Insurance Journal

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/6/09

STATES GEAR UP For Stimulus Package

11:13 AM

Page 1

TRANSPORT AND TRUCKING Are Rate Hikes on the Way?

FED’s AIG EXPOSURE AT $93B How High Can It Go?

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

2/26/09

10:22 PM

Page 2

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

2/26/09

10:24 PM

Page 3 Job#6220 Auto Ad Insurance Journal AmWINS Group API#75365 03/9/09

Whether it’s truck and auto coverage or anything else, just put us behind the wheel.

With six specialized companies and over 30 wholesale programs, AmWINS Underwriting always finds the better way. AmWINS Transportation Underwriters, Inc. (ATU) isn’t any different. We use our 50 years of experience to insure: • Taxis • Limos • Gas Haulers • Fleet and Non-Fleet Trucking • Dumps • Public Autos • And hundreds of other commercial auto classes Backed by AmWINS Group,one of the nation’s largest wholesale firms, ATU and all of our underwriting companies have the resources and the expertise to deliver you a relationship you’ll appreciate for the long haul.

To get rolling, visit amwins.com/atu or call 800.222.2407.

There’s a better way.

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:35 PM

Page 4

Inside This Issue

March 9, 2009 • Vol. 87, No. 5 • South Central Region

N15 | Spotlight: Transportation and Trucking Industry Stalled in Soft Market But Rate Increases on Horizon N22 | SPECIAL REPORT: 2009 Hospitality Risks Directory

SOUTH CENTRAL 10 | States Gear Up for Stimulus Package Impact Uncertain, But Much Expected

N10 SPECIAL REPORT: Top 100 Agency Profile Heffernan Insurance Brokers A Young Company With a Nontraditional Management Style

NATIONAL COVERAGE N1 | Analysis: AIG Meltdown Has Roots in Greenberg Era Critics Say Greenberg Planted the Seeds for the $180 Billion Disaster

53 | Fighting Fires Most Fire Departments Depend on Assistance From Others

IDEA EXCHANGE N18 | Growing Your Property Casualty Agency Don’t Emulate How the Big Auto Insurers Sell N20 | Minding Your Business The Art of Restructuring Your Agency in Difficult Times 56 | Securities Lawsuit Filings Are Up

N1 | Federal Reserve in Uncharted, Risky Territory Fed’s Exposure to AIG Totals Nearly $93B N4 | Closer Look: Homeowners and Auto Personal Umbrella Policies Come in All Shapes and Sizes

What About D&O Pricing?

58 | Increase Traffic to Your Internet ‘Real Estate’ Search Engine Optimization Can Help

58 Increase Traffic to Your Internet ‘Real Estate’

62 | Closing Quote: A Letter to the President

DEPARTMENTS

N8 | Spotlight: Energy/Oil & Gas 10 Things to Know About the Energy Market N10 | SPECIAL REPORT: Top 100 Agency Profile Calif.-based Heffernan Insurance Brokers — A Young Company With a Nontraditional Management Style

10 States Gear Up for Stimulus Package

6 8 8 N19 54

Opening Note It Figures Declarations MyNewMarkets People

N14 | Closer Look: Auto/Antiques and Collectibles Recession Gives Agents New Opportunity with Car Lovers

4 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

62 A Letter to the President

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

2/26/09

10:25 PM

Page 5

Who insures you doesn’t matter.

Until it does.

Financial Strength and Exceptional Claim Service Property | Liability | Executive Protection | Workers Compensation | Marine | Surety Homeowners | Auto | Yacht | Jewelry | Antiques | Accident & Health Chubb Group of Insurance Companies ("Chubb") is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance subsidiaries of The Chubb Corporation. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued. Chubb, Box 1615, Warren, NJ 07061-1615

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:55 PM

Page 6

Idea Exchange Opening Note

Spinning Off, Not Out of Control

S

tate insurance regulators, like Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin and Louisiana’s Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon, have consistently maintained that the property/casualty insurance operations under the American International Gro up umbrella are solid and solvent even while their parent slides deeper into a black hole.

The good news, now, is that AIG is letting go of its P/C units, spinning them off into an independent company called AIU Holdings. AIG’s P/C operations — although tainted in the press by the actions of other AIG operations that have ruined the family name — have remained profitable and policyholders have been protected. Their insurance monies are completely walled off so that they can’t be raided. They have neither needed nor received any of the billions of dollars in w elfare doled out by the government to AIG’s other units.

AIG CEO Ed Liddy said the spinoff is being done to pre vent further “franchise erosion” of the insurance brand — in other w ords, to keep the disease from spreading.

Now the AIG P/C insurance pros are g oing to be judged on their own merits again.

Their new company will include all domestic and global commercial insurance operations, and the personal lines private client group. Officially separating from AIG will take some time and lots of lawyers but the branding has already begun.

March 2, the day on which parent AIG reported the biggest quarterly loss in corporate history — more than $61 The new AIU billion — and accepted another $30 billion credit line from will start out the federal government — was nevertheless a “good day for with $45 bil- us,” said John Doyle, president of the Commercial Insurance lion in total Group for North America.

The new AIU will start out with $45 billion in total revrevenues — enough to be a enues — enough to be a Fortune 54 company all by itself. Its Fortune 54 policyholder surplus is unmatched by any rival.

But for all its history and size, the ne w AIU Holdings company all by itself. will not be immune to the fallo ut from a troubled parent or a troubled economy.

Doyle said AIG’s P/C business around the world has continued to perform well despite the challenges. It’s performed well, perhaps, but not perfectly. Doyle acknowledged there have been some high-profile executive defections, although he maintained that overall employee retention even at the senior management level is well within the normal range. Premium retention is down a bit, about five percent. But client retention is at normal levels.

Attracting new business in today’s recession would be a challenge for any insurer but it has been especially difficult for AIG as it tries to also o vercome client doubts about its financial future. New business premium fell 37 percent in 2008 and that trend has continued in early 2009.

Still, going on its own will give AIU more financial flexibility and allo w it to attract capital on its own, rather than having to go through AIG. Even though AIG the parent is spinning o ut of control, there are indications that its spin off AIU Holdings is on solid gro und. Let’s Stephanie K. Jones hope it stays that way.

South Central Editor sjones@insurancejournal.com

Publisher Mark Wells Chief Executive Officer Mitch Dunford

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Andrea Ortega-Wells | awells@insurancejournal V.P. Content/ and Interim Midwest/Southeast Editor Andrew Simpson | asimpson@insurancejournal.com East Editor Kenneth J. St. Onge | kstonge@insurancejournal.com South Central Editor Stephanie K. Jones | sjones@insurancejournal.com West Editor Patricia-Anne Tom | ptom@insurancejournal.com MyNewMarkets Associate Editor Chris Boggs | cboggs@insurancejournal.com International Editor Charles E. Boyle | cboyle@insurancejournal.com Columnists Alan Shulman, Catherine Oak, Bill Schoeffler Contributing Writers Richard Augustyn, Laura Bergan, Kevin LaCroix, Robert A. Rusbuldt

SALES V.P., Sales & Marketing Julie Tinney (800) 897-9965 x148 jtinney@insurancejournal.com West Dena Kaplan (800) 897-9965 x115 dkaplan@insurancejournal.com South Central Eric Jeter (281) 655-0234 ejeter@insurancejournal.com

Midwest Lauren Knapp (800) 897-9965 x161 lknapp@insurancejournal.com Southeast Howard Simkin (800) 897-9965 x162 hsimkin@insurancejournal.com East Dave Molchan (800) 897-9965 x145 dmolchan@insurancejournal.com

MARKETING

Marketing Administrator Gayle Wells | gwells@insurancejournal.com Advertising Coordinator Erin Burns | eburns@insurancejournal.com (619) 584-1100 x120 New Markets Sales Manager Kristine Honey | khoney@insurancejournal.com Classified and Ancillary Sales Manager Nicola Coghill | ncoghill@insurancejournal.com (619) 584-1100 x125 New Media Producer Chad Reese | creese@insurancejournal.com

DESIGN/WEB

Vice President/Design Guy Boccia | gboccia@insurancejournal.com Vice President/Technology Joshua Carlson | jcarlson@insurancejournal.com Graphic Designer Jamie Bethell | jbethell@insurancejournal.com Web Developer Jeff Cardrant | jcardrant@insurancejournal.com Web Developer Chris Thompson | cthompson@insurancejournal.com

A D M I N I ST R AT I O N

Accounting Manager Megan Sinclair | msinclair@insurancejournal.com Admin./ Marketing Asst.

Kristina Delavega | kdelavega@insurancejournal.com Cover designed by: Guy Boccia

Insurance Journal, The National Property/Casualty Magazine (ISSN: 00204714) is published semi-monthly by Wells Publishing, Inc., 3570 Camino del Rio N orth, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108-1747. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Diego, CA and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $7.95 per copy, $12.95 per special issue cop y, $195 per y ear in the U .S., $295 per year all other co untries. DISCLAIMER: While the information in this p ublication is deriv ed from so urces believed reliable and is subject to reasonable care in preparation and editing, it is not intended to be legal, accounting, tax, technical or other professional advice. Readers are advised to consult competent professionals for application to their particular situation. Cop yright 2009 W ells Publishing, Inc. All Rights R eserved. Content ma y not be photocopied, reproduced or redistributed without written permission. Insurance Journal is a publication of Wells Publishing, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send change of address form to Insurance Journal, Circulation Department, PO Box 9049, Maple Shade, NJ 08052

6 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING SUBSCRIPTIONS: please call 856-380-4176 or email subscribe@insurancejournal.com. You may subscribe or change your address online at insurancejournal.com/subscribe.

ARTICLE REPRINTS: For reprints of articles in this issue, contact Rhonda Brown at 1-866-879-9144 ext. 194 or rbrown@fostereprints.com. Visit insurancejournal.com/reprints for more information.

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

m m

thals py, R: to her ictoof 49, ur44 n.

Networked Insurance Agents

2/26/09

10:27 PM

Page 7

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

11:10 AM

Page 8

South Central Coverage Snapshot

It Figures

Declarations

$500 Million

Tools to Intervene

The financial toll from the January 2009 ice storm in north Arkansas is estimated at $500 million, with most of the cost for restoring electric utilities, the Associated Press reported. Three major utilities say they will spend around $460 million for repairs. Only the nonprofit Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, which estimated damages at $250 million, stands to receive any state or federal assistance.

Entergy Arkansas has indicated its damages were between $165 million and $200 million, while Southwestern Electric Power Co.’s northwestern district took a $10.5 million hit.

According to the Public Service Commission, Entergy and SWEPCO will temporarily raise rates to pay off the damage costs.

“The Texas insurance companies remain well-capitalized. …

There has been no bankruptcy filing b y the parent company.

In the event of any changes in the status of the parent company, our state laws provide us with tools to intervene.”

— Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin said the Texas Department of Insurance continues to closely monitor the financial status of the American International Group Inc. (AIG) in light of national media reports on the company’s troubles. Reuters recently reported AIG and U.S. authorities are discussing a restructuring plan to split the insurer into at least three government-controlled divisions in an attempt to keep it afloat. Geeslin said TDI is prepared for prompt action to protect AIG’s insurance policyholders as needed. In the meantime, policyholders are cautioned to be aware that some policies may contain surrender charges and/or penalties if they are cancelled.

-69% Louisiana-based Amerisafe Inc., which writes high hazard workers’ compensation insurance, said profits for fo urth-quarter 2008 fell 69 percent due to $13.4 million in realized capital losses. Net income dropped to $5.7 million, compared with earnings of $18.6 million during the same quarter a year earlier. For the full year, Amerisafe’s profit slipped to $43.8 million from $ 50.2 million in 2007. Net income in the fourth quarter was hurt by $13.4 million in realized losses and impairment charges tied to holdings in exchange-traded funds and the sale of equity securities. Net premiums written during the quarter increased to $59.5 million, from $56.8 million during the comparable period a year earlier. Amerisafe’s combined ratio rose to 73.7 percent during the fourth quarter, compared to 73 percent during the final quarter in 2007. AP

$250,000 A pickup truck and a trailer containing a $250,000 openwheel race car were stolen from the parking lot of an Oklahoma City motel, and its owner said lack of insurance may mean the end of the racing team. Eugene Nolen, of Indianapolis, said he doesn’t carry insurance because it is “way, way too high on race cars.” Nolen’s team has raced for 30 years. The yellow race car with a number 20 on its side was used in the U.S. Auto

Club’s Silver Crown Series. The trailer also contained a spare engine, spare parts, tools and an all-terrain vehicle. Two race team members were hauling the trailer from Indiana to Arizona when the theft occurred. AP IJ

8 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

The Veto Pen “If it wasn’t for Gov. Brad Henry and his veto pen, this state would have had significant lawsuit reform years ago.”

— Oklahoma State Rep. Dan Sullivan R-Tulsa, author of House Bill 1603, a comprehensive lawsuit reform package. The bill, which is similar to one Gov. Brad Henry vetoed in 2007, has passed committee and moved to the full House. Sullivan said the bill would cap noneconomic damages; require an expert witness for pre-certification of a lawsuit; and eliminate joint and several liability, among other reforms.

Concrete or Aircraft?

“It hit the sunroof and bounced down the back side of the car. … I thought a small aircraft had fallen on me. If it ha d happened a second sooner, it could have come through the windshield.”

— Mary Selle, a driver in Oklahoma whose car was hit by a chunk of concrete as she drove under a bridge in Tulsa last August. Selle is one of 26 people who has filed claims against the state involving falling concrete since June 2004, when a football-sized piece of concrete fell from a bridge and crashed through Yvonna Osborn’s windshield while she was driving home on Interstate 35. The 52-year-old Irving, Texas, mother of two died of massive head injuries, and state transportation workers quickly began examining bridges statewide to see if any other structures were in danger of shedding deadly chunks. It is estimated that onefourth of the bridges in Oklahoma are structurally deficient. AP

A ‘Do Not Call’ List – For Accidents “It’s kind of like a ‘do not call’ list.”

— Arkansas State Sen. Denny Altes, R-Fort Smith, has filed a bill to restrict the release of the reports for 90 days after a traffic accident.

Altes said his proposal is aimed at companies that may use the reports to solicit business from accident victims. The bill, which passed 20-2 in the Senate with 13 members not voting, includes exemptions for the media and those involved in the accident. AP IJ www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

2/26/09

10:27 PM

Page 9

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:47 PM

Page 10

South Central Coverage News & Markets

States Gear Up for S timulus Package Impact on Insurance Industry May be Minimal, Experts Say

By Kenneth J. St. Onge

T

he $787 billion stimulus package passed by Congress looms as the largest mountain on the country’s newly changed economic landscape.

But despite hope that the stimulus bill will jumpstart spending, some insurance industry experts said the package will have little impact on the insurance world.

In a Web seminar on the stimulus package, jointly sponsored by the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co., the I.I.I.’s Robert Hartwig said despite the large size of the stimulus package, it will result in no more than a 1 percent impa ct on property and casualty premiums written — ro ughly $4.5 billion. And because the rollout of the stimulus could take more than a year, those benefits might not materialize until 2010 or beyond.

According Hartwig, the insurance lines most likely to benefit are workers’ compensation, commercial auto, inland marine, commercial property and liability, and surety.

The stimulus bill includes about $38.1 billion in new infrastructure spending, according to the I.I.I. Most of that money will go toward new construction, and it’s that spending that will have some ancillary benefits for insurers, agents and brokers. The five most populous states are receiving the most money — California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois. Those states are projected to a dd or retain more than 1.2 million jobs because of the spending — meaning a noticeable improvement for those selling workers’ comp lines. Hartwig said the expected 3.5 million jobs overall would translate into roughly $1 billion in workers’ comp premiums.

Much Is Expected Ken Caldwell, executive vice president of Chicago-based Aon’s construction services practices, chairs that firm’s infrastructure task force dedicated to assisting public entities with their risk management on stimulus-supported projects. Caldwell said while it would have been good to have a bigger slice of the funds for construction, the $130 billion to

Stimulus Money: The 5 Largest S tates California Texas New York Florida Illinois

Infrastructure Spending New/Retained Jobs (est.) $3.9 billion 396,000 $2.8 billion 269,000 $2.8 billion 215,000 $1.8 billion 207,000 $1.6 billion 148,000

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Stimulus Money: South Central States Arkansas Louisiana Oklahoma Texas

Infrastructure Spending New/Retained Jobs (est.) $405,531,459 32, 000 $538,575,876 50 ,000 $535,407,908 40,000 $2.8 billion 269,000

Source: Insurance Information Institute

10 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

$140 billion being made available is needed.

“We do think the stimulus package, the infrastructure piece, will help tremendously,” Caldwell said.

He sees the funds going toward transportation repair work, as well as new construction. “I think there will be a v ariety of projects,” he said. “There’s a lot of repair and maintenance that needs to be done in the United States, but there’ll also be some new construction of transportation corridors and in energy, healthcare and things of that sort.”

The construction that comes from the stimulus should boost workers’‘compensation in particular. “Our anticipation is for the larger projects there will be more use of o wnercontrolled and contractor-controlled insurance programs, which will help the money go further than it otherwise would. And in that area, workers’ compensation is 70 to 80 percent of the cost of those programs,” the Aon executive said.

“We are hoping the stimulus will help all the various parts of the insurance market to have an opportunity,” said Jeffrey Langer, the Hartford, Conn.-based chief underwriting officer for Travelers Construction.

John Carmody, executive director of The Advantage Group LLC, a network of 14 agencies in Washington, said his group hopes for improvement, but it may be in farther away than people expect.

“Will it have an effect on insurance agencies? We sure hope so,” he said. “My personal view of that is we’re going to have more pain in front of us before the stimulus package begins to kick in. Then, where you are and what state you’re in will make a big difference … it will have some impact, but a lot of the heaviest spending is on contracting and things like the electronic grid and highways, environmental and stuff like that ... [it] will probably have a more beneficial impact to brokers than main street agents that write small contractors.”

Some agents expect a benefit in that their clients will. “The biggest impact will be how it will affect clients,” said Mike Heffernan, president and CEO of the San Rafa el, Calif.based Heffernan Group. “A lot of clients www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:48 PM

could potentially get help — nonprofit clients, small businesses, from a credit standpoint, that can use the funding to k eep going. ... Anything that will help the people w e serve will help the entire industry.”

A Big Impact William Duckworth, senior vice president

The stimulus package will result in no more than a 1 percent impact on premiums written — roughly $4.5 billion. agency executive for Oklahoma City-based C.L. Frates and Co., and Frank Smith, vice president and head of that agency’s construction division, are already seeing an impact in their state and among their clients.

C.L. Frates, founded in 1924, is one of the oldest and largest agencies in Oklahoma, Duckworth said. He explained that about 15 to 20 percent of C.L. Frates’ book of b usiness is made up of contractors, including those involved in heavy construction, and street, road and bridge work.

“Our feeling is that there’s going to be an appropriate reinvestment in infrastructure, including streets and highway work, which is particularly important for us in Oklahoma because there’s a substantial number of old bridges that are ready to expire in terms of their period of service,” Duckworth said.

Smith agreed that the stimulus will have a major impact on his clients’ and his agency’s business.

“It will have a big impact on us because of additional jobs being let by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. [My] book of business is 90 percent or more Oklahoma contractors, and they’re going to have a lot of work. That’s going to take a lot of new employees. They’re going to have to buy new or additional equipment — motor graders, dozers, all that kind of stuff, as w ell as vehicles.” www.insurancejournal.com

Page 11

He said his clients, especially those who specialize in major highway jobs are “hiring a whole lot of people. That is the bigg est impact so far. I was at one of my customer’s offices [recently]. In a two-hour time period, I saw somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 to 40 applicants. They are gearing up.”

Smith said he believes that any agency that has clients involved in construction, especially in street and road construction, will benefit. He noted that even beyond road construction, “some of the stimulus money is going to go toward education and improvements to sidewalks and parks from what I understand.

It will filter down to the cities and counties.”

Duckworth said in March alone there will be three different “lettings” or requests for bids on state and city construction contra cts in Oklahoma, which is an unprecedented number for one month. “That’s three, for substantial dollar volumes,” Duckworth said. “We figure that is due to some of the funding that’s going to be released this month [as part of] the stimulus package.”

South Central States ‘Ready to Roll’ The state highway departments Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas have all reported plans for using their share of the stimulus money.

As of the first few days in March, Texas transportation officials were ready to sign off on $1.2 billion from the stimulus package for major road projects. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department has allocated more than $28 million of the stimulus money for phase one of its statewide rehabilitation projects.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary William D. Ankner said in a statement released b y his department that Louisiana is “ready to roll out the orange barrels” on more than $300 million in road and bridge projects. Most of the Louisiana projects will be let to bid within 120 days, and two projects will go to bid within 30 days, Ankner said.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation indicated that of the $465 million the state is expected to receive, $340 million is designated for highway projects to be released for bid in March. Improvements include interstate rehabilitation, major bridge

projects and safety projects.

The Rush’s Downside In the rush to get new projects started, Travelers’ Langer said there is also the possibility that the stimulus package could create some additional risks for insurers — particularly in the area of safety. “One thing that insurers need to consider is that there are many contractors out there looking for work, and some will be bidding on w ork they may not be qualified to do,” Langer said.

Despite construction unemployment down in the mid-teens across much of the country, there could also be a problem as projects begin to ramp up, he added.

“Many firms had to reduce staff,” Langer

said. “As contractors begin to ramp up and bid, there’s a question whether they will be able to find the labor. ... From a contractual standpoint, it could be a problem.”

Added John Komidar, second vice president of Travelers Construction Risk Control: “The construction industry has been impacted by delays and job shutdowns, which have driven up unemployment and tightened operating budgets. Contractors need to continue to maintain a strong emphasis on safety management, including safety practices and training, to help limit losses and the impa ct these could have on their bottom lines.” IJ Insurance Journal editors Andrew G. Simpson, Patricia-Anne Tom and Stephanie K. Jones contributed to this report.

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION | 11

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

2/26/09

10:28 PM

Page 12

THE FUTURE IS NOW.

Today’s Foremost is a company with over half a century of strength and stability to launch your growth into the future and beyond. Our stellar product portfolio offers property and casualty insurance, including the personal specialty lines we built our success on. The Foremost opportunity is yours today.

Visit DISTINCTCHOICE.COM to find out more or to become appointed.

The Independent Agent Choice for Property and Casualty Insurance.

Manufactured Home, Motor Home, Travel Trailer, Luxury Motor Coach, Specialty Homeowners, Vacant Property, Seasonal Property, Landlord and Rental Property, Motorcycle, Off-Road Vehicle, Snowmobile, Boat, Personal Watercraft and Collectible Auto "Foremost" and the "F" logo are registered trademarks of Foremost Corporation of America, 5600 Beech Tree Lane, Caledonia, MI 49316. 9000261 03/09

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:26 AM

Page 1

National Coverage News & Markets

Analysis: AIG Meltdown Has Roots in Greenberg Era

By Lilla Zuill

M

The logo of American International Group (AIG) is seen at their offices in New York September 22, 2008. REUTERS/Eric Thayer

aurice “Hank” Greenberg’s legacy as the man who built AIG into the world’s largest insurer was tarnished by a 2005 probe but questions about whether he created a financial monster that subsequently ran amok could cause greater damage to his image.

