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Volume 71, December 2013

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New Products Enhancements Contact Changes Misc Company Info Archive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISV Partner Quotes:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

IVANS ALIR Pro Online Provides Greater Flexibility to Carriers

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

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

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

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


ProWriters Offers Instant Online Quoting And Binding for Small Business Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For information about these products, please contact:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


FirstComp launches business owner policy in Nebraska and Tennessee

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


New Media Liability Coverage Available from Philadelphia Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


PartnerOne Environmental® Launches a New Website

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

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

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

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

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


National Interstate Announces New Insurance Program For Waste Operations

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Key features of the Euclid Vanguard include:

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

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

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

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

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


PHLY Offers New Insurance Protection for Restoration Contractors

Weather volatility, convenience for policyholders brings PHLY to new market

Bala Cynwyd, PA, December 17, 2012 - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a leading property/casualty and professional liability insurance company for niche markets, now offers insurance coverage specifically designed to protect Restoration Contractors. These companies are typically hired – often by insurance companies - to clean up and restore property following a fire, flood or other damage.

The frequency and severity of convective storms is leading to greater demand for the services of Restoration Contractors. Businesses in this industry looking for auto, environmental and other specialty insurance protection often seek coverage through multiple carriers. PHLY’s new product conveniently offers these coverages in one source, backed by an A.M. Best “A++” rating.

“We’re able to offer Restoration Contractors a one-stop solution for their unique coverage needs,” commented Mark Plousis, Vice President of Underwriting for Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “Weather volatility is leading to high demand for the services of Restoration Contractors and our previous experience writing environmental and auto coverage for this market led us to expand coverage options for businesses in this industry.”

The comprehensive policy includes general liability, property, auto, environmental, crime and fidelity, inland marine, and Bailees (property of others) coverage. PHLY provides added auto coverage benefits including zero deductible for auto glass, towing coverage, and lease gap protection. The coverage is admitted in all states except Louisiana. Environmental is available on a non-admitted basis.

For more information on this insurance coverage, visit the Restoration Contractors page on phly.com. Businesses looking to obtain coverage from Philadelphia Insurance Companies should contact their independent insurance agent or a PHLY sales representative directly at 800-873-4552.

About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “A+” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50 and National Underwriter’s Top 100. The organization has 45 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.

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


Schinnerer Launches New Real Estate E&O Policy Form

Chevy Chase, MD – December 13, 2012 – Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. today announced the launch of a new real estate errors and omissions (E&O) policy form. The new policy provides additional coverage enhancements for real estate professionals and will be available beginning January 1, 2013.

New features include; privacy response coverage, discrimination coverage, bodily injury and property damage coverage arising out of lockbox claims, open house property damage coverage, free extended reporting period coverage, 100%-owned property management coverage, and public relations coverage. These additions follow Schinnerer’s recent mold and network protection enhancements to the real estate policy.

“We understand that real estate professionals operate in an evolving industry where new and increased risks are a given,” said Eric Myers, vice president and manager of Schinnerer’s Real Estate E&O program. “We are constantly studying market trends and recognize the increased potential for claims, and we are pleased to offer features that are tailored to real estate agents and provide them with the unique coverages they need.”

The admitted filing of the new policy is currently under way. To date, the following states have approved: AL, AZ, GA, ID, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OH, OR, PA, SC, UT, WI, and WY, with more states to follow. Existing policyholders in approved states will be transferred to the new policy at renewal.

Schinnerer offers real estate E&O insurance to a wide range of real estate professionals including agents, brokers, appraisers, auctioneers, property managers, mortgage brokers, leasing agents, and commercial professionals. Schinnerer’s Real Estate E&O program is written with A-rated carrier CNA. Schinnerer has underwritten real estate professionals risks since 1983.

About Schinnerer
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 46,000 insureds in various specialty industries through independent insurance agents and brokers. Learn more at www.schinnerer.com.


Insuring Tutors:
New Insurance Program offers both E&O and
Abuse or Molestation Coverage

Encino, CA: NAS Insurance Services announces the availability of a new, broader Professional Liability Insurance Program for Tutors. The Program provides Tutors coverage for their E&O and Abuse or Molestation exposure at affordable rates on one easy-to-bind policy.

“We recognize that Tutors have unique E&O and Abuse or Molestation exposures that need to be insured so they can focus on their students,” notes NAS E&O Product Specialist, Bridget Livingston. “NAS is excited to provide them with an affordable and easily accessible solution with this new Program.”

