Special Section sponsored by TMPAA

NIP Programs

Key programs administered: general liability, workers compensation, and umbrella for landscapers, tree services and related industries

A difficult cycle in the insurance industry has proven to be a successful period of growth for Woodbridge, New Jersey-based NIP Programs. An experienced program administrator, NIP Programs has found opportunities in a soft market that has been a challenge to many.

NIP Programs designs and administers business insurance programs tailored to the specific needs of highly specialized industries. Top-rated major commercial insurers underwrite these programs. As the market softened, NIP Programs realized that insurance carriers seeking sources of additional revenue are likely to be open to considering new program opportunities.

“Having a long track record of managing successful programs helps us in our meetings with insurance carriers,” said Dave Springer, president of NIP Programs. “We’ve shown that we can attract and manage a consistent, high performing book of business for our carrier partners. Still, you must put together a thoughtful approach to a new market segment to attract the attention of a potential partner, demonstrating that it is a good long-term opportunity for them. We’ve worked very hard over the last two years to get several new programs up and running relatively quickly.”

Since May 2007, NIP Programs has launched five new industry specific insurance programs to join its flagship program, LandPro®TreePro®, the nationwide, longtime leader in insuring landscapers and tree services. According to Springer, more programs are on the way.

Agents have been quick to support the new programs

“More than 2,500 independent agents across the United States trust us with their business clients,” Springer said. “Agents who work with us appreciate the benefit of having consistent access to top national markets along with the unique coverages needed by each industry we serve. They know that, in launching programs, we take the time to make sure we’re providing the best coverage at a competitive price. It is important to deliver a product that allows brokers to win and retain their accounts while carrier partners enjoy a consistent underwriting profit.

“Stability is another big plus. When market conditions change there is disruption, and agents can be left scrambling to find coverage for their clients. Our programs, all underwritten by large top-rated national carriers, allow us to provide our agents with dependable solutions in all market conditions.”

NIP’s six programs all offer comprehensive all-lines coverage—from GL/package through workers compensation and Umbrella—with custom coverages that often aren’t available elsewhere. All feature low minimum premiums, competitive rates, attractive commissions, no volume requirements, and NIP’s outstanding service.

“The bottom line for our brokers is simple,” Springer says. “With our 20-year track record of successfully serving the broker community, you can be confident you’re getting a stable, dependable and reputable partner when you choose NIP Programs to help you protect your client’s business.”

NIP Programs’ current offerings include:

• LandPro®TreePro®: the largest national property and liability program of its kind for landscapers and tree services.

• GrowPro®: created to complement the LandPro TreePro program, GrowPro covers retail garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries and florists.

• SitePro®: designed for contractors performing excavation, grading of land, site preparation and paving work.

• GlassPro®: focusing on glass manufacturers (glaziers), dealers and installers.

• SignagePro®: designed for sign, display advertising and awning companies.

• MaintenancePro®: for commercial and residential cleaning and maintenance companies.

In 2007 the Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) bestowed a special honor on NIP Programs—the presentation of its Best Practices Designation for excellence in program administration. Target Markets annually performs an in-depth evaluation of the business operations of applicants for this prestigious award.

“We are extremely proud to have earned the Target Markets Best Practices Designation,” said Dave Springer. “Passing such a rigorous review of our operation is a testament to the underwriting systems and processes we’ve developed over the years, and for a deep commitment to serving our carrier and broker partners.” *