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Volume 77, June 2014

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New Products Enhancements Contact Changes Misc Company Info Archive

Insurance Noodle Announces Integrated Small Contractors Facility

Technology platform delivers multi-carrier solutions to agents for their clients

CHICAGO-June 18, 2014-Insurance Noodle today announced the launch of the first ever integrated property and casualty facility for small contractors, bringing together the power of several leading carriers, via a single access point. Contractors, such as handymen, landscapers and installers represent the largest segment of the U.S. small business community. Creating a customized, easy to use solution for insurance agents with clients in this group represents a significant step forward in helping these companies manage their risk exposure.

"For years the insurance industry has defined a program around one market with limited scope. Yet, as agents who serve small business owners everyday know, no single insurance company offers the best solution for every account. This drove us to create our integrated contractors program, working with the best companies in the space," said Insurance Noodle CEO, Ted Devine.

The Insurance Noodle contractors facility carriers are AM Best rated and include some of the finest in the marketplace. The contractors facility leverages the Insurance Noodle proprietary technology platform to return multiple real-time quotes to the agent through a single integrated application.

The offering is designed primarily for general liability, commercial auto and workers' compensation coverage. Available endorsements include faulty workmanship and contractors miscellaneous tools and equipment. Target classes encompass a full range of contractors including residential remodelers, flooring installers, home inspectors, heating ventilation and air conditioning installation and repair, and more.

Ralph Blust, President of Insurance Noodle added, "The integrated platform uniquely equips agents to obtain the best solution for each client from the offerings of all the participating carriers. Agents can immediately obtain solutions for a wide range of small contractors, like never before."

About Insurance Noodle
Insurance Noodle is the leading online placement platform, delivering solutions to more than 6,000 agents and brokers throughout the United States, and their small business clients. Pioneering online quoting in 2001, Insurance Noodle provides independent agents with online access to insurance products, services and expertise through a single-entry, multi-carrier, multi-line, web-based portal that is supported by a team of licensed insurance producers. For more information, visit www.insurancenoodle.com/.


New entertainment center program offers enhanced coverage

Fort Wayne, Ind., June 11, 2014: K&K Insurance Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Aon plc (NYSE:AON), today announced a new program with enhanced coverage options for entertainment centers, also known as family fun centers.

The entertainment center program provides coverage for operations including batting cages, bowling, billiards, bumper cars/boats, coin operated rides, driving ranges, go-karts, inflatables, kiddie rides, laser tag, miniature golf courses, paintball (if part of an entertainment center), video arcades, and other entertainment risks. The program is offered in all states except New York.

Premium is based on gross receipts, offering competitive pricing for facilities depending upon individual exposures.

In addition to property, general liability, inland marine, crime, commercial auto, liquor liability and excess liability, workers' compensation is now available. Limits of up to $25 million are available with no aggregate. Minimum premium for the entertainment center program is $5,000. Applications for coverage are available on the K&K website at www.kandkinsurance.com. Admitted coverage is offered through a carrier rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.

"I am pleased that we're able to offer coverage in support of entertainment center organizations," said Todd Bixler, CEO of K&K Insurance. "Our clients have expressed a need for higher limits and workers' compensation coverage; now K&K is able to respond to that need through this program."

In addition to coverage for entertainment center operations, K&K offers a variety of insurance programs for professional and amateur sports, leisure, entertainment, recreational and motorsports organizations.

For more information, call K&K Insurance at 800-440-5580 or visit www.kandkinsurance.com for applications.

About K&K Insurance Group, Inc.
K&K Insurance Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Aon plc, is a managing general underwriter offering insurance products and services to the sports, motorsports, recreation, leisure and entertainment industries.

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 66,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative and effective risk and people solutions and through industry-leading global resources and technical expertise. Aon has been named repeatedly as the world's best broker, best insurance intermediary, reinsurance intermediary, captives manager and best employee benefits consulting firm by multiple industry sources. Visit www.aon.com for more information on Aon and www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.


FirstComp launches business owner policy in Hawaii

Omaha, NE, May 27, 2014 — FirstComp, a division of Markel Service, Incorporated, announced today the availability of a new small business owner policy, FirstComp EssentialBOP, for FirstComp-appointed independent agents writing business in Hawaii. The BOP product is also available in Nebraska, Tennessee, Arkansas, Michigan, Utah, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Vermont. FirstComp EssentialBOP provides coverage for typical risks that small businesses face and can be customized to meet the needs of each small business policyholder.

“The EssentialBOP product was developed after listening to our agents and policyholders. After much research and countless conversations with agents and policyholders, we are providing a product that offers essential coverage options for small businesses that is also designed to facilitate the purchasing process and complement our high service standards,” stated Matt Parker, Managing Executive at FirstComp. “We intend to deliver the same easy-to-use, high quality quoting and delivery experience that has made our workers’ compensation product so popular today,” Matt added.

Trent Cooksley, Director of Strategy and Marketing at FirstComp, explained, “To improve the purchasing experience, a customer can now bundle small business owner and workers’ compensation policies. Streamlining the process and contacts into a single quote, invoice, and underwriting contact can significantly reduce the delivery time.”

The EssentialBOP product will be available to quote for FirstComp-appointed independent agents writing business in Hawaii for policies effective June 1, 2014.

About FirstComp
FirstComp, a division of Markel Service, Incorporated, a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Markel Corporation, offers appointed independent insurance agents an innovative and flexible workers compensation product as well as business owners policies (where available) geared toward the unique risks of small business clients.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.


NAS Insurance and Swett & Crawford Provide IIABCal Members New Online Cyber Liability Program

Encino, CA: NAS Insurance Services and Swett & Crawford today announced the availability of unique cyber liability products for IIABCal members and their clients. Members can now log on to NAS Online to quote and issue cyber liability policies for their clients through a unique program with Swett & Crawford.

"Every business has a cyber liability exposure and IIABCal members now have access to a product that meets their clients' needs," said Clark Payan, President of the Independent Insurance Producer Service Corporation, the for-profit subsidy of IIABCal. "Together, Swett & Crawford and NAS offer a comprehensive program that provides a great cyber product and the simplest online solution on the market."

Online cyber from Swett & Crawford and NAS is available to a broad range of small to medium-sized businesses and can be customized for various limits up to $5 Million. While the online form is simple, the coverage includes all of the core features of NetGuardTM Plus, including breach response costs outside the limit and coverage for regulatory fines and penalties.

"We are excited to be able to offer this unique cyber program to IIABCal members," remarks Ann McCarthy, Program Manager at Swett & Crawford. "It's not only a robust product with premiums starting at $500, it also includes endorsements uniquely available to IIABCal member clients."

Registration for online access is available via NAS Online.

