Any additional coverage and/or extension of an existing coverage that meaningfully enhances the features and benefits of an existing excess, surplus, or specialty lines product or program. Disclaimer (please read)

The National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd. (NAPSLO)

JOHN LATHAM RECEIVES NAPSLO'S TOP INDUSTRY AWARD

Richmond, VA, - The National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd. (NAPSLO) honored John Latham, regional president with Markel, for his contributions as an excess and surplus lines professional. He received the Charles A. McAlear/NAPSLO Industry Award at NAPSLO's annual convention Oct. 9 in Orlando.

This award was established by NAPSLO in the 1980s to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the surplus lines industry. The award was renamed in 1994 to recognize the Association's first president and founding member.

"John's leadership, dedication and accomplishments have had a profound mark on the E&S marketplace. He has been actively involved in all of our core areas to include the Board of Directors and committees, our legislative efforts and the Foundation," said John Wood, president, NAPSLO. "Individually, each of those areas requires a great deal of volunteer time, a passion for what we do, and for John to have participated in all three while leading a national firm is very impressive."

Mr. Latham's NAPSLO involvement also includes teaching at the NAPSLO E&S School, serving as chair of the Legislative Committee, By-Laws and Ethics Committee, and on the Board of Directors of both NAPSLO and the Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Education Foundation, and he served as NAPSLO president from 2000-2001. He has 42 years of experience in the insurance industry and he has been with Markel for the past six years where he has held several leadership roles including president and chief information officer.

Tony Markel, vice chairman of Markel, added, "We are pleased that John is receiving this external recognition that reflects our own view of his achievements, and we are proud of the manner in which he represents the company to our wholesale broker partners and associates."

Rockwood Programs, Inc.

ROCKWOOD REDUCES MINIMUM PREMIUMS FOR P&C AGENTS E&O

Rockwood Programs, Inc. has reduced the minimum premiums applicable to its Property and Casualty Agent's Errors & Omissions (E&O) product. Premiums now start as low as $1,250 for agents generating less than $100,000 in commissions annually. The rating change is available on all new business and renewal accounts written after October 15, 2009.

"It is critical that insurance agents maintain adequate E&O protection," explains Glenn Clark, President of Rockwood Programs. "Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to afford the coverage in these difficult economic times - especially when the other costs of doing business are considered. Our carrier partner also recognizes the importance of this issue. We were able to jointly review the existing rating structure of our E&O program and make the appropriate premium adjustments."

"Rockwood has been serving the professional liability insurance needs of P&C Agents for over a decade", continues Glenn. "We've pioneered such innovations as a streamlined application process, on-line risk mitigation tools, and a unique E&O program designed exclusively for newly licensed individuals. Our team can also offer unique coverage and rating accommodations for sponsored/group programs. The rating modifications we have recently implemented serve to further demonstrate our on-going commitment to the insurance agent marketplace."

The Rockwood Insurance Agents E&O programs offer professional liability coverage for both Life/Accident & Health and Property & Casualty agents. Limits of up to $1 million per claim and $2 million in the aggregate are available. There are several different deductible options as well. Both programs are placed through Certain Underwriters at Lloyds.

Interested parties can learn more about this program as well as the other products and services offered by accessing Rockwood's website at www.rockwoodinsurance.com. The company can also be contacted directly by calling toll-free 877-764-4555. The fax number is 302-764-5477.

For additional information, contact Darryl McCallin, Vice President at (800) 558-8808. E-mail address: darryl.mccallin@rockwoodinsurance.com

Victor O. Schinnerer

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. Announces
Change to Exposure Base for Design Professionals

Chevy Chase, MD- Due to the unprecedented decline in the construction industry, Schinnerer has implemented a change to the exposure base for design firm clients. Implementing this change in July 2009, the new exposure base for all design firm clients is now the billings for the most recently completed 12 month period prior to renewal.

"The decline in revenue across the construction industry has been unprecedented," said Kate Enos Frownfelter, senior vice president at Schinnerer. "We felt we needed to show our insureds that we understand the impact this has had on them. They will be paying today's premium out of their most current revenue."

For many firms that have seen a decline in billings over the past 12 months, this change will result in lower premiums. The change in the exposure base calculations will be effective on a going forward basis.

"Schinnerer wants to provide affordable options to our insureds. We realize that, for many of these firms, their billings from the past 12 months are quite different from those of the previous year," said Frownfelter. Prior to this change, the previous fiscal year's billings were used as the exposure base measure.

This change applies to Schinnerer's programs for Architects & Engineers, Land Surveyors, Landscape Architects, Specialty Construction Consultants and Environmental Consultants. The Contractor and Construction Managers programs are not currently included in the exposure base change.

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. began as a company committed to the design industry more than 50 years ago. Today, Schinnerer reinforces that commitment by adapting to change times to continue to meet the needs of customers.

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is one of the largest and most experienced underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty insurance programs in the world. Schinnerer serves more than 55,000 policyholders in various specialty industries through independent agents and brokers. Learn more about Schinnerer at: www.Schinnerer.com.

Program Contact: Kate Frownfelter, Senior Vice President, (301) 951-6919,
Kate.E.Frownfelter@Schinnerer.com
Marketing Contact: Mary Jefferson, Corporate Marketing, (301) 951-9798,
Mary.L.Jefferson@Schinnerer.com

National Interstate Insurance Company

National Interstate Offers Unique Insurance Coverage for Recreational Vehicles Added Consignment Protection for Customers When Selling RVs

Richfield, Ohio - August 31, 2009 National Interstate Insurance Company announced that it has added a consignment coverage endorsement to its recreational vehicle product line. This endorsement, offered by only a limited number of insurance companies, was designed to provide additional protection for RV owners who sell their units on a consignment lot. Distributed exclusively through appointed agency partners, National Interstate is currently offering consignment coverage in 27 states, and the endorsement is available on both new and existing policies.