The former Army captain — who left AIG in 2005 amid allegations he used off-balance sheet transactions to improperly boost profits — had previously been revered for his track record of

steady profit growth over a 38year tenure.

In the years since he quit AIG, Greenberg has pursued other business interests, but much of his time has been spent defending his name and railing against a succession of CEOs who replaced him at AIG. But AIG’s posting in early March of a $61.7 billion quarterly loss, the biggest in corporate history, and the announcement of a third bailout by the U.S. government have prompted his critics to ask whether Greenberg plantcontinued on page N2

Federal Reserve in Uncharted, Risky Territory with AIG Investment

T

he U.S. Federal Reserve, by taking an equity stake in American International Group, is moving further into uncharted territory and may be risking potentially large investment losses and its independence.

As part of the latest bailout effort of the troubled insurer, the U.S. central bank will reduce a $60 billion credit facility in exchange for taking a preferred interest in AIG subsidiaries American Life Insurance Co. and American International Assurance Co. Ltd. The Fed’s exposure to AIG now totals roughly $93 billion, and could put it on the line for sizeable losses should the value of the stake deteriorate.

“This continues the steady erosion in the Fed’s balance sheet,” said Steven Ricchiuto, chief economist at Mizuho Securities. “They are getting further and further pulled into this crisis.”

Some regional Federal Reserve www.insurancejournal.com

Bank presidents agree. Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker and Philadelphia Fed chief Charles Plosser have been vocal in their concerns the central bank’s unorthodox measures could make it vulnerable to political pressure and risk its independence.

“Using the Fed’s balance sheet is at times the path of least resistance, because it allows government lending to circumvent the congressional approval process,” Lacker said.

Unusual Times, Measures The U.S. central bank has taken a number of nontraditional steps to shore up key credit markets, including buying mortgage-backed securities that have drawn it away from its traditionally safe balance sheet consisting only of U.S. government debt.

The stake in the two AIG units, both of which have large Asian operations, is a further step in that direction.

“Having a large direct equity Some investors and Fed officials stake on the Fed balance sheet is worry the central bank has posisure to make a lot of people justifi- tioned itself to pick winners and ably nervous about the central losers, rather than focusing on the bank getting into the business of economy more broadly. Even those running private companies,” said who say the Fed had little choice Michael Feroli, economist at are feeling discomfort.

JPMorgan.

“At the moment, That, in ‘This continues the it is much better to turn, risks be a financial cripsteady erosion in undermining ple with a governthe Fed’s balance monetary poliment guarantee cy, some worry. sheet. They are than a Gibraltar Stephen getting further and without one,” Stanley, chief renowned investor further pulled into Warren Buffett said economist at RBS Greenwich this crisis.’ in his annual letter Capital said the to shareholders. conflicts of interests “are pretty Buffett complained that while obvious.” the credit of his company, “The Fed now essentially owns Berkshire Hathaway, was “prispart of an overseas life insurance tine” as one of only seven triple-A business,” he said. “And does it rated U.S. companies, “our cost of become a consideration when set- borrowing is now far higher than ting monetary policy? Would they competitors with shaky balance want to make sure things are OK sheets but government backing.” IJ with AIG before raising rates, for example?”

Copyright 2009 Reuters March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N1

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:26 AM

Page 2

National Coverage News & Markets

AIG, continued from page N1

ed the seeds of the financial dis130 countries and serving more aster that already threatens to than 70 million customers. cost taxpayers $180 billion.

But in 2005, amid an investigaGreenberg’s creation more than tion by then New York Attorney two decades ago of a financial General Eliot Spitzer, Greenberg products unit, which has triggered was forced out by AIG’s board. the bulk of AIG’s massive losses, is He had refused to cooperate with their main focus. the company’s Credit default own probe.

‘The bottom line is swaps, or CDS, He is still that Hank Greenberg held by AIG fighting civil wandered out of the Financial charges being very safe, wellProducts have pursued by been the biggest New York capitalized world of driver of AIG’s state, as well insurance into the losses, which as a string of surreal world of have exceeded other lawsuits credit default swaps $100 billion over outstanding the past five where you can create between him quarters. and AIG. endless amount of “The bottom But detracrisk.’ line is that Hank tors say he Greenberg wancould face a dered out of the very safe, welltough time saving face given the capitalized world of insurance latest loss revelations since the into the surreal world of credit former chieftain was sole archidefault swaps where you can cretect of AIG Financial Products — ate endless amount of risk,” said the business that poured itself Christopher Whalen, co-founder into the CDS market, and ultiof Institutional Risk Analytics, mately cost AIG so much. which provides analysis and ratThat business “brought AIG to ings to banks. its knees,” said Mark Keenan, an Greenberg has sought to disinsurance partner with law firm tance himself from the losses at Anderson Kill & Olick.

AIG, suing his former company for AIG itself is clear that misrepresenting the risk of losses Greenberg should bear some of from credit default swaps held by the responsibility.

AIG Financial Products. In the “AIG FP from the way it opersuit, which was filed in late ated to its compensation were all February, he claims to have been set up under Greenberg, and AIG misled into buying stock at inflatwas well into it by the time he ed prices. He said he paid more left,” said Nicholas Ashooh, a taxes than he should have because spokesman for AIG. of the inflated prices, which Greenberg, a World War II vetcaused him to overstate his eran who helped to liberate the income.

Dachau concentration camp, set Greenberg and his lawyer could up the financial products unit in not be reached for comment.

1987 as he was seeking new business avenues to diversify his Damage Control growing empire against the highs Greenberg oversaw AIG’s and lows that are a trademark of growth into a company spanning global insurance markets.

N2 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

controls were not maintained at AIG Financial Products after he left, and that he would have done more to hedge the risks and head off losses.

Gerry Pasciucco, a former Morgan Stanley executive who is now winding down the unit, told Reuters last month that everyone with the benefit of “20/20 hindsight” would have reacted differently.

The reality is no one did, under Maurice ‘Hank’ Greenberg Greenberg, or later, A Plan That he said.

Backfired “The overwhelming majority of Greenberg’s diversification plan paid off handsomely at first. AIG FP’s books were hedged, but some remote risks were not,” said AIG Financial Products contributed $5 billion to the insurer’s Pasciucco.

AIG withdrew from guaranteeprofits from the time it was ing multi-sector asset-backed formed in 1987 through 2004, Greenberg’s last full year as CEO. securities — the area that has triggered AIG’s worst losses — But the risks also grew expoabout eight months after nentially as the unit, driven by a Greenberg’s departure. thirst for greater profits, racked To be sure, some experts say up guarantees on CDS worth a neither Greenberg nor AIG could total of about $450 billion. have predicted Cassano boasted the extent of the in 2007 that the ‘AIG FP from the U.S. housing company did not way it operated to market bust, or expect to realize its compensation the prolonged even $1 in losses were all set up recession. on the portfolio.

“The business “AIG jumped under Greenberg, of insuring credinto the high-beta and AIG was well it is good, and world of credit into it by the time there is a valid default swaps he left.’ market, but it when there was a was left unregulow default envilated and unsupervised. Credit ronment,” said Whalen. “But insurance was the blind area,” when the market goes bad it all said David Kotok, chief investgoes bad, and with the kind of ment officer at Cumberland exposure that AIG wrote, it is Advisors. “We are now paying the just rancid.”

Greenberg, in written testimo- price.” IJ ny to a U.S. congressional hearing Copyright 2009 Reuters last October, argued that risk He hired a group of traders that had worked together at Drexel Burnham. He would later promote Joseph Cassano to lead the unit, which became a soughtafter employer since it offered to share a third of all its profits with staff.

Cassano is now at the center of U.S. and UK probes into what happened at AIG Financial Products.

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:27 AM

Page 3

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:27 AM

Page 4

Closer Look Homeowners and Auto

One Size Does Not Fit All Agents Beware of Coverage Differences in Personal Umbrella Policies

By James Griffith

A

Griffith

condominium board is involved in a lawsuit that results in a board member being sued. A neighbor’s child is playing in the backyard, falls off a swing and sustains injuries. A teenager is driving too fast, loses control, and the car damages a neighbor’s property. All of these circumstances can involve your clients and place their personal and business assets in jeopardy.

Every day newspapers run stories about lawsuits filed for every possible reason. These lawsuits range from those in which serious injuries occurred as a result of a

tragic accident to those suits that border on the ridiculous. Currently, millions of lawsuits are filed in the United States every year, and there seems to be no end in sight.

Even in today’s difficult economy, with discretionary spending being limited, the importance of purchasing a personal umbrella policy cannot be overstated. A personal umbrella policy with sufficient coverage can save an insured’s personal and business assets should a catastrophic suit be filed; however, not all policies are the same. With many com-

panies offering personal umbrella coverage, it’s important agents and insureds understand the differences between those policies.

True Umbrella Coverage One of the most important things agents can do is make sure the policy they suggest provides true umbrella coverage. Some personal umbrellas are referred to as “following form” or “excess liability.” This means they contain the same coverage and exclusions as the underlying policy, so there is no added protection. Frequently, excess liability coverage is added to an insured’s homeowners policy as an endorsed coverage for a minimal premium. continued on page N6

We’ve Been Lending ...

Orlando, FL Senior Term Facility Line of Credit Cash Management

Charlottesville, VA Senior Term Perpetuation Cash Management

And we haven’t stopped. When successful independent agencies need capital for agency acquisition and perpetuation, they turn to InsurBanc. Your agency too can count on InsurBanc.

We are fully committed to the insurance industry. Our strength and unmatched expertise make us your most reliable source of capital.

• • • •

Checking & Cash Management Lines of Credit & Credit Cards Debt Refinancing Online Banking & Remote Deposit

• • • •

Equipment Leasing Commercial & Residential Mortgages Premium Trust Accounts Agency Acquisition & Perpetuation Loans

(866) 467-2262 www.InsurBanc.com N4 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:27 AM

Page 5

A Perfect Fit

Homeowners & Dwellings Mobile Home Motorcycle & ATV

Boats Flood Personal Watercraft

Farm & Ranch and more

Whether coverage is for motorcycle, agriculture, watercraft, or personal property, American Reliable Insurance Company, a member of Assurant Specialty Property has the programs and experience to be your insurance company of choice.

Look to American Reliable Insurance Company for a perfect fit to all your specialty insurance product needs.

Building Relationships. Celebrating Partnerships.

For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-535-1333, or visit us online at americanreliable.com.

American Reliable Insurance Company is proud to be a member of: AR28432-1005 todl Š Assurant, Inc. 2005

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:28 AM

Page 6

Closer Look Homeowners and Auto Personal Umbrella , continued from page N4

A true umbrella “drops down” and provides coverage that can be considerably broader with important additions for supplementary defense costs and personal injury. Personal umbrella coverage also varies greatly. In some instances, it’s more restrictive than the coverage provided by an underlying policy.

Another issue to consider is policy definitions. The definitions of insured, business and pollution are not always described in the same way policy-to-policy. Differences in policy language could exclude coverage for: • Some family members under 21; • Certain voluntary director and officer situa-

tions, such as serving on condominium boards; • In-home business instances; and • Pollution liability for common situations, such as burning leaves and fuel tanks with capacities in excess of 100 gallons.

A careful review of policy definitions is crucial to make sure coverage gaps are avoided.

Benefits One of the common benefits of purchasing a personal umbrella is enhanced personal injury coverage.

Unfortunately, A personal some umbrella umbrella policy polices restrict coverage in the event with sufficient of a personal injury coverage can claim that typically involves libel, save an insured’s slander or defamapersonal and tion. Side-by-side comparisons show business assets certain personal should a injury elements involving discrimicatastrophic nation, mental suit be filed. anguish, shock or mental injury can be excluded from some policies.

Additionally, there can be important differences in how various personal umbrellas treat the “care, custody and control” exclusion found in most underlying policies. Certain umbrellas can exclude liability for damage to rental vehicles, watercraft, snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles.

Individual circumstances vary, so careful consideration should be given to purchasing personal umbrella coverage that is adequate to protect a client’s assets. With a society becoming more litigious each day, it’s now more important than ever for agents to advise their clients properly. Being aware of the differences in personal umbrella and knowing that one size does not fit all situations will help agents form partnerships with their clients and ensure their personal and business assets are properly protected from a potential disaster. IJ Griffith is director of personal lines for Burns & Wilcox. He has more than 25 years of insurance industry experience and is responsible for the company’s personal lines department. E-mail: jmgriffith@burns-wilcox.com.

N6 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:28 AM

Page 7

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:28 AM

Page 8

National Coverage News & Markets

10 Things to Know About ...

Energy, Oil & Gas 4.

1.

The types of risks classified under the energy insurance category range from offshore energy (exploration and production), offshore energy construction, onshore energy (oil refining, gas processing, petrochemical plants and biomass), operational engineering (power stations, including thermal, wind, nuclear and solar), erection all risks (all industry types) and construction all risks (including waste/water and hydroelectric plants).

The subject matter of the insurance is physical material damage often extended to include business interruption/delay start-up and third party liability.

Source: Navigators Group Inc.

The world’s primary energy demand grows by 1.6 percent per year on average and between 2006 and 2030 the world will experience an increase of energy demand by 45 percent. China and India account for more than half of incremental energy demand to 2030 while the Middle East emerges as a major new demand center. Both countries’ energy use is set to more than double by 2030.

Source: The International Energy Agency

2.

Modern renewable energy sources will grow most rapidly, overtaking gas to become the second-largest source of electricity soon after

2010.

Source: The International Energy Agency

5.

Machinery breakdown is the most common type of loss in the power industry.

Source: Swiss Re

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike inflicted significant damage to the nation’s oil and natural gas infrastructure, causing devastating impacts on offshore natural gas production, shutting in production facilities and the pipelines that move the natural gas to processors along the Gulf coast. As a result of the two storms, almost all of the natural gas production and processing capacity in the area was shut in, with continued shut-ins affecting production into December 2008. There were 55 major natural gas processing plants in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama that were in the path of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, representing about 38 percent of the U.S. processing capacity.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

6.

According to the World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2008, the demand for oil will rise from 85 million barrels per day now to 106 million barrels per day in 2030. Demand for coal rises more than any other fuel in absolute terms, accounting for more than a third of the increase in energy use.

Source: The International Energy Agency

3.

N8 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

The offshore energy portfolio incurred loss ratio for 2008 is likely to be significantly greater than 100 percent once the final figures are collated and adjusted.

Source: Willis Energy Market Review 2009

7.

The market is expected to offer approximately 30 percent less capacity for Gulf of Mexico wind risk than in 2008, although this is likely to be shortly augmented by fresh capacity from Berkshire Hathaway.

Source: Willis Energy Market Review 2009

8.

9.

2008 Gulf of Mexico energy risk losses could be more than $10 billion, which is more than double the estimated worldwide energy premium

income.

Source: Willis Energy Loss Database/Willis Energy Market Review 2009 With little or no withdrawals from the market at January 2009, stated capacity levels for energy risks have actually increased by approximately 5 percent.

Source: Willis Energy Market Review 2009 IJ

10.

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:29 AM

Page 9

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:29 AM

Page 10

Finding

INSURANCE JOURNAL

TOP100 AGENCIES Steve Williams, Brian Dantzig, John Prichard Jr., Michael Heffernan, John Tallarida, and Elizabeth Bishop in front

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:29 AM

Page 11

a Niche A Young Company With a Nontraditional Management Style, Heffernan Insurance Brokers Has Shown How an Agency Can Be Young and Successful at the Same Time

By Lori Widmer

I

n the world of insurance and insurance brokerages, 21 years is One Thing Leads to Another almost infancy. With many of the top-ranking brokerage firms, At first, Heffernan thought he would be content to sell insurance there is a long history dating back 50 years or more and growth alongside his father, who worked for a large national brokerage. He that took time and patience. Yet longevity isn’t necessary to be joined ranks with his father in 1986. However, the younger Heffernan successful. And patience is overrated — simply find a product niche, was becoming increasingly disenchanted with the way insurance busibecome experts, respond to clients, and be one of the best employers ness was run in the traditional sense. So two years later, he bought an in your market. If you do all that, you’ll garner enough awards and East Bay company called Peterson and Associates, which had an recognition to prove you know what you’re doing better than any other already established nonprofit insurance business. player in your space.

It also had $250,000 in bad debt, something that perhaps cemented in Heffernan’s mind the notion that independence Welcome to Heffernan Insurance Brokers, a needs to be guarded fastidiously. With just nine young upstart company that adopted from the outTop 100 Agency Profile employees, Heffernan focused on making its core set all the criteria that has made it one of the top RANKING: No. 11 product a specialty. His own background echoed agencies in the country today. No small accomplishAgency Name: nonprofit business. “My father did a lot of business ment given the company’s beginnings — a 28-yearHeffernan Insurance Brokers with the Catholic church, so I knew that side of it. old employee of another brokerage firm, frustrated Headquarters: When I bought this firm, they had a program with with his job, decides to buy a failing company that Walnut Creek, Calif. church business, so we grew that and expanded it comes with a $250,000 debt and grow it from one Year Founded: 1988 office and 10 employees to 11 offices, 390 employees Additional Locations: Palo Alto, to include social services. There was no one going after it consistently or with a good plan.” Thus the and the 11th largest independent brokerage in the San Francisco, Petaluma, Los company became a niche player before the rest of country.

Angeles and Orange, Calif.; the industry caught on to the trend.

That employee, Michael Heffernan, is the compaChicago, Ill.; Portland, Ore.; Expanding into social services also led to the comny’s first and singular CEO and the mastermind Chesterfield, Mo.; Miami and West pany’s giving back to the community. “It made for a behind an agency vision and market niche that has Palm Beach, Fla. good business theme,” says Heffernan. So good, in allowed the company to grow organically and 2007 Premium Volume: fact, that the company is currently named a top corretain exceptional talent. It started with a culture $589.2 million porate philanthropist in the Bay area, an award the based on honesty, team effort, and an unwavering Property/Casualty: company receives often and Heffernan is quite client focus. His self-described laissez-faire style of $497.3 million proud of. “We’re very active in giving back. We gave management has created what he considers to be Other than P/C: over half a million last year. All of us are proud of an environment that fosters creativity, personal and $91.9 million that.” professional development, and happier clients as a % Commercial: 96% result of happier employees. % Personal: 4% Independent, Organic Growth In just one conversation, it was obvious that hon2007 Revenues: $71.0 million Another industry specialty Heffernan has focused esty is who Mike Heffernan is and what he expects Principals: F. Mike Heffernan preson since the company’s inception — construction, from his business. He readily admits mistakes, talks ident/CEO; Dan Sebastiani, CFO primarily middle market construction and subconopenly about why his company expanded into variNumber of Employees: 390 tractor business. The product line has grown since ous areas, gives kudos to the competition, and 1988 to include personal lines, commercial, financial services and beneadmits to his own company’s past shortcomings. Not that honesty isn’t fits, including 401(k). The company added health care and technology rewarded — Heffernan Insurance Brokers has a long list of accolades to the mix, creating new areas of expertise for Heffernan employees. bestowed upon it, including Agency of the Year, top place to work The company also added new locations in California, Florida, Chicago, (three consecutive years), second best place to work in the Bay area, Missouri and Oregon, but Heffernan notes that the expansion and Top 50 best companies to work for, top corporate philanthropist, and more. continued on page N12

www.insurancejournal.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N11

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:29 AM

Page 12

Heffernan, continued from page N11

ability to develop products expertise in the nonprofit field and being growth has been mostly organic. “We do very little acquisition. Of our a leader in insuring nonprofits for all products has been a huge suc$70 million in revenue, we’ve acquired about $7 million of that.” cess.”

On this point he is adamant — his company will remain indeFor Heffernan, niche is the only way to go. “It allows people to conpendent. If that means turning down an acquisition because of financentrate and understand all the intricacies of what the client needs cial dependence on others, so be it. Perhaps it’s because his young as well as the carriers and develop a relationship with the insurance company started with someone else’s debt, but he’s cautious about companies who play in that field. There is value added. You know any acquisition. “It’s not out of the question; it’s just in the last five or more about what the client needs, you have better relationships with six years because of venture capital money, bank money and internathe people who provide those products, and you can deliver better, tional brokers, the cost to acquire is a factor. We’re using our money more specialized service and products. Our company has all niche and they’re using public or private capital. If we use our money and people who help each other. In front of the client is always someone put ourselves in a situation where we get in trouble, we can’t remain independent.”

Despite an impressive $589.2 million in premiums ‘From day one we were focused on specific industries. written in 2007, the firm did see a decline in profits in 2008. “We’re down 2.2 percent in top line revenue. We’re It’s ingrained in our culture.’ mostly P&C, and we’re only 8 percent benefits.” And, benefits business has seen a decline in the tough econowho knows the industry.” my. The decreases aren’t staggering, and Heffernan understands the One of those niches includes benefits, which Heffernan says reasons. “Our rates have gone down, and our clients don’t have as formed the foundation of one of his larger mistakes. “Until I asked many unit employees, so benefits and workers’ comp definitely go Steve Williams to take over the benefits business, we did a very poor down based on that. Plus if sales are down, the liability and exposure job at benefits. I didn’t put enough emphasis on it. We should be a lot base has probably a 15 to 20 percent reduction on overall book.” larger. I blame myself. A long time ago when Bill Clinton got elected, And ironically, two of the states where the company has operaI thought there was going to be national health care and I decided tions — California and Florida — are the two states hardest hit by not to put capital in benefits. That was a mistake.” Given that the the current recession. Heffernan chuckles at the irony, but says “You company has gone from $1 million in revenue to $6 million in revenue just have to manage your way through that. There’s not much you can in nearly five years, they’re making up for lost time. do about it.” He’s done that by becoming more focused on business Other company niches include long-term care, senior care, nonrelationships and costs. That includes rethinking support of producprofit, which are businesses that Heffernan says have had a little less tion sources, and making sure the people being supported are adding of a downturn. Despite the niches, Heffernan points out, “We write value to the clients. construction and we write property owners. Our people are focused on individual industries.

Successful Niches “From day one we were focused on specific industries. It’s ingrained Key to Heffernan Insurance Brokers’ success is the company’s focus in our culture. If you come here, even if you are a generalist, you end on developing and selling niche products and expertise. “Some of our up becoming a specialist. From the very start we were that way. A lot of firms do that now, but 20 years ago it wasn’t that prevalent.”

From left to right: Brian Dantzig, Michael Heffernan, Elizabeth Bishop, John Prichard Jr., Steve Williams, John Tallarida N12 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

Rediscovered Opportunity Even though the company was quick to specialize, Heffernan admits to being late to the dance in a few areas. His understandable misperceptions of the benefits market aside, he admits to having been “a bit behind the game” with technology accounts, an area in which the company now thrives. As with any area in which the company specializes, Heffernan says a team with specific technology expertise was recruited and marketing campaigns were put into place to support the technology business. That’s how the company differentiates itself. “We go after a specific industry based on having talent in the company, we see a market opportunity or a product that differentiates us, and we believe in focused marketing.”

He also believes in understanding where true value lies. “We went after health care, long-term care, resident care, and home health care agencies because those areas were growing faster than the economy.

If you’re going into an industry, you probably want to go into one that’s growing faster than the economy because the insurance induswww.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:29 AM

Page 13

INSURANCE JOURNAL

TOP100 AGENCIES try can’t grow much faster than the economy — only in specific segments.”