Michael Palotay, SVP of Underwriting at NAS Insurance, provides the cyber product and the online platform for the program. "We are proud to be of service to IIABCal and its membership. We want to help agents convert their clients' cyber interest into cyber sales, and Swett & Crawford provides the knowledge and know-how to get it done. NAS Online provides the tools to get it done, simply."

NAS is a full-service specialty insurance underwriting manager that provides product development, underwriting, marketing, risk management and claims handling. NAS insurance products and programs are distributed through brokers and as tailored solutions for mutual insurance carriers.

For more information about this program, please contact:

Ann McCarthy, Program Manager
Swett & Crawford
415.951.8419

Jeremy Barnett, Senior Vice President Marketing
NAS Insurance Services
818.382.6116


PartnerOne Environmental Teams Up with ACE Westchester to Offer New Energy Product

PartnerOne Environmental ® is now working in partnership with ACE Westchester Environmental to offer PartnerOne Energy Select, a new packaged insurance product specifically for environmental energy contractors and consultants. PartnerOne Energy Select has been designed for insureds that provide a wide range of support operations and services in the oil & gas industry.

"We are very excited to expand our PartnerOne platform into the Environmental Energy space," says Amanda Duncan, President of PartnerOne Environmental. "In partnering with one of the strongest environmental carriers in the marketplace, ACE Westchester Environmental, we can provide our agents and brokers with quality insurance from a leading carrier in one of the fastest growing fields in the industry."

PartnerOne Energy Select is a combined insurance package that can include General Liability, Contractors Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, and Premises Pollution Liability. Available coverage enhancements may include, Blanket Additional Insured, Waiver of Subrogation, Transportation Pollution Liability (TPL), Non Owned Disposal Site Liability (NODs), and Separate Defense Limits. Premiums start at $7,500.

"We're pleased to join forces with PartnerOne's experienced team of specialized professionals to further extend the availability of our environmental energy product offerings," said Barbara Deas, Division President, ACE Westchester Environmental.

"PartnerOne's large client base creates opportunities and product access for a whole new customer group," added Rob Owens, Senior Vice President, ACE Westchester Environmental.

PartnerOne Environmental® is an industry-leading source for fully integrated environmental insurance products that can secure coverage for a variety of small- to middle-market contractors, consultants, and property owners and managers. All insurance products are quoted, bound, and issued in-house, enabling PartnerOne Environmental to provide fast turnaround times and excellent service. Coverages are offered by carriers rated "A+" or better. www.p1enviro.com

ACE Westchester Environmental is the U.S.-based wholesale-focused operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), and is rated A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor's.

ACE Westchester, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Insurance provided by Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company, ACE American Insurance Company, or, in some jurisdictions, other insurers within the ACE Group. The product information above is a summary only. The insurance policy actually issued contains the terms and conditions of the contract. All products may not be available in all jurisdictions. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines brokers. Additional information on ACE Westchester and its products and services can be found at www.acewestchester.com.

Additional information on PartnerOne Environmental and its products & services can be found at www.p1enviro.com, by emailing p1info@p1enviro.com, or by calling 1-800-596-2156.


General Liability for Scaffold and Crane Companies

Market Detail: Construction Insurance Services, LLC provides liability insurance for construction companies with a specific focus on the Scaffold Industry. CIS offers an exclusive program providing General Liability and Excess Liability through an A Rated carrier for scaffold companies located in all 50 states. In addition, CIS provides General Liability for small and medium sized crane companies.

CIS can also arrange other insurance coverage for construction companies including Workers Compensation, Property and Commercial Automobile Insurance, and Inland Marine.

Available Limits: As needed

Carrier: A.M. Best Rating XV

States: All states

Contact: Conor Curley at 214-884-1970 or email: ccurley@constructioninsuranceservices.com; or Brianna Sherfy at 214-884-1971 or email: bsherfy@constructioninsuranceservices.com


Venture Expands Cyber Liability Coverage for Club and Hotel/Resort Programs

PREFERRED CLUB and Suitelife programs respond to increased demand for broad, affordable privacy and data breach protection; complimentary risk management and data breach response services included.

West Chester, Pa. - April 1, 2014 - Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) today announced it has expanded and enhanced privacy and data breach protection for its PREFERRED CLUB program for golf and country clubs, and its Suitelife programs for hotels and resorts.

The policy offers flexible, more affordable coverage for the costs to respond to a data breach, along with the costs to defend and resolve claims for statutory violations, negligence, regulatory investigations and breach of contract. Risk management and data breach prevention and response services are also offered. Coverage is written through Hiscox, a cyber insurance specialist with an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

"The alarming increase in cyber attacks has highlighted the need for privacy and data breach protection in the hospitality industry, and we're pleased to offer coverage that is not only broad in scope, but also more affordable for clubs and hotels of all sizes," said Philip J. Harvey, founder and president of Venture Programs. "Club members and hotel and resort guests expect their information to be secure, and whether an attack is a targeted hack or simply a lost employee laptop, the result can be a costly claim and damaged reputation."

Venture offers clubs, hotel and resorts a fast, easy process to obtain privacy and data breach protection, with limits up to $2 million and coverage available for risks up to $100 million in revenue. Coverage highlights include:

  • Retentions available from $5,000 to $25,000 and scaled based on revenues
  • Full limit for breach notification costs, with an option for Breach Costs Outside the Limit
  • Full limit for computer forensics
  • Duty to Defend policy
  • Coverage for breach of contract claims, including those under a payment card processing or service provider agreement
  • Coverage for regulatory actions, including investigations by the FTC or state attorney general, as well as coverage for civil penalties (where allowed), and compensatory awards such as consumer redress funds
  • $25,000 of PCI Fines coverage and PCI Remediation coverage included at no additional premium
  • Ability to add additional coverage modules including: Multimedia Liability, Hacker Damage, Cyber Business Interruption and Cyber Extortion

Coverage also includes complimentary risk management assistance and prevention services, as well as complimentary breach response services, including one hour with a data breach coach and access to breach response providers.

About Venture Insurance Programs
Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) is a leading program administrator that designs, underwrites and distributes industry-specific insurance packages. Based in West Chester, Pa., Venture has underwriting alliances with the world's leading carrier groups, including Chubb, Allied World, RSUI, USLI, Zurich North America, ACE, Monitor and Lloyd's of London. Founded in 1993, Venture provides specialty insurance packages for select vertical industries-including golf and country clubs, golf destination resorts, hotels, resorts, hunting and fishing lodges and city and social clubs.


Keystone Set To Launch Agent Portal For BOP

Leading Franchisor of Independent Insurance Agencies Uses Appulate to Make Submitting Business Easier And Faster for Keystone Agents

Northumberland, PA – April 10, 2014 Keystone Insurers Group is getting ready to unveil a state of the art online submission platform for their Business Owners Policy division, Keystone Select.