Most RV insurance policies list RV consignment as an excluded usage, meaning that when an RV owner places their unit for sale on a consignment lot, physical damage coverages are removed. In addition, RVs are seldom, if ever, insured under the dealership's policies.

"In today's market, more and more RV dealerships are turning to consignment as a source of inventory and revenue," said John Hollar, Vice President. "In addition, RV owners are utilizing consignment dealerships as a way to sell their vehicles. What many owners do not realize is that insurance policies typically exclude coverage while an RV is being sold on consignment. We are pleased to respond to this growing need by providing an endorsement to protect owners in these situations, particularly during our current challenging economic environment."

"Our consignment endorsement includes collision coverage which covers losses occurring while the unit is in motion, such as hitting another vehicle during a test drive," said Jen Koch, Product Manager. "In addition, comprehensive coverage protects the RV in the event of loss from storm damage, fire, vandalism, or theft while the unit is on consignment. We are excited to give our agency partners the opportunity to provide yet another specialty coverage designed specifically for the RV enthusiast and their lifestyle."

National Interstate offers a portfolio of specialty products for recreational vehicle owners. The company is rated "A" (Excellent) VIII by A.M. Best Company, and has a 20 year history of strong growth and financial stability.

About National Interstate
National Interstate Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Interstate Corporation (Nasdaq: NATL), is a specialty property and casualty insurance holding 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. Our products include insurance for 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 small commercial vehicle accounts, and transportation and general commercial insurance in Hawaii and Alaska. We offer our insurance products through multiple distribution channels including independent agents and brokers, affiliated agencies and agent Internet initiatives. Our insurance subsidiaries are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1989, we are headquartered in Richfield, Ohio with operations in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

To learn more about National Interstate's consignment coverage, contact Jason Sinkovitz at 800-929-1500, or email Jason.Sinkovitz@NATL.com.

Synergy Professional

Kinnelon, NJ - Synergy Professional Associates announces new broadened policy language to their Lawyers Professional Liability Program which focuses on small hard-to-place law firms.

The new policy provides the following coverage enhancements include Loss of Earnings; Disciplinary Procedures; Independent Contractors; and Worldwide coverage.

The facility targets firms from 1 - 15 attorneys who have difficulty finding coverage in the standard markets as a result of Claims, Area of Practice or Disciplinary Matters.

Limits are up to $2,000,000/$4,000,000 with higher limits available. The minimum premium is $5,000 and is available in all 50 states. Coverage can be individually crafted.

The program is available on a direct basis or to all licensed producers in all states on a non-admitted basis, underwritten by Beazley's Lloyds syndicates 623/2623. Security is Best's rated A XV.

"The principles of Synergy have written hard-to-place law firms since 1991. Beazley Group constantly strives to bring the best products and services to the market. We're pleased to be able to offer this value added product to the surplus lines and hard-to-place Lawyers Professional Liability market," said Ira Dawer, President of Synergy Professional Associates, Inc.

About Synergy Professional Associates, Inc.
Synergy Professional Associates, Inc. is a Managing General Agency & Surplus Lines Broker specializing in Professional Liability. Our highly experienced staff provides exceptional service to producers throughout the United States. The principles of Synergy have been writing Professional Liability since 1991. Synergy operates on an open broker basis with duly appointed producers.

For information or access to the program, please contact Michele McCrohan at 973-995-0519 or via email at michelem@synergy-ins.com or Jorge Malve or via email at jorgem@synergy-ins.com. Additional information may be found at www.synergy-ins.com.

National Interstate

National Interstate has Success with Large Transportation Clients Unique Large Account Program is Growing

Richfield, Ohio - National Interstate Insurance Company, a leader incaptive insurance for the transportation industry, has been expanding its Large Account Rental Captive (LARC) program. The LARC program is part of the Company's Alternative Risk Transfer component and provides an innovative risk management solution for clients with $2 million or more in annual insurance premiums. The company has welcomed three new LARC customers in 2009, bringing the total number of in-force large account clients to seven. These customers have annual premiums in the $2 million to $11 million range.

"Despite continued soft market conditions and a challenging economic environment, we have been able to grow our innovative LARC program," said Dave Michelson, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We attribute this in part to the unique value proposition of the LARC product where we give larger clients greater control, customization and a cost effective way to participate in risk and reward."

"Every aspect of the LARC program is designed around the customer's specific needs. The program features a streamlined package of services, a variety of coverages, flexible collateral requirements and zero capitalization," said Chris Mikolay, National Account Manager. "No two large clients are exactly alike, and with a LARC program we can work with our individual customers to create a customized long-term insurance solution."

With 27 unique captive programs and over half of its gross written premiums derived from Alternative Risk Transfer products, National Interstate's experience and expertise in the transportation insurance market is unmatched. The company is rated "A" (Excellent) VIII by A.M. Best Company, and has a 20-year history of strong growth and financial stability.

About National Interstate Corporation
National Interstate Corporation (Nasdaq: NATL), founded in 1989, is a specialty property and casualty insurance holding 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. Our products include insurance for 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 small commercial vehicle accounts, and transportation and general commercial insurance in Hawaii and Alaska. We offer our insurance products through multiple distribution channels including independent agents and brokers, affiliated agencies and agent Internet initiatives. Our insurance subsidiaries are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. We are headquartered in Richfield, Ohio with operations in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

To learn more about National Interstate's LARC product, contact Chris Mikolay at 800-929-1500 x 1407, or email Chris.Mikolay@NATL.com.

