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Venture Programs Launches Online Safety Learning Management System
West Chester, Pa. – September 6, 2011 — Venture Programs (www.VenturePrograms.com)
announced today that it has introduced a new online safety learning management system
through its risk management partner, IRISK Solutions. The system – available only for insureds
in any of Venture’s programs – is designed to train employers and their employees in key areas
that will improve their business while making safety a top priority.
The learning management system (www.trainingentry.net/irisk) features a library of 300 highquality
web training courses, many of which are available in a bi-lingual format. As part of its
offer, Venture provides access to 17 safety training courses for its insureds, with the remaining
courses available for purchase. Among the base training courses covered are Safe Lifting, Slip
and Fall Prevention, Lockout and Tagout, Hazard Communication, Management Courses, and
Golf Cart Safety.
“The learning management system is one of many tools available to Venture Programs
customers in developing an effective loss prevention program for their employees,” said Girija
Trainor, chief operating officer of IRISK Solutions. “It is intended to provide up-to-date insight
and assistance to what an organization – as an employer – can do to improve safety and
accident prevention efforts.”
Managers can assign and track course completion while employees are trained in a variety of
topics that are specific to their particular department. Each course has been created and
reviewed to assure that critical knowledge has been covered, and to keep employees engaged
and learning. Every course is based on a set of carefully defined learning objectives, which
become the foundation for the course while all of the presentations, interactions and evaluations
tie back to these learning objectives.
The training system is part of customer risk management resources offered to all Venture
Programs customers. These resources also include a Risk Management Library with access to
a wealth of loss prevention articles, case studies, incident reports, and trend reports to help
insureds understand the financial consequences of certain exposures.
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, The Hartford, Allied World, RSUI, USLI, Zurich North America 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, boutique hotels,
resorts, hunting and fishing lodges and technology companies.
Media Contact: Gary Kimball
Vertibrands
610-559-7585
gkimball@vertibrands.com
Brownyard Group.
Brownyard Launches GroundCover - A New Landscaper Program
Bay Shore, N.Y - Brownyard Group (www.brownyard.com), a program administrator providing specialized insurance coverage for select industry groups, announced today that it has launched GroundCover, a new insurance program for landscape professionals.
The program provides General Liability and Property coverage for landscape contractors such as landscape gardeners and lawn care services, with coverage also provided for incidental exposures related to the insured's business.
"GroundCover is a natural extension of the experience and expertise that we have gained through our Pest Control program, in which landscaping was an incidental exposure that many pest control operators firms provide and we insure," said Tory Brownyard, president of Brownyard Group.
The program will be written on a non-admitted basis - except in New Hampshire where it will be written on an admitted basis - through the Western World Insurance Group, which is rated "A+" by A.M. Best. GroundCover will be offered nationally with an initial focus on the Eastern states of Georgia, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Additional coverage highlights include:
- Care, Custody & Control Coverage
- Pesticide or Herbicide Applicator Coverage
- Professional Liability Coverage
- Blanket Additional Coverage
- Minimum premiums are $750 for limits of 300,000/$600,000, $1,000 for limits of
$500,000/$1 million, and $1,250 for limits of $1million/$2 million.
About Brownyard Group
Brownyard Group is a program administrator that has developed and provided specialized insurance programs for select industries for more than 60 years. These industries include security guards, pest control operators, cosmetic manufacturers, alarm systems, private investigators and security consultants, and the beauty industry. In 1993, Brownyard established Brownyard Claims Management, a loss prevention and full-service insurance claims facility. The company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y.
Media Contact: Gary Kimball, Vertibrands, 610-559-7585, gkimball@vertibrands.com
Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency
Navigators Management Company, Inc.
The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency, Inc.
and Navigators Management Company, Inc. Join Forces
for Accountants Professional Liability Insurance Program
The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency, Inc., of Needham, MA announces their partnership with The Navigators Management Company, Inc., the principal underwriting subsidiary of The Navigators Group, Inc. (NADAQ: NAVG), to offer a national program for accountants professional liability insurance beginning November 1, 2011 for accounting firms with revenues of one million dollars or less. The Landy Agency will also have access to Navigators Pro open brokerage division for larger accounting practices.