Beginning this Spring, Keystone agents submitting to Keystone Select will be able to use Appulate to upload submission data and receive a quote. The technology is provided to retail agents at no cost and offers upload of ACORD data from any retail agency management system into Keystone’s agent portal. From there, agents will be able to complete the process by electronically signing the ACORD, uploading loss runs and submitting a request to bind.

“Our goal has always been to strengthen the independent agency system. To do that, we need to provide our partner agencies the best possible solutions available on the market that will help them become more effective and efficient in their businesses,” said Bob Scullin, Chief Technology Officer of Keystone Insurers Group. “Appulate will offer us an unprecedented level of automation,” stated Scullin.

Once only reserved for large insurance companies, the agent portal is now on the wish lists of many insurance brokers. “It is a competitive advantage,” said Dimitri Nikouline, Chief Architect at Appulate, Inc. “Keystone agencies will be able to submit business and get quotes faster,” commented Nikouline.

About Appulate
Founded in 2005, Appulate provides a best of breed portal solution to streamline the submission process between stakeholders (insured, agent, broker, MGA, TPA and carrier). Appulate offers an unprecedented level of connectivity to streamline business processes through its innovative abilities to bridge data between insurance systems. The combination of our advanced technology, outstanding level of service and high value proposition have made us one of the fastest growing technology companies that serve the insurance industry.

Visit Appulate at www.Appulate.com

About Keystone Insurers Group (KIG)
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Northumberland, Pa., KIG is owned by its franchise partners and employees in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio. In addition, KIG conducts business in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Illinois. Each partner is an independent agency. With property/casualty premiums exceeding $2 billion, KIG is ranked third on Insurance Journal's 2013 list of Top 20 Privately-Held Property/Casualty Agency Networks. For more information, go to www.keystoneinsgrp.com.


NEW! Recall Crisis Recovery PLUS

Essential Coverage for Manufacturers of Any Size

All Manufactured Consumer Goods Considered Under This Program

Including Food and Beverage!

A manufacturing facility can be challenged with a recall, government ban or adverse publicity event at any moment. Recent legislation and stricter regulations may result in a costly recall experience even for the most cautious manufacturer. The recovery process is expensive, time consuming and without the proper coverage or resources it can be devastating for a company to be featured in daily headlines.

Recall Crisis Recovery Plus has been developed by PLISÒ, Inc. to provide unique coverages for manufacturers in all industries. RCR PLUS reimburses for revenue loss, rehabilitation and related recall expenses PLUS Contains New Coverage Options Including Government Ban/Seizure, Adverse Publicity and Counterfeit Products Coverage! In addition, Crisis management assistance for this policy plays an important role in preventing and managing recall events. Their extensive knowledge and expertise in various pathogens, ever-changing regulations and business recovery methods are crucial when dealing with government authorities and the media. Obtain essential coverage and gain a valuable crisis management resource to assist anytime throughout the policy period! Call our Underwriting Facility at 1-800-761-7547 to learn more!

Coverage Features:

  • Malicious & Accidental Contamination
  • Product Extortion
  • Reimbursement for the following:
    • Loss of Revenues
    • Pre-recall Expenses
    • Recall Expense
    • Rehabilitation Expenses
    • Insured's Customer's Loss of Profits
BRAND NEW PLUS Coverage Sublimit Options (available for additional premium):
  • Governmental Ban or Seizure
  • Adverse Publicity
  • Counterfeit Products
  • Long Term Agreement Endorsement
  • Inoculations, Vaccinations & Testing (consumers & employees)
Crisis Management Services Included from Specialty Risk Management, Inc.:
  • 24/7 Live Recall Event/Contamination Expertise
  • Assistance with the Following:
    • First Signs of Error in Manufacturing
    • Physical, Chemical & Biological/Pathogen Contamination
    • Decision Making, Data Collection & Regulatory Insight
    • Government Response & Ongoing Government Requirements
    • Executing a Recall & Preparing for Inspections
    • Media Analysis & Media Event Control
    • 1-800 Recall Hotlines for Customer Concerns/Brand Management
    • Rapid Business Recovery Expertise & Actions
  • Crisis Management Plan Reviews
  • On-Going Product Safety Information & Guideline Support


Pioneer Programs Expands Contractors' Choice Program, Adds Excess Liability

January 9, 2014 - Pasadena, CA - Pioneer Programs Insurance Solutions of Pasadena, C.A. is pleased to announce the expansion of their specialty program, Contractor's Choice, now to include Excess Liability.

"We are pleased to have the ability to offer the following form GL excess product to our current contractors' choice program, said Carole Fleischman, Managing Director of Pioneer Programs. "This will enable our brokers to offer a more seamless product that includes both primary and excess liability coverage.

The Contractors' Choice program is designed for general contractors and developers engaged in residential and commercial construction, as we as their related subcontractors for specific projects, including single-family residences, low-rise and high-rise condominiums, town homes and apartments, as well as some commercial buildings. By focusing on loss control, risk selection and pricing, this program has experienced continued success for many years.

About Pioneer Programs Insurance Solutions
Pioneer Programs was formed in November of 2008 for the purpose of writing specific insurance programs on behalf of selected carriers. They are focused on underwriting exceptional risks while assisting insureds in managing their exposures. For more information, visit www.pioneerprograms.com


QQ Solutions Launches QQ Catalyst Marketplace, Showcasing QQ Catalyst Compatible Applications For Insurance Agencies Developed By Independent Software Vendors Worldwide

QQ Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide, has launched the QQ Catalyst™ Marketplace. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace is a website that showcases and provides access to software applications for insurance agencies from QQ Solutions' independent software vendor partners, all of which are compatible with the company's cloud-based agency management system, QQ Catalyst.

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 9, 2013 - QQ Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of insurance agency management systems for independent agencies nationwide, has launched the QQ Catalyst™ Marketplace. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace is a website that showcases and provides access to software applications for insurance agencies from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), all of which work with the company's cloud-based agency management system, QQ Catalyst. ISVs from the U.S. and other countries are developing applications that interoperate with QQ Catalyst and provide insurance agencies with new tools to help them grow their businesses, provide better customer service, and become more productive. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace provides insurance agencies with easy access to these resources.

First released in early 2013, over 480 insurance agencies with over 1,500 users - all of which are new customers - are now using the revolutionary cloud-based QQ Catalyst agency management system to automate their operations, provide better service to their clients and grow their revenues.

One of the unique aspects of QQ Catalyst is that ISVs can build applications that securely interoperate with QQ Catalyst using its robust API. The API allows software developers to build apps that work with QQ Catalyst and securely access Catalyst's client, policy and other information in the cloud via an extensive set of API methods. An API Web portal and developer sandbox are provided along with complete documentation and sample source code for developers to use in building their apps.