Oak Street Funding

TOP INSURANCE LEADER OAK STREET FUNDING SECURES MORE THAN $50 MILLION IN NEW CAPITAL

Carmel, Ind., - Oak Street Funding (www.oakstreetfunding.com) has secured more than $50 million in new capital from two major banks, expanding opportunities for agents and brokers to borrow money to achieve their strategic goals. The new capital comes on the heels of launching the Gold Program that offers flexible terms and reduced interest rates and fees to qualified agents and Oak Street Servicing, a wholly-owned subsidiary, specializing in niche loan-servicing.

"This latest infusion of capital speaks to the confidence we instill in the financial community," said Rick Dennen, CEO of the Carmel, Indiana-based Oak Street Funding. He credited the company's continued success to sound strategic and financial decisions over the past five years, including resistance to sub-prime lending practices.

Patrick Preece, president of DZ Bank America, one of the banks that provided new capital, called Oak Street "the clear-cut leader in insurance lending, thanks to its in-depth industry knowledge, proprietary technology and long-standing commitment to solid financial practices." Preece added that "DZ will continue to support Oak Street's effort to help agents and brokers grow and achieve their goals." DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschafts is the fifth largest bank in Germany and acts as a central bank for approximately 1,200 cooperative banks worldwide.

Oak Street/new capital/2
According to Dennen, Oak Street sacrificed many growth opportunities in the past and intentionally stayed away from over-leveraging agencies as the competition had done. "We never overreacted to the capital market gyrations that have prevailed over the past three years." He added that Oak Street is committed to helping insurance professionals grow and achieve their goals. "As agency consolidation intensifies, more principals will pursue acquisition strategies-which will require capital."

About Oak Street Funding
The Carmel, Indiana-based Oak Street Funding is a family of diversified financial services companies that offers commission-based commercial financing through lending or purchasing of commissions and third-party loan servicing for niche asset classes. Oak Street utilizes industry knowledge, proprietary technology and passion to deliver top-quality service and capital products to insurance and finance professionals nationwide. For more information, visit www.oakstreetfunding.com or call 866-625-3863 (osf@oakstreetfunding.com).

Rock wood Programs

ROCKWOOD Expands Defender MGA E&O PROGRAM

Rockwood Programs has announced significant enhancements to its "Rockwood Defender" MGA/Program Administrator E&O Program.

Rockwood now has the ability to offer limits of up to $15 million. Other product enhancements include a Defense Outside endorsement (up to liability limit) and flexibility to provide terms to large wholesale brokerage operations.

"The Rockwood Defender represents a unique partnership joining committed insurance carriers, an experienced claims administrator, and program manager," says Glenn Clark, president of Rockwood. "The Rockwood management team has demonstrated their commitment to issues that are important to Program Administrators through their deep involvement with Target Markets. Our Claims TPA, Wilson Elser, will provide capable and passionate defense for our policyholders in the event of a loss. Wilson Elser is also available for pre-claims consulting and loss mitigation. We feel that introducing our insureds to their defense team before a claim occurs is a critical component of our policyholder relationship."

Coverage is written on a claims-made and reported basis. Multiple liability and retention options are available. The policy includes carrier insolvency and punitive damages (where allowable by law). In addition to Defense Outside the Limit, coverage can also be endorsed to include First Dollar Defense. Rockwood only uses Carriers rated "A-" or better by A.M. Best.

Interested parties can learn more about this program as well as the other products and services offered by accessing Rockwood's website at www.rockwoodinsurance.com. The company can also be contacted directly by calling toll-free 877-764-4555, or Defender@rockwoodinsurance.com.

For additional information, contact Darryl McCallin - Vice President (877) 764 - 4555, E-mail address: darryl.mccallin@rockwoodinsurance.com

Ascension Insurance, Inc

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 14, 2009) - Ascension Insurance, Inc. announces the acquisition of Haas & Dodd Insurance, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., effective July 1, 2009. The agency specializes in property and casualty insurance and employee benefits solutions for businesses and individuals. Haas & Dodd will be Ascension's second strategic acquisition in the Atlanta market following the acquisition of Bryant Wharton in January 2008.

Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Ascension Insurance, Inc. is a full-service insurance and employee benefits agency providing high-level brokerage and risk management services specifically to middle-market companies nationwide. Ascension's President and CEO Leonard P. Kline, Jr., commented, "The acquisition of Haas & Dodd expands our ability to provide the full scope of property and casualty, employee benefits and risk management to our clients in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. We are pleased to welcome Charles Meriwether and his outstanding team of employees to Ascension and look forward to creating new opportunities together."

Todd Bryant, president of Bryant Wharton, said, "Haas & Dodd brings deep expertise and a long-standing reputation for integrity and client service in the Atlanta market. We share a commitment to providing superior value for our clients, and we are looking forward to working with Charles to expand our shared portfolio of insurance and employee benefits solutions as part of the Ascension group."

Founded in 1891, Haas & Dodd provides a broad range of insurance solutions, including property & casualty, employee benefits, workers' compensation, professional liability, and bonds. Charles Meriwether, president of Haas & Dodd, added, "Throughout our history, we have always sought new ways to support and protect our customers and the things they value most. Joining Ascension will allow us to continue to provide the resources and expertise our customers count on from Haas & Dodd."

About Ascension Insurance, Inc
Based in Kansas City, Mo., Ascension Insurance, Inc. is led by President and CEO Leonard P. Kline, Jr. Ascension is ranked within the Top 35 largest agencies by revenue size, with over 400 employees and over 25 locations nationwide. Ascension's corporate mission is to create a premier insurance agency that offers superior risk management and benefits consulting services while providing a rewarding professional environment that preserves the expertise and culture that made each operational center successful. Ascension is a privately held corporation. Together with its private equity partners, Parthenon Capital and Century Capital Management, Ascension Insurance Inc. expects to grow to $200 million in revenue over the next five years.