The Program offers an easy application, binding and quoting process that includes Errors & Omissions Limits up to $2 Million, Abuse or Molestation Legal Expense and Loss Reimbursement Limits up to $250,000/$500,000 and the NetGuard™ Plus Cyber Liability Enhancement.

For more information about this important new Professional Liability Program for Tutors, contact Bridget Livingston at NAS Insurance, (818) 808-4472 or blivingston@nasinsurance.com.

NAS is a product-oriented, independent underwriting manager of specialty insurance with full binding authority to underwrite on behalf of Lloyd’s, London and other highly rated carriers. Based in Encino, California, NAS has been an innovator in business insurance for over 35 years.

NAS Insurance Services is located at 16501 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200, Encino, CA 91436, telephone (818) 382-2030, fax (818) 382-2040 and online at www.NASInsurance.com.


Cyber Liability 2.0 - NAS Insurance Introduces BrandGuardTM for Revenue Loss as a Result of a Cyber Liability Claim

Encino, CA: NAS Insurance Services, Inc. announces the availability of BrandGuard™, an innovative new insurance coverage that pays companies for lost revenue in the event of a cyber breach. BrandGuard™, a component of NetGuard™ Plus cyber liability insurance, is designed to provide organizations an extra layer of financial support while they work to restore their customers’ trust following a data security breach.

“As more small and mid-size businesses are distracted by cyber attacks and exposure of their customers’ or patients’ personal information, they may have a temporary interruption of income,” says Michael Palotay, SVP of Underwriting at NAS. “BrandGuard™ is designed to provide financial support to the business, beyond any other typical breach response program, and help the organization get back on its feet.”

A recent study by the Ponemon Institute found that 15 percent (of customers) said they would terminate their relationship and 39 percent said they would consider ending the relationship in response to being notified of a breach by an organization. “An effective recovery from a cyber breach is essential to retaining customers,” Palotay added. “With BrandGuard™, our insureds now have the added coverage they need to bridge a short-term drop in revenue while they focus on restoring their operations and rebuilding goodwill.”

BrandGuard™ is the newest component of NetGuard™ Plus, NAS’ comprehensive cyber liability insurance program that provides protection for privacy-related exposures, as well as complete breach response services including legal, IT forensics, public relations, customer notification, credit monitoring and identity restoration.

For more information about BrandGuard™ and the NetGuard™ Plus cyber liability solution, contact Michael Palotay at NAS Insurance, (818) 808-4485 or Cyber@NASInsurance.com.

NAS is a product-oriented, independent underwriting manager of specialty insurance with full binding authority to underwrite on behalf of Lloyd’s, London and other highly-rated carriers. Based in Encino, California, NAS has been an innovator in business insurance for over 35 years.

NAS Insurance Services is located at 16501 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200, Encino, CA 91436, telephone (818) 382-2030, fax (818) 382-2040 and online at www.NASInsurance.com.


National Interstate Expands Its Passenger Transportation Insurance Portfolio Workers’ Compensation Coverage Now Available To Traditional Passenger Insureds

Richfield, Ohio, September 21, 2012 – National Interstate Insurance Company, a leading provider of transportation insurance, announced that effective October 1, 2012 it will add workers’ compensation to its traditional insurance program for best-in-class passenger transportation operations. Previously, this coverage option was only widely available to customers selecting an alternative risk transfer program.

Since 1989, National Interstate has been insuring passenger transportation companies, including charter and tour, transit, student transportation and limousine, and has over 16 years experience in providing workers’ compensation coverage through its alternative risk transfer products. The company’s coverage offerings include automobile and general liability, physical damage, and garage liability. Effective October 1st, National Interstate will be able to provide one-stop-shopping for automobile and workers’ compensation coverages for select passenger transportation accounts.

“It is often challenging for companies to find automobile and workers’ compensation coverages from the same carrier,” said Jim Parks, Vice President of National Interstate. “We are very pleased to now offer this major lines coverage combination, making it easier and more convenient for companies to do business with us. The addition of workers’ compensation coverage for traditional insureds allows us to better serve and retain our existing customers, as well as attract new, quality prospective customers. It also provides an excellent opportunity for our brokers to grow their book of business with National Interstate.”

For more information on National Interstate’s passenger transportation insurance programs, contact Mike Bissler, at mike.bissler@natl.com, or 800-929-1500 x1349.

