Volume 26, August 2009 - RETURN TO IMP CYBERCAST CURRENT EDITION Click Here for Print Friendly Version  
   
 
 
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INSURANCE MARKETPLACE SOLUTIONS
 
 
 

The Lodging Industry
When times are tough, Americans… stay home. While staycations, webinars and teleconferencing may be popular ways to save money, they all negatively affect lodging industry revenue. In addition to reductions in revenue for overnight stays, revenues for all services provided, such as meetings, restaurants and other catered events, have declined.

Similar cutbacks occurred immediately following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks but business subsequently resumed and grew. Will growth resume once this recession is over?

 
GROWTH POTENTIAL
 
The lodging industry marketplace
 

While the lodging industry seems to be controlled by only a few large national chains, it is actually an industry of franchisees and small enterprises. Family owned and operated motels and bed and breakfasts are very common. While some are truly independent, others join a franchise to gain group buying benefits and marketing aids. The franchise name also provides assurance to potential new customers.

For more information:
MarketStance website:
www.marketstance.com

Email:
info@marketstance.com

 
 
STATING THE OBVIOUS
 
   

 

The lodging industry has a number of fixed costs that do not change when revenues drop. Buildings and their personal property continue to exist and must be maintained, heated and cooled. Like many other fixed-cost heavy industries, any expense reduction must be accomplished through reductions in payroll and ancillary items. Unfortunately, insurance is often viewed as an ancillary item with coverage reduction used as a means to save dollars. However, in times like these, insurance is not a luxury but is actually needed now more than ever.

 
   
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
 
   
 

Here is a possible scenario:

Brice is unemployed but actively seeking work. He is willing to relocate and recently flew to Boise, Idaho for a second interview. He stayed at a local franchised motel so that he could be fresh for the interview early in the morning. The interview went well and he returned to his motel to pack before returning home. He decided to take a quick swim before leaving. While getting out of the pool, he slipped and injured his back. Even though he was in considerable pain, he declined the motel’s offer for medical treatment because he was more concerned about catching his plane home.

Upon returning home, he visited his doctor, who recommended an MRI and other tests to determine the extent of his injuries. Brice agrees and undergoes a number of tests over the next week that reveal severe back trauma. Brice also learns that he did not receive the job he interviewed for in Boise.

Brice cannot continue his job search and is racking up significant medical bills. When he sees advertisements from personal injury attorneys, he makes a phone call. In almost no time at all, the attorney notifies the motel of Brice’s serious injuries and their expectation of compensation.

 
   
THE MARKETPLACE RESPONDS
 
   

The marketplace for the lodging industry is vibrant. Scottsdale, Colony, Markel, Admiral, USLI, Rockhill, Burlington, Indian Harbor, American Empire Surplus Lines, Travelers, Chubb, Founders, James River, Aspen, First Mercury, Emerald, Western World, Penn American and Arch are just a few of many companies providing coverage.

Michelle Collins, senior broker/underwriter at London American Risk Specialists, Inc., observes, “Our experience shows it is tougher to find carriers willing to write package policies rather than monoline policies, due to the property exposures. They are more comfortable with the GL side than the property.” However, she does have three markets that provide package coverage.

Jim O’Neill, director of marketing at New Empire Group, notes the segmenting of the market by explaining, “Multiple carriers are writing various lines for hotels and motels from primary programs, coastal programs, and excess liability and umbrella programs.

“Travelers has an appetite for hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast operations, including full, limited, and extended stay facilities, as well as hotel convention and conference centers.” explains John O’Connor, vice president product and underwriting of Travelers Select Accounts.

According to Marla Donovan, CPCU, vice president of product development at Burns & Wilcox, both admitted and nonadmitted paper is available. She explains, “When the market hardened in 2002, it was mostly nonadmitted carriers. As the market progressively softened over the next 6+ years, standard carriers were increasingly willing to write this class. In the first half of 2009, we have seen some tightening of underwriting risk selection on the part of some standard markets.“

All of the markets at AmWINS Group are nonadmitted, according to Paul Rovelli, vice president at AmWINS Brokerage of New York, but he says, “There are options on admitted paper either directly to retailers or through programs.”

Click here for the complete article … 

 
   
WHO WRITES COVERAGE FOR THE LODGING INDUSTRY?
 
   

WHOLESALE BROKERS
MANAGING GENERAL AGENTS
INSURANCE COMPANIES

 
 
 
 

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