To learn more, visit http://www.ascensionins.com
.Media Contact: Carol E. Macdonald, Public Relations & Writing, P.O. Box 512, Chester, CT 06412, voice/fax: 860.526.1009, CMacPR@aol.com

Golden Bear Insurance Company

Golden Bear Insurance Company A- (Excellent)

Golden Bear Insurance Company, Stockton, CA has been upgraded to an A- (Excellent) rating by A.M. Best Company. The rating reflects the company's continued underwriting and operating profitability, solid capitalization and well-established local market presence in California. A.M. Best recognizes the company's conservative operating strategies, niche underwriting expertise, aggregate risk management and extensive knowledge of the California earthquake market.

Currently Golden Bear Insurance Company (GBIC) writes direct business in California, its domiciled state, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. GBIC is writing direct property and casualty business in the above states either on an admitted or non-admitted basis.

Golden Bear Insurance Company was organized in 1978 under the laws of California. It received its certificate of authority in 1981 and commenced operation in April of that year. During 2006, GBIC began expanding its ability to write policies in additional states.

For More Information, Please Contact: Gwen Ware, Marketing Representative, Golden Bear Insurance Company, 209-870-2968, gwen@goldenbear.com

Great American Executive Liability

To all Great American Executive Liability and AUSCO Agents:

Great American Insurance Group Executive Liability Division is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Nonprofit D&O and Employment Practices Liability books of business from AUSCO - a division of the Financial & Professional Risk Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Aon Corporation. Since 2005, AUSCO and Great American Executive Liability Division have partnered in this arena, with AUSCO acting as a managing general underwriter for Great American Executive Liability Division in selected industries. This purchase will enhance Great American already substantial Non Profit D&O and EPL footprint in the market.

If you currently place business directly with Great American Executive Liability Division, you will see very little change. Underwriting territories will be adjusted, but the intent is to maintain as much continuity as possible. You will be advised of any change to your assigned underwriter including contact information.

If you have placed or currently place business with AUSCO, what does this mean for you?

• You will now submit your Non Profit and EPL business directly to Great American Executive Liability Division.
• If you have never placed business directly with Great American s Executive Liability Division before, a Producer Agreement will need to be completed prior to binding any policies.
• Your in-force policies and claims already submitted will be serviced by Great American Insurance Company. Please submit all new claims to the email or mail addresses below.
• You will have the option to quote your new business accounts online at www.ExecProQuote.com and earn an additional 2%.
• If you place Condo & Homeowners business with AUSCO, we ask that you submit these policies through Distinguished Programs Group (www.distinguished.com), our Community Association MGA established in 2003.

On behalf of the entire team in the Executive Liability Division, we are looking forward to working with you as we integrate this business. I'm confident that you will receive excellent service directly from the Great American underwriting staff that will be augmented with some additional experienced underwriters.

You will continue to have the same broad policy, backed by a stable A (Excellent) rated carrier. The Executive Liability Division of Great American Insurance Group, with over 20 years experience, is one of the largest writers of Non Profit D&O Insurance in the United States. Coverage is written on an admitted basis in all 50 states.

Best Regards,

Jane Kornesczuk Divisional Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer

CONTACT INFORMATION:

THE HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP

THE HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP EARNS A.M. BEST UPGRADE; AGENCY RATES COMPANY'S FINANCIAL STRENGTH "A" EXCELLENT

Upgrade Reflects Excellent Risk-Adjusted Capitalization, Improved Financial Flexibility, Improved Operating Earnings-Positive Rating Action Stands out in Today's Environment

WORCESTER, MA - The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) announced today that the A.M. Best Company upgraded the financial strength ratings of its property and casualty companies to "A" from "A-". The financial strength upgrades apply to The Hanover Insurance Company, Citizens Insurance Company of America, the companies of the AIX Group, and all of their subsidiary companies.

In a news release announcing its decision to upgrade The Hanover's financial strength ratings, A.M. Best cited the company's "excellent risk-adjusted capitalization, stemming from improved operating earnings," "improved underwriting performance and favorable reserve development," as well as "improved financial leverage and financial flexibility since 2003." A.M. Best also recognized the benefits from the sale of The Hanover's life insurance business.

Best's action represents the third time The Hanover's financial strength ratings have been upgraded over the past 15 months. Two of the industry's other leading, independent analysts, Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's, upgraded the company's ratings last year.

"It is a significant accomplishment to earn an "A" rating any time," said Frederick H. Eppinger, chief executive officer of The Hanover Insurance Group. "It is even more meaningful now, however, in light of the prevailing environment and at a time when rating agencies are upgrading so few company ratings.

"We are very pleased Best has recognized the strength of our company's franchise," Eppinger said. "While many companies around us are distracted and constrained by the environment, we are more focused, more committed and better prepared than ever to work with our agent partners to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities in our business.

"Much about our industry will be re-defined over the next 12 to 24 months, and there most certainly will be winners and losers," Eppinger said. "We are determined to be counted among the winners."

About The Hanover
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester; Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Mich., and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families and businesses through an extensive network of independent agents, and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for more than 150 years. Taken as a group, The Hanover ranks among the top 40 property and casualty insurers in the United States.

For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.

The CEI Group

CEI Enhances ClaimsLinkTM with Client Saving Features and New "Green" Design

Trevose, PA - The CEI Group, Inc. (CEI) has enhanced ClaimsLinkTM, the web-based application its customers use to track their accident claims, with a new logo, brighter graphics and features that make it easy to identify the savings CEI generates on vehicle repairs. The savings features include:

A "You've Got Savings" icon and dollar figure that appears on the summary page of every claim file where CEI's in-house staff of appraisers have reduced costs from initial repair estimates.