The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency developed the first professional liability insurance program specifically created for accounting professionals in 1962. For the past several years, that program was underwritten by General Star National Insurance Company, which has announced it will be exiting the professional liability insurance market for accountants and tax preparers.
"The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency and Navigators Management Company share tremendous experience in successfully underwriting and managing professional liability insurance programs", notes Betsy A. Magnuson, President of the Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency. "Our mutual emphasis on offering a high quality, cost-effective program for accountants' professional liability insurance will provide significant
opportunities for our national network of insurance producers."
In addition to expanded coverage options and features, the program will now offer an "EXPRESS" application with a two year policy option. The client qualifies for coverage by answering a brief series of questions on the self-rating application, making the process quick and easy for insureds and producers alike.
Coverage for the Accountants Professional Liability Insurance program is available for accountants and tax professional businesses of all sizes and will be available in all states excluding Louisiana and Alaska.
For more information, contact John Torvi (johnt@landy.com, 781-292-5417) or Betsy A. Magnuson (betsy@landy.com, 781-292-5408) or visit our website at www.landy.com.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
PHLY Rolls Out Online Insurance Quoting for Special Events
Philadelphia Insurance Companies now offers a new, user-friendly service that provides quick quotes and a pay online feature for special events coverage.
Bala Cynwyd, PA - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a leading property and casualty insurance company for the special events industry, now offers online quotes for Special Events insurance coverage. The new, easy-to-use service provides quick quotes and a pay online feature for special events coverage through the company's website, www.phly.com.
"Our convenient online system allows agents to apply, bind and pay for Special Events coverage," said Assistant Vice President of Underwriting Bob Battaglia. "It provides a faster, more efficient turnaround time on quotes." Currently, the system can accept submissions for General Liability and Liquor Liability. Additional coverages, including Property, Auto, Inland Marine, Crime, and Umbrella coverage cannot be submitted through the online system. These lines of business can still be submitted to PHLY through normal channels.
Eligible classes include social events, sporting events/competitions, musical events, trade shows, educational events, fairs, festivals, and many more acceptable classes. Agents can obtain quotes by logging into My PHLY on PHLY.com and selecting "Quotes" on the left side of the screen.
The ability to bind business and pay online is currently active in all states except Kentucky, Hawaii and Louisiana. While bind and pay capability does not yet exist in Kentucky, the system will allow you to apply for a quote. The states of Hawaii and Louisiana are not eligible for PHLY's Special Events product.
Ryan Specialty Group
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Introduces
Newly-Formed, U.S. based-MGA Focusing on Renewable Energy Risks
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) introduces PER se (Power.Energy.Risk, 'securing the environment') - an MGU specializing in the energy and power sector, with a primary focus on renewable energy risks. PER se offers agents, brokers and their energy clients CAT and non-CAT property and casualty coverages for wind, solar, bio, hydro and all other forms of renewable energy power facilities. Coverage is provided for all phases of the project exposure cycle, including cargo/transit, delay in start-up, construction, machinery breakdown, business interruption, operational and other liabilities.
Michael Bernay, Managing Director and CEO of PER se, says, "PER se is a unique, independent resource for agents and brokers with clients seeking specialized energy and power insurance products and services. Tailoring programs to meet the expected demand for these products and services requires a thorough understanding of all aspects of the exposures, which our team has garnered through our long-standing relationships and over 50 years of collective experience with the largest and most innovative companies in this global industry."
Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman, and CEO of RSG, adds, "Worldwide energy demands are expected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. PER se's extensive knowledge and experience in this segment positions us to deliver exceptional products and services that will help clients manage their risk as they continue to grow and provide much needed energy and power services to the world's consumers."
For more information on this release, contact Chelsey Krull, (312)784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.