The company has also further diversified its portfolio in the benefits arena. Current offerings include a financial services division for 401(k) products, and an investment management advisory group. In fact, financial services are to Heffernan a key area of concentration.

“It’s a business strategy for us in the upcoming years to become a lot bigger and more sophisticated in that arena. We have a very good team in place and we have a good platform.”

Another area of concentration is the small business. “We’ve also concentrated on small business for a long time, which a lot of brokerage firms have not done. With a lot of those clients we try to cross-sell the financial services — the 401(k) and the health.”

There are two reasons for the small business unit, says Heffernan.

“The primary reason was to write business for smaller businesses.

There aren’t a lot of independent agents going after that business. We wanted to take the products by carriers such as Travelers and The Hartford, CNA, with good small business divisions and serve that segment of the insurance population. On the other end, the underlying reason for the division is the people doing that business get trained in insurance and they become people who can populate our company.

It’s served as a really good training ground. Also, it’s a profit center that does well for us.”

As with most brokers and insurers, the aging employee base is a constant concern. Heffernan believes because his company put such effort into attracting young talent, there may be no shortage of future management or industry leaders. “We have a very young company.

We’re getting older in management, but there are still a ton of people in the company who are younger that are brand new to the industry.

We have 30-40 people straight out of college who are going to be in the insurance industry. That is one of our biggest successes.”

From left to right: Steve Williams, John Tallarida, Michael Heffernan, John Prichard Jr., Brian Dantzig, and Elizabeth Bishop in front.

When asked who the key people in the company were, he struggled. “That’s such a hard question. Our company is full of people who have been unbelievable for many years. Right now, people like Steve Williams who runs the San Francisco office and our financial services and benefits division; John Tallarida, who runs our Palo Alto office, oversees our southern California expansion; John Prichard Jr. who runs our small business unit; Brian Dantzig who runs the Walnut Creek office; and Liz Bishop who runs our personal lines division for California in addition to our Petaluma commercial lines office are our key players. It’s a big team, and it takes everybody. There are also many other people who have been here for 15 or 20 years including pro‘We have a very young company. … We have 30-40 people straight ducers, account managers and out of college who are going to be in the insurance industry. That is accounting personnel. one of our biggest successes.’

“Very few people leave our company. Most who have come here haven’t The People Factor left. They might leave to quit the insurance industry, but very few peoIt’s all part of Heffernan’s philosophy of finding employees who fit ple leave to go to other brokerage firms. Our clients see consistency. the corporate style and giving them the freedom to do their jobs withWhen people ask how we’re able to grow when times are tight, one of out micromanagement. “If you allow people to do their jobs by creatthe things is that virtually no one who is key to our company has left.” ing an environment where they can work well and you don’t impose From kids and dogs roaming the offices to hiring young talent and your will on them, you’ll have a better service platform.” bringing them to leadership status, this is not business as usual. Still, His philosophy has proof in numbers — of the people helping to Heffernan sees little difference between his company and other brorun the Heffernan business, 80 percent of their brokerage careers have kerages. “You can’t be that much different. We’re insurance brokers, been with the company. That’s not to say everyone is a fit. In fact, findbut I think we try to do it with a little more style, and try to treat ing new talent has been challenging because of the difference in maneveryone in the company in a way that allows them to enjoy what agement style of Heffernan versus a traditional brokerage. “We have a they’re doing. If they’re positive about their jobs, that transfers over to harder time recruiting people who have been in the industry for a our clients and knowing we care about them. It’s twofold — if our while because our style is different and they may not feel as comfortemployees are positive about their jobs, then the people we serve will able with that. They have to fit into it because if they don’t they just feel positive about what we’re providing them.” IJ won’t like it. I’m a true believer that there are many styles that can be successful. We’ve chosen this. It’s a strong culture. You have to like Widmer is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer who specializes in insurance and risk that style to thrive in it.” management topics. www.insurancejournal.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N13

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 14

Closer Look Homeowners and Auto/Antiques and Collectibles

Recession Gives Agents New Opportunity with Car Lovers Bergan

By Laura Bergan

L

ast month, firefighters saved a 1964 As the vehicle value appreciates over time, or • Premiums can be much lower with a colFord Mustang convertible from a fire restoration work is done to the car, the value lector policy compared with a standard auto at a restoration shop in suburban may be adjusted upon request. policy. The reason: collector policies restrict Chicago. The car, the first of its make The competitiveness of today’s auto insurcar usage to hobby use, which means the and model to come off the assembly line, was ance markets has made insuring a classic car property/liability risks can be much lower valued at $5 million. The blaze started in simpler than ever. Collector-vehicle insurance than a daily-use car that is driven 10,000 another classic vehicle, a 1968 Oldsmobile has grown steadily in popularity among car miles-plus annually. Premiums reflect the Cutlass, one of only 250 still in existence. collectors. Yet, there’s a lot of room to grow. lower risks.

That vehicle, in the Industry estiBrokers are able to use the collector-car final stages of mates are that only insurance sale as a way to build a closer bond restoration, was half of collector and loyalty with customers: worth $75,000. vehicles are actual• The demographics of car lovers appeal to ly insured with brokers. For example, the 180,000 subscribers A collector car collector-vehicle of “industry bible” Hemmings Motor News — whether it’s a coverage. And the magazine own an average of 4.4 cars. These late model Aston world of car lovers car lovers have an average household income Martin that a James is a big one: 7 perof $139,000, a home valued at $385,000, and Bond fan might cent of Americans household net worth of $1.27 million. buy; a 1960s muscle own a collector • Americans love to spend time and money car like a Pontiac 1930 Ford Model A vehicle, according on their collector cars. An American GTO; or a vintage to an estimate in the Wall Street Journal.

Collectors Insurance survey of nearly 400 vehicle like a 50s-era Ford pickup — is insured customers showed that car collectors almost always the most-prized possession of That’s a market of 21 million people who spend an average of 25 hours per month on its owner. If someone’s most valuable possesspend their time and money on vehicles of all their hobby. They’ve got sion is lost in a fire, woe to the insurance makes, models and types. It’s not discretionary income: agent who underinsured it. just cars: Fire engines, military Agents can offer Hemmings readers spend trucks and motorcycles draw colcollector-vehicle an average of more than Agreed Value: Crucial for Collectors lectors, too. coverage to $6,000 yearly for car These vehicles may have been covered by Those people have one thing in restoration work. the restoration shop’s commercial insurance. common: They buy a vehicle solecustomers as a An agent who taps into But in many other cases collector-vehicle ly for the purpose of enjoying it as money-saving that passion by providing owners are filing claims with standard auto a valued possession. opportunity that a more suitable policy has carriers and hearing the disappointing news also will provide a better chance to tap into they are receiving actual cash value (not What Agents Can Gain the trust and loyalty of agreed value) for their most-valued possesMany insurance brokers are broader coverage sion. Collector-vehicle insurance provides loss pleasantly surprised about how more tailored to a that customer. Plus, agents can offer collector-vehicle reimbursement based on agreed value. different a collector-vehicle policy collector’s needs. coverage to customers as a For agents, there’s a lesson here. is than a standard auto policy. money-saving opportunity Agreed-value coverage is typically a better Here are examples of a collector that also will provide broader coverage more fit for the needs of collectors than a standard policy’s appeal: tailored to a collector’s needs. IJ auto policy. Agreed-value coverage pays the • Collector policies have added features of vehicle’s full-insured value (less the special appeal: automatic increases in coverdeductible). The insurance provider and the age to keep up with inflation; flexible mileage Bergan is vice president of marketing for American consumer jointly agree at time of policy issue tiers depending on usage; coverage for spare Collectors Insurance. Phone: 800-360-2277. E-mail: on the value of the collector vehicle, based on parts (which can be costly for classic vehiLaura.B@AmericanCollectors.com. Web site: pricing manuals, recent sales and other data. cles); and the choice of a $0 deductible. www.AmericanCollectors.com.

N14 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 15

Spotlight Transportation and Trucking

A Look at the Transportation Insurance Industry Industry Still Stalled in a Soft Market But Some Rate Increases on the Horizon

By Richard Augustyn

O

bservers of the property and casualty insurance industry, who consider themselves gurus when it comes to predicting cyclical changes, find themselves in a state of perplexity these days. Traditionally, they look to the transportation insurance industry as a herald of market cycles. The transportation insurance market softens first, and then the rest of the The soft market P/C market begins to folhas hurt everyOr, the one, but it seems low. transportation to have affected insurance market hardens, the short haul and so goes the trucking market rest of the industry. more than the For those who long haulers. are hoping for a hardening of the P/C market overall, there is room for some cautious optimism when considering the state of today’s transportation insurance market, with “cautious” being the operative word. It isn’t that transportation insurance rates are going up — quite the contrary.

The fact is that the industry is still mired in a soft market. However, in some areas of transportation, the pace of rate reductions is slowing somewhat, and that’s a good sign.

As of the fourth quarter of 2008, for most account sizes, rates in the transportation insurance market continued to fall, but at a reduced pace when compared to prior quarters. While there have not been any drastic rate increases, there are early signs that the trend might be moving in that direction, especially for small and medium sized accounts. Premiums for large accounts, however, continue to fall at the same pace of 10 to 20 percent. www.insurancejournal.com

Augustyn

Select segments of the market are showing fewer rate decreases, especially bulk haulers, charter/tour buses and airport ground transportation. Rate decreases are easing for all product lines. However, motor truck cargo and warehouseman’s legal have experienced the lowest decline in premiums. Rates on many expiring umbrella policies are actually flat or increasing.

Those observations are just some of the key findings of NIP Group’s Transportation Insurance Pricing Survey (TIPS), which is designed to benchmark changes in the availability and rates in the transportation insurance market. We surveyed the nation’s leading transportation insurance brokers, wholesalers and underwriters about what they’re seeing with rates on their accounts. The results are published quarterly.

Continued Competition One issue contributing to rate declines is competition. A few years ago, there were only 40 companies writing trucking insurance business. Today, that number is closer to 100. However, a positive sign is that there are fewer insurers entering the transportation market than in previous years.

There are still the “rogue” players in the business though, and they’re keeping rates depressed. These are players who enter the business, stay around for a couple of years and then retreat when the losses come in. There are still individual accounts that are being written past the burn factor.

People in the transportation business are wise to take advantage of reduced rates during a soft market. However, they continued on page N16

What is your opinion of the overall direction of the transportation insurance market?

50 40 30 20 10 16.98%

47.17%

0

24.53%

9.43%

1.89%

Base 1. Softer

2. Soft

3. Flat

4. Hardening

5. Hard

While 17 percent say the market is softer than in prior quarters, more than 9 percent of respondents actually see a hardening of the market, according to NIP Group’s Transportation Insurance Pricing Survey (TIPS).

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N15

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 16

Spotlight Transportation and Trucking Transportation, continued from page N15

should be forewarned that when the market hardens rate increases might seem unmanageable. If an account is being written at 20 percent less than normal market rates, when the hard market comes that account can see the premiums double or triple, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Finally, when considering the current state of the transportation industry, one must also examine other outside influences that are having some negative effects on the business. Truckers today are strapped for cash and they have thin margins.

They went through 2008 first with soaring fuel prices, which seriously damaged their bottom lines, and then with the emergence of a financial crisis the likes of which has not been seen before. Fuel prices have eased, but retailers are saying that sales are dropping and will probably continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Low sales mean

MIDLANDS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION A PMA Company

Your Hospitality Insurance Source General Liability & Liquor Liability Excess & Umbrella Coverages, with a $5 Million Capacity Property Coverage also available

TARGET CLASSES: • Gentlemen’s Clubs • Bars & Taverns (Including College Bars) • Night Clubs • Ultra Lounges • Hotels & Motels

PRODUCT FEATURES: • Liquor liability limits up to $1,000,000/$1,000,000 • General liability limits up to $1,000,000/$2,000,000 • Mono-line liquor liability • Assault & Battery - varied sub-limits (coverage includes criminal acts) • Combined General Liability & Liquor liability limits available for a discounted rate • New Ventures • Minimum Premiums starting at $2,500 (vary by class of business) • Coverage underwritten with an A.M. Best “A” Rated Carrier

Oklahoma: 800.800.4007 • GeneralLiability@midman.com www.midlandsmgt.com N16 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

fewer items to ship which, in turn, means that trucks remain idle.

With power units being taken off the road, and drivers and employees furloughed, one small positive for transportation companies is lower insurance premiums because of lower insurance exposures.

What we don’t know is how this will impact transportation insurers, as they deal with lower premiums because of lower rates and exposures.

Economic Woes The economic crisis has rippled through other areas of the transportation industry as well. The casinos of Atlantic City, N.J., are experiencing serious financial difficulties, some of them flirting with bankruptcy.

Because of hard times, with massive unemployment, people don’t want to gamble away whatever cash reserves they have left.

And fewer people going to casinos means fewer people renting limouFor those who are sines or charhoping for a ter buses.

Naturally, hardening of the P/C the soft marmarket overall, ket has hurt everyone, but there is room for it seems to some cautious have affected optimism when the short haul trucking marconsidering the ket more than state of today’s the long haulers. transportation Municipal coninsurance market … struction and road works have been cut back, so short haul truckers have to look elsewhere for work.

In summary, the future of the transportation insurance industry depends on a return to sanity within the industry with rogue players exiting the market and the long-term players bringing stability to the market, and on a fond hope that the economy will at least be heading in a different direction than it is now. IJ Augustyn is CEO of NIP Group Inc. Web site: www.nipgroup.com. www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 17

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 18

Idea Exchange Growing Your Property Casualty Agency

Don’t Emulate How the Big Auto Insurers Sell Market Auto Discounts Differently Shulman

By Alan Shulman

I

t’s pretty safe to say that money isn’t everything. Your health, happiness and, of course, golf are all more important. A lot more important, right? Well, maybe not if you glance at the pile of auto insurance direct mail promos that have accumulated in the far corner of my office over the past year or two.

insurers probably has an actuarial department that’s bigger than a small town. So, believability isn’t the issue. Rather, it’s that each carrier’s savings claim tends to cancel out the others, leaving recipients with a stack of mailers as well as questions.

More to Come The odds are excellent that in this economy we’ll see more of these types of promos from the big auto insurers, as long as they continue to attract new sales. So, as a local or regional agency, how can you compete against such leviathans? The answer lies in doing something different rather than trying to emulate them. And yes, saving money is important, more important than it has been in decades, but there’s more than one way to deliver this message.

Here are actual excerpts from the mailings of seven different insurers. Who they are isn’t important. The message that they send to drivers is: • Save up to $523 • Average annual savings: $338 • Average premium savings: $286.18 • [Average] annual savings of more than $500 • [Drivers] save an average of $409.

Striking Similarities According to these eerily similar marketing pieces, saving money is virtually everyone’s buying trigger. Most of the mailings tout oddball dollar figures. One includes pennies, while one goes for the big rounded number. If you get all of these messages in your mailbox (as I did) you can’t help but be confused. Who do you believe? Now, this isn’t to say that the cited dollar amounts aren’t credible. If there’s one thing that insurance companies are amazing at, it’s running numbers. Each of these

of requiring them to call your main number or e-mail a generic address. An auto quote naturally ensues.

Checklist Promotions Distribute printed editions of the checklist as an insert in your local shopping news, suburban weekly, and other area publications.

Also send it out as a direct mailer with an encouraging cover memo. The document may further be distributed as a Web form for prospects to complete online or posted as a PDF. These, you can instantly promote through permission e-mails, banner ads, blogs, Web 2.0 communities, etc.

Educate and Entice Interested and informed prospects may be sold and retained without resorting to specific dollar savings, as statistically accurate as they may be. That’s because if you can’t actually Discount Checklists achieve that level of savings for the individual One alternative is to dazzle prospects with prospect at your desk, credibility does the variety of discounts that your agency become a factor and the sale is tougher to offers. Many drivers don’t realize that they can close. Discount checkreduce their policy premiums lists deliver a serious through certain actions and Dazzle prospects savings message, withforbearances, other than the with the variety of out all of the drama. obvious ones of no accidents or tickets. So, hook these auto discounts that your And if you are concerned about current insurance shoppers by distribagency offers. insureds seeing your list uting a promotional checklist Many drivers don’t and bugging you with that itemizes the many credits discount queries, be that are available through your realize that they glad that they do. Make office. List both the automatic can reduce their them feel welcome. policy credits (anti-lock Their call gives you a brakes, age of operator, etc.) policy premiums … chance to retain their and action-based credits business and to bond with them during these (defensive driver courses, multi-policy, pay in universally tough times. IJ advance, etc.). Encourage drivers to check off each policy discount to which they believe they are entitled. Conclude the form with a Shulman, CPCU, is the publisher of Agency Ideas, a subscripcall-to-action that invites prospects to phone tion-only sales and marketing newsletter. He is also the or e-mail your agency to go over the discounts author of the Illustrative Insurance Sales Letter series and in detail. Permit shoppers to contact a specific other P/C sales resources. Phone: 800-724-1435. E-mail: person at your agency for this service, instead alan@agencyideas.com. Web site: www.agencyideas.com.

N18 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 19

New Markets The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com.

Vacant Commercial Property Market Detail: Western Networked Insurance Services (www.westernnetworkedins.com) has an exclusive program for vacant properties. Phone quotes provided.

Available Limits: As needed.

Carriers: Unable to disclose. “A” rated by A.M. Best. Non-admitted.

States: Ala., Alaska, Ariz., Ark., Calif., Colo., Del., D.C., Fla., Ga., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kan., Ky., La., Maine, Md., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Mont., Neb., Nev., N.J., N.M., N.Y., N.C., N.D., Ohio, Okla., Ore., Pa., R.I., S.C., S.D., Tenn., Utah, Va., Wash., W. Va., Wis. and Wyo. Contact: John Erickson at 530-274-6992 or e-mail John.Erickson@networkedins.com.

Horse Farms, Trainers & Events Market Detail: Agri-Risk Services Inc. (www.agririsk.com) offers coverages for horse farms, trainers, clubs and events. Minimum premiums begin at $500.

Available Limits: $300,000 to $1 million.

Carriers: Gemini Insurance Co. of Greenwich, CT. “A” rated by A.M. Best.

Admitted and non-admitted.

States: All. Contact: Dr. Lance Allen at 913-897-1699 ext.

314 or e-mail lanceallen@agririsk.com.

Interpreters and Translators Professional Liability Market Detail: Professional Program Insurance Brokerage (www.ppibcorp.com) offers professional liability coverage to interpreters and translators. Coverage is offered on a claims made basis and protects against claims alleging errors, omissions or negligent acts arising out of professional interpreting or translating services. Coverage can be included for the applicant, applicants owned company, employees and contractors. The option to include general liability is also available. Apps, quotes and purchase requests can all be done online. Minimum premium begins at $275.

Available Limits: $250,000 to $1 million.

Carriers: Lloyds of London. “A” rated by A.M. Best. Non-admitted. www.insurancejournal.com

States: All except Alaska and Mississippi.

Contact: Susan Preston at 415-475-4300 or e-mail susan@medispa-ins.com.

Childcare Solutions Market Detail: AFC Insurance Inc. (www.afcins.com) offers an admitted package product for day care centers and nurseries.

The package includes: property, general liability, abuse & molestation, professional liability, automobile, umbrella and accident coverage.

Available Limits: As needed.

Carriers: AIG. “A” rated by A.M. Best.

Bringing Market Seekers and Market Providers Together • Find markets in our database • Promote your markets on our site • Join our community forums • Membership is free!

Admitted.

States: All. Contact: Mike VonFabian at 877-456-5323 or e-mail michael.vonfabian@afcins.com.

Mono-line Coastal Property Market Detail: CATalyst Property Insurance from Venture Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) gives agents a commercial property, inland marine and incidental commercial general liability program for coastal propertydriven risks. CATalyst can access many carriers to offer agent’s high-hazard, coastal and specialty property risks special form coverage including wind, flood and quake. A difference in conditions policy covering flood and quake exposures is available. Minimum premiums begin at $5,000 (higher in parts of Florida).

Available Limits: $1 million to $500 million.

Carriers: More than 20 carriers. “A-” rated by A.M. Best (at minimum). Admitted and nonadmitted.

States: All. Contact: Christian Capozzoli at 800-282-6247 ext. 262 or ccapozzoli@ventureprograms.com.

Security Guard & Alarm Liability Market Detail: Izzo Insurance Services Inc. (www.izzoinsurance.com) brings 25 years of specialization to agent’s security guard and alarm industry clients. Izzo offers these classes of operation primary general liability, following form umbrella coverage (including errors and omissions protection) and four workers’ compensation markets. Fidelity bonds and employment practices liability protection are also available. Minimum premiums begin at $2,500 and deductibles begin at $1,000.

Available Limits: Starting at $1 million.

Carriers: Unable to disclose. “A” rated by A.M. Best. Admitted and non-admitted.

States: All except Alaska.

Contact: Scott Newell at 800-800-1704 or e-mail snewell@izzoinsurance.com.

Bars & Taverns, Clubs and Concerts Market Detail: Kevin Davis Insurance Services (www.kdisonline.com) offers a general liability program designed specifically for adult establishments. Target classes and activities include bars and taverns, clubs, concerts, nightclubs, promoters, rap concerts and other special events. Adult entertainment operations open 24/7 are also eligible. Full liquor liability coverage is available as is assault and battery protection (subject to a sublimit).

Excess policies are also available.

Available Limits: $1 million to $5 million.

Carriers: Unable to disclose. “A-” rated by A.M. Best. Non-admitted.

States: Ariz., Calif., D.C., Fla., Ga., Hawaii, Mass., Nev., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Ore., Pa., S.C., Texas, Va. and Wash.

Contact: Ezana Asfaw at 877-807-8708 ext.

6127 or e-mail easfaw@kdins.com. IJ

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N19

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 20

REVIEW YOUR RISK

Idea Exchange Minding Your Business

The Art of Restructuring Your Agency in Difficult Times

By Catherine Oak and Bill Schoeffler Oak

Schoeffler

S Before It’s Too Late!

Use RiskMeter’s Real-Time Risk Reports to Check:

• Distance to Shore • Wildfire Hazards • Windpool Eligibility • FEMA Flood Zones • Earthquake Information • Hail & Tornado Exposure • Crime Scores • Aerial Photos • And Much More!

For a FREE Trial Account Please call

1.800.746.7797 or visit

www.RiskMeter.com RiskMeter.com The On-Line Service for Automated Property Reports

ince the fall of 2008, the economy is are under your control. Accept, as they are, still reeling from continuous hits to the things that are out of your control. It is a the head. The slump is taking a toll waste of time and resources to try to change on businesses of all kinds around the or fix things you cannot control. country. All of our clients are feeling the First, focus on the fundamentals of your impact; some more than others. It seems business. The primary steps should be to cut everyone is taking a wait expenses and maintain or and see attitude. increase revenue. Next, In these turbulent take action to develop new The urban legend that ways to do business. All the Chinese character for times, people are the rules have changed. chaos also means opportuwilling and open to Uncertainty is the only nity is still a nice reliable thing right now. So metaphor to learn from accept radical radical change to your busi(even if it is not a fact). It change. Exploit ness will not only be is true, however, that in accepted, but also encournature a new (revolutionthis current mind aged. ary) creation comes after the old entity “dies.” A but- shift. Turn lemons terfly pops out of a into lemonade and Stop the Bleeding Do what it takes to chrysalis that the caterpilseek opportunity retain your key clients, lar entered. Suddenly, an even if it means you work entirely new species from the chaos. with them to cut costs — shows up from the ingreand your commission. dients of its former life.