A link to a detailed breakdown of how the savings were achieved.

A report that shows customers all of their savings over any time frame.

"Our clients rely on us to save them money on accident repairs, and these new features let them see what we're doing for them day-to-day and over the long haul," said Vincent Brigidi, director of commercial operations for CEI.

In 2008, CEI's review of repair estimates generated more than $14 million in savings for the company's accident management clients, he noted. CEI's staff of licensed appraisers apply their expertise to search for the most cost-efficient approach to every repair, including the use of alternative parts and repair techniques, Brigidi said.

ClaimsLink's new branding features a logo with a stylized steering wheel for the initial "C" and a bright green graphic scheme. The color refers both to the cost savings CEI clients enjoy and to ClaimsLink's environmentally friendly, paperless approach to recordkeeping.

"ClaimsLink provides an alternative to printing out documents such as estimates, photos, and invoices. It's always been a 'greener' choice," says Irena Dmitry, CEI senior manager of marketing communications. Since ClaimsLink's launch in 1999, the application has made over 4.2 million accident and MVR images available to CEI's clients over the Internet.

About CEI
CEI is a leading provider of technology-enhanced vehicle accident, driver safety and fleet risk management services. Its provider network includes some 4,000 collision and glass repair shops in North America, including more than 800 truck collision repair centers. Its customers include self-insured commercial, institutional and governmental fleets, directly and through its alliances with fleet leasing companies. CEI also provides vehicle direct repair program outsourcing to leading property and casualty insurance companies.

Founded in 1983, CEI has headquarters near Philadelphia, PA, and field sales offices in Trevose, PA; Monroe, MI; Tulsa, OK; and Pittsburgh PA. In 2000, CEI launched DriverCare™, a line of fleet risk management and driver safety services, and in 2004 expanded its footprint to the European marketplace as CEI EuropeTM. For more information about CEI and to see ClaimsLink's new look, visit www.ceinetwork.com.

Nonprofits' Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC)

NIAC Board Declares $4.2 Million Dividend to California Nonprofits 3,516 California Nonprofits to Benefit

May 4, 2009. Santa Cruz, CA. For the third year in a row, the Board of Directors of the Nonprofits' Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC) has declared a dividend to be paid to nonprofit members in California. During 2009 and 2010, a dividend of $4.2 million will be paid to 3,516 nonprofits insured with NIAC. These dividends are possible because the claims experience of these nonprofits is so much better than would be expected, countering long held assumptions that nonprofits are poor insurance risks.

Based on individual member premiums paid during the dividend period, this plan rewards members for length of continuous coverage with NIAC as well as favorable claims experience. The largest check issued will be $75,295.

According to Pamela Davis, Founder, President & CEO of NIAC, "Twenty years ago, I was warned by the "experts" that pooling the liability risks of nonprofits was doomed to fail. Instead, by working together, nonprofits have built a strong company that has returned $11 million to our communities while at the same time building an impressive record of safety."

"Seneca was one of the first nonprofits to be insured by NIAC almost 20 years ago. The idea of a nonprofit insurance company was a daring concept back then, but it has turned out to be one that has benefited us and the entire nonprofit sector. We are pleased to have received nearly 20 years of great insurance coverage and stable pricing, but these large dividends for three years in a row have been unbelievable! In these tough economic times, it's nice to know that the one thing we don't have to worry about is our liability insurance." Ken Berrick CEO/President, Seneca Center

Established in 1989, the Nonprofits' Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable risk pool that currently provides insurance to more than 6,000 nonprofits in California. NIAC is one of four companies that make up the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group. The Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group includes four distinct 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that insure more than 8,500 nonprofits in 24 states plus DC.

For more information visit www.niac.org The Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group is based in Santa Cruz, California.

INSTEC

INSTEC SELECTS SENECA GLOBAL FOR PRODUCT TESTING
INSTEC looks to improve user experience and existing testing practices

Naperville, IL - INSTEC, a leading provider of rating and policy administration software, has selected Seneca Global, a world class global delivery firm offering end-to-end software services, to perform testing of QuickSolver 3.0, the newest version of INSTEC's commercial lines rating and policy administration software.

INSTEC's QuickSolver supports multi-state bureau and client specific policy processing for all major Commercial lines of business in all states. QuickSolver 3.0 features a cutting-edge user interface with Rich Internet technology, avoiding the frustration caused by the sluggish response of traditional web-based policy administration software. INSTEC will call upon Seneca Global for functional and regression testing. Seneca Global will use a phased testing plan to expand on in-place testing procedures and to facilitate user transition to QuickSolver 3.0 from prior versions in an efficient and timely manner.

Mike Fagan, Director of Product Development, said, "Seneca Global increases our testing capacity, accelerates feature development and improves our existing software testing practices.All of these aspects become vital in the creation of an innovative yet intuitive user experience. Customer adoption and satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us."

"Our mission with this project is to make sure that there is no steep learning curve of any kind for users of the older version of QuickSolver who shift to QuickSolver 3.0," said Rao Tummalapalli, Managing Director for Seneca Global. "INSTEC knows what their clients want and need. They have a history, maturity level and continuity within the insurance industry that has made for a very smooth project. You can't put a value on that."

About Seneca Global
Seneca Global provides high end solutions in a wide range of technologies and domains including product development and maintenance, application development and maintenance, quality assurance and testing and IT infrastructure and support. The company was founded by an executive team with 100 years of collective experience in global IT/ITES, and has the track record of building a $480 million IT services firm catering to the middle-market and a SEI/CMM Level 5 global delivery organization catering to the independent software vendors worldwide.