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


National Interstate Leads the Way in School Bus Contractor Insurance

Richfield, Ohio – August 20, 2012 – National Interstate, a leading provider of passenger transportation insurance, reports that it now insures 30,000 school buses. The company also estimates that these units represent approximately 20% of the school bus contractors’ vehicles on US roads.

National Interstate has been insuring school buses since its inception in 1989. The company offers a full suite of coverages including automobile and general liability, physical damage, garage liability, and workers’ compensation for alternative risk clients. Programs include traditional insurance, as well as several innovative alternative risk transfer programs for best-in-class school bus operations.

“Insuring school buses has always been one of our core markets, and we are excited about our ongoing growth in this business segment,” said Terry Phillips Senior Vice President of National Interstate. “We were also pleased to note that 32% of the prestigious School Bus Fleet’s 2012 Top 50 Contractors are insured with National Interstate. It is our long-term experience, expertise and commitment to the school bus market that allows us to build our customer base and meet the industry’s highly-specialized needs.”

“We attribute our success in the school bus arena to the partnerships that we build with our customers,” added Jim Parks, Vice President of National Interstate. “One of the ways we foster relationships is by helping our insureds become better operators. We offer an extensive portfolio of risk management tools which we are continually expanding and enhancing. For example, in March of this year we rolled out a school bus driver training course which we are making available to all school bus clients insured with National Interstate. To date, over 35% of our customers have the course, and we continue to offer educational webinars to ensure they reap the full benefits of the program. This initiative not only helps customers minimize losses, it also assists in controlling insurance costs while making transportation safer for drivers, children and the general public.”

For more information about National Interstate’s school bus contractor insurance programs, contact Mike Bissler, at 800-929-1500 x1349, or mike.bissler@natl.com.

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


ADJUSTERPRO AND SUPPORTIVE INSURANCE SERVICES TEAM UP TO CREATE AN UNPRECEDENTED LICENSING, EDUCATION AND COMPLIANCE SOLUTION FOR THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY

FORT SCOTT, Kansas. - AdjusterPro and Supportive Insurance Services have formed a strategic partnership to provide insurance professionals with a comprehensive licensing solution. Combining the adjuster prelicensing expertise of AdjusterPro with the licensing services of SIS, the two companies have allied to offer a turnkey solution for acquiring and maintaining adjuster licenses. This solution will be available to a range of clients from a single independent adjuster to an adjusting firm to insurance carriers. "Working with SIS is just such a natural fit," said Daniel Kerr, COO of AdjusterPro. "We provide highly complimentary services and, just as importantly, share a common business culture that focuses first and foremost on providing outstanding service to the client."

Adjuster licensing, which is regulated at the state level, offers a serious operational challenge to many organizations. Licensing and licensing maintenance is both time-consuming and complex, particularly when trying to manage multiple adjusters licensed in multiple states. "We began working with adjuster licensing 5 years ago because we received so many calls from adjusters and adjuster firms needing help…we were turning potential clients away. ," said Barbara Donnar, CEO of Supportive Insurance Services. "We made a strategic decision to make adjuster licensing part of our business."

About Supportive Insurance Services
Supportive Insurance Services was founded by Barbara Donnar in 2000, to fill the void in insurance licensing. SIS works with insurance agents, agencies and adusters as well as insurance companies to obtain and maintain licenses. SIS has partnered with AdjusterPro because they were looking for an education provider that offered high quality licensing courses in multiple states and shared their commitment to exceptional customer service.

About AdjusterPro
Daniel Kerr founded AdjusterPro in 2007. In 2010, he partnered with Adam Gardiner and merged AdjusterPro with All-Lines Training to become the industry leader in adjuster prelicensing and career training. They offer Pre-licensing courses in TX, FLA, IN, and GA as well as exam prep in all other licensing states. AdjusterPro creates customized solutions for insurance companies and adjusting firms in need of live, online or on-site adjuster prelicensing and training.

Contacts:

Jeff Brinkmann
VP of Sales and Marketing
Supportive Insurance Services
317-257-5734
jabrinkmann@supportiveis.com

Melissa Brittain
VP of Corporate Sales
AdjusterPro
214.329.9030 x501
melissa@adjusterpro.com


PartnerOne Environmental Teams Up with Berkley Environmental to Offer Site Pollution Liability

PartnerOne Environmental ®, Beacon Hill Associates' underwriting division, is now working in partnership with Berkley Environmental, a Division of Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers, to offer Site Pollution Liability. This product will provide coverage for both on-site and off-site clean-up, defense costs, and third party bodily injury and property damage claims. Coverage enhancements can include 1st and 3rd Party Transportation, Non-Owned Disposal Sites coverage, Natural Resources Damages, Mold and Legionella , and scheduled storage tank systems. Premiums start at $3,000.