They will remember your efforts because Businesses can follow the same process of customer service leaves a lasting impression. an entirely new creation developing from Now is the time to explore new areas for the remnants of an old concept. Take advanincome. Find out what your customers need tage of the current chaos to re-create your and figure out how you can deliver it. business model. Create ways to “recessionDevelop value added services for which you proof” your business. In these turbulent can charge a fee. Make a real effort to crosstimes, people are willing and open to accept sell accounts. Expand into niches or proradical change. Exploit this current mind gram business. Create affiliations with othshift. Turn lemons into lemonade and seek ers to offer packaged products and services. opportunity from the chaos.

A broader income base is needed during this economy to make a business less vulnerBe the Leader able. If the business is “too focused” in one It is tough out there. Hard choices will area, it can suffer devastating losses. A good have to be made. Having a clear vision of the model is to have two or three niches or areas “facts” is imperative. This will mean getting of focus, along with some general or miscelsome input from outsiders (consultants, laneous business.

CPAs, board members, friends, employees, etc.) Take off the rose colored glasses and Hold Agency Brainstorming Meetings put on the green eyeshades.

Engage your employees to be an advisory Concentrate your effort on the things that

N20 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 NATIONAL.qxd

3/4/09

9:30 AM

Page 21

willing to accept a part-time position if they can work from home, for example. You might need to just cut the number of work hours across the board. Find out what will work best with your staff by discreetly asking a couple of trustworthy employees.

If you do reduce the number employees, it would be wise to bump up the pay to the remaining employees that take on the extra workload. This gesture is a wise step to retain the key employees. For example, you might save $40,000 if you need to cut a CSR. However, if one or two employees end up taking on that person’s workload, they should get bonus pay (not a salary increase) of perhaps $5,000 to $10,000 to handle the additional workload.

team and get them involved. Your employees usually will have great ideas and answers to help you trim the fat in the agency and improve your business. Unfortunately, they are often the last ones asked, if ever.

Make sure the rules and goals for an advisory team are clear. This is not intended to be a complaint session, but rather a brainstorming session. It is important that owners need to be willing to incorporate (many) of the suggestions, even if it impacts them directly or just does not “seem” like something they would do. If it is a good idea that will work, use it. Otherwise, your employees will be less likely to help in the future.

Get Rid of Dead Wood This is the time you can clean house of people that are not pulling their weight.

Many agencies have done this already. For some owners, this is very hard because they might never have fired anyone. However, it is sink or swim time.

It is always wise to consult with an HR expert or attorney. Employment laws and regulation are so intrusive now-a-days and you don’t want to make mistakes.

Employees should always receive adequate reviews, and if needed, counseled for poor performance. Personnel files need to be well-documented. But, none of this should stop an owner from keeping the good employees and letting go of the under-performers. www.insurancejournal.com

Lower Staff Costs If your office salaries are more than 22 percent of your revenues (after you have gotten rid of dead wood), you are probably overstaffed. If you need to cut costs in this area, be creative in your approach. A “good” employer will do what ever it takes to retain key employees.

Instead of laying off individual people, look at ways to reduce the overall work hours for your staff. Some people might be

Summary Those that are flexible and willing to adapt will survive this economy. Now is the time to re-invent your business model.

Changes made to help you survive will also give you what you need to make the agency thrive when the economy turns around. IJ Schoeffler and Oak are partners at the consulting firm of Oak & Associates. Phone: 707-935-6565. E-mail: bill@oakandassociates.com. Web site: www.oakand associates.com.

®

Agency Ideas SALES & MARKETING IDEAS FOR P&C PROFESSIONALS

AGENCY IDEAS® NEWSLETTER Inside each issue of this popular publication, you’ll find fresh ways to sell more personal and commercial lines, to advertise, cross-sell, use the Web, and more.

Agency Id

eas

INSIDE

THE SALES & MARKETING PUBLICATION FOR P&C PROFESSION ALS

These self-pu blished documents permit you substitute for the traditi to put your insura onal nce offer coverage in the best checklist where possible light. insureds sign new Accordingly don’t limit on to or off , yourself to coverage of each comparing and limit. just the core After all, document’s coverages. primary functi this Also feature any special packa to help you on is close the that are part ges sale, not protect you of your quote All insurance against E&O instance, . For proposals if the home claims. built upon The charts are owners the pillars policy that supplement of price, you propo summarize protection, and se includes your regula an endorsemen PAGE FOUR and servic r proposal e. On document. the surfac e, it is extrem Pre-fil limited deduc t package with ADVERTISING ely as many covera l and compare simple for tible windo potential replacemen w ges and servic buyers to t, refrigerated glass as space and compare Solicit Contrac es cost. They spoilage, judgment food tors with just have and dama allows.

Then sit down Target-Specific to examine ge from backed up two Marketing. with the prosp sewers — and help what do these numbers. But ect disclose him or her them all. dollars actual to complete Their practi the other buy? That’s cal value side of each stands out where protec ly PAGE FIVE form, itemsince by-item. This and servic tion e fill in the of the custom they are not part joint exerci picture. se is one of the Competing ary contra Q&A keys ct. quotes are Furthermore never actively involv to sales success, identical, CSRs and Custom , as limits, covera include multip when you ing the buyer er Skills. proposal endorsemen ges, le policy types in Managing New the presen the same ts, and seller on Commercial chart, such when an in-per tation. However, services vary as auto, HO, and umbre Lines Producers. from offer son meeti lla, you promo physically ng is to offer.

So, when impossible 51% or more Post a “Want idea of the te the or resisted, List “to Gain prospect of these the charts variations moving their Desired Sales can be emaile are to your entire accou Appointments advantage, d as PDF files and nt to you, it’s wise to . instead point them of just a single filled in with Tips for Design out. prospect policy. This To help you ing Your over the phone the format encou to presen Next Agency . Still, with all of rages both differences, t the Logo. their advan of you to discuss we have develo tages, these and quote tools aren’t two comp ped multip for everyo arison charts policies at le ne. the same [see page 7] and Larger comm PAGE SIX time, even when posted them there are require simila ercial accounts PRODUCER SALE online Subscr in our disparate expiration r comparativ ibers-Only S dates. information, Area. e The first one but just not compares The first chart Inject Fun into the this forma in integral and Commercial also serves t. So, use limited summ optional covera as a Lines Insuran this chart structure aspects of ary ce Proposals. ge mainly your propo useful in itemiz of discussions, 7 Ways to Pep sal to personal lines to encourage prospect’s ing the pre-sa Up a Small existing policie the coverages and small le and limits Business Present business prospects the secon s; that you to interact d compares initially propo ation. with you, servic and to ensure Modify and sed that you menti — and noting output custom es. that the major distinctions versions of oned non-c ized of your offer items such each using overed as flood insura Word. clearly under are However, stood. Let nce. it is not a today’s harsh us vs. viable them menta lity work to your sales advantage.

PAGE THREE

ON

Visit us online for a sample issue and to discover our other tools including the Illustrative Insurance Sales Letter series.

VISIT OUR SITE • DOWNLOAD A FREE SAMPLE ISSUE.

Use Compariso n Charts to Highlight the Advantages of Your New Bu siness Propo sal

PAGE TWO

CSR SELLING Upsell / Cross-S ell Tip Sheet for Commercial CSRs.

INTERNET ACTI

Enjoy password access to our Web-based Subscribers-Only Area along with your print subscription. Download tons of pre-designed sales tools based on the newsletter’s original ideas. Published by Alan Shulman, CPCU since 1990.

®

The Subscribers-On ly Should Your Agency Area.

Upgrade to Microsoft® Office 2007?

Revive Dead Policies™ CD.

Comparis on charts illustrate how your offer outc lasses the competitio n.

WWW.AGENCYIDEAS.COM • 1-800-724-1435 March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N21

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

S

earching for the right market for a hard-to-place hospitality risk? Look no further than Insurance Journal’s Hospitality Risks Directory — a comprehensive listing of excess and surplus lines intermediaries and carriers offering hospitality risks coverage nationwide.

The information listed in this directory has been compiled to serve as a resource guide for independent agents and brokers looking for

Class of Business Banquet Halls

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 22

superior markets for everything from nightclubs to special events, hotels to motels, spas, resorts and restaurants too.

All markets profiled in this directory have been updated with the most current information available provided directly by the intermediaries and carriers writing the coverage. IJ has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of all information listed in this directory.

Market A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Clovis) Capitol Insurance Companies CNA Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Delta General Agency Corp.

Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Monitor Liability Managers, LLC Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities

N22 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

To submit a listing for future Hospitality Risks directories, e-mail Kristine Honey at: khoney@insurancejournal.com, or visit: www.insurancejournal.com/directories.

We hope you find IJ’s 2009 Hospitality Risks Directory to be a useful tool when searching for quality markets.

To comment on this directory, or any other IJ resource, please e-mail: editorial@insurancejournal.com.

States Available MA RI AZ CA IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO MO NM NV OK TX UT All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States All States TX All States CA Most States All States CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA TX All States NJ PA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States All States AZ CA NV OR TX AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 23

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Banquet Halls (continued)

States Available

Market Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RCA Insurance Group RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Specialty Insurance

Tejas American General Agency

All States All States Most States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE All States All States CA TX CA CT DE FL GA IL MA MD MI MN MO NJ NY OH PA RI TN All States All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX

U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (San Diego) Valley Insurance Associates (Walnut Creek) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

All States All States CA CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA All States CA

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Access E&S Insurance Services (CA) Access E&S Insurance Services (VA) ACE Westchester Specialty--Property

MA RI AZ CA AZ CA CO ID MD NV PA VA WA CA MD NC VA All States

SuiteLife by Venture Programs Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

Bars / Night Clubs

Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters

IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI

Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation American Safety Insurance Services, Inc. American Underwriting Managers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) Atlantic Specialty Lines – Midwest Atlantic Specialty Lines of Florida - Clearwater AVRECO Bass Underwriters

CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO MO NM NV OK TX UT All States AR LA NM TX All States Most States DE FL GA MD ND SC VA All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States CA All States TX All States CA CA CA CA All States Most States CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States CT NJ NY PA CA CT MA ME NH RI VT CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA CA TX CA NJ PA NC SC VA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI Most States AK AZ CA CO HI NV UT WA CO NM GA NC SC TN VA WV IL IN WI TX CO ID IL KS NM UT WY

Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Bliss & Glennon, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Rancho Cordova) Cambridge General Agency (San Diego) Cambridge General Agency (Walnut Creek) Cambridge General Agency (West Covina) Camford National Insurance Brokers, LLC. Capitol Insurance Companies Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (CA) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (NV) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (OR) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Sacramento) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Southern CA) CNA Colemont Insurance Brokers - Atlanta Colemont Insurance Brokers - Chicago Colemont Insurance Brokers - Fresno Colemont Insurance Brokers - Hartford Colemont Insurance Brokers - Nashville Colemont Insurance Brokers - Phoenix Colemont Insurance Brokers - San Francisco Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Dallas) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Houston) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Woodland Hills Combined Underwriting Agency Network, Inc. Compass Insurance Group of Agencies Conexco Insurance Agency, Inc. Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Crusader Insurance Company Delta General Agency Corp.

Dunfield Wholesale Insurance Inc. Excel Insurance Services Inc. Focus Underwriters, LLC Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. Heritage General Agency High Country Insurance (a division of Hull & Co.) HULL & Company, Inc. – Albuquerque HULL & Company, Inc. – Charlotte HULL & Company, Inc. – Chicago HULL & Company, Inc. – Dallas HULL & Company, Inc. – Denver

www.insurancejournal.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N23

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 24

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Bars / Night Clubs (continued)

Market HULL & Company, Inc. - Fort Lauderdale HULL & Company, Inc. - Great Falls HULL & Company, Inc. - Horsham HULL & Company, Inc. – Jacksonville HULL & Company, Inc. – Kalispell HULL & Company, Inc. - LA County HULL & Company, Inc. – Scottsdale International Excess Companies Izzo Insurance Services, Inc. J.L. von Arx & Associates J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company LA Xcess Insurance Brokers, Inc. Leicht General Agency Lionheart Insurance Services London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Maclean Oddy & Associates, Inc. McClelland and Hine, Inc. Midwest General Agency Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. N-Surance Outlets, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services PGI Commercial Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Program Brokerage Corporation Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Quaker Special Risk (Florida) Quaker Special Risk (Georgia) Quaker Special Risk (Mass.)

Quaker Special Risk (New Jersey) Quaker Special Risk (New York) Quirk & Company Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RCA Insurance Group (Bars/TTaverns) RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. RISCO, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Specialty Insurance (Bars/TTaverns) Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc Tejas American General Agency Trinity E&S Insurance Services, Inc. (Bermuda Dunes, CA) U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. USASIA Insurance Services USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Clovis) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers, Inc. Westrope Insurance Managers of Florida, LLC Wholesale Connection Insurance Services Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Bed & Breakfasts

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) Appleby & Sterling AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Clovis) Cambridge General Agency (San Diego) Cambridge General Agency (West Covina) Capitol Insurance Companies Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (CA) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (NV) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (OR) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Sacramento) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Southern CA) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Atlanta

N24 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

States Available FL ID MT OR WA WY MD NJ PA FL ID MT WY CA AZ All States All States AZ CA IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH All States TX CA TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX TX TX MN WI All States FL GA LA TN AZ CA NV OR TX All States AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon IL IN MI OH WI AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States All States Most States Most States Most States Most States Most States LA NM OK OR TX WA All States Most States CA CT MA ME NH RI All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE CA TX CA CT DE FL GA IL MA MD MI MN MO NJ NY OH PA RI TN All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX AZ CA NV OR WA All States CA CA NV All States CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA TX FL CA CA MA RI AZ CA IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO MO NM NV OK TX UT All States AZ CA NV All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States TX All States CA CA CA Most States CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT All States

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 25

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Bed & Breakfasts (continued)

States Available

Market Colemont Insurance Brokers - Chicago Colemont Insurance Brokers - Fresno Colemont Insurance Brokers - Hartford Colemont Insurance Brokers - Nashville Colemont Insurance Brokers - Phoenix Colemont Insurance Brokers - San Francisco Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Dallas) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Houston) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Woodland Hills Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Delta General Agency Corp.

Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Gillingham & Associates Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd J.L. von Arx & Associates J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.E. James Surplus Lines Ins. Brokerage M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas McClelland and Hine, Inc. McGowan & Company, Inc. Monitor Liability Managers, LLC Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc. Philadelphia Insurance Companies Preferred Concepts LLC Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Quirk & Company Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) S.I.U., LLC Smith, Bell & Thompson South & Western General Agency, Inc. Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA TX All States NJ PA All States CT MA ME NH NY RI VT AZ CA IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH TN TX CA AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX TX All States All States All States AZ CA NV OR TX All States AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon TX Most States All States AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States LA NM OK OR TX WA All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE All States All States CA Most States TX All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX Most States All States All States CA CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA All States CA

Tejas American General Agency Towerstone, Inc. U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Rancho Cordova) Valley Insurance Associates (Walnut Creek) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Breweries / Micro

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. ACE Westchester Specialty--Property Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Clovis) Capitol Insurance Companies CNA Excel Insurance Services Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc. PGI Commercial Priority Insurance Underwriters

www.insurancejournal.com

MA RI All States CT All States All States All States All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States TX All States CA Most States All States NJ PA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon TX IL IN MI OH WI AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N25

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 26

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Breweries / Micro (continued)

Market Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. RISCO, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc Tejas American General Agency USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Rancho Cordova) Valley Insurance Associates (Walnut Creek) Valley Insurance Associates (West Covina) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Casinos

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. ACE Westchester Specialty--Property Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (San Diego) Delta General Agency Corp.

Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Hospitality Insurance Solutions J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company LA Xcess Insurance Brokers, Inc. M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Specialty Underwriters, Inc. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Priority Insurance Underwriters Property Risk Services (AmWINS) RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Swett & Crawford Tejas American General Agency USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Rancho Cordova) Valley Insurance Associates (West Covina) Venture Hospitality Program Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Caterers

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Rancho Cordova) Capitol Insurance Companies Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Delta General Agency Corp.

Dunfield Wholesale Insurance Inc. Entertainment Brokers International

N26 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

States Available All States All States All States CA CT MA ME NH RI All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE CA TX All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX All States CA CA CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA CA MA RI All States CT All States All States All States All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States TX All States CA TX All States NJ PA Most States IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH All States AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States All States AZ CA NV OH Oregon AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE CA TX All States TX All States CA CA All States CA IL MO CA CA MA RI AZ CA IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO MO NM NV OK TX UT All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States All States TX All States CA Most States CA CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA TX CA All States

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 27

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Caterers (continued)

States Available

Market Excel Insurance Services Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc.

NJ PA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI Most States IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States All States AZ CA NV OR TX All States AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon TX AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States All States Most States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE All States All States CA TX CA CT DE FL GA IL MA MD MI MN MO NJ NY OH PA RI TN All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX Most States All States All States CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA All States CA

Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Monitor Liability Managers, LLC Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc. Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RCA Insurance Group RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Specialty Insurance Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc Tejas American General Agency Towerstone, Inc. U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (West Covina) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Dinner Theaters

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (San Diego) Cambridge General Agency (West Covina) Capitol Insurance Companies CNA Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Crusader Insurance Company Delta General Agency Corp.

Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company LA Xcess Insurance Brokers, Inc. London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Monitor Liability Managers, LLC Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

www.insurancejournal.com

MA RI CT All States All States All States AR AZ CA CO MO NM NV OK TX UT All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States TX All States CA CA Most States All States CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA CA TX All States NJ PA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH All States TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States All States AZ CA NV OH Oregon AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE CA TX All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N27

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 28

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business

Market

States Available

Dinner Theaters (continued)

Tejas American General Agency Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Rancho Cordova) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services Yates & Associates Insurance Services

TX CA All States CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA CA

Gentleman’s Clubs

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Underwriting Managers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters

Tejas American General Agency Trinity E&S Insurance Services, Inc. (Bermuda Dunes, CA) U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Clovis) Valley Insurance Associates (San Diego) Valley Insurance Associates (West Covina) Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Westrope Insurance Managers of Florida, LLC Wholesale Connection Insurance Services Yates & Associates Insurance Services

MA RI CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR LA NM TX All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States All States All States CA Most States CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CT NJ NY PA CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA CA CA NJ PA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI CT MA ME NH NY RI VT All States All States AZ CA IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH All States TN TX CA CO IL KS LA MI NM NV OK TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States All States AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE TX All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX AZ CA NV OR WA All States CA All States CA CA CA CA IL MO FL GA NC SC CA CA

5Star D&O Program 5Star EPLI Program A. D. Carlton Insurance A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Access E&S Insurance Services (VA) ACE Westchester Specialty--Property Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation American Underwriting Managers

All States All States All States MA RI AZ CA CA MD NC VA All States IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO KS MO NM NV OK TX UT AR LA NM TX

Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Walnut Creek) Capitol Insurance Companies Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (CA) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (NV) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (OR) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Sacramento) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Southern CA) Combined Underwriting Agency Network, Inc. Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Crusader Insurance Company Dunfield Wholesale Insurance Inc. Excel Insurance Services Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd International Excess Companies Izzo Insurance Services, Inc. J.L. von Arx & Associates J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company LA Xcess Insurance Brokers, Inc. London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.D. Jensvold & Co., Inc. M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Priority Insurance Underwriters Program Brokerage Corporation Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates South & Western General Agency, Inc. Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

Hotels / Motels

N28 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 29

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Hotels / Motels (continued)

States Available

Market American Union Risk Associates, LLC AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) Anderson & Murison, Inc. Appleby & Sterling Atlantic Specialty Lines of Florida - Clearwater AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Rancho Cordova) Cambridge General Agency (San Diego) Cambridge General Agency (Walnut Creek) Cambridge General Agency (West Covina) Camford National Insurance Brokers, LLC. Capitol Insurance Companies Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (CA) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (NV) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (OR) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Sacramento) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Southern CA) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Atlanta Colemont Insurance Brokers - Chicago Colemont Insurance Brokers - Fresno Colemont Insurance Brokers - Hartford Colemont Insurance Brokers - Nashville Colemont Insurance Brokers - Phoenix Colemont Insurance Brokers - San Francisco Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Dallas) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Houston) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Woodland Hills Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. Compass Insurance Group of Agencies CNA Conexco Insurance Agency, Inc. Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Crump Insurance Services, formerly Tri-City Brokerage (CA) Crump Insurance Services, formerly Tri-City Brokerage (Chicago) Crump Insurance Services, formerly Tri-City Brokerage (NJ) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Atlanta) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Austin) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Dallas) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Denver) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Houston) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Illinois) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Irvine) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Long Island) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Louisiana) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Memphis) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Nashville) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (New York) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Orlando) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Portland) Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Seattle) Crusader Insurance Company Delta General Agency Corp.

Dunfield Wholesale Insurance Inc. Eastern Premiere Insurance Center Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. First Cardinal LLC Gorst Co. Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. Hospitality Insurance Solutions Hotels & Resorts Insurance Program (BBCA - Programs) Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd Izzo Insurance Services, Inc. J.L. von Arx & Associates J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company London American Risk Specialists, Inc

www.insurancejournal.com

All States All States CA AZ CA NV DE FL GA MD ND SC VA All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States All States TX All States CA CA CA CA All States Most States CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States CA CA All States CT MA ME NH RI VT CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States CA TX CA All States All States NJ PA NH NY CA Most States Most States All States CT MA ME NH NY RI VT All States AZ CA IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH TN TX

Klein Insurance Services, Inc.

All States

KZ Insurance Brokerage, LLC Leicht General Agency M.D. Jensvold & Co., Inc. M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly Company M.J. Kelly of Texas McClelland and Hine, Inc. McGowan & Company, Inc. McLeckie Insurance Group

AZ CA CO LA NV TN TX CA CO IL KS LA MI NM NV OK TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX AR FL IA IL KS MO MS OK TN TX TX All States Most States

Monitor Liability Managers, LLC

All States

Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. National Specialty Underwriters, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Ins. Services (Oceanside) Pacific Coast E&S Ins. Services (Santa Rosa) Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc. PGI Commercial Philadelphia Insurance Companies

All States AZ CA NV OR TX All States All States AZ CA NV All States OH CA NV CA NV Oregon TX IL IN MI OH WI Most States

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N29

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 30

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Hotels / Motels (continued)

Market Preferred Concepts LLC Preferred Property Programs Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Quaker Special Risk (Florida) Quaker Special Risk (Georgia) Quaker Special Risk (Mass.)