About INSTEC
Founded in 1982, INSTEC is an employee-owned company which provides carriers and MGAs with comprehensive "best-of-breed" rating and policy administration software designed for the dynamic nature of Commercial Lines. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, INSTEC continues to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft technologies and their commitment to deliver insurance software solutions that meet the high standards expected from software products developed for Microsoft platforms, including .NET.

For more information on Seneca Global, please call (708) 836-5580 or visit www.seneca-global.com. For more information on INSTEC, please call (630) 955-9200 or visit www.instec-corp.com

US Risk

Re-Engineering for Success in California US Risk Re-Engineers Wholesale Brokerage to Specialty Underwriting Operation.

In 2005 US Risk open a wholesaler in Irvine. Believing California was fertile territory; US Risk hired a handful of talented brokers from some of the best reputed California wholesalers and took great space in downtown Irvine. California was selected as a location for a new office because California is the second largest E&S state in the country and expanding to the west coast would give US Risk coast to coast reach.

The new office had a promising start but efforts were undermined by the advent of the soft market. Although US Risk brokers made a name for themselves in 06 and 07, the results were disappointing and US Risk began to consider other options for the Irvine office.

When US Risk made their hires to launch the Irvine office they were able to hire Connie Chalayan, now Connie Fox. Connie is an expert in parking services and special risk transportation. At the time she was hired, Connie was brokering her parking and special risk transportation business.

With Connie's proven underwriting expertise in parking services, US Risk was able to secure underwriting authority from FFIC and launched a new parking services program. Connie has national underwriting authority with FFIC and writes accounts from Florida to New York to California.

Scott Carroll had been hired as the local Vice President to manage the Irvine office. Scott had previously held a management position with Chubb Custom in California. In that position Scott gained exposure to the entertainment industry, a focus for Chubb. US Risk decided to move their Lighthouse Underwriters division's TAKE 1 program to Irvine and announced Scott as the new program manager for TAKE 1.

TAKE 1 is a program created fourteen years ago to write a customized package policy for companies involved in the rental of presentation and entertainment related equipment. Over the years it evolved to cover a variety of risks that have significant schedules of technical equipment used in the entertainment/presentation industries. Today Scott's team underwrites on behalf of FFIC Entertainment a collection of rental houses, production companies, mobile broadcasting, post production facilities and D.I.C. E.

Recently US Risk made the decision to shutter their general wholesaling operation and to transform the Irvine office into a specialty underwriting office with three areas of focus; parking services, special risk transportation and entertainment. The office is now staffed with underwriters for both programs and will collectively write in excess of $15 million in 2009 premium.

As new opportunities develop, US Risk will add underwriting talent to the Irvine office. A good example of how the office will grow involves Motor Sports. Scott Carroll has an underwriting background and a passion for Motor Sports. US Risk has a carrier interested in this class. US Risk has TAKE 1 as a foundation to a National Entertainment Practice and it fits their strategy to add Motor Sports as a component of our Entertainment Practice.

Look for US Risk to grow its Irvine office by offering specialty underwriting and brokerage products with a focus on Entertainment, Parking Services and Special Risk Transportation. With a 2009 goal of growing net revenue 15% over 2008…you may be hearing from Scott and Connie looking for new business.

Dear Business Colleagues,

AIG Commercial Insurance's (AIGCI) commitment to policyholders is never more evident than when claims are filed. Our willingness and ability to pay claims remains unassailable - even in the face of our parent company's challenges. In fact, in the past 45 days, Lexington Insurance Company, a member of AIGCI, has advanced $130 million in claim payments on nearly 2,300 claims for customers devastated by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Below are more facts that I think are important to note about AIGCI's claims operations:

• AIGCI stands ready to pay claims, making on average $73 million in policyholder claims payments every single business day.
• There is no substitute for experience. Nearly 6,000 dedicated AIGCI claims professionals average more than 10 years of experience.
• AIGCI's in-house claims experts manage the most highly technical and complex claims situations from severity specialty and workers' compensation claims to primary casualty and directors' and officers' liability suits.
• More than 50 percent of the staff in most of our specialty claims areas are attorneys. These professionals provide our operations with in-depth knowledge of laws and regulations, real world experience, and an ability to identify, and help circumvent, developing loss trends.
• Best-in-class, global resources are on-the-ground for the benefit of our clients, including premier law firms, investigators, medical management professionals, forensic specialists and others.
• The latest technology streamlines claims reporting and expedites resolution, including paperless claims handling and convenient 24/7 online access to report claims.

When clients need us most, the promise to pay covered claims and provide exemplary service is a priority at AIGCI. I would ask you to compare our in-house claims resources to others. I am confident that you will find our claims team is second to none.

For more information on our market-leading claims capabilities, contact your local AIGCI representative, your broker or visit: www.aig.com/commercialinsurance.com. Additionally, an updated Fact Sheet is available on the latest AIGCI developments.

Thank you for your continued support.
John Q. Doyle
President and CEO
AIG Commercial Insurance

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. Expands MGA Operations by Acquiring the Insurance Assets of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) "Business Insurance Center", from program administrator MSC Insurance Agency of Tennessee, LLC.

Oak Ridge, TN, - AUI has acquired the "Business Insurance Center" Insurance assets of NFIB, a leading small business association representing small and independent businesses, from MSC Insurance Agency of Tennessee, LLC., the program administrator.

The transaction consists of approximately 75% workers' compensation policies, which is well served by AUI's area of expertise. Also, AUI further expands its' nationwide capabilities into 1,500 additional independent insurance agencies, bringing their extensive distribution network to over 13,000 active agency partners. To assure a smooth transition, all NFIB carrier appointments will be transferred to AUI which expands the available markets for all our agents. All NFIB fax and phone numbers, including extensions will roll seamlessly to AUI.

