will not write asbestos, pollution or mold. Can offer umbrellas, transportation and inland marine. Various carriers are used to place coverage.

Market Finders Insurance Corp.
P.O. Box 6549
Louisville, KY 40206
Contact: Karen Cornett, Joe Miller
Phone: (800) 626-5660
Fax: (502) 426-7970
E-mail: marketing@mfic.com
Web site: www.mfic.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in IN, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN and WV with various limits. Target classes are artisan contractors, specialty contractors, GCs, and railroad contractors/railroad protective. Can offer contractors equipment and professional liability. Century Surety, Burlington, Western World, Colony, Atlantic Casualty, and USLI are the carriers.

McLeckie Insurance Group
P.O. Box 770
Naples, TX 75568
Contact: Bill McLeckie, Jason McLeckie
Phone: (903) 897-9090
Fax: (903) 897-0062
E-mail: mcleckie@msn.com
Web site: www.mcleckie.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in all states with limits as required. Various carriers are used to place coverage.

McSweeny Agency (E & S)
505 High St., 2nd Fl.
Burlington, NJ 08016
Contact: Richard McSweeny, Dennis McSweeny
Phone: (800) 546-6454, Ext. 13
Fax: (609) 387-7171
Web site: www.mcsweenyins.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in NJ and PA only with limits of $1 million/$2 million (excess available over the carrier’s primary GL). Target classes are residential GCs, commercial GCs, paper contractors, environmental contractors, artisan and GC subcontractors, remodeling contractors and new ventures. Must provide underwriting information plus five-year loss runs on our application. Can offer builders risk (including coastal locations), pollution coverage, equipment floaters, and “HOW” policies. Carriers range from A- to A+.

Metcom Excess
P.O. Box 559
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Contact: Jim James
Phone: (800) 521-1717
Fax: (201) 641-6566
E-mail: jjames@metcomexcess.com
Web site: www.metcomexcess.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in NJ, NY and PA with limits of $11 million. Will consider most classes. Can offer builders risk, commercial auto, umbrella and pollution. Various carriers are used to place coverage.

Midlands Management Corp.
P.O. Box 22778
Oklahoma City, OK 73123
Contact: Roger Park, Brandon Davis
Phone: (800) 800-4007
Fax: (405) 840-5432
E-mail: rpark@midman.com
bsdavis@midman.com
Web site: www.midlandsmgmt.com
An MGA that operates in AR, KS, OK and TX with limits of $2 million. Target class is commercial contractors. Will not consider residential new construction. Can offer property, inland marine, umbrella and pollution. All carriers are rated A or better.

NIF Group
30 Park Ave.
Manhasset, NY 11030
Contact: See Web site
Phone: (800) 892-8892
Fax: (516) 365-7392
E-mail: marketing@nifgroup.com
Web site: www.nifgroup.com
An E&S broker that operates in the eastern and southern U.S. with limits of $2 million/$2 million. Target classes are artisans, GCs and hard-to-place risks. Can offer excess, wrap-ups, OCPs, owner’s interest, per-project aggregate, inland marine and property. All carriers are rated A.

NorthCoast Excess & Surplus Agency, Inc.
2244 E. Enterprise Pky.
Twinsburg, OH 44087
Contact: Jeff Burke, Michele Burke
Fax: (330) 405-9893
E-mail: jburke@ncoastxs.com
An E&S broker that operates in OH only with limits of $1 million/$2 million, plus excess/umbrella. Target classes are smaller residential and light commercial contractors. Will not write larger GCs. All carriers are nonadmitted and A+ rated.

Northeast Surety, LLC
3 Forest Park Dr.
Farmington, CT 06032
Contact: Kenneth J. Coco
Phone: (860) 674-0123
Fax: (860) 674-0170
A broker that operates in CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT with all limits available. Will consider all types and sizes including difficult-to-place contractors, environmental contractors, and start-up contractors. Can offer all types of bonds. All carriers are A rated.

Prime Insurance Syndicate Inc./I.E.B.S.
P.O. Box 4439
Sandy, UT 84091
Contact: Underwriting staff
Phone: (800) 257-5590
Fax: (877) 452-6910
E-mail: rjl@primeis.com
Web site: www.primeis.com
An insurer (Prime)/MGA (I.E.B.S) that operates in all states with all limits. Will consider all classes. Prime is rated B.