Quaker Special Risk (New Jersey) Quaker Special Risk (New York) Quirk & Company Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. RLI Specialty Programs Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Specialty Insurance Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc Tejas American General Agency Towerstone, Inc. Travelers Trinity E&S Insurance Services, Inc. (Bermuda Dunes, CA) U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Clovis) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Venture Hospitality Program Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Western Special Risks, Inc. Westrope Westrope Insurance Managers of Florida, LLC Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Resorts

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. ACE Westchester Specialty--Property Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Clovis) Camford National Insurance Brokers, LLC. Capitol Insurance Companies Colemont Insurance Brokers - Atlanta Colemont Insurance Brokers - Chicago Colemont Insurance Brokers - Fresno Colemont Insurance Brokers - Hartford Colemont Insurance Brokers - Nashville Colemont Insurance Brokers - Phoenix Colemont Insurance Brokers - San Francisco Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Dallas) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Houston) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Woodland Hills Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Delta General Agency Corp.

Eastern Premiere Insurance Center Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. Gillingham & Associates Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. Hospitality Insurance Solutions Hotels & Resorts Insurance Program (BBCA - Programs) J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Midwest General Agency Monitor Liability Managers, LLC Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Specialty Underwriters, Inc. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc.

N30 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

States Available All States All States AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States Most States Most States Most States Most States Most States LA NM OK OR TX WA All States CA All States All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE All States All States CA TX CA CT DE FL GA IL MA MD MI MN MO NJ NY OH PA RI TN All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX Most States All States AZ CA NV OR WA All States CA All States CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY All States CA IL MO AZ NV All States FL CA All States CA MA RI All States CT All States All States All States All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States All States TX All States CA All States Most States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA TX All States All States NJ PA AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI All States Most States Most States All States IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX MN WI All States All States All States AZ CA NV OH Oregon TX

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 31

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Resorts (continued)

Restaurants

Philadelphia Insurance Companies Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Quaker Special Risk (Florida) Quaker Special Risk (Georgia) Quaker Special Risk (Mass.)

Quaker Special Risk (New Jersey) Quaker Special Risk (New York) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. SuiteLife by Venture Programs Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc Tejas American General Agency Travelers USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (San Diego) Valley Insurance Associates (Walnut Creek) Venture Hospitality Program Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Most States AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States Most States Most States Most States Most States Most States All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE CA TX All States All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX All States All States CA CA All States CA IL MO CA All States CA

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Access E&S Insurance Services (CA) Access E&S Insurance Services (VA) ACE Westchester Specialty--Property

MA RI AZ CA AZ CA CO ID MD NV PA VA WA CA MD NC VA All States

Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters

IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI

Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation American Safety Insurance Services, Inc. American Team Managers Ins. Services, Inc. American Underwriting Managers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) Anchor Bay Insurance Managers, Inc. Appleby & Sterling Atlantic Specialty Lines of Florida - Clearwater AVRECO Bass Underwriters

CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO KS MO NM NV OK TX UT All States All States AR LA NM TX All States AK AZ CA CO HI ID MT NM NV OR UT WA WY AZ CA NV DE FL GA MD ND SC VA All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States CA All States TX All States CA CA CA All States Most States CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT CA ID NV OR UT All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States All States CT NJ NY PA CA CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA All States CA TX CA NJ PA MA NH NY AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI Most States AK AZ CA CO HI NV UT WA CO NM GA NC SC TN VA WV

Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Bliss & Glennon, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Rancho Cordova) Cambridge General Agency (Walnut Creek) Cambridge General Agency (West Covina) Camford National Insurance Brokers, LLC. Capitol Insurance Companies Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (CA) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (NV) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (OR) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Sacramento) Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Southern CA) CNA Colemont Insurance Brokers - Atlanta Colemont Insurance Brokers - Chicago Colemont Insurance Brokers - Fresno Colemont Insurance Brokers - Hartford Colemont Insurance Brokers - Nashville Colemont Insurance Brokers - Phoenix Colemont Insurance Brokers - San Francisco Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Dallas) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Texas (Houston) Colemont Insurance Brokers - Woodland Hills Combined Underwriting Agency Network, Inc. Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Continental Brokers, Inc. Crusader Insurance Company Delta General Agency Corp.

Dunfield Wholesale Insurance Inc. Excel Insurance Services Inc. First Cardinal LLC Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. Heritage General Agency High Country Insurance (a division of Hull & Co.) HULL & Company, Inc. – Albuquerque HULL & Company, Inc. – Charlotte

www.insurancejournal.com

States Available

Market

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N31

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 32

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Restaurants (continued)

Market HULL & Company, Inc. – Chicago HULL & Company, Inc. – Dallas HULL & Company, Inc. – Denver HULL & Company, Inc. - Fort Lauderdale HULL & Company, Inc. - Great Falls HULL & Company, Inc. – Horsham HULL & Company, Inc. – Jacksonville HULL & Company, Inc. – Kalispell HULL & Company, Inc. - LA County HULL & Company, Inc. – Scottsdale Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd International Excess Companies Izzo Insurance Services, Inc. J.L. von Arx & Associates J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company KZ Insurance Brokerage, LLC Leicht General Agency Lionheart Insurance Services London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.D. Jensvold & Co., Inc. M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly Company M.J. Kelly of Texas Midlands Management of Texas, Inc. Milton O. Johnston and Company, Ltd.

IL IN WI TX CO ID IL KS NM UT WY FL ID MT OR WA WY MD NJ PA FL ID MT WY CA AZ CT MA ME NH NY RI VT All States All States AZ CA IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH AZ CA CO LA NV TN TX CA TN TX CA CO IL KS LA MI NM NV OK TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX AR FL IA IL KS MO MS OK TN TX Most States LA TX

Monitor Liability Managers, LLC

All States

Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. McClelland and Hine, Inc. McGowan & Company, Inc. McLeckie Insurance Group Midwest General Agency N-Surance Outlets, Inc. Napco LLC National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Ins. Services (Oceanside) Pacific Coast E&S Ins. Services (Santa Rosa) Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc. PGI Commercial Preferred Concepts LLC Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Quaker Special Risk (Florida) Quaker Special Risk (Georgia) Quaker Special Risk (Mass.)

Quaker Special Risk (New Jersey) Quaker Special Risk (New York) Quirk & Company Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RCA Insurance Group RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. RISCO, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. RLI Specialty Programs Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. Southwest Risk Specialty Insurance

Target Market Specialists Tejas American General Agency Towerstone, Inc. Trans Cal Associates Travelers Trinity E&S Insurance Services, Inc. (Bermuda Dunes, CA) Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. USASIA Insurance Services USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Clovis) Valley Insurance Associates (San Diego) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Westrope Westrope Insurance Managers of Florida, LLC Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

All States TX All States Most States MN WI FL GA LA TN All States AZ CA NV OR TX All States AZ CA NV All States OH CA NV CA NV Oregon TX IL IN MI OH WI All States AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States Most States Most States Most States Most States Most States LA NM OK OR TX WA All States Most States CA CT MA ME NH RI All States All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE All States All States CA TX All States CA CT DE FL GA IL MA MD MI MN MO NJ NY OH PA RI TN All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA All States TX Most States CA All States AZ CA NV OR WA CA CA NV All States CA CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO All States FL GA NC SC CA All States CA

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network

MA RI AZ CA CT All States

Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

Spas

States Available

N32 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 33

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Spas (continued)

Market All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Walnut Creek) Capitol Insurance Companies Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Continental Brokers, Inc. Delta General Agency Corp.

Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. National Specialty Underwriters, Inc. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Philadelphia Insurance Companies Priority Insurance Underwriters Professional Liability Ins. Svcs, Inc. - Underwriting Facilities Professional Program Insurance Brokerage Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.I.U., LLC SASSI - Salon & Spa Specialty Insurance South & Western General Agency, Inc. SuiteLife by Venture Programs Swett & Crawford TAPCO Underwriters, Inc Tejas American General Agency U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (Clovis) Valley Insurance Associates (Rancho Cordova) Valley Insurance Associates (West Covina) Van Wagoner Companies, Inc. Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services Yates & Associates Insurance Services

Special Events

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. Abram Interstate Insurance Services, Inc. Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters Agency Intermediaries, Inc. Agency Specialty Product Network Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services All Risks, Ltd. American E&S Insurance Brokers American Management Corporation American Underwriting Managers AmWINS Brokerage (All Offices - check alpha section for office locations) Atlantic Specialty Lines of Pennsylvania, LLC AVRECO Bass Underwriters Benchmark Management Group, Inc. Bliss & Glennon, Inc. Braishfield Associates, Inc. Brecht & Associates Burns & Wilcox - All Offices Cambridge General Agency (Clovis) Cambridge General Agency (Rancho Cordova) Capitol Insurance Companies Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. Delta General Agency Corp.

Entertainment Brokers International Excel Insurance Services Inc. Francis L. Dean & Associates, Inc. Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. High Country Insurance (a division of Hull & Co.) HULL & Company, Inc. – Albuquerque HULL & Company, Inc. – Charlotte HULL & Company, Inc. – Chicago HULL & Company, Inc. – Dallas HULL & Company, Inc. – Denver

States Available All States All States All States All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States All States TX All States CA Most States CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA All States TX All States NJ PA Most States IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX All States AZ CA NV OR TX All States AZ CA NV OH Oregon Most States AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States All States All States All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE CA Most States TX All States All States CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX All States All States CA CA CA AR AZ CA CO IA ID IL MT NM NV OK TX UT WY CA IL MO CA CA MA RI AZ CA IA IL IN KS KY MI MN MO NE OH WI CT All States AZ CA CO MD NM NV OR PA TN TX UT VA WA All States All States AR AZ CA CO MO NM NV OK TX UT AR LA NM TX All States NJ PA All States AL AR AZ CA CT FL GA LA MA ME MS NC NJ NV NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA All States CA All States TX All States CA CA Most States CA CT DE MA MD ME NH NJ PA RI VA TX All States NJ PA All States AZ CA CO CT FL GA IA IL IN MA MI MN NJ NV NY OH PA SC VA WI Most States CO NM GA NC SC TN VA WV IL IN WI TX CO ID IL KS NM UT WY

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 34

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory Class of Business Special Events (conitnued)

States Available

Market HULL & Company, Inc. - Fort Lauderdale HULL & Company, Inc. - Great Falls HULL & Company, Inc. - Horsham HULL & Company, Inc. – Jacksonville HULL & Company, Inc. - LA County HULL & Company, Inc. – Scottsdale Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd J.M. Wilson James River Insurance Company K & K Insurance Group, Inc. LA Xcess Insurance Brokers, Inc. London American Risk Specialists, Inc M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. M.J. Kelly of Texas McClelland and Hine, Inc. Midwest General Agency Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. N-Surance Outlets, Inc. National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co. NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc. NIF Group Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc. Pacific Coast E&S Services Patriot National Underwriters, Inc. Philadelphia Insurance Companies Priority Insurance Underwriters Property Risk Services (AmWINS) Quirk & Company Ramsgate Insurance, Inc. RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc. Risk Placement Services, Inc. Roush Insurance Services, Inc. RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) S A Freerks & Associates S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) S.I.U., LLC South & Western General Agency, Inc. TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

FL ID MT OR WA WY MD NJ PA FL CA AZ CT MA ME NH NY RI VT IL IN KS MI MO OH WI All States except OH All States All States TN TX AK AR AZ CA LA NM NV OK TX TX TX MN WI All States FL GA LA TN AZ CA NV OR TX All States AZ CA NV All States OH Oregon TX Most States AZ CA CO NM NV NY OR TX All States LA NM OK OR TX WA All States CA All States IL IN OH AR IA IL IN KS KY MO OK TN AR IA IL KS MO NE All States All States CA TX CA DE FL GA MD NC NJ OH OR PA SC TN TX VA WA TX Most States All States All States CA CA CA IL MO CA All States CA

Tejas American General Agency Towerstone, Inc. U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. USG Insurance Services, Inc. Valley Insurance Associates (San Diego) Valley Insurance Associates (Walnut Creek) Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc. Wholesale Connection Insurance Services XL Insurance Yates & Associates Insurance Services

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets 5Star D&O Program

Access E&S Insurance Services (CA)

Agency Specialty Product Network

303 W Madison St., Ste. 700, Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 866-720-5003 Email: marketing@5starsp.com www.5starsp.com

5575 Lake Park Way, Ste. 222, La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: 619-462-1128, Fax: 866-209-7312 Email: valerie@access-es.com www.access-es.com

200 E Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: 877-275-2776, Fax: 312-381-6211 Email: moreinfo@askaspn.com www.askaspn.com

5Star EPLI Program

Access E&S Insurance Services (VA)

Agostini Wholesale Insurance Services

303 W Madison St., Ste. 700, Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 866-720-5003 Email: epli@5starsp.com www.5starsp.com

2001 N Lincoln St., Arlington, VA 22207 Phone: 703-248-2566, Fax: 703-248-2565 Email: Tim@Access-ES.com www.access-es.com

333 E Main St., El Cajon, CA 92040 Phone: 800-922-7283, Fax: 619-593-2075 Email: teresa@agostinisurplus.com www.agostiniwholesale.com

A. D. Carlton Insurance

ACE Westchester Specialty--Property

All Risks, Ltd.

4425 W Airport Fwy, Ste. 135, Irving, TX 75062 Phone: 214-596-9276, Fax: 214-596-9574 Email: adavis@adcarlton.com www.adcarlton.com

455 Market St., 17th Fl, San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: 415-547-4566, Fax: 415-547-4563 Email: allan.sanderson@acegroup.com www.ace-ina.com

10150 York Rd., 5th Fl, Hunt Valley, MD, 21030 Phone: 800-366-5810, Fax: 410-828-8179 Email: hhobbie@allrisks.com www.allrisks.com

A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc

Advanced E&S Insurance Underwriters

American E&S Insurance Brokers

183 Davis St., P.O. Box 1139, Douglas, MA 01516 Phone: 508-476-1990, Fax: 508-476-1991 Email: info@agencyint.com www.agencyint.com

430 W Erie St., Ste. 510, Chicago, IL 60610 Phone: 866-867-0505, Fax: 312-867-0510 Email: quote@advancede-s.com www.advancede-s.com

101 California St., Ste. 900, San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone: 415-398-7475, Fax: 415-391-1002 Email: info@aesbrokers.com www.aesbrokers.com

Abram Interstate Ins. Services, Inc.

Agency Intermediaries, Inc

American Management Corporation

2211 Plaza Dr., Ste. 100, Rocklin, CA 95765 Phone: 916-780-7000, Fax: 916-780-7181 Email: Meaganr@abraminterstate.com www.abraminterstate.com

1575 Boston Post Rd., P.O. Box 451, Guilford, CT 06437 Phone: 203-453-2859, Fax: 203-453-8859 Email: info@agencyint.com www.agencyint.com

824 Front St., Conway, AR 72032 Phone: 800-233-2398, Fax: 501-450-6962 Email: marketing@amcins.com www.amcinsurance.com

N34 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 35

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets American Safety Insurance Services, Inc.

AmWINS Brokerage of Pennsylvania

Atlantic Specialty Lines of Pennsylvania, LLC

100 Galleria Pkwy. SE, Ste. 700, Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: 770-485-4385, Fax: 770-955-8339 Email: info@amsafety.com www.amsafety.com

200 S Broad St., Ste. 460, Philadelphia, PA 19102 Phone: 215-545-8622, Fax: 215-545-8920 Email: bart.allen@amwins.com www.amwins.com

600 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-940-1662, Fax: 610-825-5098 Email: diannes@atlanticspecial.com www.atlanticspecial.com

American Team Managers Ins. Services, Inc.

AmWINS Brokerage of Tennessee

AVRECO

1030 N Armando St., Anaheim, CA 92806 Phone: 714-414-1200, Fax: 714-414-1255 Email: bryan@atminsurance.com www.atminsurance.com

26 Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Nashville, TN 37214 Phone: 615-349-2080, Fax: 615-349-2099 Email: bill.markin@amwins.com www.amwins.com

550 W Van Buren, Ste. 1200, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: 312-294-5625, Fax: 312-922-7563 Email: jharford@avreco.com www.avreco.com

American Underwriting Managers

AmWINS Brokerage of Texas (Dallas)

Bass Underwriters

365 Miron Dr., Ste. D, Southlake, TX 76092 Phone: 817-424-1996, Fax: 817-481-0742 Email: submissions@auminsur.com www.auminsur.com

5001 Spring Valley Rd., Ste. 825W, Dallas, TX 75244 Phone: 972-419-4300, Fax: 877-203-5932 Email: gary.cooper@amwins.com www.amwins.com

6951 W Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33313 Phone: 954-473-4488, Fax: 954-316-3100 Email: bturgeon@bassuw.com www.bassunderwriters.com

American Union Risk Associates, LLC

AmWINS Brokerage of Texas (Houston)

Benchmark Management Group, Inc.

1250 E Hallandale Beach Blvd., Ste. 1003 Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Phone: 954-374-0663, Fax: 954-374-0698 Email: Thomas.Clementi@aurains.com www.aurains.com

3411 Richmond, Ste. 450, Houston, TX 77046 Phone: 713-481-1680, Fax: 713-481-1699 Email: gary.cooper@amwins.com www.amwins.com

1730 Park St., Ste. 214, Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-778-7000, Fax: 630-778-7007 Email: shawn@bmgins.com www.bmgins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of Alabama

AmWINS Brokerage of Washington

Bliss & Glennon, Inc.

600 University St., Ste. 510, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 206-922-1800, Fax: 206-922-1819 Email: joe.constantine@amwins.com www.amwins.com

435 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Phone: 800-829-7330, Fax: 310-372-1903 Email: cisnerost@bgsurplus.com www.bgsurplus.com

AmWINS Ins Brokerage of CA (Chatsworth)

Braishfield Associates, Inc.

19867 Prairie Ave., Ste. 250, Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: 818-772-3801, Fax: 818-772-2796 Email: bonnie.molaschi@amwins.com www.amwins.com

2966 Commerce Park Dr., Ste. 350, Orlando, FL 32819 Phone: 407-825-9911, Fax: 407-825-9737 Email: info@braishfield.com www.braishfield.com

2501 20th Place S, Ste. 250, Birmingham, AL 35823 Phone: 205-803-5340, Fax: 205-803-5359 Email: jeff.mcnatt@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of Carolinas 4725 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 600, Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-749-2700, Fax: 704-365-6348 Email: douglas.sanders@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of Florida 302 Knights Run Ave., Ste. 1240, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813-254-6233, Fax: 813-254-5672 Email: james.compton@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of Georgia 3475 Piedmont Rd. NE, Ste. 1650, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: 404-592-2680, Fax: 404-592-2699 Email: don.marshall@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of Illinois 10 S LaSalle, Ste. 3200, Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: 312-454-7700, Fax: 312-454-7701 Email: don.alberico@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of Michigan 2851 Charlevoix Dr. SE, Ste. 120, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Phone: 616-942-8000, Fax: 616-942-0870 Email: patrick.maloney@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of New England 3 Farm Glen, Ste. 202, Farmington, CT 06032 Phone: 860-777-2800, Fax: 860-777-2839 Email: william.aniello@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of New Jersey (Bernardsville) 150 Morristown Rd., Ste.108, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 Phone: 908-766-4300, Fax: 908-766-0045 Email: bill.dixon@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of New Jersey (Edison) 110 Fieldcrest Ave., Ste. 602, Edison, NJ 08837 Phone: 732-634-8770, Fax: 732-634-8760 Email: chuck.ciccarelli@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Brokerage of New York 88 Pine St., 6th Fl, New York, NY 10005 Phone: 212-858-8900, Fax: 704-943-9015 Email: james.drinkwater@amwins.com www.amwins.com www.insurancejournal.com

AmWINS Ins Brokerage of CA (Los Angeles) 601 S Figueroa St., Ste. 4350, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: 213-254-2220, Fax: 213-254-2238 Email: bob.tarr@amwins.com www.amwins.com

AmWINS Ins Brokerage of CA (San Francisco)

Brecht & Associates

One Bush St., Ste. 1600, San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415-373-1900, Fax: 415-373-1959 Email: kristopher.bauer@amwins.com www.amwins.com

1450 Hughes Rd., Ste. 109, Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone: 817-424-5335, Fax: 817-424-3772 Email: bill@brechtassoc.com www.brechtassoc.com

AmWINS Ins Brokerage of CA (Santa Ana)

Burns & Wilcox - All Offices

1551 N Tustin Ave., Ste. 700, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-480-3907, Fax: 714-514-7140 Email: bonnie.molaschi@amwins.com www.amwins.com

See website for addresses, HQ - Detroit/Farmington Hills Phone: 248-932-9000, Fax: 248-932-9046 Email: farmingtonhills@burns-wilcox.com www.burnsandwilcox.com

Anchor Bay Insurance Managers, Inc.

Cambridge General Agency (Clovis)

P.O. Box 2510, Silverdale, WA 98383 Phone: 800-929-9560, Fax: 800-929-9794 Email: info@surpluslines.com www.surpluslines.com

3134 Willow Ave., Ste. 101, Clovis, CA 93612 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.cambridgega.com

Anderson & Murison, Inc.

Cambridge General Agency (Rancho Cordova)

800 W Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041 Phone: 323-255-2333, Fax: 323-255-0957 Email: james.mccarthy@andersonmurison.com www.andersonmurison.com

2865 Sunrise Blvd., Ste. 105, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.cambridgega.com

Appleby & Sterling

Cambridge General Agency (San Diego)

2251 - A Ward Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065 Phone: 805-583-9828, Fax: 805-583-9832 Email: walt@applebyandsterling.com www.applebyandsterling.com

4565 Ruffner St., Ste. 102, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.cambridgega.com

Atlantic Specialty Lines - Midwest

Cambridge General Agency (Walnut Creek)

1408 N. Naper Blvd., Ste. 480, Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-718-3500, Fax: 630-718-3504 Email: dougr@atlanticspecial.com www.atlanticspecial.com

100 Pringle St., Ste. 420, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.cambridgega.com

Atlantic Specialty Lines of Florida - Clearwater

Cambridge General Agency (West Covina)

15950 Bay Vista Dr., Ste. 250, Clearwater, FL 37600 Phone: 877-545-9100, Fax: 727-540-9600 Email: sethj@atlanticspecial.com www.atlanticspecial.com

100 N Citrus St., Ste. 405, West Covina, CA 91791 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.cambridgega.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N35

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 36

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets Camford National Insurance Brokers, LLC.

Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (NV)

Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (So. CA)

413 King George Rd., Ste. 202, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: 908-647-4900, Fax: 908-647-2100 Email: d.okeeffe@camfordnational.com www.camfordnational.com

P.O. Box 44, Morgan Hill, CA 95038 Phone: 866-444-7714, Fax: 888-929-0808 Email: jay@ckspecialty.com www.ckspecialty.com

Phone: 800-411-0083, Fax: 909-606-6391 Email: tammy@ckspecialty.com www.ckspecialty.com

Capitol Insurance Companies

Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (OR)

1600 Aspen Commons, Middleton, WI 53562 Phone: 800-475-4450, Fax: 608-829-7408 Email: marketing-agency@capitol.net www.capitol.net

20055 SW Pacific Hwy, Ste. 109, Sherwood, OR 97140 Phone: 503-625-6223, Fax: 503-625-6731 Email: jay@ckspecialty.com www.ckspecialty.com

333 S Wabash, Chicago, IL 60604 Phone: 312-822-5000, Fax: 312-894-3589 Email: linda.dickson@cna.com www.cna.com

Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (CA)

Ck Specialty Insurance Associates (Sacramento)

16360 Monterey Rd., Ste. 290, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 Phone: 408-779-8181, Fax: 408-778-2633 Email: carol@ckspecialty.com www.ckspecialty.com

Phone: 916-625-4325, Fax: 916-625-9437 Email: jfutral@ckspecialty.com www.ckspecialty.com

Restaurants & Taverns

CNA

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Atlanta 2859 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Ste. 1500, Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: 770-434-3666, Fax: 770-434-1008 Email: MarketingAtlanta@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Chicago 300 S Wacker Dr., Ste. 900, Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 312-986-0404, Fax: 312-986-0491 Email: MarketingChicago@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Fresno 516 W Shaw Ave., Ste. 200, Fresno, CA 93704 Phone: 559-448-1100, Fax: 559-448-1111 Email: MarketingNoCal@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Hartford 195 Farmington Ave., Ste. 210, Farmington, CT 06032 Phone: 860-678-8870, Fax: 860-678-8871 Email: CTMarketing@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Nashville 501 Corporate Centre Dr., Ste. 250, Franklin, TN 37067 Phone: 615-261-1230, Fax: 615-261-1234 Email: MarketingAtlanta@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Phoenix 3333 E Camelback Rd., Ste. 260, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Phone: 602-567-4300, Fax: 602-567-4366 Email: MarketingPhoenix@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- San Francisco 100 California St., Ste. 1100, San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone: 415-693-5890, Fax: 415-693-9399 Email: MarketingNoCal@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Hospitality Markets • Twenty-Five+ Years of Dependable Service • Admitted Package Policy with Liquor Liabilty • Restaurants, Taverns, Bars, Pubs, Caterers • Fine Dining to Take-Out Establishments • Light Entertainment • Property Enhancement Endorsement • Equipment Breakdown • Umbrella

Contact: Michael Maher 800-526-0147

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Texas (Dallas) 5910 N Central Expy, Ste. 500, Dallas, TX 75206 Phone: 800-528-5544, Fax: 214-528-9101 Email: MarketingTX@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Texas (Houston) 820 Gessner Rd., Ste. 1770, Houston, TX 77024 Phone: 713-464-8702, Fax: 713-464-3641 Email: MarketingTX@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Colemont Insurance Brokers- Woodland Hills 21650 Oxnard St., Ste. 1600, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Phone: 818-710-3630, Fax: 818-710-3635 Email: MarketingSoCal@colemont.com www.colemont.com

Combined Underwriting Agency Network, Inc. 14 Front St., Ste. 201, Hempstead, NY 11550 Phone: 516-538-4400 Ext. 3705, Fax: 516-538-4613 Email: ASterenberg@comnet-insurance.com www.comnet-insurance.com

Commodore Insurance Services, Inc.

Home Office: 1333 Broad Street, Clifton, New Jersey 07013 Branch Offices: West Palm Beach, FL • West Springfield, MA • Orange, CA N36 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

2000 Powell St., Ste. 1005, Emeryville, CA 94608 Phone: 510-899-6530, Fax: 510-899-6930 Email: smurphy@commodoreins.com www.commodoreins.com

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 37

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets Compass Insurance Group of Agencies

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Long Island)

9310 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: 818-507-1980, Fax: 818-545-3818 Email: mail@compasseands.com

110 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 631-951-0504 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Conexco Insurance Agency, Inc. 114 Turnpike Rd., Westboro, MA 01581 Phone: 800-888-7830, Fax: 508-616-0066 Email: info@conexcoins.com www.conexcoins.com

Connecticut Underwriters, Inc. 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown, CT 06457 Phone: 860-347-9600, Fax: 860-347-9611 Email: info@CTUnderwriters.com www.ctunderwriters.com

Continental Brokers, Inc. 214 Key Dr., Ste. 2000, Madison, MS 39110 Phone: 866-386-4136, Fax: 601-898-4793 Email: cs@continentalbrokers.biz www.continentalbrokers.biz

Crump Ins Services, formerly Tri-City (CA) 50 California St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 321-757-6147 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Ins Services, formerly Tri-City (Chicago) 550 W Van Buren St., Ste. 1500, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 312-879-7109 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Ins Services, formerly Tri-City (NJ) 30 W Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 973-758-1702 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Atlanta) 400 Northridge Rd., Ste. 350, Atlanta, GA 30350 Phone: 770-998-7898, Fax: 770-998-9540 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Austin) 4201 Bee Caves Rd., Ste. A101, Austin, TX 78746 Phone: 800-420-2079, Fax: 512-366-7737 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Dallas) 7557 Rambler Rd., Ste. 300, Dallas, TX 75231 Phone: 214-363-7636, Fax: 214-691-5460 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Denver) 5613 DTC Pkwy, Ste. 425, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 303-386-8025 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Houston) 13105 NW Fwy, Ste. 950, Houston, TX 77040 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 713-690-8319 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Illinois) 550 W Van Buren, Ste. 1500, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: 312-876-1414, Fax: 312-876-1394 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Irvine) 4 Park Plaza, Ste. 500, Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 877-247-9772, Fax: 949-627-1299 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

www.insurancejournal.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Louisiana) 3300 W Esplanade Ave., Ste. 600, Metairie, LA 70002 Phone: 504-833-2002, Fax: 504-833-4422 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Memphis) 5865 Ridgeway Center Pkwy., Ste. 200, Memphis, TN 38120 Phone: 901-255-6161, Fax: 901-255-6131 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Nashville) 565 Marriott Dr., Ste. 820, Nashville, TN 37214 Phone: 800-473-2265, Fax: 615-885-8312 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Entertainment Brokers International A member of the OneBeacon Ins. Group 10940 Wilshire Blvd., 17th Fl, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Phone: 310-824-0111, Fax: 310-824-5733 Email: mridgers@ebi-ins.com www.ebi-ins.com Entertainment Brokers International is a member of OneBeacon Insurance Group that specializes in tailored solutions for the entertainment, sports and leisure industries. With a strong emphasis on customer service & competitive pricing, coupled with an expert underwriting staff that excels at handling complex insurance needs, Entertainment Brokers International has emerged as today’s premier market leader.

Excel Insurance Services Inc

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (New York) 45 Broadway, Ste. 1150, New York, NY 10006 Phone: 212-232-5500, Fax: 212-232-5555 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

100 American Metro Blvd., Ste. 104, Hamilton, NJ 08619 Phone: 609-530-0111, Fax: 609-538-0661 Email: mail@excelins.com www.excelins.com

First Cardinal LLC 10 British American Blvd., Latham, NY 12110 Phone: 518-213-1900, Fax: 518-213-1902 Email: rflaherty@firstcardinal.com www.firstcardinal.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Orlando) 1211 State Rd. 436, Ste. 227, Casselberry, FL 32707 Phone: 407-678-4552, Fax: 407-678-4678 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Focus Underwriters, LLC P.O. Box 51036, Durham, NC 27717 Phone: 919-401-8010, Fax: 919-401-8180 Email: info@focusunderwriters.com www.focusunderwriters.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Portland) 9115 SW Oleson Rd., Ste 205, Portland, OR 97223 Phone: 503-768-3001, Fax: 503-244-8720 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Francis L. Dean & Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 4200, Wheaton, IL 60189 Phone: 800-745-2409, Fax: 630-665-7294 Email: info@fdean.com www.fdean.com

Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Seattle) 1909 214th St. SE, Ste. 200, Bothell, WA 98021 Phone: 425-489-4555, Fax: 425-398-1133 Email: TheOne@crumpins.com www.crumpins.com

Crusader Insurance Company 23251 Mulholland Dr., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Phone: 800-669-9800, Fax: 818-591-9856 Email: ekeitel@crusaderinsurance.com www.crusaderinsurance.com

Geo. F. Brown & Sons, Inc. 118 S Clinton, Ste. 750, Chicago, IL 60661 Phone: 312-258-3050, Fax: 312-258-3016 Email: mstrong@gfbgroup.com www.gfbgroup.com

Delta General Agency Corp.

P.O. Box 2045, Houston, TX 77252 Phone: 713-570-2700, Fax: 713-570-2800 Email: billf@deltains.com www.deltains.com

Gillingham & Associates

Dunfield Wholesale Insurance Inc. 21757 Devonshire St., Ste. 1A, Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: 800-899-6922 ; 310-455-2537 Fax: 818-576-1420 ; 310-455-1830 Contact: Ron Mackey or Laurie Mackey www.dunfield.biz

Eastern Premiere Insurance Center 1575 E 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-564-3267, Fax: 714-479-0880 Email: tduong@epicins.com www.epicins.com

8501 Turnpike Dr., Ste. 200, Westminster, CO 80031 Phone: 303-657-5007, Fax: 303-428-5900 Email: tamorgan@outdoorinsurance.com www.outdoorinsurance.com

Gorst Co. 9310 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: 818-507-0900, Fax: 818-507-1133 Email: mail@gorst.com www.gorst.com

Gray-Stone & Company, Inc. 275 E Hillcrest Dr., Ste. 250, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Phone: 805-494-4440, Fax: 805-494-8798 Email: info@gray-stone.com www.gray-stone.com

Heritage General Agency 725 S Figueroa St., Ste. 1900, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: 213-236-4600, Fax: 213-244-9644 Email: jsavage@heritagegeneral.com www.heritagegeneral.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N37

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 38

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets High Country Insurance (a div. of Hull & Co.)

Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd

Leicht General Agency

12596 W Bayaud Ave., Ste. 390, Lakewood, CO 80228 Phone: 303-433-9255, Fax: 303-433-9256 Email: info@highcountryinsurance.com www.highcountryinsurance.com

246 Park St., West Springfield, MA 01089 Phone: 888-773-7475, Fax: 413-781-0050 Email: lkoval@specilarisksltd.com www.specialrisksltd.com

P.O. Box 79286, Houston, TX 77279 Phone: 281-496-1100, Fax: 281-496-7894 Email: mleicht@leichtgeneral.com www.leichtgeneral.com

Hospitality Insurance Solutions

International Excess Companies

Lionheart Insurance Services

304 Cedar St, Sterling, CO 80751 Phone: 866-286-5889, Fax: 970-522-7792 Email: gdennington@hospitalityins.com www.hospitalityins.com

26451 Curtiss Wright Pkwy, Ste. 103, Cleveland, OH 44143 Phone: 216-797-9700, Fax: 216-797-9970 Email: kkukral@intlxs.com www.internationalexcess.com

2091 Business Center Dr., Ste. 110, Irvine, CA 92612 Phone: 949-955-1316, Fax: 949-955-1887 Email: pat@lionheartins.net www.lionheartins.net

HULL & Company, Inc. - Albuquerque

IPC

London American Risk Specialists, Inc

5850 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. B-72, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Phone: 866-711-4855, Fax: 505-889-9353 Email: albuquerque@hullco.com www.hullco.com/albuquerque

1936 Catherine Ct., Gardnerville, NY 89410 Phone: 775-782-6655, Fax: 775-782-6654 Email: tammydsunderland@charter.net www.internationalpropertyandcasualty.com

11000 Richmond Ave., Ste. 600, Houston, TX 77042 Phone: 713-977-7726, Fax: 713-977-7606 Email: zcarson@londonamericantx.com www.londonamericantx.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Charlotte

Izzo Insurance Services, Inc.

M.D. Jensvold & Co., Inc.

14120 Ballantyne Corp Pl., Ste. 525, Charlotte, NC 28277 Phone: 704-540-1557, Fax: 704-540-7611 Email: charlotte@hullco.com www.hullco.com/charlotte

7234 W North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707 Phone: 800-800-1704, Fax: 708-452-1777 Email: info@izzoinsurance.com www.izzoinsurance.com

13105 NW Freeway, Ste. 790, Houston, TX 77040 Phone: 713-939-8585, Fax: 713-939-0560 Email: mjensvold@mdjensvold.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Chicago

J.L. von Arx & Associates

P.O. Box 1167, New Lenox, IL 60451 Phone: 866-703-4855, Fax: 815-485-7209 Email: info@hullco.com www.hullco.com/chicago

400 Oceangate, Ste. 310, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 800-986-6279, Fax: 562-436-3255 Email: jon.jr@jlvonarx.com www.jlvonarx.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Dallas

J.M. Wilson

12801 N Central Expy., Ste. 1100, Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: 72-789-1962, Fax: 972-789-1967 Email: dallas@hullco.com www.hullco.com/dallas

8036 Moorsbridge Rd., Portage, MI 49024 Phone: 800-282-8113, Fax: 269-327-2620 Email: cbaldwin@jmwilson.com www.jmwilson.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Denver

James River Insurance Company

5690 DTC Blvd., Ste. 300-E, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone: 303-218-3092, Fax: 866-610-8043 Email: denver@hullco.com www.hullco.com/denver

6641 W Broad St., Ste. 300, Richmond, VA 23230 Phone: 804-289-2700, Fax: 804-289-2703 Email: info@jamesriverins.com www.jamesriverins.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Fort Lauderdale 2150 S Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Phone: 954-527-4855, Fax: 954-524-0479 Email: ftlauderdale@hullco.com www.hullco.com/ftlauderdale

HULL & Company, Inc. - Horsham 2 Walnut Grove Dr., Horsham, PA 19044 Phone: 215-443-3500, Fax: 215-443-3502 Email: info@DVUA.com www.dvua.com

K & K Insurance Group, Inc. 1712 Magnavox Way, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804 Phone: 877-648-6404, Fax: 260-459-5502 Email: kk_general@kandkinsurance.com www.kandkinsurance.com

Offering coverage for a wide variety of special events and event planners.

8381 Dix Ellis Trail, Ste. 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone: 888-809-4855, Fax: 904-538-9838 Email: jacksonville@hullco.com www.hullco.com/jacksonville

13848 Ventura Blvd., Ste. A, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Phone: 800-243-7542, Fax: 818-990-4530 Email: lacounty@hullco.com www.hullco.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Scottsdale 7975 N Hayden, Ste. C-240, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Phone: 866-991-4885, Fax: 480-991-4880 Email: scottsdale@hullco.com www.hullco.com/scottsdale

4415 E State Highway D, Springfield, MO 65809 Phone: 800-725-7211, Fax: 417-883-7103 Email: rclements@mjkelly.com; wbileu@mjkelly.com www.mjkelly.com P.O. Box 136219, Fort Worth, TX 76136-0219 Phone: 817-237-3300, Fax: 817-237-3307 Email: bjohnson@mjkelly.com www.mjkelly.com

Maclean Oddy & Associates, Inc. 1201 Elm St., Ste. 4900, Dallas, TX 75270-2104 Phone: 214-855-7700, Fax: 214-855-7794 Email: emiller@macleanoddy.com www.macleanoddy.com

McClelland and Hine, Inc.

McGowan & Company, Inc.

HULL & Company, Inc. - Kalispell

HULL & Company, Inc. - LA County

M.J. Kelly Company

P.O. Box 700930, San Antonio, TX 78270 Phone: 210-366-2500, Fax: 210-366-2407 Email: gil@mhi-tx.com www.mhi-tx.com

HULL & Company, Inc. - Jacksonville

130 First Ave. W, Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: 406-755-7107, Fax: 406-755-5543 Email: kalispell@hullco.com www.hullco.com/kalispell

P.O. Box 192, Stockton, CA 95201 Phone: 209-948-8108, Fax: 209-465-3843 Email: Gwen@mjhallandcompany.com www.mjhallandcompany.com

M.J. Kelly of Texas

HULL & Company, Inc. - Great Falls 615 Central Ave. NW, Great Falls, MT 59404 Phone: 426-727-4900, Fax: 406-727-4916 Email: greatfalls@hullco.com www.hullco.com/greatfalls

M.J. Hall & Company, Inc.

Klein Insurance Services Inc. One Garret Mountain Plaza, West Paterson, NJ 07424 Phone: 973-754-6100, Fax: 973-754-0600 Email: jonathanK@kis-hospitality.com www.kis-hospitality.com

Program administrator for Westport (Swiss Re) and Praetorian. Admitted paper. Pkg and Mono-line.

LA Xcess Insurance Brokers, Inc. 10474 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 306, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: 818-623-5410, Fax: 818-623-5510 Email: Insurance@laxcess.com www.laxcess.com

N38 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

Old Forge Ctr; 20595 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126 Phone: 440-333-6300, Fax: 440-333-3214 Email: syoung@mcgowaninsurance.com www.mcgowaninsurance.com

McLeckie Insurance Group P.O. Box 770, Naples, TX 75568 Phone: 903-897-9090, Fax: 903-897-0062 Email: mcleckie@msn.com www.mcleckie.com

Midlands Management of Texas, Inc. P.O. Box 794878, Dallas, TX 75379 Phone: 972-588-2000, Fax: 972-588-2020 Email: jcaldwell@midmantx.com www.midlandsmgt.com

Midwest General Agency 3300 Birch St., Eau Claire, WI 54702 Phone: 715-832-4000, Fax: 715-834-7117 Email: rrace@mgarws.com www.mgarws.com www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 39

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets Milton O. Johnston and Company, Ltd.

Northern Ohio E & S Agency, Inc.

Quaker Special Risk (Florida)

P.O. Box 680105, Houston, TX 77268 Phone: 281-444-5167, Fax: 281-444-4642 Email: quotes@moj-co.com www.moj-co.com

35800 Monroe St., Bldg A, Sylvania, OH 43560 Phone: 419-885-2400, Fax: 419-885-7285 Email: dave.mangold@ohioeands.com www.ohioeands.com

224 Datura St., Ste. 715, W. Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: 866-526-1545, Fax: 561-833-6616 Email: fwalsh@qsr-insurance.com www.qsr-insurance.com

Pacific Coast E&S Ins. Services (Oceanside)

Quaker Special Risk (Georgia)

2124 El Camino Real, Ste. 202, Oceanside, CA 92054 Phone: 800-757-8760, Fax: 760-722-9575 Email: info@pacificcoastes.com, www.pacificcoastes.com

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Ste. 302, Duluth, GA 30097 Phone: 770-623-0290, Fax: 732-292-7391 Email: jterrell@qsr-insurance.com www.qsr-insurance.com

Pacific Coast E&S Ins. Services (Santa Rosa)

Quaker Special Risk (Mass.)

2235 Mercury Way, Ste. 110 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 Phone: 800-772-8538, Fax: 707-573-9761 Email: info@pacificcoastes.com, www.pacificcoastes.com

51 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 800-252-8679, Fax: 508-753-0646 Email: kbranscombe@quakerma.com www.quakerma.com

Pacific Coast E&S Services

Quaker Special Risk (New Jersey)

20055 SW Pacific Hwy, Ste. 102, Sherwood, OR 97140 Phone: 866-925-8368, Fax: 503-925-8425 Email: ldahl@pacificcoastes.com www.pacificcoastes.com

P.O. Box 1350, Eatontown, NJ 07724 Phone: 800-447-4180, Fax: 732-223-9072 Email: fwalsh@qsr-insurance.com www.quakerspecialrisk.com

Patriot National Underwriters, Inc.

Quaker Special Risk (New York)

P.O. Box 803143, Dallas, TX 75380 Phone: 972-239-1458, Fax: 972-233-3487 Email: corky.ellis@patriotnational.com www.patriotnational.com

226 5th Ave., 4th Fl, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 800-253-5233, Fax: 212-244-5371 Email: quaker@qsr-insurance.com www.quakerspecialrisk.com

PGI Commercial

Quirk & Company

65 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 Phone: 973-631-7575, Fax: 973-631-7576 Email: rtrezza@pgicommercial.com www.pgicommercial.com

P.O. Box 792030, San Antonio, TX 78279 Phone: 800-299-9421, Fax: 210-340-4075 Email: rquirk@quirkco.com www.quirkco.com

Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Ramsgate Insurance, Inc.

One Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Phone: 800-873-4552, Fax: 610-617-7940 Email: phlysales@phlyins.com www.phly.com

250 E Park Ave., Lake Wales, FL 33853 Phone: 800-394-2767, Fax: 800-441-2667 Email: info@ramsgateinsurance.com www.RamsgateInsurance.com

Preferred Concepts LLC

RCA Insurance Group

39 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT 06880 Phone: 203-226-8772, Fax: 203-226-1253 Email: hwatkins@preferredconcepts.com www.preferredconcepts.com

1333 Broad St., Clifton, NJ 07013 Phone: 800-526-0147 Email: maher@rca-insurance.com www.rca-insurance.com

Preferred Property Programs

RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc.

960 Holmdel Rd., Bldg 1, Holmdel, NJ 07733 Phone: 888-548-2465, Fax: 732-946-0547 Email: khager@ppp-quotes.com www.ppp-quotes.com

2492 Walnut Ave., Ste. 250, Tustin, CA 92780 Phone: 800-310-1303, Fax: 800-842-3076 Email: ricins@ric-ins.com www.ric-ins.com

Priority Insurance Underwriters

RISCO, Inc.

2200 E Camelback Rd., Ste. 250, Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone: 602-952-9688, Fax: 602-954-9624 Email: kbernier-smith@maipiu.com www.piuinsurance.com

60 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI 02914 Phone: 800-533-3649, Fax: 401-438-0980 Email: cfinnegan@risco-inc.com www.risco-inc.com

Professional Liability Insurance Svcs, Inc. Underwriting Facilities

Risk Placement Services, Inc.

Monitor Liability Managers, LLC 2850 W Golf Rd., Ste. 800, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Phone: 800-446-2100, Fax: 847-806-6282 Email: info@monitorliability.com www.monitorliability.com Monitor Liability Managers, LLC is an underwriting management company specializing in professional liability insurance. Monitor’s Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Insurance coverage is available for a wide variety of hospitality industry clients, including restaurants, hotels & motels, resorts, bed & breakfasts, banquet halls and caterers.

Morstan General Agency of Florida II, Inc. 1835 Banks Rd., Margate, FL 33063 Phone: 800-261-5177, Fax: 516-302-8951 Email: pwoodard@morstan.com www.morstan.com

N-Surance Outlets, Inc. 1792 Woodstock Rd., Bldg. 200, Roswell, GA 30075 Phone: 770-971-9975, Fax: 770-971-7608 Email: jmurrey@nsoins.com www.nsoins.com

Napco LLC 333 Thornall St., Edison, NJ 08837 Phone: 732-549-5222, Fax: 732-516-3117 Email: information@napcollc.com www.napcollc.com

National Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. P.O. Box 1065, Tustin, CA 92781 Phone: 714-505-1015, Fax: 714-505-1025 Email: clifford@naisins.com www.naisins.com

National Specialty Underwriters, Inc 10900 NE 4th St., Ste. 1100, Bellevue, WA 98004 Phone: 425-450-1090, Fax: 425-450-1026 Email: info@nsui.com www.nsui.com

NSU is an insurance program administrator providing costeffective insurance solutions for four segments that traditionally present challenges to insurers: hospitality, healthcare, catastrophic property exposures, and specialty umbrella.

Nautilus Insurance Co. & Great Divide Ins. Co.

5802 Thunderbird, Bldg 10, Ste. 100, Lago Vista, TX 78645 Phone: 800-761-7547, Fax: 512-327-5834 Email: underwriting@plisinc.com www.plisinc.com

Professional Program Insurance Brokerage

7233 E Butherus Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480-951-0905, Fax: 480-951-9730 Email: bmckrill@nautilus-ins.com www.nautilusinsgroup.com

371 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949 Phone: 415-475-4300, Fax: 415-475-4303 Email: jennifer@medispa-ins.com www.tattoo-ins.com or www.medispa-ins.com

NeitClem Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, Inc.