The new QQ Catalyst Marketplace provides an online showcase for ISVs to market their applications, which work with and extend QQ Catalyst's capabilities. Examples of these applications include mobile apps, consumer portals, document management tools, and marketing automation.

Michael Stebel, Chief Operating Officer of QQ Solutions stated, "Through our ISV partners, we're building an ecosystem around QQ Catalyst that will greatly expand the range of solutions available to insurance agencies. By making QQ Catalyst the core of their technology strategy, insurance agencies will be able to select from a broad scope of tools from best-in-class software providers. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace will help them to better compete in today's insurance marketplace."

ISV Partner Quotes:

  • Torey Maerz, Founder & CEO of Rocket Referrals said, "QQ Catalyst is an innovative agency management system with a slick API that allows us to quickly build new and creative solutions for our customers. Unlike other agency management systems we have encountered, QQ Catalyst is a leader in providing a solid platform for developers to extend their core offering with unique and powerful tools. By leveraging our partnership with QQ Solutions, our customers can virtually manage Rocket Referral's entire product without leaving QQ Catalyst, saving time, reducing errors, and increasing the value of both Rocket Referrals and QQ Catalyst."
  • Matt Aaron, Co-Founder & CEO of the Insurance Agent mobile application said, "QQ Solutions immediately understood how working together could mutually benefit our respective clients. The ability for our product to interoperate with QQ allows agencies to push home & auto policy information, including images of insurance ID cards, directly to customers via the agency branded mobile app. This is huge for agencies. After twenty-five years, QQ Solutions is still entrepreneurial at heart, and eager to execute for the customer. That's the kind of company you want to work with."
  • Rolando Milian of Ferret Software, Inc. stated, "Ferret Tools for Outlook allows QQ Catalyst customers to upload and save email and attachments directly from Outlook to a client or policy in QQ Catalyst, even when Catalyst is not running. Through our partnership with QQ Solutions, we can help QQ Catalyst customers minimize E&O risk exposure, improve agent effectiveness, and appropriately track client communications by ensuring that critical information is centrally stored, shared amongst those authorized, easily retrievable, accurate and complete."
  • Nathan Waite, Chief Sales Officer of SEMCAT Corporation said, "SEMCAT is proud to support the QQ Catalyst Marketplace. The integration between our two platforms has proven amazingly helpful for our hundreds of mutual clients and we're excited to expand this reach together. QQ Solutions is helping drive insurance industry innovation and we're proud to be considered a valuable and pioneering partner."
  • Laird Rixford, Vice President of Products & Marketing for ITC said, "By integrating TurboRater and AgencyBuzz with QQ Solutions' management products, we give our mutual customers the ability to grow their agencies using technology that is the best in its class."
Independent insurance agents interested in learning about applications that work with the QQ Catalyst agency management system are invited to visit the QQ Catalyst Marketplace at: QQSolutions.com/marketplace.

ISVs interested in becoming QQ Catalyst API partners and having their applications showcased in the QQ Catalyst Marketplace should visit the API portal link to: QQSolutions.com/solutions/agencymanagement/qqcatalyst/api.aspx for more information.

About QQ Solutions, Inc.:
Named one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, QQ Solutions is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides feature-rich, affordable solutions that help independent insurance agencies grow revenues, enhance productivity and operate more efficiently. One of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent insurance agencies, QQ Solutions supports over 4,700 agencies, representing over 23,000 users nationwide. The company's mission is to help independent insurance agencies compete in the digital world by leveraging the latest cloud technology, social media, digital marketing and real-time services.

QQ Solutions strives to delight its customers by exceeding their expectations in product quality, customer service, training & support, and by meeting their evolving needs through a program of continuous product development and improvement incorporating the best available technologies. The company's headquarters is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where the company employs 65 people in software development, product management, product support, professional services, marketing, sales, IT, finance, and administration.

To learn more about QQ Solutions products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the QQ Solutions website at QQSolutions.com.


A Captive for Waste Haulers Has Finally Arrived! National Interstate Leads the Way with Alternative Risk Transfer Insurance

Richfield, Ohio - December 4, 2013 - National Interstate Insurance Company, a leader in transportation insurance since 1989, announced a new group rental captive for waste haulers to complement its traditional insurance program. The company is now seeking visionary operators with a solid track record in the waste industry to become founding members.

"It is very exciting to pioneer an alternative risk transfer (ART) program created specifically for waste operators, especially since this segment has been extremely underserved when it comes to ART options," said John Rich, Director of Environmental Transportation at National Interstate. "This group rental captive is an innovative risk management solution for waste operators who are committed to safety excellence. Companies joining the program will enjoy more premium stability than the traditional market, as well as the potential to receive some of their premium back if it is not used to pay claims. In addition, they may earn investment income on a portion of their premium. We are also providing a unique distribution approach that allows retail agents to work directly with us - a partnership that has been difficult to find in today's MGA-driven marketplace."

National Interstate offers a one-stop-shopping experience for coverages including auto liability, auto physical damage, general liability, as well as workers' compensation. Targeted operations include best-in-class residential, commercial and industrial collection, recyclers, construction and demolition debris removal, transfer stations, and material recovery facilities.

"With 18 years of experience in transportation ART programs, we are pleased to launch this exclusive new program for waste operations," said George Skuggen, Vice President of Truck Products for National Interstate. "We have the expertise to serve this highly-specialized niche by delivering the highest level of service including in-house claims handling, dedicated customer service, and proactive risk management programs designed to help companies run the safest operation possible. Customers can also depend on our financial strength and stability. National Interstate is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, and has been named to Forbes 100 Most Trustworthy companies for four consecutive years."

National Interstate is an active member of the National Waste and Recycling Association.

For more information about National Interstate's waste operations group rental captive, contact Lauren Fronczek at lauren.fronczek@natl.com, or 800-929-1500 x1141.

About National Interstate
An Insurance Experience Built Around You.
National Interstate Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Interstate Corporation, is a specialty property and casualty insurance company with a niche orientation and focus on the transportation industry. We differentiate ourselves by offering insurance products and services designed to meet the unique needs of targeted insurance buyers. Products include insurance for passenger, moving and storage, and truck transportation companies, alternative risk transfer, or captive insurance programs for commercial risks, specialty personal lines consisting of insurance products focused primarily on recreational vehicle owners, and transportation and general commercial insurance in Hawaii and Alaska. National Interstate and its insurance subsidiaries, which include Vanliner Insurance Company and Triumphe Casualty Company, are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1989, we are headquartered in Richfield, Ohio with operations in Kapolei, Hawaii, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Fenton, Missouri.