For more information about PER se, contact Michael Bernay, (949) 851-4706, mbernay@powerenergyrisk.com
About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG)
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company for wholesale brokerage, MGU/MGAs and other specialty services to agents, brokers and insurance carriers. www.ryansg.com
Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation Introduces Medical Umbrella Product
Richmond, VA, June 13, 2011 - Markel Corporation announced today a new Umbrella product for Allied Healthcare accounts.
This product will serve as a lead Umbrella policy over eligible Allied Healthcare lines such as hospitals, medical labs, pharmacies, surgery centers and clinical trials up to $10 million in capacity.
Coverage is written on a surplus lines basis through Evanston Insurance Company (Essex Insurance Company in Illinois and New Hampshire). This product can be written over Markel primary claims made Professional coverage or over primary claims made Professional coverage written by other carriers with an A.M. Best rating of A- VI or better.
"Markel is excited to expand our Healthcare coverage options by including Medical Umbrella coverage. This is something our brokers have been asking for and we are thrilled to deliver an option that should make us an even more competitive market," said Fran O'Connell, managing director of Markel Medical Liability.
Markel Medical Umbrella coverage is accessible through Markel's network of appointed wholesale brokers, which can be found on markelcorp.com under "Find a Broker."
ABOUT MARKEL CORPORATION
Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets. In each of these markets, the Company 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 profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Launches LifeScienceRisk
MGU focuses on
Generic Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Nutritional Supplements
May 24, 2011, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) today announced the launch of LifeScienceRisk, a Managing General Underwriter specializing in generic pharmaceuticals, medical devices and nutritional supplements. Insurance products include commercial general liability or mono-line products liability for manufacturers, contract manufacturers, repackers and distributors of these life science related products. Available on a non-admitted basis in all states other than Delaware and Rhode Island, the program is underwritten by Catlin Specialty Insurance Co., currently rated "A XV" by A.M. Best.
Chuck Seymour, Chief Underwriting Officer, LifeScienceRisk, says, "Appointed producers and wholesalers now have access to a single source for both primary and excess insurance across our targeted segments of generic pharmaceuticals, medical devices and nutritional supplements. This will accelerate the underwriting decision process considerably."
RSG Chairman and C.E.O., Patrick G. Ryan adds, "We are enthusiastic about LifeScienceRisk's expertise in underwriting this complex insurance, and its ability to provide significant limits on behalf of a highly-rated carrier in the life science sector. LifeScienceRisk offers our producers and wholesalers a new and unique distribution channel, which optimizes response time and profitability for our production sources."
For more information about LifeScienceRisk, contact Chuck Seymour. (312) 878-8957. cseymour@lsrisk.com, or visit www.lsrisk.com for more information.
For more information on this release, contact Chelsey Krull, (312)-784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.
INSTEC
Instec Releases quicksolver 3.1 to the Commercial Property and Casualty Market
New enhancements dramatically improve productivity and user experience
Naperville, IL, May 10, 2011 - Instec, a leading provider of software and services to the Commercial Property and Casualty insurance industry, announced a new version of its quicksolver 3 policy administration software. This release includes a host of new features including a new administrator module, automated endorsement wording and significant enhancements to the user interface.
"This latest release of quicksolver 3.1 is further evidence that Instec is a leading player in the Insurance Value Chain by consistently delivering well-engineered, practical software and services," said Colin Cole, Chief Insurance Technology Strategist for Microsoft.
The quicksolver Administrator modules are utilities that allow customers to make changes to the quicksolver software without dependence on Instec or a third party. The new administrator module, Change Administrator, replicates designated configuration data across multiple customer environments to reduce a customer's maintenance effort while ensuring operational data integrity. Changes to company deviations, loss cost multipliers, IRPM factors, premium discount tables, rating questions, and schedule rating factors are automatically copied from one environment to another through a simple to use wizard.
In addition to the new administrator module, quicksolver 3.1 also includes automated endorsement wording. This feature yields considerable time savings and ensures consistency and accuracy for endorsements by providing standardized and system generated summaries of policy changes on the required policy forms.
The user interface of quicksolver 3.1 has also been significantly enhanced to provide the user with a more personalized, immersive experience using Rich Internet technology. Users can resize the screen to eliminate scrolling and change the layout of the screens with three different options so keying is more efficient.