Program Brokerage Corporation

7442 N Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90041 Phone: 323-258-2600, Fax: 323-258-2676 Email: jcenteno@neitclem.com www.neitclem.com

1065 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-338-2907, Fax: 917-934-4585 Email: cobrien@programbrokerage.com www.programbrokerage.com

NIF Group

Property Risk Services (AmWINS)

30 Park Ave., Manhasset, NY 11030 Phone: 516-365-7440, Fax: 516-365-7392 Email: marketing@nifgroup.com www.nifgroup.com www.insurancejournal.com

91 Fieldcrest Ave., 2nd Fl, Edison, NJ 08818 Phone: 908-766-4300, Fax: 732-346-0131 Email: tspinner@prsins.com www.amwins.com

14785 Preston Rd., Ste. 665, Dallas, TX 75254 Phone: 972-774-0110, Fax: 972-341-8250 Email: malcolm_coffee@rpsins.com www.rpsins.com

RLI Specialty Programs 525 W Van Buren St., Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: 312-360-1566, Fax: 312-360-1565 Email: David.Ashcraft@rlicorp.com www.rlicorp.com

Roush Insurance Services, Inc. P.O. Box 1060, Noblesville, IN 46061 Phone: 800-752-8402, Fax: 317-776-6891 Email: info@roushins.com www.roushins.com

RSI International, Inc. (Missouri) 333 Ozark Trail Dr., Ellisville, MO 63011 Phone: 636-391-4841, Fax: 636-391-2115 Email: newquotes@rsimo.com www.rsimo.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION | N39

03.09.09 Hospitality Risks Directory 22-40.qxd

3/6/09

11:23 AM

Page 40

2009 Hospitality Risks Directory - Alphabetical Directory of Markets S A Freerks & Associates 911 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: 314-436-2682, Fax: 314-436-1532 Email: sfreerks@safains.com www.safains.com

S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Hartford) 41 N Main St., Ste. 300, West Hartford, CT 06107 Phone: 860-561-3600, Fax: 860-561-3606 Email: Scott_Smith@shsmith.com www.shsmith.com

S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (Mass) 661 Highland Ave., Needham Heights, MA 02494 Phone: 781-449-2227, Fax: 781-449-1662 Email: Michael_McIntire@shsmith.com www.shsmith.com

S.I.U., LLC 700 N Brand Blvd., Ste. 300, Glendale, CA 91203 Phone: 818-547-1333, Fax: 818-547-4450 Email: brinehart@siumanagers.com www.siumanagers.com

SASSI - Salon & Spa Specialty Insurance 21 Maple Ave., Bay Shore, NY 11706 Phone: 888-823-9380, Fax: 631-666-7646 Email: info@brownyard.com www.sassiagency.com

Smith, Bell & Thompson 40 Main St., Ste. 500, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: 802-658-4600, Fax: 802-658-6191 Email: info@sbtinsurance.com www.sbtinsurance.com

South & Western General Agency, Inc. P.O. Box 9015, Addison, TX 75001-9015 Phone: 800-492-5351, Fax: 972-855-2970 Email: sales@southandwestern.com www.southandwestern.com

Southwest Risk 8144 Walnut Hill Ln., Ste. 1010, Dallas, TX 75231 Phone: 214-206-4900, Fax: 214-206-4901 Email: info@swrisk.com www.swrisk.com

Specialty Insurance 1610 Route 88 Ste. 102, Brick, NJ 08754 Phone: 732-701-8900, Fax: 732-458-3728 Email: mwatters@specialtyagency.com www.specialtyagency.com

SuiteLife by Venture Programs 1301 Wrights Lane East, West Chester, PA 19380 Phone: 800-282-6247 x 244, Fax: 610-692-5977 Email: Marketing@suitelifeins.com www.Suitelifeins.com

Swett & Crawford See website for addresses, HQ - Atlanta, GA 30327 Phone: 404-240-5200, Fax: 404-240-5393 Email: info@swett.com www.swett.com

Tejas American General Agency

1134 Commerce Dr., Richardson, TX 75081 Phone: 972-331-6566, Fax: 972-331-6599 Email: rhonda@vwins.com www.vwcos.com

Towerstone, Inc.

Venture Hospitality Program

14185 Dallas Pkwy, Ste. 1000, Dallas, TX 75254 Phone: 972-725-2100, Fax: 972-725-2101 Email: info@towerstonecorp.com www.towerstonecorp.com

1301 Wrights Lane East, West Chester, PA 19380 Phone: 800-282-6247 x 247, Fax: 610-692-5977 Email: hospitality@ventureprograms.com www.ventureprograms.com

Trans Cal Associates

Vulcan Excess & Surplus Insurance

3800 Watt Ave., Ste. 110, Sacramento, CA 95821 Phone: 916-487-2200, Fax: 916-487-2426 Email: fred@transcal.com www.transcal.com

3060 S Church St., Burlington, NC 27216 Phone: 800-334-5579, Fax: 336-584-8880 Email: Jhenderson@GoTAPCO.com www.GoTAPCO.com

TAPCO Underwriters, Inc. is the Logical Choice. Through TAPCO’s exclusive call-center service model, quotes and applications are delivered and coverage can be bound, all within minutes, and all delivered to your e-mail inbox— before you even hang up the phone. Policy issuance and renewal is just as easy. Call. Quote. Bind. It’s as easy as that!

325 W Hospitality Ln., Ste. 202, San Bernardino, CA 92408 Phone: 909-379-1020, Fax: 909-379-1036 Email: brad@vulcaninsurance.com www.vulcaninsurance.com

Travelers Contact your local Commercial Accounts Representative for more information. www.travelers.com

Trinity E&S Ins. Services, Inc.

W.A.Schickedanz Agency, Inc.

79-301 Country Club Dr, # 200, Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203 Phone: 760-360-4100, Fax: 760-360-0055 Email: mstith@trinityinsurance.com www.trinityinsurance.com

300 W Main St., Belleville, IL 62220 Phone: 618-233-0644, Fax: 618-233-0672 Email: sales@waschickedanz.com www.waschickedanz.com

U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc.

Western Security Surplus Ins. Brokers, Inc.

10210 N Central Expy, Ste. 500, Dallas, TX 75231 Phone: 800-232-5830, Fax: 214-265-4976 Email: julieb@usrisk.com www.usrisk.com

790 E Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101 Phone: 626-584-0110, Fax: 626-584-0144 Email: rklimek@wssib.com www.wssib.com

Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc.

Western Special Risks, Inc.

23251 Mulholland Dr., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Phone: 800-669-9800, Fax: 818-591-9856 Email: ekeitel@crusaderinsurance.com www.crusaderinsurance.com

10451 W Palmeras, Ste. 118, Sun City, AZ 85373 Phone: 888-317-5575, Fax: 623-977-4622 Email: rwilliams@westernspecialrisks.com www.westernspecialrisks.com

USASIA Insurance Services

Westrope

319 Union Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 Phone: 909-618-0288, Fax: 909-618-0289 Email: shirley@usasia-ins.com www.usasia-ins.com

801 W 47th St., Ste. 500, Kansas City, MO 64112 Phone: 816-842-8222, Fax: 816-842-3081 Email: info@westrope.com www.westrope.com

USG Insurance Services, Inc.

Westrope Insurance Managers of Florida, LLC

1000 Town Center Wy, Ste. 300, Canonsburg, PA 15317 Phone: 800-886-3897, Fax: 724-265-5751 Email: ktaylor@usgins.com www.usgins.com

510 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. 214, Brandon, FL 33511 Phone: 813-315-3020, Fax: 813-315-3039 Email: agoldfarb@westrope.com www.westrope.com

Valley Insurance Associates (Clovis)

Wholesale Connection Ins. Services

3134 Willow Ave., Ste. 101, Clovis, CA 93612 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.valleyins.com

5959 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Phone: 818-716-9800, Fax: 818-716-9899 Email: wstanley@wcis-ins.com www.wcis-ins.com

Valley Insurance Associates (Rancho Cordova)

XL Insurance

2865 Sunrise Blvd., Ste. 105, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.valleyins.com

520 Eagleview Blvd., Exton, PA 19341 Phone: 800-327-1414, Fax: 610-458-9109 Email: webmaster@xlenvironmental.com www.XLinsurance.com

Valley Insurance Associates (San Diego)

Yates & Associates Insurance Services

4565 Ruffner St., Ste. 102, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.valleyins.com

TAPCO Underwriters, Inc

Van Wagoner Companies, Inc.

1620 La Jaita Dr., Ste. 300, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Phone: 512-346-0030, Fax: 512-342-2803 Email: bart@taga1.com www.taga1.com

P.O. Box 25133, Santa Ana, CA 92799 Phone: 800-660-1125, Fax: 800-378-8588 Email: jyates@yates-assoc.com www.yates-assoc.com

Valley Insurance Associates (Walnut Creek) 100 Pringle St., Ste. 420, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.valleyins.com

Valley Insurance Associates (West Covina) 100 N Citrus St., Ste. 405, West Covina, CA 91791 Phone: 800-979-5002, Fax: 925-977-1651 Email: julie@valleyins.com www.valleyins.com

N40 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-NATIONAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

11:09 AM

Page 53

South Central Coverage News & Markets

Local Fire Chiefs Depend on Neighboring Stations for Assistance

M

ost U.S. fire departments call on neighboring communities to help them fight fires and the most significant reason for that is the need for more firefighters. Also, nearly one-in-six departments either has no water service for firefighting or must rely on sources other than hydrants, possibly leading to critical delays.

Those are some of the findings

Volunteer fire departments are having difficulty attracting a sufficient number of firefighters. of a recent independent survey of fire chiefs conducted by Opinion Research Corp. (ORC) of Princeton, N.J. More than half (54 percent) of the chiefs in the survey said their departments “always or almost always” call on neighboring departments to respond to the initial alarm for a structure fire.

Another 28 percent reported that they sometimes call on neighboring departments.

Among the chiefs who call on neighboring departments on the first alarm, 74 percent said the reason for doing so is the need for more responders; 29 percent said there was a need for specialized apparatus or equipment; and 25 percent cited the fact that a

neighboring fire station is closer to the response area than any station in their own district.

Fully one-third of the chiefs in the survey (33 percent) reported that their response areas have populated sections that are closer to a fire station in a neighboring fire district than to any fire station in their own district. But of those chiefs, 39 percent said the closer neighboring fire department does not respond automatically to fires in their districts.

The survey, commissioned by ISO and conducted by ORC, included responses from a random sample of 500 chiefs and other ranking fire department officials representing jurisdictions of all sizes across the United States. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

“The survey helps ISO, along with property/casualty insurance companies and the firefighting community, gain further insights into key issues in fire departments across the country,” said Mike Waters, ISO’s vice president, Risk Decision Services.

Nearly all the chiefs (98 percent) indicated that their departments have the capacity to communicate by radio directly with fire departments of neighboring communities. Most said they can also communicate directly with local emergency medical services (95 percent) and local police (84 percent).

“This positive finding shows that local interoperability — the ability to connect emergency responders — is on the rise,” said Robert W. Cobb, ISO’s director of community hazard mitigation.

The study also revealed that communities with volunteer fire departments — or combination

53 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

volunteer and paid/career departments — are having difficulty attracting and training a sufficient number of firefighters.

Among the chiefs of volunteer and combination departments, 93 percent said that the biggest challenge surrounding recruitment is the time commitment. The chiefs also cited a small volunteer pool (84 percent) and education and training requirements (83 percent) as obstacles.

More than one-third of the chiefs (36 percent) said their departments spend less than 10 hours per firefighter per month on training; 42 percent spend between 10 and 20 hours; and 22 percent spend more than 20 hours. The average percentage of training hours spent on structure fires (42 percent) is double that spent on rescue incidents (21 percent) and also double that spent on EMS or other medical services (21 percent).

The study raised questions about the adequacy of the water supplies as well. About 4 percent of the chiefs said there is no water service for firefighting in their communities, and another 11 percent said they rely on sources of water other than hydrants — including lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, wells, tankers and others.

In communities that have water service for firefighting, only about half the chiefs (52 percent) said that hydrants protect “all or almost all” of their primary response areas. In communities with water service, 23 percent of the chiefs said that the responsible agency or organization inspects and flow-tests the hydrants less than once a year.

“This survey points out the need to understand the actual sit-

uation on the ground when evaluating fire protection at a particular location,” Waters said. “It’s not enough to know there’s a fire station nearby. You also have to know if the station will respond to a possible fire and if there will be enough trained personnel, adequate equipment and sufficient water for firefighting.”

ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) program gives insurance companies and fire departments a standard measurement of the effectiveness of fire protection in more than 46,000 fire districts throughout the country. Under the program, ISO staff visit the communities to collect information about their fire departments, emergency communication systems and water supplies. ISO then analyzes the information and assigns a Public Protection Classification number from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents the best fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the community’s fire-suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

The program incorporates recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association. IJ

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:53 PM

Page 54

South Central Coverage People

Russell R. Oliver

Don Bowles

Carla Sans

Russell R. Oliver, president of Texas Mutual Insurance Co. since 1995, is retiring from the company at the end of August 2009.

Oliver notified the Board of Directors in J anuary of his decision to retire this summer. Two years ago, Texas Mutual launched the Executive Management Succession Planning Project to prepare for the eventual retirement of Oliver, as well as other Texas Mutual executives. A timetable for hiring Oliver’s replacement has not been set.

Oliver said being president of Texas Mutual has been challenging and rewarding, and has been the high point of his career. Oliver joined Texas Mutual as general counsel in 1994; the next year, he was named president.

He is a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law and spent many years in private and governmental practice. Oliver served 26 years with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring at the rank of captain.

McQueary Henry Bowles Troy L.L.P. (MHBT), a large, regional, independent commercial insurance firm, announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with several promotions in the firm’s Dallas office.

Don Bowles has been elevated from president of MHBT to vice chairman of MHBT’s board of directors, a position that will be shared with Ted Troy. Dan Browning, executive vice president, and Carla Sans, chief operating officer, will join CEO Bill Henry in the office of the President. Additionally, Tom Ellis has been promoted to executive vice president of the firm, and Marcus Humphrey has been named a partner.

MHBT is based in Dallas and also has offices in Ft. Worth and Austin, Texas.

Marcus Humphrey

League City, Texas-based MaximGroup has added Bruce Akers as senior account executive in the agency’s benefits division.

Akers has worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years. Prior to joining MaximGroup, Akers served as a territory manager for a national insurance company.

In his new position, Akers’ responsibilities include sales, marketing, new client development and employee benefits.

Bruce Akers

Richard G. “Dick” Clarke, senior vice president of J. Smith Lanier & Co. in West Point, Ga., has been elected 2009 president of RiskProNet International, a network of 25 independent insurance brokers in North America.

Clarke is a veteran of the insurance industry, having been a broker, consultant, underwriter and insurance buyer. He is a frequent contributor to various publications and teaches in the Certified Insurance Counselors Ruble Seminar Program offered by the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, and workshops offered by the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society around the United States.

Richard G. “Dick” Clarke

54 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

The fourth edition of his book, “Decoding Executiv e Liability Insurance,” was published last year by the National Alliance Research Academy.

RiskProNet partners in 2008 had combined revenues in excess of $688 million and more than $6.5 billion in written premium. Each partner is an equal owner in the association, which gives its members the geographic diversity and shared knowledge base to serve clients with national, international or highly specialized exposures to risk.

Through its alliances with brokers around the world, RiskProNet members can serve clients in more than 300 cities in 110 countries.

Lockton Dunning Benefits has added Kyle Bailey as vice president and producer in its benefits team in Dallas.

With more than 12 years of broad industry experience, Bailey focuses primarily on mid-market, multi-state employers, working with groups ranging in size from 500 to 50,000 in manufacturing, retail, oil and gas, and healthcare. With specialized experience in consumerdriven medical plans, Bailey has worked with clients to implement more than half-a-dozen such plans since their creation in 2003.

Bailey most recently served as principal and senior consultant with Mercer. Additional previous positions include principal with Benefit Partners, assistant vice president with HRH Insurance and underwriter with Lumberman’s Underwriting based in Jackson, Miss.

Brad Gow joined Zurich North America to head the Specialty Errors & Omissions (E&O) group of its Specialties business unit.

In this role, Gow will head a nationwide team in delivering professional liability protection to markets including engineering, media, technology, real estate and specified professions. Gow will also be integral to the de velopment and launch of new products and services to address emerging E&O exposures, such as security and priv acy risks.

Gow brings 20 years of insurance industry experience to Zurich. Most recently, he was vice president of Professional Liability product management with ACE Insurance, where he developed a line of technology E&O and network risk products.

Before joining ACE, Gow was co-founder of NetDiligence, a venture capital-backed network security and privacy consulting firm focused on the needs of network risk underwriters. Between 1992 and 2000, Gow held a variety of positions with CIGNA, including international roles in Tokyo and Bangkok. He began his insurance career at AIG in 1989.

Recognized for his knowledge of network liability risks, Gow has been a frequent commentator on privacy, network risk, technology E&O and product development topics. IJ www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:53 PM

Page 54

South Central Coverage People

Russell R. Oliver

Don Bowles

Carla Sans

Russell R. Oliver, president of Texas Mutual Insurance Co. since 1995, is retiring from the company at the end of August 2009.

Oliver notified the Board of Directors in J anuary of his decision to retire this summer. Two years ago, Texas Mutual launched the Executive Management Succession Planning Project to prepare for the eventual retirement of Oliver, as well as other Texas Mutual executives. A timetable for hiring Oliver’s replacement has not been set.

Oliver said being president of Texas Mutual has been challenging and rewarding, and has been the high point of his career. Oliver joined Texas Mutual as general counsel in 1994; the next year, he was named president.

He is a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law and spent many years in private and governmental practice. Oliver served 26 years with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring at the rank of captain.

McQueary Henry Bowles Troy L.L.P. (MHBT), a large, regional, independent commercial insurance firm, announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with several promotions in the firm’s Dallas office.

Don Bowles has been elevated from president of MHBT to vice chairman of MHBT’s board of directors, a position that will be shared with Ted Troy. Dan Browning, executive vice president, and Carla Sans, chief operating officer, will join CEO Bill Henry in the office of the President. Additionally, Tom Ellis has been promoted to executive vice president of the firm, and Marcus Humphrey has been named a partner.

MHBT is based in Dallas and also has offices in Ft. Worth and Austin, Texas.

Marcus Humphrey

League City, Texas-based MaximGroup has added Bruce Akers as senior account executive in the agency’s benefits division.

Akers has worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years. Prior to joining MaximGroup, Akers served as a territory manager for a national insurance company.

In his new position, Akers’ responsibilities include sales, marketing, new client development and employee benefits.

Bruce Akers

Richard G. “Dick” Clarke, senior vice president of J. Smith Lanier & Co. in West Point, Ga., has been elected 2009 president of RiskProNet International, a network of 25 independent insurance brokers in North America.

Clarke is a veteran of the insurance industry, having been a broker, consultant, underwriter and insurance buyer. He is a frequent contributor to various publications and teaches in the Certified Insurance Counselors Ruble Seminar Program offered by the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, and workshops offered by the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society around the United States.

Richard G. “Dick” Clarke

54 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

The fourth edition of his book, “Decoding Executiv e Liability Insurance,” was published last year by the National Alliance Research Academy.

RiskProNet partners in 2008 had combined revenues in excess of $688 million and more than $6.5 billion in written premium. Each partner is an equal owner in the association, which gives its members the geographic diversity and shared knowledge base to serve clients with national, international or highly specialized exposures to risk.

Through its alliances with brokers around the world, RiskProNet members can serve clients in more than 300 cities in 110 countries.

Lockton Dunning Benefits has added Kyle Bailey as vice president and producer in its benefits team in Dallas.

With more than 12 years of broad industry experience, Bailey focuses primarily on mid-market, multi-state employers, working with groups ranging in size from 500 to 50,000 in manufacturing, retail, oil and gas, and healthcare. With specialized experience in consumerdriven medical plans, Bailey has worked with clients to implement more than half-a-dozen such plans since their creation in 2003.

Bailey most recently served as principal and senior consultant with Mercer. Additional previous positions include principal with Benefit Partners, assistant vice president with HRH Insurance and underwriter with Lumberman’s Underwriting based in Jackson, Miss.

Brad Gow joined Zurich North America to head the Specialty Errors & Omissions (E&O) group of its Specialties business unit.

In this role, Gow will head a nationwide team in delivering professional liability protection to markets including engineering, media, technology, real estate and specified professions. Gow will also be integral to the de velopment and launch of new products and services to address emerging E&O exposures, such as security and priv acy risks.

Gow brings 20 years of insurance industry experience to Zurich. Most recently, he was vice president of Professional Liability product management with ACE Insurance, where he developed a line of technology E&O and network risk products.

Before joining ACE, Gow was co-founder of NetDiligence, a venture capital-backed network security and privacy consulting firm focused on the needs of network risk underwriters. Between 1992 and 2000, Gow held a variety of positions with CIGNA, including international roles in Tokyo and Bangkok. He began his insurance career at AIG in 1989.

Recognized for his knowledge of network liability risks, Gow has been a frequent commentator on privacy, network risk, technology E&O and product development topics. IJ www.insurancejournal.com

10:29 PM

Page 55

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

2/26/09

© 2009

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

Chris Rooker M A NAGI NG D IRECTOR H IGGI NBOTHA M & A SSOCIATES

H E R E F O R T E X A S . H E R E T O S T A Y .®

Texas’ leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance

Find out more at www.texasmutual.com or call (800) 859-5995.

Services for non-English speakers are available upon request.

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

4:52 PM

Page 56

Idea Exchange D&O

Securities Lawsuit Filings Are Up, So What About D&O Pricing?

By Kevin LaCroix

LaCroix

T

he pace of securities lawsuit filings increased significantly in 2008 compared to recent years. There were 226 new securities lawsuits filed in 2008, which represents a 31 percent increase over the 172 securities lawsuits filed in 2007, and nearly a 90 percent increase over the 119 securities lawsuits filed in 2006.

The 2008 filing total also represents the highest annual filing total since 2004. All signs seem to indicate that the heightened filing levels will continue into 2009.

Will this increased litigation activity result in higher directors and officers (D&O) insurance pricing? It may eventually, but not right away.

The most significant factor in 2008’s heightened securities litigation filing activity was the number of subprime and credit crisis-related securities lawsuit filings. Of the 226 new securities cases filed that year, 101 were subprime or credit crisis-related. There have been 141 total of these cases filed o verall ing 19 in SIC Code 6021 (National Commercial during 2007 and 2008 combined.