QQ Solutions Releases QQ Catalyst™ Version 2.5, Adding Major New Capabilities to its Popular Insurance Agency Management System

QQ Solutions has released the latest version of its QQ Catalyst cloud-based agency management system. Version 2.5 adds major new features and capabilities to this easy-to-use system, including commercial lines support, contact file import, plus several feature improvements and enhancements.

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (PRWEB) November 04, 2013 - QQ Solutions, Inc., one of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent agencies, announced the latest release of its revolutionary cloud-based insurance agency management system, QQ Catalyst™. Catalyst version 2.5 adds support for commercial lines and a contact import feature for importing customers and prospects from several file formats. The update also includes File Manager improvements, several feature enhancements, as well as additional IVANS carrier download certifications.

With a dynamically growing customer base - currently over 425 new subscribers since its launch in early 2013 - agencies using older systems can easily migrate to Catalyst. Catalyst is also the easiest agency management system to learn and use. With industry leading features and innovation, like its patent pending "Stack" and "Guided Workflows", Catalyst will dramatically improve agency productivity and efficiency. Catalyst is truly mobile and works on any device with a modern browser, including PCs, Macs, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Surface tablets, Chromebooks, and other mobile devices. QQ Solutions' industry leading customer on-boarding, training and support programs make transitioning to and learning Catalyst fast and easy. Plus, Catalyst's context-aware on-page training videos, built-in help and unique Guided Workflows keep users on track, eliminating errors and following best practices. For agencies migrating from older agency management software, database conversions are available.

Michelle Mosher, of Great Florida Insurance in Apollo Beach, Florida said, "I am a huge fan of QQ Catalyst. It works great for me and my agency. I find the most useful thing is the ability to complete ACORD forms quickly and easily for my contractor certificates, and the ability to know at a glance what my business looks like. The access-from-anywhere appeals to me, as I can gain access to anyone's policy info at any time without having to lug my laptop around with me. It's been an overall wonderful asset to my agency. The support is wonderful as well. They listen to my suggestions and are always a phone call away to answer questions I have about the system."

Debbie Cunningham, of Cunningham & Associates Insurance in San Angelo, Texas said, "Our employees have been able to adapt to the QQ Catalyst system very quickly. With its cloud-based access, we no longer have the issues we used to deal with of limited access on various workstations in our office, and now also have gained the ability to work from home or at a client's office. Catalyst makes all our jobs organizing and managing our client data much easier and more efficient." Brenda Singh Bajaj, of Flynn Commercial Insurance Services in Long Beach, CA said, "Wow! In light of the fact that our business is 99% commercial packages, this update really enhances the usefulness of Catalyst for us exponentially. In addition to the excellent commercial additions, the fact that I don't have to play musical chairs updating the workstations of 10 employees when you have update is a true blessing. Add this to the user-friendly interface and convenient placement of training videos and the amount of time and effort I invest in reviewing data entry for the company is cut in half. It is from these perspectives and the many hats one may find themselves wearing at an insurance agency that I state I am glad we happened upon and invested in QQ Catalyst."

Eric Most, of Most Insurance in Tampa, Florida said, "We have been able to pick up and use QQ Catalyst very quickly - less than thirty minutes for most features."

Mark Malis, Chief Executive Officer of QQ Solutions added, "Catalyst is performing beyond our expectations and our customers love it. Now, with the addition of commercial lines support, contact and prospect file import and other enhancements, Catalyst is even better and more agencies can take advantage of this great new cloud-based system."

For more information about QQ Catalyst, visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com, or call QQ Solutions at 1.800.940.6600.

About QQ Solutions, Inc.:
Named one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, QQ Solutions is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides feature-rich, affordable solutions that help independent insurance agencies grow revenues, enhance productivity and operate more efficiently. One of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent insurance agencies, QQ Solutions supports over 22,000 users nationwide. The company's mission is to help independent insurance agencies compete in the digital world by leveraging the latest cloud technology, social media, digital marketing and real-time services.

QQ Solutions strives to delight its customers by exceeding their expectations in product quality, customer service, training & support, and by meeting their evolving needs through a program of continuous product development and improvement incorporating the best available technologies.

The company's headquarters is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where the company employs 65 people in software development, product management, product support, professional services, marketing, sales, IT, finance, and administration. To learn more about QQ Solutions products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the QQ Solutions website at: QQSolutions.com.


IVANS Insurance Solutions Introduces New Online Solution for Automobile Liability Insurance Reporting

IVANS ALIR Pro Online Provides Greater Flexibility to Carriers

Tampa, FL – November 12, 2013 – IVANS Insurance Solutions today announced the introduction of IVANS ALIR Pro Online, a new hosted solution for automobile liability insurance reporting (ALIR). IVANS ALIR Pro Online provides carriers nationwide the flexibility of a hosted environment for ALIR reporting with dedicated support and service models to meet specific operational and resource requirements.

IVANS ALIR Pro is a comprehensive automobile liability reporting solution that enables insurance carriers to more efficiently and accurately report data to state motor vehicle authorities, saving carriers time and reducing their risk of compliance issues. With IVANS ALIR Pro Online, carriers now have the flexibility, cost savings and performance advantages of a hosted solution for ALIR available in three service models, from hosting only up to managed IT and business services.

“New IVANS ALIR Pro Online services provide carriers greater flexibility for efficiently managing compliance reporting according to their specific business and regulatory reporting practices,” said Jim Ochiltree, senior vice president, IVANS Insurance Solutions. “As the property and casualty insurance industry’s trusted leader for information exchange, we are committed to providing innovative online services that enable our customers to operate their businesses more efficiently and profitably.”

About IVANS Insurance Solutions
IVANS Insurance Solutions, a division of Applied Systems, is the property and casualty insurance industry’s partner and trusted technology leader for advanced carrier-agency information exchange. IVANS Insurance Solutions makes insurance business easier with secure information exchange, data translation and managed connectivity solutions that deliver efficiency and better customer service capabilities to carriers and independent agencies. More property and casualty insurance companies rely on the IVANS platform than any other technology to create greater value from information exchanged in insurance business. To learn more, visit www.ivansinsurance.com.


ProWriters Offers Instant Online Quoting And Binding for Small Business Insurance

Agents and brokers can quote and bind coverage quickly online and over mobile devices

West Chester, PA - ProWriters (www.prowritersins.com)is now providing agents and brokers access to instant online quoting and binding for small business professional liability insurance with general liability and/or a Business Owners Policy (BOP).

Quotes for small business risks can be accessed from an online portal on computer, tablet or phone, and agents and brokers can bind small business in minutes wherever they are, backed by full call center support. ProWriters' professional liability, general liability and business owners insurance is targeted to small businesses in marketing, IT, architecture, engineering, interior design, beauty and health, real estate and other select industries.