PartnerOne Environmental is pleased to add Site Pollution Liability to its suite of products already written with Berkley Environmental, which includes Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL), Environmental Consultants Liability (CPL/E&O), a combined General Liability/CPL/E&O form, Follow Form Excess Liability, and companion Auto and Workers Compensation.

"We are very excited to expand our current capabilities with the Berkley Companies in our PartnerOne Environmental Underwriting Division," says Amanda Duncan, Senior Vice President and Manager of the PartnerOne Environmental Underwriting Division. "We are seeing an increased demand for Site Pollution from both property owners and lenders. The addition of Site Pollution Liability allows us to compliment our existing business and provides our agents the ability to further enhance their insureds' overall insurance portfolio."

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

Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers is an underwriting management company providing excess and surplus lines general liability coverage to the wholesale market and a complete portfolio of commercial property casualty insurance products to the entertainment, sports, and environmental industries. Its environmental division offers an array of coverages for virtually all classes traditionally known to have environmental liability exposures on both an admitted and non-admitted basis. Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers underwrites on behalf of Nautilus Insurance Company and Great Divide Insurance Company, member companies of W. R. Berkley Corporation, both of which have an A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Excellent) and a Financial Size Category of X (adjusted policyholders' surplus of $500 million to $750 million). www.berkleysum.com/environmental.htm

If you would like more information on environmental insurance products, please contact Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. and PartnerOne Environmental at 1-800-596-2156 or info@b-h-a.com.


National Interstate Increases Its Focus on Heavy Haul, Crane, and Rigging Insurance Programs

Richfield, Ohio – June 21, 2012 – National Interstate Insurance Company, a leader in transportation insurance since 1989, is looking to expand its trucking insurance program by targeting heavy haul, crane, and rigging operations. The program offers coverage for auto liability, physical damage, workers’ compensation, and general liability, and is available in all states through a network of appointed agents.

National Interstate’s heavy haul, crane and rigging product portfolio includes a variety of design options based on the operator’s risk appetite. Programs include traditional insurance and the company’s premier group alternative risk transfer program, Titan, designed for companies that foster a commitment to safety excellence. Titan provides an innovative risk management solution with the potential for reduced long-term insurance costs and annual return of premium and investment income.

“The heavy haul, crane and rigging industry is highly specialized, and we have creative insurance solutions to meet the needs of this market,” said George Skuggen, Assistant Vice President of Truck Products. “Over the years we have expanded our products and coverages to address the demands of the industry. One example of this is our Titan program, which is a unique alternative risk transfer program designed specifically for specialized heavy haulers, rigging, millwright and crane operations. In addition, our staff is comprised of underwriters, customer service and claims professionals specially trained in specialty transportation insurance. We have the experience, expertise and dedication to the market, and are excited to expand our customer reach in particular to the heavy haul segment.”

National Interstate is also an active member of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA). They were proud sponsors of the SC&RA 2012 Annual Conference held in April, and will also be exhibiting at the Crane & Rigging Workshop being held on September 19-21, 2012 in Louisville, KY.

For more information about National Interstate’s heavy haul, crane, and rigging insurance programs, contact George Skuggen, at george.skuggen@natl.com, 800-929-1500 ext. 1142, or Tracy Arny, at tracy.arny@natl.com, 800-929-1500 ext. 1383.

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


NAS Social Services Facility Now Offering GL on Occurrence Basis

NAS Insurance offers some of the broadest Social Services coverage in the market and is now expanding its offerings to meet the growing needs of personal, family and communal services organizations. Effective immediately, NAS will offer General Liability coverage on an occurrence basis. Limits for Professional and General Liability, up to $5,000,000, are available.

“It is a natural extension of our Social Services facility,” remarks Genevieve Alexander, Senior Underwriter. “With $100K sublimits on our MEDEFENSETM Plus and NetGuardTM Plus cyber products included, human services organizations now have a complete solution for their programs.”

NAS is a product oriented, independent underwriting manager of specialty insurance with full binding authority to underwrite on behalf of Lloyd’s, London and other highly rated carriers. NAS offers innovative specialty products for a broad spectrum of industries and distributes products as insurance and reinsurance.