Banks) and 20 in SIC Code 6211 (Security Another factor that increased the 2008 filBrokers and Dealers). ings was the influx of lawsuits related to the While securities suits against companies in Barnard Madoff fraud scheme. Investors have the financial sector were a predominant facinitiated Madoff-related securities class tor in the 2008 securities lawsuits filings, action lawsuits against at least seven distinct there were other SIC Code categories that investment groups, and every sign indicates also saw significant litigation activity, includthat this litigation will continue ing SIC Code 3674 to flood in during the early (Semiconductors), which Securities months of 2009. also saw 10 filings; SIC The predominance of the sub2834 (Pharmaceutilitigation activity Code prime and credit crisis-related litical Preparations), which in 2008 involved saw nine lawsuit filings; gation during 2008 is borne out in the profile of the companies that and SIC Code 3845 claims likelier were sued in securities lawsuits (Electromedical and to create E&O during the year. Although the Electrotherapeutic companies targeted represent which had insurance losses. Apparatus), more than 90 different categories five filings. in the U.S. Department of The concentration of Commerce’s Standard Industrial Classification cases in the financial sector also affected the (SIC) Codes, fully 99 of the lawsuits affected geographic distribution of the 2008 case filcompanies with SIC Codes in the 6000 series ings. Although securities lawsuits were filed (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate), includin 48 different federal district courts (as well

56 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

as several state courts), 97 of the 226 securities filings in 2008 were filed in the Southern District of New York. The federal district with the second-highest number of new lawsuit filings was the Northern District of California, where 12 new securities lawsuits were filed. Other districts with a significant number of filings include the District of Massachusetts (10), and the Central District of California (9).

The pace of new lawsuit filings increased as the year progressed, with 105 during the first half and 121 in the second half. The fourth quarter, with 69 new filings, was the most active quarter during the year.

There were a significant number of filings (32) in December, which is typically a quiet month for securities lawsuit filings.

Indeed, the filings in the fourth quarter of 2008 and during December 2008 represent, respectively, the highest quarterly and monthly totals in more than five years.

Those late-year trends suggest that the heightened level of securities filings will www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

4:52 PM

Page 56

Idea Exchange D&O

Securities Lawsuit Filings Are Up, So What About D&O Pricing?

By Kevin LaCroix

LaCroix

T

he pace of securities lawsuit filings increased significantly in 2008 compared to recent years. There were 226 new securities lawsuits filed in 2008, which represents a 31 percent increase over the 172 securities lawsuits filed in 2007, and nearly a 90 percent increase over the 119 securities lawsuits filed in 2006.

The 2008 filing total also represents the highest annual filing total since 2004. All signs seem to indicate that the heightened filing levels will continue into 2009.

Will this increased litigation activity result in higher directors and officers (D&O) insurance pricing? It may eventually, but not right away.

The most significant factor in 2008’s heightened securities litigation filing activity was the number of subprime and credit crisis-related securities lawsuit filings. Of the 226 new securities cases filed that year, 101 were subprime or credit crisis-related. There have been 141 total of these cases filed o verall ing 19 in SIC Code 6021 (National Commercial during 2007 and 2008 combined.

Banks) and 20 in SIC Code 6211 (Security Another factor that increased the 2008 filBrokers and Dealers). ings was the influx of lawsuits related to the While securities suits against companies in Barnard Madoff fraud scheme. Investors have the financial sector were a predominant facinitiated Madoff-related securities class tor in the 2008 securities lawsuits filings, action lawsuits against at least seven distinct there were other SIC Code categories that investment groups, and every sign indicates also saw significant litigation activity, includthat this litigation will continue ing SIC Code 3674 to flood in during the early (Semiconductors), which Securities months of 2009. also saw 10 filings; SIC The predominance of the sub2834 (Pharmaceutilitigation activity Code prime and credit crisis-related litical Preparations), which in 2008 involved saw nine lawsuit filings; gation during 2008 is borne out in the profile of the companies that and SIC Code 3845 claims likelier were sued in securities lawsuits (Electromedical and to create E&O during the year. Although the Electrotherapeutic companies targeted represent which had insurance losses. Apparatus), more than 90 different categories five filings. in the U.S. Department of The concentration of Commerce’s Standard Industrial Classification cases in the financial sector also affected the (SIC) Codes, fully 99 of the lawsuits affected geographic distribution of the 2008 case filcompanies with SIC Codes in the 6000 series ings. Although securities lawsuits were filed (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate), includin 48 different federal district courts (as well

56 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

as several state courts), 97 of the 226 securities filings in 2008 were filed in the Southern District of New York. The federal district with the second-highest number of new lawsuit filings was the Northern District of California, where 12 new securities lawsuits were filed. Other districts with a significant number of filings include the District of Massachusetts (10), and the Central District of California (9).

The pace of new lawsuit filings increased as the year progressed, with 105 during the first half and 121 in the second half. The fourth quarter, with 69 new filings, was the most active quarter during the year.

There were a significant number of filings (32) in December, which is typically a quiet month for securities lawsuit filings.

Indeed, the filings in the fourth quarter of 2008 and during December 2008 represent, respectively, the highest quarterly and monthly totals in more than five years.

Those late-year trends suggest that the heightened level of securities filings will www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

4:53 PM

continue into 2009.

The uptick in securities lawsuit filings in 2008 might well be expected to have an upward impact on D&O pricing, and indeed it may yet have that effect. But particular features of the 2008 filings might moderate that expected effect, at least in the near term.

First, the concentration of the filings in the financial sector means that the impact from the heightened filing levels is not widespread throughout the D&O industry. D&O carriers are not yet experiencing the impact of the filing levels across their entire portfolio, and carriers that do not have significant financial industry exposure may not yet be experiencing elevated claims activity, although that likely will change as the credit crisis litigation wave spreads outside the financial sector.

Second, even with respect to the heightened activity levels, the impact is muted somewhat by the multiple different lawsuit filings against the same companies. The D&O impact from the third, fourth or fifth new lawsuit against the same company may not increase the aggregate losses to which insurance applies. Because the number of companies sued is less than the number of new lawsuits initiated, the aggregate claims frequency level is less than the overall filing levels might indicate.

Third, many of the defendant entities are not publicly traded companies. Many of the defendant entities in new 2008 lawsuits were mutual funds, investment partnerships, hedge funds or other investment vehicles.

The incidence of litigation against those types of entities would have only an indirect impact at most on the market for public company D&O insurance.

Fourth, a significant amount of the securities litigation activity in 2008 involved claims likelier to create errors and omissions (E&O) insurance losses, rather than D&O losses. F or example, the Madoff-related litigation and the auction rate securities litigation may or may not produce D&O insurance losses, but may well produce significant E&O losses.

The spread of losses to other insurance lines could dilute the overall impact from the 2008 litigation on the D&O carriers.

Fifth, most of these cases are still in their earliest stages, and it will be some time y et before the losses begin to a ccrue. Until loss payments begin to mount, D&O pricing is unlikely to make dramatic changes (at least www.insurancejournal.com

Page 57

as a result of securities filing a ctivity levels).

All of that said, the increase in litig ation activity in 2008, together with the disruption involving market leader AIG and other leading carriers, as well as the prospect for continued significant litigation activity in 2009, are likely to create uncertain conditions in the D&O marketplace and could lead to increased carrier caution as 2009 progresses.

Indeed, Advisen, a leading industry observer, is predicting that a hard mark et for insurance will develop toward the end of 2009. IJ LaCroix is an attorney and partner in OakBridge Insurance Services’ Beachwood, Ohio, office. An earlier version of this article appeared on LaCroix’s Internet Web blog, the D&O Diary: www.dandodiary.com. E-mail: klacroix@ oakbridgeins.com.

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION | 57

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:27 PM

Page 58

Idea Exchange Search Engine Optimizatiom

Increase Traffic to Your Internet ‘Real Estate’ Enhance Your Agency’s Online Visibility Through Search Engine Optimization

N

early half of the population of the United States — more than 163 million people — are using the Internet, according to a recent Nielsen poll. And they are using search engines to research local businesses far more than they are looking them up in the Yellow Pages.

A survey published last fall by Nielsen Online and local online marketing specialist, WebVisible, showed that 82 percent of U.S. consumers are using Internet search engines,

such as Google and Yahoo, to find local businesses in their communities. Meanwhile, 57 percent of survey respondents said they use the print Yellow Pages to research local business. (See sidebar.)

This growing use of the Internet to find business services and products demands that small- to mid-sized insurance agencies maximize the effectiveness of their firm’s Web site to attract consumers to their piece of online “real estate,” said James Omdahl, an online marketing specialist based in Denver.

In a presentation at the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas’ Joe Vincent Management Seminar held in Austin in late January, Omdahl pointed out that the Nielson-WebVisible survey also showed a

“huge gap” between what small businesses are doing to make themselves “found” on the Internet and consumers’ attempts to seek them out. Some statistics Omdahl found notable: • 44 percent of small business owners have a Web site.

• 61 percent spend three hours a week or less marketing their Web site.

• 51 percent said their site’s customer acquisition capability — the ability to turn a Web site visitor into a customer — w as fair to poor.

• 50 percent are spending less than 10 percent of their marketing budget on Internet advertising.

• 30 percent did no Internet advertising at all.

• 26 percent have invested in search engine marketing in one way or another.

Becoming Visible “Big companies will figure out how to take customers from you if you don’t figure out how to do it first,” Omdahl said. The opportunity for small- and medium-sized businesses in the insurance market lies in their ability to specialize and become visible and “findable” for that specialty on the Internet. “Be more specific on the b usiness that you’re focusing on … if you have a specialty, you’re going to be good at that; if you

work with a specific type of clients, y ou’re going to be good at that,” Omdahl said.

“That’s where the opportunity lies in 2009.”

He noted two examples of Internet-based companies that began as narrowly focused firms and expanded exponentially later on: eBay and Amazon. Amazon began as an online site for rare books and eBay started out as an auction site for Pez candy dispensers, Omdahl said. “Eventually they were able to expand their businesses because they built a good foundation and they were able to scale that out into other industries that were related to their industry,” Omdahl said.

“The best way to think about your Web site is that it’s a lot of things to y our business,” he said. “No. 1, it’s your store front. It really is a place online where people are going out and looking to purchase insurance these days. And it is your piece of real estate on the Internet.

“It’s also your resume. It tells people what you know, what you’ve done and your history.

It’s your public personality. … You don’t just have to be another bland insurance agent. You can really be someone with a personality, someone who stands out, and you can do that with your Web site. It’s also your cold call, your first conversation and your sales pitch.”

So, what should a Web site do?

“No. 1, it should look professional,” Omdahl said. While that makes sense, he noted there

Search Engine as Local Business Research Tool: Nearly 4,000 U.S. Internet users and 261 small business owners participated in the Nielsen-WebVisible survey, according to Search Engine Land, www.searchengineland.com, which posted a summary of the survey results on its Web site.

Commonly used local business information resources: 82% Search engines 57% Print yellow pages 53% Local newspapers 49% Internet yellow pages 49% Television 38% Direct mail 32% White pages directories

58 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

Primary tool/resource for researching local business: • Search engines - 50% • Print yellow pages - 24% • Online yellow pages - 10% Source: www.searchengineland.com www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

5:28 PM

are a lot of Web sites that don’t look professional, that look outdated. They should be redesigned on a regular basis with new content added at least every couple of years.

You also “want to be able to convert someone from a visitor to an a ctual client or a lead or a contact. A lot of people forget this,” Omdahl said. Provide as many options as you can for your visitors to turn into customers, he said. “There are companies out there that can help you with a lead form. There are companies out there that can take somebody through the application process. There are even companies out there that you can actually get to a sale with.”

The ability to add content and have some control over your Web site is also essential.

“There are plenty of platforms ... that allo w you to add content, add photographs and change things up on your Web site without having to pay” someone else to do it.

“Be a master of your own domain. What you want to do is you want to own that piece of real estate online,” Omdahl said. He said if you are going through another company to host your Web site, you are only borrowing your name and that space. He said for around $20 a year — $10 for a domain name and $10 for hosting — an agency can own its piece of Web real estate.

An effective Web site will also have the ability to track who’s visiting it and how they are getting to the site. That is a ccomplished through analytics tools, such as Google Analytics. “What analytics do is track who’s visiting and from where people are visiting your Web site. How did they get to your Web site? What did they type into Google? What type of Web site did they come from to get to yours? What pages are they visiting, how long have they spent, what are their navigation apps for your Web site? When you gather all that information, you’re going to be better able to tell what’s working and what’s not on your site,” Omdahl said.

Page 59

ance, the results page will show sponsored links, which appear at the top inside section and on the side of the page. The owners of those sites pay for those positions. The center section contains the free listings, which are also known as organic listings or natural listings. Thirty percent of the people who do

Google searches will click on the sponsored links, but 70 percent are going to be focused on that middle section. “The idea is to g et your Web site to appear at or near the top of that list” in the middle section, Omdahl said.

One of the ways to do that is through search continued on page 60

If You Build It, Will They Come?

“Even the greatest Web site in the world is worthless if no one can find it,” Omdahl said.

But in reality, people won’t find it unless you take steps to promote it.

When someone goes to Google and performs a search for say, commercial auto insurwww.insurancejournal.com

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION | 59

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

6:02 PM

Page 60

Idea Exchange Search Engine Optimization Idea Exchange, continued from page 59

engine optimization (SEO), which is basically creating content that will make it easy for search engines to find the site. SEO “is reall y the process of understanding how Google is looking at the search… it’s about doing things to your Web site to get it to rank highly in those search engines,” Omdahl said.

Spiders, Crawlers and Robots Google employs programs, sometimes called spiders, crawlers or robots, that search the Internet for Web sites. When they find a new Web site, they copy it and put it into an index, Omdahl explained. “They also follow from one link to another, from Web site to another … and they make note of the relationship between all these Web sites, so they actually understand” how one Web site links to another. Then, using about 200 mathematically based factors, they decide how a given Web site ranks where in the search engine.

Omdahl offered some general tips to enhance a Web site’s visibility on search engines: 1. Avoid generalization. Target key words and use specific terms.

2. Create valuable content for your visitors.

Post articles about problems your customers regularly encounter. Publish news and data, and sharable tips and guides, targeting your niche industries.

3. Make your title tag work for you. The title tag explains to a search engine what your Web site is about. It is located in the hea der, or the blue bar, above your Web site’s home page. The title tag is also the clickable string of words that describe your business and appear in blue on the Google results page. The title tag should contain key words to convince people to click on your listing.

4. Link up. Linking is extremely important in the insurance world because the industry is so competitive. Possibilities for linking to other Web sites include professional organizations to which you belong, Web sites of clients or businesses in your niche focus, associations and professional groups that represent the types of businesses you specialize in, as well as family and friends. IJ This article was based on a presentation, “Tools of the Trade: Strategies for Marketing Your Agency Online.” For more information on search engine optimization, visit James Omdahl’s Web site at http://jamesomdahl.com/.

60 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

11:53 AM

Page 61

Classifieds

Ad Index

Insurance Journal Texas / South Central • 3570 Camino del Rio North, Ste. 200 • San Diego, CA 92108-1747 Fax: 619/584-1200 • Phone: 800/897-9965 x125 • classifieds@insurancejournal.com For Ad Rate and Information

National

SOFTWARE

FREE Web-based Insurance Management System Multi-user, management system for reciprocal medical liability insurance providers – www.insurancesoft.com Covering; Underwriting, Risk Management, Accounting and Claims.

For more information visit www.smartstone.com or email info@smartstone.com

JOBS

HIRING Leads Selling Business Dev. Consultant EC Exchange LLC, an insurance lead generation company, is seeking an Insurance Leads Selling Business Development Consultant, with years of experience in insurance industry. The primary objective of this role is to advise on how to identify, attract and activate new lead buyers.

Requirements: • Abundant consultant or sales experience in insurance industry; • Knowledge of leads generation and sales; Payment: Consultation fee is $100/hr + monthly retainer Employer Contact Information: Andrew Roberts (andrew@leaderal.com) Ph: (646)-706-7160

or

Eric Mahoney (eric@leaderal.com) Toll Free: 1 (800) 976-6745

SERVICES

Agency Ideas www.agencyideas.com American Modern Insurance Group www.amig.com American Reliable www.americanreliable.com Amwins Group, Inc. Applied Underwriters www.applieduw.com Beacon Hill Associates CDS Business Mapping www.riskmeter.com Chubb Corporate Fujitsu www.fcpa.fujitsu.com/3650 Insurbanc McGowan & Co, Inc. www.mcgowaninsurance.com Midlands Management Corporation www.midlandsmgmt.com Progressive Insurance www.ProgressiveCommercial.com RCA Insurance Group Westrope www.westrope.com

American Union Risk Associates, LLC Foremost Insurance Group www.foremoststar.com M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. www.mjhallandcompany.com McClelland & Hine www.mhi-tx.com Networked Insurance Agents www.nia-ins.com RSI International, Inc. www.rsimga.com Service Insurance Group www.service-ins-group.com Tejas American General Agency www.taga1.com Texas Mutual Insurance Company www.texasmutual.com

GL/Professional Umbrella • WC • Crime 1-800-665-7304 www.brownyardprograms.com

www.insurancejournal.com

N7 N5 3 64 N6 N20 5 N3 N4 N9 N16 N17 N36 63

South Central

Guards • Investigators • Alarms

INSURE CAREER SUCCESS

N21

Visit our online Job Board

www.insurancejournal.com/classifieds

March 9, 2009 INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION | 61

60 12 57 60 7 59 2 9 55

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

3/3/09

11:06 AM

Page 62

Idea Exchange Closing Quote

A Letter to the President Rusbuldt

P

that it is important to note that there are areas w here existing regulatory structures have and continue to work well for both consumers and businesses. Specifically, the state-based system of insurance regulation has served both policyholders and the insurance industry well for more than 100 years.

State insurance regulators actively monitor insurance entities for potential financial trouble and have many different tools to help insurers navigate adverse market developments.

In addition, the state system utilizes a v ery effective safety net, the state guaranty fund mechanism, to protect consumers in the rare case of insurer insol vency.

Even the failure of AIG, whose collapse emanated from its Dear President Obama, Financial Products division not its insurance operations, On behalf of the Independent Insurance Agents and highlights the strength of the insurance regulatory system.

Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) and o ur more than Throughout the collapse and federal rescue of this large 300,000 small business members and their employfinancial services holding company, AIG’s insurance subees, we want to congratulate you on becoming the sidiaries have been consistently hailed as healthy and stable.

44th President of the United States. We look forThese state-regulated insurance entities continue to pay ward to working with you and your administraclaims to consumers, which is the strongest testament yet to tion on the important issues facing our nation. the strength of insurance regulatory system.

The economic crisis has quickly spread beyond We therefore strongly encourage you to preserve the state Wall Street and now affects nearly every American system of insurance regulation as you engage in your finanbusiness. IIABA represents independent, smallcial services regulatory reform efforts. Many lessons can be business owners whose homes and businesses are learned from the current economic crisis, b ut one of the on Main Streets across America, and they have most significant points is that the paramo unt responsibiliseen first-hand the far-reaching effects of the crisis. ties of any financial services regulator should be both the Our members are leaders and representatives of protection of the consumer and the solvency of the instituthe communities in which they reside, and as tion. While in definite need of targeted regulatory reforms such, we pledge to work with you and your to enhance uniformity and efficiency, state regulation of administration to take whatever steps necessary to insurance has excelled at these two primary responsibilities, resolve the ongoing financial crisis. and we want to ensure that this fact is not lost in the o verall We applaud you for making efforts to solve this debate on financial services regulatory reform. crisis and to modernize the financial services ind ustry’s regCongratulations again on becoming the 44th President of ulatory system a priority of your administration, and we the United States. IIABA, the Professional Independent agree with you that the 111th Congress must begin this hard Insurance Agents of Illinois, our entire task of reform. IIABA believes that any national membership and our staff stand financial services regulatory reform ready to work with you on any endeavefforts must comport with two basic The Administration ors undertaken by your Administration, tenets. First, the administration and Congress should attempt to fix only and Congress should but particularly on those that affect the insurance market, small businesses, and those components of the regulatory systhe work of independent insurance tem that are broken, and second, no attempt to fix only agents. Please do not hesitate to call on actions should be taken that would in any way jeopardize the protection of the conthose components of us if we can be of any assistance. sumer. We have long held these beliefs and Sincerely, have shared these tenets publicly with the regulatory sysRobert A. Rusbuldt IJ Congress during congressional testimony.

As you begin this process, we believe tem that are broken. resident Barack Obama recently received the following letter from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America congratulating him on becoming the 44th President of the United States of America, and encouraging him to preserve the successful state system of insurance regulation in his financial services regulatory reform efforts.

In his correspondence on behalf of the IIABA, Big “I” President and CEO Robert Rusbuldt offered the association’s resources to work with the new administration, especially on issues that impact independent insurance agents and brokers. Following is the text of the letter:

62 | INSURANCE JOURNAL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION March 9, 2009

www.insurancejournal.com

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd WESTROPE13206.qxd

2/26/09 2/25/09

10:31 PM 9:15 AM

Page 63 Page 1

LIFE SCIENCES LIFE SCIENCES SOLUTIONS DESIGNED SOLUTIONS DESIGNED WITH YOUR CLIENTS WITH YOUR CLIENTS IN IN MIND. MIND. COMBINING MEDICAL EXPERTISE WITH PRACTICAL INSURANCE KNOWLEDGE. COMBINING MEDICAL EXPERTISE WITH PRACTICAL INSURANCE KNOWLEDGE.

— Access to domestic/international FROM MEDICAL DEVICES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY TO MANUFACTURERS AND wholesale only E&S carriers/underwriters — Access FROM MEDICAL DEVICES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY TO MANUFACTURERS AND to domestic/international DISTRIBUTORS OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND NUTRACEUTICALS, WESTROPE’S wholesale only E&S carriers/underwriters — Support in completing/understanding DISTRIBUTORS OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND NUTRACEUTICALS, WESTROPE’S class-specific —applications Support in completing/understanding BROKER TEAMS PROVIDE YOU WITH EXPERTISE AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE. class-specific — High excess limits capacity applications BROKER TEAMS PROVIDE YOU WITH EXPERTISE AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE. — High excess limits capacity

CONTACT YOUR WESTROPE BROKER OR OUR LIFE SCIENCES SPECIALIST: Sandie Mullen 816 842-8222 smullen@westrope.com CONTACT YOUR WESTROPE BROKER OR OUR LIFE SCIENCES SPECIALIST: Sandie Mullen 816 842-8222 smullen@westrope.com

ENSURING INSURANCE ENSURING INSURANCE PROPERTY | CASUALTY | TRANSPORTATION | CONSTRUCTION | AGRIBUSINESS L I F E S C I EPNR COEPSE R| T Y WO MR S T SA ET RI O VN I C E| S C |O N BS IN IN U T|H O R IRTI YB U S I N E S S | RCKAESRUS A’ L CT O Y M| P T | R ACNL SA PI O T RD U C TGI OA N AG E X E C U T I VL EI F & P R O F E S S I O N A L L I A B I L I T Y | H E A L T H C A R E E SCIENCES | WORKERS’ COMP | CLAIMS SERVICES | BINDING AUTHORITY WESTROPE.COM EXECUTIVE & PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY | HEALTHCARE

WESTROPE.COM

03.09.09 SOUTH CENTRAL.qxd

2/26/09

10:32 PM

Page 64

Joe Santini, Master Mechanic.

Keeps classic cars running smoothly.

Relies on Applied Underwriters to help run his business the same way. ®

Business owners shouldn’t have to be experts in everything. Applied Underwriters gives them tools to focus on what they know best: their business. With products like SolutionOne® that integrate casualty coverages with payroll processing and risk reduction services. Our superior customer service and Best’s Rating of A (Excellent) have earned us a client retention rate of over 90%. For more information call (877) 234-4450 or visit www.applieduw.com.

©2007 Applied Underwriters, Inc. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.