Quaker Special Risk
P.O. Box 415
Sea Girt, NJ 08750
Contact: Frank Walsh
Phone: (800) 447-4180
Fax: (732) 223-9072
An E&S broker that operates in all states except AK, HI, ND, SD and WA with GL limits of $1 million/$2 million/$2 million; $10 million umbrella/excess. Target classes are home builders, residential GCs, roofers, janitorial risks and swimming pool contractors. Can offer contractors pollution coverage and design/build professional. Carriers are Interstate Fire & Casualty, Admiral, ACE, AXIS, Evanston, Mt. Hawley, Mutual Marine, Genesis, Nautilus, First Mercury, and National Fire & Marine.

Robert A. Schneider Agency
5620 Smetana Dr., Ste. 225
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Contact: Dean Sessing
Phone: (800) 832-6038
Fax: (952) 938-0701
E-mail: jim@rasinc.com
Web site: www.rasinc.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in IA, MN, ND, SD and WI with limits of $1 million/$2 million plus (in many instances). Will consider most ISO 9000 classes but will not offer surety coverages. Can offer contractors equipment, building, business personal property or design E&O. Hermitage (B++), Penn (A-), Nautilus (A), Essex (A), and Western Heritage (A+) are the carriers.

Roush Insurance Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1060
Noblesville, IN 46061
Contact: Scott Sackers, Gabe Derzhavets, Dave Lehman
Phone: (800) 752-8402
Fax: (317) 776-6891
Web site: www.roushins.com
An MGA that operates in IL, IN and OH only with limits of $2 million/$3 million (excess available up to $20 million). Will accept most contractors. Can offer contractors equipment, property and bonds.

Russell Bond & Co., Inc.
295 Main St., Ste. 866
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Jeff Latke, Ext. 147; Chris Moyer, Ext. 149; Mike Kraus, Ext. 330
Phone: (800) 333-7226
Fax: (800) 677-6779
E-mail: www.info@russellbond.com jlatke@russellbond.com cmoyer@russellbond.com mkraus@russellbond.com
Web site: www.russellbond.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in PA and NY state only with primary limits of $2 million and umbrella of $25 million. Target classes are artisan and specialty contractors. Will not consider residential contractors (more than 8 houses per year), construction managers and project managers. Can offer salting insurance, environmental, property, EPLI, WC, builders risk, railroad protective, umbrella, OCP, CGL, and equipment floaters. All carriers are rated A- or better.

S.H. Smith & Co.
41 N. Main St.
West Hartford, CT 06107
Contact: Patricia Roth, Jason Lukens, Jeff Parmenter
Web site: www.shsmith.com
An E&S broker that operates in all states with limits of $1 million and up. Target classes are GCs, builders and artisans. Can offer property, employment practices, contractors equipment, architects/engineers E&O, and WC. All carriers are A rated.

S.I.U., LLC
700 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 300
Glendale, CA 91203
Contact: Bruce Rinehart, Ext. 24
Phone: (818) 547-1133
Fax: (818) 547-9003
E-mail: brinehart@SIUmanagers.com
Web site: www.SIUmanagers.com
An MGA operating in CA only with GL limits of $2 million; $5 million excess. Target classes are commercial contractors and residential contractors (artisan only). Will not consider new residential operations. Can offer contractors equipment and installation floaters. Maxum Indemnity (A-), Topa (A-), and United National (A) are the carriers.

Swett & Crawford
21650 Oxnard St., Ste. 1400
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Contact: See Web site for local office locations.
Phone: (800) 262-6099
E-mail: info@swett.com
Web site: www.swett.com
An E&S broker that operates in all states with limits as needed. Can offer GL, inland marine (equipment floaters, etc.), earthquake, umbrella, E&O, builders risk, course of construction, and commercial auto. All carriers are rated A- or better.