"We believe in simple solutions and are excited to give our agents access to fast and easy options for their small business customers," said Brian Thornton, president of ProWriters. "Our agents now have quick access to tailored coverage at competitive rates from an "A" rated carrier that is known for paying covered claims and paying them promptly."

The online portal features:
Policy documents within minutes of binding.
Most policies are automatically renewed.
Servicing and policy support provided by licensed advisors.
Policy premium rates start as low as $22.50 per month with a 14-day money back guarantee and a no-fee payment plan.
Credit card payment is accepted online or over the phone.
Coverage available for some classes with revenues up to $3 million; limits up to $2 million.
If a client grows out of the program, the account is referred back to the agent or broker.

Coverage for this program is underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. rated "A" by A.M. Best Company.

AboutProWriters
ProWriters (www.prowritersins.com)is a Managing General Underwriter specializing in Professional and Management Liability Insurance. The company offers simple solutions to agent sand brokers for D&O, E&O, EPLI, Crime, and Cyber & Privacy Liability products, as well as tailored risk management services.


Ryan Specialty Group's ThinkRisk and Aspen US Insurance Announce New Management Liability Insurance Program for Private Companies and Non-Profit Organizations

October 28, 2013, NEW YORK - ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency ("ThinkRisk"), a division of RSG Underwriting Managers, LLC, and Aspen US Insurance ("Aspen") announced today the launch of a new national management liability package program. The product is available on an admitted basis in most states and offers multiple coverage lines for a wide variety of private companies and non-profit organizations. This new policy suite will have the ability to offer Directors & Officers, Employment Practices, Fiduciary, Employed Lawyers and Crime coverage.

Raymond Hannan, Senior Vice President, US Underwriting Manager for Management Liability, Aspen, commented: "There has been noticeable market dislocation in recent months and we believe this is an opportune time for a fresh, nimble market with no legacy issues and deep underwriting expertise to bring innovative coverage solutions to brokers and their private company and non-profit clients."

The new product was designed with many competitive coverage advantages to provide more comprehensive coverage solutions for private companies and non-profit organizations. A key differentiator is that every eligible management liability quote will also include a bind-able [in]TELLIGENCE℠ quote with separate, stand-alone policy limits. [in]TELLIGENCE℠ is a state of the art admitted media/cyber/privacy product offered by Think Risk and Aspen, which was announced earlier this year.

ThinkRisk's President, Nicole Haggerty, noted: "We are excited to be able to provide a bind-able quote for both the management liability and the [in]TELLIGENCE℠ products from the management liability submission. We believe the ability to provide multiple products via a single point of entry will differentiate the Think Risk/Aspen partnership in the marketplace."

The new management liability package program will be offered nationwide via a select group of approved producers who have demonstrated expertise in the management liability sector. Both the management liability package program and [in]TELLIGENCE℠ policy are supported by robust risk management, loss control and policyholder services.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC and ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency and other highly-specialized underwriting companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

For information about these products, please contact:

Rick Barr, CPCU
Director of Business Development
ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency
+1 (813) 428 0858
rbarr@thinkriskins.com

About Aspen US Insurance ("Aspen")
Aspen US Insurance, which is part of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited ("Aspen Holdings"), writes property, casualty and specialty insurance in the United States on both a surplus lines and admitted basis through Aspen Specialty Insurance Company and Aspen American Insurance Company. An integrated team of underwriting and claims specialists in each business line provide customized solutions to complex and evolving risks. Aspen's business lines include Property, Primary & Excess Casualty, Environmental, Marine, Energy and Construction, Management and Professional Liability, Commercial Surety and Programs.

Further information about Aspen can be found at www.aspen.co.

About Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited ("Aspen Holdings")
Aspen Holdings provides reinsurance and insurance coverage to clients in various domestic and global markets through wholly-owned subsidiaries and offices in Bermuda, France, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Aspen Holdings reported $10.3 billion in total assets, $4.8 billion in gross reserves, $3.5 billion in shareholders' equity, and $2.6 billion in gross written premiums. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of "A" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's, an "A" ("Excellent") by A.M. Best and an "A2" ("Good") by Moody's Investors Service.

Application of the Safe Harbor of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements regarding future results and events, including, without limitation, statements regarding the achievement of Aspen Holdings business plans. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "seek," "will," "estimate," "may," "aim," "likely," "continue," "guidance," and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature.

All forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions, estimates and data concerning future results and events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Aspen Holding's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. For a detailed description of uncertainties and other factors that could impact the forward-looking statements in this press release, please see the "Risk Factors" section in Aspen Holdings's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2013. Aspen Holdings undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information: Please visit www.aspen.co or contact:

Media
Erin Smith, North America - Abernathy MacGregor
eks@abmac.com
+1 (212) 371 5999

Investors
Kathleen de Guzman, Vice President, Investor Relations, Aspen
kathleen.deguzman@aspen.co
+1 (646) 289 4912


SYNAPSE SERVICES OFFERS NEW POLICY FOR N.J. LICENSED SITE REMEDIATION PROFESSIONALS

SOMERVILLE, NJ-- JULY 25, 2013-- Synapse Services, LLC., one of the nation’s most respected wholesale environmental insurance firms, today announced it will offer a new insurance policy that provides individual liability coverage for Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs) in New Jersey.

Synapse is the distributor of the policy, which is underwritten by Liberty International Underwriters® (LIU). The LIU Licensed Remediation Professional policy addresses gaps in employer-based coverage that these environmental engineers and specialists may face.

“New Jersey’s Site Remediation Reform Act of 2009 makes LSRPs personally liable for work done on remediation sites,” explains Dan Beck, a Synapse Managing Partner. “This new policy offers protection to the LSRP on an individual level.”

He adds, “This expands the range of products we offer to agents and brokers serving environmental professionals. We are proud that this new policy is backed by the financial strength of LIU.”

“Synapse has a reputation for providing unique services and creative solutions to their clients,” said William McElroy, Senior Vice President, LIU Environmental. “We are pleased to offer our LIU Licensed Remediation Professional policy to this important new segment of providers through Synapse.”

Noting LIU’s Environmental group’s deep understanding of environmental regulations, Mr. McElroy stated that LIU and Synapse will work together to help LSRPs evaluate their potential liabilities and proactively protect their assets.

About Synapse Services, LLC.:
One of the most respected environmental wholesale insurance firms in America, Synapse Services, LLC. is licensed in all 50 states. Synapse is privately held, with offices in New Jersey, Syracuse, New York, and, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.synapsellc.com or call 908-300-5516.