"Instec's quicksolver 3.1 release builds on the self-sufficiency and immersive user experience that we delivered in quicksolver 3," said Kevin Mason, VP of Product Development and Maintenance for Instec. "The user experience using Rich Internet is critical. When users can work the way they want, they are more efficient and productive - keying and rating policies faster."
For more information, visit www.instec-corp.com
Media Contact, Carey Straetz, Instec, cstraetz@instec-corp.com, 630.799.6485
National Interstate
National Interstate Enters Ambulance Insurance Market
Offers specialized insurance program with McNeil & Company
Richfield, Ohio - May 17, 2011 - National Interstate Insurance Company ("National Interstate"), a leading provider of transportation insurance, announced it has entered the ambulance insurance market through a relationship with McNeil & Company, Inc. ("McNeil"). The Ambulance Services Insurance Program ("ASIP") is an insurance solution created specifically for emergency and non-emergency medical transportation operators. ASIP is administered by McNeil, with insurance coverages and claims services being offered jointly by National Interstate and McNeil. McNeil also provides loss control and risk management services.
This specialized insurance program was designed for best-in-class for-profit emergency and non-emergency medical transportation companies with a commitment to safety excellence. The ASIP program provides a comprehensive coverage package, superior claims management and extensive loss control services. Through the new relationship between McNeil and National Interstate, members will enjoy several product enhancements.
"National Interstate is extremely pleased to partner with the professionals at McNeil & Company, a renowned leader in the ambulance industry," said Dave Michelson, President of National Interstate. "The ASIP program is a natural alignment with our niche focus and expertise in wheels-based insurance that we have built over the last 22 years. The combination of National Interstate's exceptional transportation claims management paired with McNeil's ambulance experience and risk management programs brings outstanding value to insureds in this very specialized industry."
Dan McNeil, President of McNeil, commented, "We are very excited about our new relationship with National Interstate. As a leading provider of passenger transportation insurance, National Interstate is a natural fit for the ASIP Program. We know that every ambulance service provider has unique insurance needs and requires a specialized insurance package to fully protect itself. McNeil & Company and National Interstate together have the knowledge and experience that is necessary to tailor coverages for this particular class of business. Our decision to partner with National Interstate was the logical progression in our desire to enhance and expand the ASIP Program, and will help keep us at the forefront of policy innovation and program stability."
To learn more about the ASIP Program, please visit McNeil & Company's website at www.mcneilandcompany.com, or contact us at info@mcneilandcompany.com. To learn more about National Interstate's transportation insurance programs visit www.NATL.com, or email marketing@NATL.com.
Markel Programs
Markel Programs Partners With Whorton Insurance Services, Inc.
to Offer New Mobile Food Vendor Program
Richmond, VA - Markel Programs announced today that it has partnered with Whorton Insurance Services, Inc., a managing general agency, to offer immediate availability of a multi-line admitted program for independent mobile food vendors through Markel's network of appointed retail agents. Coverages available include general liability, auto, umbrella, crime, inland marine, and excess limits up to $5 million.
Frank Noyes, Executive Underwriter at Markel Programs, stated, "We are excited to be getting in on the ground floor of this emerging food industry niche with Ron Ortega and the experienced, professional staff of Whorton Insurance Services. The growth potential for Markel, Whorton, and our producers is tremendous, and unquestionably, Markel is the right partner for fulfilling the insurance needs of this market." "I am truly excited about working with Markel, a firm that has an entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to perceive opportunities that others do not see. This was certainly the case when we proposed our ideas that ultimately resulted in creating a new insurance program for an evolving industry," commented Ron Ortega, Program Manager for Whorton.
Jim Whorton, President of Whorton Insurance Services, added, "For an insurance program to be successful, it needs to include several key elements. None is more important than having the right carrier partner. "With Markel, we found the perfect partner. We not only shared values, principles, and underwriting philosophy; but from the start, we were on the same wavelength with a key interest in finding and understanding new opportunities that in the future will foster rewarding business ventures."