AUI has also retained key underwriting staff, including Sandy Hopkins; she may be reached at (888) 376-9633 Ext. 7311 or sandy.hopkins@appund.com.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. is a full service MGA and Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, providing independent agents a National outlet to multiple specialized markets for Workers' Compensation, Commercial Specialty, and Personal Lines of insurance. AUIs' home office is located at 800 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Suite A-1000 o Oak Ridge, TN 37830. With Satellite Offices in: San Diego, CA o Kennesaw, GA o Altamonte Springs, FL o Sarasota, FL o Murfreesboro, TN

To learn more about Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. please visit www.appund.com

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its members in Washington and all 50 state capitals. To learn more about NFIB please visit www.nfib.com

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. (AUI) Expands Operations by forming a Commercial Brokerage Division and Opens a New Location in Sarasota, Florida to House the New Division.

Oak Ridge, TN, - AUI has formed the Commercial Brokerage Division and has selected a dedicated staff with the knowledge and expertise to facilitate solutions for property and casualty risks that are unique, unusual, or require a high capacity. The new Brokerage Division allows AUI to expand beyond their existing Managed Programs and place accounts of virtually any size for their 13,000 active agency partners.

The Commercial Brokerage Division is led by Mark Arnold; he brings 22 years of insurance industry experience, most recently in the capacity of Branch Manager for Swett & Crawford in Sarasota, Florida. Mary Busciglio has also joined the AUI Brokerage Division as a Commercial Broker; Mary has 33 years of insurance industry experience, 13 of which have been in the Commercial Brokerage area, having served as a Broker with AmWINS for 11 years and later with Burns & Wilcox prior to Joining AUI.

For more information Contact: Mark Arnold (Director, Brokerage Division), 865-425-8481; mark.arnold@appund.com; or Mary Busciglio (Commercial Broker), 865-425-8482; mary.busciglio@appund.com

Victor O. Schinnerer

Schinnerer Announces Enhanced BOP and GL Policy Endorsements

Chevy Chase, MD - Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. announces several enhanced endorsements to their business owner's policy (BOP). The enhancements were developed to address the unique needs of architects, engineers, consultants and especially those of interior designers and surveyors who handle valuable art, papers or use specialized equipment.

Business Owner's Policy Property Endorsement
The BOP endorsement has increased limits on electronic data equipment, accounts receivable, valuable papers and fine arts. In addition, here are some of the enhancements that specifically benefit design professionals and surveyors:

For design professionals:

• Full coverage for business personal property off premises for 60 days. Optional coverage is available for 60+ days.
• Increased limits for property in their care, custody and control at any location or in transit.
• The fine arts definition has been changed to include models, sculptures and artistic renderings.
• The valuable papers and records definition specifically includes designs and plans.
• Increased limits for laptops and PDAs both on and off premises.

For surveyors, in addition to the above enhancements:

• A definition of surveyor's equipment has been added to address their unique exposures such as breakage of glass and lenses.

Business Owner's Policy General Liability Endorsement
The GL endorsement has been enhanced to benefit many types of design professionals. Here are some of the features:

• Now providing contractual liability coverage for work performed within 50 feet of railroads.
• Most frequently requested types of additional insureds are included. The coverage triggers automatically so policyholders don't need a separate endorsement each time they're asked to cover an additional entity.
• Additional insured coverage is triggered by contractual requirements and includes the following:
  1. Products and completed operations
  2. Primary or primary and non-contributing
  3. Waiver of subrogation
  
• Aggregate limit applies on a per project basis.

Coverage for professional liability, employment practices, D&O and fiduciary is also provided for this class of business.

For more information on our design firms and consultants program, go to www.PlanetAEC.com. Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is one of the largest and most experienced underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty insurance programs in the world. Schinnerer now serves more than 55,000 policyholders in various specialty industries through independent agents and brokers.

Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc.,Two Wisconsin Circle ,Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7022 ,Phone: 301-961-9800, Fax: 301-951-5444, Website: www.Schinnerer.com, Email: vos.info@Schinnerer.com

Victor O. Schinnerer

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is Named AIA's Commended Program

Chevy Chase, MD-Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. is pleased to announce its recent selection by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as the commended professional liability insurance program for its membership. This decision reaffirms Schinnerer's long-standing commendation with the AIA.

Schinnerer was selected based on expertise in underwriting, quality of coverage and service standards. Schinnerer, in fact, not only met, but exceeded many of the guidelines set forth by the AIA.

The commendation is based upon key benefits of the Schinnerer program to AIA members including:

• Broad eligibility and coverage for architects.
• Coverage for AIA members and their firms of diverse sizes and types of service.
• The Schinnerer program stresses the importance of risk management and the role it plays in the prevention of claims.
• Schinnerer provides exceptional customer service to clients.

The commendation agreement between Schinnerer and the AIA is a continuation of a 50-year commitment to the industry. In 1956, Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc. was approached by the AIA to develop an insurance program for architects. At that time, Schinnerer developed a professional liability policy that was the first of its kind for the design industry. The selection of Schinnerer to continue as the commended program is a testament to the company's strength, durability and commitment to quality.

For more information on our professional liability program for architects and engineers, visit our website at: www.Schinnerer.com or www.PlanetAEC.com.

Program Contact: Kate Enos, Senior Vice President, (301) 951-6919, Katherine.D.Enos@Schinnerer.com, Marketing Contact: Mary Jefferson, Corporate Marketing, (301) 951-9798, Mary.L.Jefferson@Schinnerer.com

Southwest Risk, LP

Southwest Risk Expands Habitational Real Estate Facilities to Florida and Carolinas

Dallas,Texas - Southwest Risk, LP (www.swrisk.com), a privately held wholesale broker in Dallas Texas, is expanding CORE facilities to Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. These facilities provide Property, General Liability and Umbrella Liability coverages for habitational real estate exposures including Apartments, Condominiums, Townhomes, Hotels and Motels. Coverage is available for all construction types, including Frame and Joisted Masonry.