Symons International Group, (Florida) Inc.
2300 Glades Rd., Ste. 135E
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Contact: Jane Otto
Phone: (561) 392-1323
Fax: (561) 392-9719
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in FL only with limits of $1 million/$2 million. Target classes are artisans, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, fence erection, painting, and air conditioning. Will not write residential GCs. Can offer inland marine and cargo. Burlington is the A+ rated carrier.

United Brokers, Inc.
P.O. Box 1243
New Albany, IN 47151
Contact: Janice Taylor, Ran Gapp
Phone: (800) 444-4824
Web site: www.ubinc.com
An MGA that operates in various states with various limits. Target classes are artisans, air conditioning/heating, oilfield contractors, painting, sandblasting, and tower erection. Will not consider blasting contractors. Can offer inland marine. All carriers are rated A or better.

Universal Service Agency, Inc.
501 Office Center Dr., Ste. 128
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Contact: Susan A. Sallada, Patricia A. Marinucci
Phone: (215) 646-2400
Fax: (215) 646-4275
E-mail: sales@universalbonds.com
Web site: www.universalbonds.com
An agent/broker that operates throughout the U.S. territory as well as in several worldwide markets. Target classes are any surety, commercial surety or fidelity risk. Fidelity/surety market only. Can offer all surety, commercial surety and fidelity risks. Various carriers are used to place coverage.

W.H. Greene & Associates
400 Quaker Rd.
East Aurora, NY 14052
Contact: W. H. Greene III, Mike LaMarca, Wil Cote
Phone: (716) 805-1090
Fax: (716) 805-1099
E-mail: bgreene@whgreene.com
Web site: whgreene.com
An MGA/E&S broker whose primary coverages are mostly available only contractors and residential contractors (artisan only). Will not consider new residential operations. Can offer contractors equipment and installation floaters. Maxum Indemnity (A-), Topa (A-), and United National (A) are the carriers.

Universal Service Agency, Inc.
501 Office Center Dr., Ste. 128
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Contact: Susan A. Sallada, Patricia A. Marinucci
Phone: (215) 646-2400
Fax: (215) 646-4275
E-mail: sales@universalbonds.com
Web site: www.universalbonds.com
An agent/broker that operates throughout the U.S. territory as well as in several worldwide markets. Target classes are any surety, commercial surety or fidelity risk. Fidelity/surety market only. Can offer all surety, commercial surety and fidelity risks. Various carriers are used to place coverage.

W.H. Greene & Associates
400 Quaker Rd.
East Aurora, NY 14052
Contact: W. H. Greene III, Mike LaMarca, Wil Cote
Phone: (716) 805-1090
Fax: (716) 805-1099
E-mail: bgreene@whgreene.com
Web site: whgreene.com
An MGA/E&S broker whose primary coverages are mostly available only in NY state and whose umbrella coverage is available in all states. Available limits are $10 million or higher in combined primary and excess coverage, depending on the class. Will consider all classes. Has markets for CGL, umbrella, inland marine, primary auto and surety bonds. Both admitted and nonadmitted markets are rated A- or better.

Willis Programs
1 New Hampshire Ave., Ste. 200
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Contact: Tim Sullivan, Rebecca Brock
E-mail: tim.sullivan@willis.com rebecca.brock@willis.com
Web site: www.wellguard.com
A wholesaler that operates in all states except AK, HI, IN and LA. Target classes are contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, scientists and engineers operating within the groundwater industry. Can offer property, GL, auto, umbrella, WC, inland marine, professional liability and EPLI. Hartford is the A+ rated carrier.

Yates & Associates Insurance Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 25123
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Contact: Alex Zardeneta
Phone: (800) 660-1125
Fax: (800) 378-8588
Web site: www.yates-assoc.com
An MGA that operates in CA only with various limits. Will consider most classes but will not write surety. All admitted and nonadmitted carriers are A rated.

Zurich Specialties - Environmental & Design Professional
One Liberty Plaza, 31st Fl.
New York, NY 10006
Contact: Kim Weber
Phone: (866) 860-7292
Web site: www.zurichna.com/environmental
An insurer that operates in all states and territories as well as worldwide with limits of up to $50 million. Target market is any type of contractor with environmental concerns or needs. Can offer all environmental lines of coverage. Zurich, as well as Steadfast, American Guaranty & American Zurich are rated A. *