Target classes for the program include small-to-medium size mobile food vendors that are individually owned or operated, such as licensed hot food and cold lunch trucks, gourmet coffee vendors, and catering trucks. The program is currently available in California, Texas, Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Florida, and Washington, with expansion into other states planned soon.
ABOUT MARKEL PROGRAMS
A division of Markel Corporation, Markel Programs develops partnerships with managing general agents to offer single-source, admitted and non-admitted programs for a specific class or line of business. Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets. In each of these markets, the Company 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 profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. To learn more about Markel Programs, visit markelprograms.com.
ABOUT WHORTON INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.
Whorton Insurance Services, Inc. is a Texas-based company with multiple offices in Texas and California. The agency was established in 1972 on the founding principles of time-honored values including integrity, respect, trust, teamwork, excellence, and service to others. Jim Whorton is the founder of Whorton Insurance Services as well as a co-founder of Combined Agents of America, a $450 million affiliation of 45 member agencies representing over 100 best-rated insurance companies with clients throughout the United States. To learn more about Whorton Insurance Services, visit www.whortonins.com.
For more information contact: Frank Noyes, Executive Underwriter, Markel Programs, 800-431-1270, fnoyes@markelcorp.com; Ron Ortega, Program Manager, Whorton Insurance Services, Inc., rono@whortonins.com, 512-372-2243
Mainstay Insurance Group
MAINSTAY OPENS THE DOOR TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
WITH ITS INNOVATIVE "GREEN" INSURANCE PRODUCT LINE AND SERVICES
Bellevue, WA, March 30, 2011- Mainstay Insurance Group has expanded its Program Division with the creation of insurance products and services specifically catered to the Hospitality industry. This new market appetite includes limited service, full service, upscale and luxury hotels and resorts in all 50 states, and will offer an innovative program to support the industry in its commitment to going green.
"The Hospitality industry is a natural fit for us," said Mainstay President and CEO Dusty Rowland, "given our long history in building and managing programs for hotels, and the current strength and solid footprint of our existing real estate insurance programs. Hotels and resorts, while certainly unique in terms of exposure, ultimately fall within the real estate industry and cater well to our long term strategy and value proposition."
Mainstay's Hospitality Program will offer industry-focused insurance for qualifying accounts generating a minimum of $10,000 in written premium. Available lines of coverage include: General Liability, Property, Liquor Liability, and Umbrella Liability with limit options from $5M to $100M. Supporting carriers are A rated
offering both admitted and non-admitted options.
What's more, the addition of Hospitality to Mainstay's Program Division is in synch with its dedication to the Green Movement and support of The Association of Green Property Owners and Managers (AGPOM). Mainstay is leveraging their exclusive insurance representation of AGPOM to drive hospitality growth in
their real estate program. The program will not only offer a competitive insurance proposal, but also provide tools and services that help clients leverage the financial benefits of the Green Movement.
"When you look at what has taken place within the Green Movement in the past ten years or so with entrepreneuring hoteliers implementing conservation programs, as well as the boom of green, ecofriendly hotels, you see that this industry is at the forefront among the real estate segments in making significant strides in terms of capital investments and behavioral changes within their buildings and sites," said Mr. Rowland. "Yet there are still many hotels and resorts looking for ways to get involved and go green. We see our program as an opportunity to offer them the same type of multi-faceted value the AGPOM platform offers property owners."
To learn more about Mainstay's Hospitality Program, contact Eric Arthur, Executive Vice President and head of product development, at 425-233-6463.
About Mainstay
Mainstay Insurance Group is a program administrator and specialty wholesaler servicing the insurance and risk management needs of select industries and providing niche and association-based products. Its programs are available nationally and are distributed 100% through retailers.
About AGPOM
The Association of Green Property Owners and Managers (AGPOM) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that helps property owners and managers realize the value of environmental-friendly pursuits while offering incentives that stimulate participation. Its approach, which stems from a connection between "Going Green" and risk control, drives meaningful results using a straightforward strategy to "Greening" a business. Through AGPOM, members are able to leverage many "Green" benefits without making large investments in technology or manpower.
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