CORE facilities are structured to provide critical coverage for commercial real estate risks. Southwest Risk, LP has teamed with select carriers rated "A" or better by A.M. Best to provide coverage enhancements and limits to satisfy the requirements inherent to the class. These facilities allow Southwest Risk, LP to cover coastal wind exposures along with fire and other perils throughout the Southeast in a cost competitive manner while providing enhanced features not found in most brokered insurance contracts.

For more information, please contact Southwest Risk, LP at 214-206-4900 or info@swrisk.com.

Great American Insurance Group

Great American can fulfill your clients' Employment Practices Liability Insurance needs: We now offer Costs of Defense outside the limit of liability.

This enhancement is now included, at no additional cost, on most accounts with 100 employees or less. It is also available for an additional charge to most private companies with 101-300 employees. The enhancement is only available if a $500,000 or larger Limit of Liability is purchased.

We write coverage for a broad range of business types. Great American Insurance Group writes EPL coverage for the retail, manufacturing and service industries, as well as many harder to place businesses such as auto dealers, hotels, restaurants and insurance broker/agents. Improved pricing has recently been implemented for restaurants, health care and insurance broker/agent risks.

We offer limits as low as $100,000. Limit options as low as $100,000 are available in a majority of states. In Arkansas, Maine and Missouri, limits as low as $500,000 are available.

We offer retention options as low as $1,000. $1,000 retentions are available to most private companies with ten employees or less. Minimum retentions gradually increase to $5,000 for most companies with 75 or less employees.

We typically offer Third Party Coverage for no additional premium. This enhancement is available on most business types. Some business types may be quoted with a higher, separate retention for Third Party Coverage. Third Party Coverage may also be available on health care risks for an additional premium charge.

We now offer a $100,000 sub limit for Costs of Defense on Wage and Hour claims. This enhancement provides defense costs coverage for this developing exposure typically not covered within EPL forms. The enhancement is available to most private companies with 500 or less employees.

We can write state specific or nationwide programs. Using a master policy or individual policies, Great American Insurance Group writes programs for many industry groups. We will work with you on marketing materials and policy enhancements that make your program stand out from your competition.

The Executive Liability Division of Great American Insurance Group is an experienced writer of Employment Practices Liability (EPL) insurance, targeting companies with less than 250 employees. We offer EPL coverage to both private and public companies on an admitted basis in 44 states and the District of Columbia. We currently do not offer stand-alone EPL coverage for California domiciled risks

For questions regarding your private company D&O/EPL/Fiduciary needs, contact your underwriter or call: Tim Kalteux, 847.330.6853, tkalteux@gaic.com for producers in Midwestern states; Michelle Smith, 847.330.6843, mlsmith@gaic.com, for producers in Northeastern states; Amy Fulton, 847.330.6857, afulton@gaic.com for producers in Western & Southern states.

Oak Street Funding

Oak Street Funding lends $5.5 million to support acquisition of Arison Insurance Services from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky. Insurance lender flourishes despite credit crunch

Indianapolis, IN- Oak Street Funding, preeminent insurance lender, completed a $5.5 million transaction that supported Assurance Investment Partners' (AIP) acquisition of the Louisville-based Arison Insurance Services, a former subsidiary of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky. AIP will use Arison as its platform to create a nationally recognized agency offering a full line of insurance and benefits services.

The Indianapolis-based Oak Street Funding, (www.oakstreetfunding.com), which pioneered commission-based lending for insurance agencies, has continued its steady growth despite the nation's credit crunch which has seen other lenders drop out of the market.

Arison was an independent life and health insurance brokerage subsidiary of Anthem until its recent acquisition by AIP. Arison now plans to offer a much broader spectrum of insurance and benefit products and services throughout Kentucky and in states east of the Mississippi River. "We're thrilled to provide debt capital to support AIP's acquisition of Arison Insurance Services and support their plans to become a major industry force," said Rick Dennen, Oak Street's CEO.

Christina Rashid, one of AIP's managing directors, explained that AIP acquired Arison after a lengthy search process to identify a sizable agency that had the right people, infrastructure and culture to serve as AIP's platform organization. "Arison is poised to become an industry leader," she said. "Thanks to Oak Street Funding, which understands how to value an insurance agency's future earnings streams, we quickly received the debt capital needed to support our acquisition."

About Oak Street Funding
Oak Street Funding is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based commercial finance company that offers commission-based capital through lending or purchasing commissions to insurance agents. As a result, agencies can obtain the financial resources they need to achieve strategic goals such as expansion, growth and succession planning. Oak Street has entered into more than 100 partner programs with agencies, brokerage firms and insurance marketing partners, all tailored to maximize specific opportunities. Plus, it has lent millions to insurance professionals, both public and private, across the United States. Through proprietary technology, Oak Street can accurately evaluate the risks of lending. For more information, visit www.oakstreetfunding.com or call Lisa Nordhoff at 866-625-3863.

About Assurance Investment Partners
Assurance Investment Partners; with offices in Louisville, Tampa and Chicago; was established in 2007 by executives with experience in insurance as well as in mergers and acquisitions to lead an aggregation in the insurance broker dealer industry. Its four founding partners-John Koko, Daniel Needham, Christina Rashid and Joseph "Jude" Thompson-combine their deep domain expertise with access to institutional capital. AIP is looking to build Arison Insurance Services into a nationally branded top-50 independent agency offering a broad spectrum of insurance and benefit products and services, which will grow organically and through acquisitions.

Contact: For Oak Street Funding, Indianapolis, Jack E. Appleman, Wax PR, (973) 263-5455 jackappleman@yahoo.com