About Liberty International Underwriters:
Liberty International Underwriters® (LIU) is part of the Global Specialty unit of Liberty Mutual Insurance, (www.libertymutualinsurance.com), a diversified global insurer and the third largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2011 direct premiums written as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Ranked 84th on the Fortune 100 Liberty Mutual list of largest corporations, as of December 31, 2012, Liberty Mutual Insurance had $120.1 billion in consolidated assets, $101.5 billion in consolidated liabilities, and $36.9 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

Liberty International Underwriters is the marketing name for the broker-distributed specialty lines business operations of Liberty Mutual Insurance. Certain coverage may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds. This literature is a summary only and does not include all terms, conditions, or exclusions of the coverage described. Please refer to the actual policy issued for complete details of coverage and exclusions.

For more information, please contact:
Media Contact: Dana Johnston djohnston@synapsellc.com 315.329.4605
Business Contact: Jeff Honigstock jhonigstock@synapsellc.com 908-300-5516


FirstComp launches business owner policy in Nebraska and Tennessee

Omaha, NE, April 25, 2013 — FirstComp, a division of Markel Service, Incorporated, announced today the availability of a new small business owner policy, FirstComp EssentialBOP, for FirstComp-appointed independent agents writing business in Nebraska and Tennessee. Availability in additional states is forthcoming. FirstComp EssentialBOP provides coverage for typical risks that small businesses face, as well as a host of coverage limits and options that are customized to meet the needs of each small business policyholder.

“The EssentialBOP product was developed after listening to our agents and policyholders. After much research and countless conversations with agents and policyholders, we are providing a product that offers essential coverage options for small businesses that also is designed to facilitate the purchasing process and complement our high service standards,” stated Matt Parker, Managing Executive at FirstComp. “We intend to deliver the same easy-to-use, high quality quoting and delivery experience that has made our workers’ compensation product so popular today,” Matt added.

Trent Cooksley, Director of Strategy and Marketing at FirstComp, explained, “To improve the purchasing experience, a customer can now bundle small business owner and workers’ compensation policies. Streamlining the process and contacts into a single quote, invoice, and underwriting contact can significantly reduce the delivery time.”

Technology enhancements have been made to integrate FirstComp’s online quoting system and service center. The EssentialBOP product will be available to quote for FirstComp-appointed independent agents writing business in Nebraska and Tennessee for policies effective May 1, 2013.

About Markel Service, Incorporated
Markel Service, Incorporated is a Markel company.
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.


Sapphire Blue and Lloyd's Catlin Underwriting Agencies Ltd. Announce Rural and Specialty Hospital Program

April 16, 2013, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group's (RSG) Sapphire Blue and Lloyd's Catlin Underwriting Agencies Ltd. today announced a new liability insurance program specifically for U.S. small rural and specialty hospitals.

The program features a seamless claims management process and a risk management component provided by Pendulum, LLC and The Sullivan Group. Coverage is Claims Made Hospital Professional Liability and Claims Made or Occurrence General Liability. Minimum premium is $10,000; primary limits of $1 million/ $3 million are available, in addition the program offers up to $5 million / $5 million in excess coverage. Innovative coverage extensions such as Medicare/Medicaid Billing Errors & Omissions are available on a risk by risk basis.

RSG's Sapphire Blue CEO Kieran Dempsey says, "We are pleased to announce this exclusive, new program with Catlin, a Lloyd's leader in hospital professional liability. The smaller rural and specialty hospitals in the U.S. have had a difficult time for many years finding the appropriate coverage at a reasonable price. This exclusive program is highly competitive in both rates and coverage."

Catlin Underwriting Agencies Head of Casualty Dan Curran adds, "In collaboration with Sapphire Blue, we are offering the U.S. market products and services that will enable smaller hospitals in rural areas to take advantage of the kinds of risk management services typically available only to larger entities. Further, the culture fit with Sapphire Blue is excellent. We know from experience the best insurance products and services are the result of long-term relationships with clients and expertise in niche markets. Sapphire Blue has those relationships and specialty expertise, and we're optimistic about going forward together with this great new program."

For more information on this release, contact Chelsey Krull, (312) 784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC and Sapphire Blue
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes Sapphire Blue and other highly-specialized underwriting companies, a Lloyd's insurer and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

About Catlin Group Limited and Catlin Underwriting Agencies Ltd.
Catlin Group Limited ('CGL'; London Stock Exchange) is a Lloyd's international specialty property/casualty insurer and reinsurer, which includes Catlin Underwriting Agencies Ltd. The company writes more than 30 classes of business worldwide through six underwriting hubs located in London, Bermuda, the United States, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Canada.


New Media Liability Coverage Available from Philadelphia Insurance

Social media, content sharing by media and non-media organizations create large liability exposures.

Bala Cynwyd, PA, March 21, 2013 – Liability exposures continue to increase for many organizations as communication tools for reaching customers, donors, and the public at large change on a daily basis. If your organization has a website, blog, social media account, newsletter, holds conferences, streams video, podcasts or webinars, or broadcasts via television or radio – you have an exposure to media liability claims that your current insurance program may not adequately address.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is launching its new Cover Pro Media insurance coverage offering to meet the needs of both media companies and organizations that create or distribute media content. In today’s online society, media exposures (electronic or otherwise) abound for most organizations, regardless of operations or size. Insurance protection is needed, but often lacking, to protect companies from defamation, libel, copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, and other liabilities.

“Organizations find themselves as de facto “publishers” when they host public websites, blogs, post material on social media sites or are involved in traditional broadcasting and publishing activities,” says Thomas Herendeen, Vice President of Underwriting for Management and Professional Liability products for Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “Given PHLY’s significant customer base and the proliferation of online content, along with the explosion of social media; we saw the need to provide coverage for this expanding exposure.”

PHLY’s coverage provides innovative solutions addressing both online and ‘offline’ exposures that social media, publishing, film production, provision of content, and broadcasting pose to most organizations in today’s virtual world. Cover Pro Media includes automatic coverage for independent contractors providing Media Activities on behalf of policyholders and protection for public appearances.

This comprehensive media liability solution compliments PHLY’s other management liability products to better protect its customers. PHLY already offers a market-leading Cyber Security Liability product in addition to numerous management liability products. Expansion into the media liability market is yet another area where PHLY can offer significant value and exceptional customer service.

Coverage for this new product is available on either a Claims Made or Occurrence basis for: TV and radio broadcasters, publishers, film producers, online advertisers and content providers, authors, spokespersons, and a host of other media classes. The Cover Pro Media product is available on an Admitted basis in 20 states and on a non-Admitted basis in others. Ineligible accounts include online gaming, adult entertainment, and provocative content providers.

For more information on the PHLY Cover Pro Media product, please visit our website at www.PHLY.com or contact a PHLY Marketing Representative at 1-800-873-4552.

About PHLY
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “A+” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50 and National Underwriter’s Top 100. The organization has 45 offices strategically located across the United States to deliver superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies is the marketing name for the property casualty insurance operations of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp., a Member of the Tokio Marine Group. In the United States, all products are written by insurance company subsidiaries of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to actual policy language. Certain coverage may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties.


PartnerOne Environmental® Launches a New Website

PartnerOne Environmental has recently launched a new company website, offering a number of educational resources relating to environmental insurance. The site provides product information, claim scenarios, coverage guides, and many other useful tools for retailers and wholesalers looking for information on coverage and industry trends.

"We are very excited to roll out our new website, which provides our partner agents and brokers with the resources they need to succeed with their clients," said Amanda Duncan, President of PartnerOne Environmental. "PartnerOne continues to expand its capabilities and product offerings across the country, so creating this comprehensive website to support our growth was the next logical step. "

The website address is www.partneroneenvironmental.com and the email addresses of the PartnerOne Environmental team members are formatted as: [first initial] [last name]@p1enviro.com.

PartnerOne Environmental® is a fully integrated source for environmental insurance products. It provides coverage for a variety of small- to middle-market contractors, consultants, and property owners and managers. All products are quoted, bound, and issued in-house, enabling PartnerOne Environmental to provide fast turnaround times and excellent service. Coverages are offered by carriers rated "A+". www.partneroneenvironmental.com

Additional information on PartnerOne Environmental and its products & services can be found at www.partneroneenvironmental.com, by emailing p1info@p1enviro.com, or by calling 1-800-596-2156.


National Interstate Announces New Insurance Program For Waste Operations

National Interstate Insurance Company, a leading provider of transportation insurance, announced that it is launching a new insurance program targeted for waste operations. The company is now accepting applications for accounts with effective dates of February 1, 2013 and beyond, marketing the program through retail agents.

The waste operations program focuses on best-in-class operations including residential, commercial and industrial collection, recyclers, construction and demolition debris removal, transfer stations, landfills supported by a collection operation, material recovery facilities, and accounts with limited liquid waste (including septic service) if supported by a solid waste collection operation. Coverages include auto liability (CA9948 and MCS90 are available where applicable), auto physical damage, and general liability.

"We are excited to expand our product portfolio to include an insurance solution designed specifically for waste operations," said Dave Michelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Interstate. "This niche market fits very well given our extensive experience in transportation insurance. We are pleased to serve this highly specialized industry with customized products, superior claims management, highly-rated service, and proactive risk management programs designed to meet the needs of targeted buyers."

"To fuel the success of this specialty program, we have recently welcomed two industry experts to the National Interstate team" added George Skuggen, Assistant Vice President of Truck Products. "John Rich brings over 30 years of commercial insurance experience, the last 18 of which were focused on environmental insurance, to his role as Product Manager. Marilyn Wilds, who has also been in insurance for over 30 years, has spent over 20 years developing insurance programs for waste operations, and will act as Regional Underwriting Director. The waste operations program provides an excellent opportunity for brokers and agents to grow their business with National Interstate, and John and Marilyn look forward to working with both existing and new producers to serve this market."

For more information about National Interstate's waste operations insurance program, email waste@natl.com, or contact John Rich, product manager, at 800-929-1500 x1356, or Marilyn Wilds, underwriting director, at 916-797-0851.


Euclid Specialty Introduces the Euclid Vanguard Fiduciary Liability Policy: The Prudent Choice for Multiemployer and Governmental Trustees

Fairfax, VA – December 18, 2012 – Euclid Specialty Managers, LLC (“Euclid Specialty”) is pleased to introduce the new Euclid Vanguard Fiduciary Liability insurance policy, revised to meet the needs of modern trustees. The Euclid Vanguard Policy represents significant coverage enhancements for fiduciaries of multiemployer and governmental employee benefit plans.

Euclid Specialty currently offers fiduciary liability nationally on an admitted basis through Hudson Insurance Company, rated “A” XV (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Policy limits are available up to $25 million on a primary or excess basis. The Euclid Vanguard Fiduciary Liability policy is now available in over forty states, with filings underway in the remaining states.

Key features of the Euclid Vanguard include:

  • The addition of CyberEssentials coverage, providing first-party content restoration and crisis notification expenditures for information breaches as part of the base policy.
  • Coverage for Amara Surcharges: The Euclid Vanguard is the first fiduciary policy form to provide affirmative coverage for surcharges and other equitable relief under ERISA Section 502(a)(3) stemming from the 2011 Amara v. CIGNA Supreme Court decision.
  • Expanded Penalty Coverage: Full statutory limits for HIPAA/HITECH violations and new coverage for penalties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Internal Revenue Code Section 4975 are all in the base policy form.
  • Coverage for benefit miscalculations by the Plan that result in overpayments. The Euclid Vanguard Policy provides coverage for benefit overpayments that cannot be paid out of trust assets or recovered from beneficiaries.
  • Coverage for Section 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act relating to alleged violations of collectively bargained contracts in connection with the Plan.
  • Coverage for retainer fees and expenses of an Independent Fiduciary when necessary to meet fiduciary obligations.
  • And the Introduction of Euclid’s Penalty Box, an Umbrella of penalty coverage to expand protection when the underlying sublimit of penalty coverage is exhausted. The Penalty Box provides additional penalty coverage to expand policy sublimits for: Voluntary Compliance Program Expenditures, ERISA 502 (c) Civil Penalties, PPACA Fines and Penalties, ERISA Section 4975 Penalties, ERISA Section 502 (a)(3) Relief, Benefit Overpayments and CyberEssentials coverage.

“ERISA mandates that trustees act with prudence and diligence. We think the Euclid Vanguard policy provides the best combination of scope of coverage, financial security and expert claims handling for a competitive premium,” said Daniel Aronowitz, Managing Principal of Euclid Specialty. Aronowitz also stated, “Trustees can confidently, and prudently, choose the Euclid Vanguard Policy to provide comprehensive fiduciary liability protection for their employee benefit plans.”

Euclid Specialty offers fiduciary liability and labor professional liability insurance through independent agents and brokers. Interested brokers should contact Daniel Aronowitz at 571.730.4811 or John O’Brien at 440.714.5832.

About Euclid Specialty
Euclid Specialty Managers, LLC is an insurance program administration company that specializes in fiduciary liability insurance for multiemployer, governmental and other non-profit benefit plans. The Euclid Specialty management team brings over 75 years combined experience serving the labor affinity niche with professional liability and commercial insurance products.

About Hudson
Hudson Insurance Group is the U.S. Insurance Division of OdysseyRe, one of the world's largest underwriters of property and casualty reinsurance and specialty insurance with total assets of $11.2 billion and statutory surplus of $3.1 billion. OdysseyRe is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company and “A-” (Strong) by Standard & Poor's. Hudson Insurance Group underwrites on an admitted and non-admitted basis through Hudson Insurance Company and Hudson Specialty Insurance Company.

 


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