NAS Insurance Services is located at 16501 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200, Encino, CA 91436, telephone (818) 382-2030, fax (818) 382-2040, website www.nasinsurance.com.


NAS Insurance Introduces New Special Events Insurance With Both Contingency and Liability Coverages

Now offering event organizers a single-source solution, NAS Insurance Services introduces Special Events Contingency and Liability programs through its new Entertainment and Sports facility. Headed by industry veteran Jerid Schmickle, the programs are available to Entertainment, Hospitality, Media and Sports organizations or individuals for concerts, festivals, sporting events and special events.

“We understand that events often have unique and unusual risks,” remarks Schmickle, “and our new programs give event organizers a customized combined solution from one provider.”

NAS’ Special Events Liability includes coverage for: General Liability; Excess & Umbrella Liability; Liquor Liability, Hired/Non-Owned Auto Liability; and TULIPs. Limits up to $5,000,000 are available. In addition, NAS’ Special Events Contingency includes coverage for: Cancellation, Non-Appearance and Abandonment; Prize Indemnity; and Sports Promotions. Limits up to $5,000,000 are available.

NAS is a product oriented, independent underwriting manager of specialty insurance with full binding authority to underwrite on behalf of Lloyd’s, London and other highly rated carriers. NAS offers innovative specialty products for a broad spectrum of industries and distributes products as insurance and reinsurance.

NAS Insurance Services is located at 16501 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200, Encino, CA 91436. For more information on our Entertainment and Sports programs, contact Jerid Schmickle at (952) 657-5739 or jerid@nasinsurance.com.


NAS Medical Spa Facility Offering Coverage for Physician’s Direct Patient Care

NAS Insurance Services now offers physician direct patient care coverage at medical spas. Shared aggregate limits of up to $3,000,000 are available.

NAS is a product oriented, independent underwriting manager of specialty insurance with full binding authority to underwrite on behalf of Lloyd’s, London and other highly rated carriers. NAS offers innovative specialty products for a broad spectrum of industries and distributes products as insurance and reinsurance.

NAS Insurance Services is an underwriting manager located at 16501 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200, Encino, CA 91436, telephone (818) 382-2030, fax (818) 382-2040, website www.nasinsurance.com.


NAS Allied Medical Facility Now Offering GL on Occurrence Basis

NAS Insurance Services Allied Medical Facility offers some of the broadest medical malpractice coverage in the market and is now expanding its offerings to meet the growing needs of the medical community. Effective immediately, NAS will offer General Liability coverage on an occurrence basis. Limits for Professional and General Liability, up to $6,000,000, are available.

NAS is a product oriented, independent underwriting manager of specialty insurance with full binding authority to underwrite on behalf of Lloyd's, London and other highly rated carriers. NAS offers innovative specialty products for a broad spectrum of industries and distributes products as insurance and reinsurance.

NAS Insurance Services is an underwriting manager located at 16501 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200, Encino, CA 91436, telephone (818) 382-2030, fax (818) 382-2040, website www.nasinsurance.com.


National Interstate

National Interstate’s Affiliate, Safety, Claims and Litigation Services, LLC, Provides School Bus Driver Training Course to Contractors

Richfield, Ohio – March 28, 2012 - National Interstate Insurance Company announced that its affiliate, Safety, Claims and Litigation Services, LLC (SCLS) will be providing the Driver Training Course, created by The School Bus Safety Company (SBSC), to insured school bus contractors as part of their loss control services package. SBSC has more than 20 years of experience in training school bus drivers to keep school children safe.

“School bus accidents can be tragic, and we continually look for proactive ways to help our clients prevent such tragedies,” said Jim Parks, Vice President of National Interstate. “We have analyzed the Driver Training Course, and are confident that its use will make children safer while reducing the cost of risk to our customers.”

“We are delighted that SCLS and National Interstate are taking this step to bring this course to all their insured contractors,” said Jeff Cassell, President of SBSC. “Six of the eight largest student transportation contractors and more than 2,200 school districts are currently using SBSC training programs. Working together, we are making school bus transportation safer for all of the children being transported. SCLS and National Interstate are providing assistance well beyond traditional loss control as they help to change the unsafe behaviors performed by drivers and reduce the cost of risk.”

“The programs will ensure that drivers are prepared to provide the safest, most efficient transportation possible. The SBSC training programs focus on the drivers and make a real difference in their daily performance and decision-making,” added Cassell.

“Insurance premiums are derived from expected losses,” added Jim Parks. “By helping our clients reduce their loss costs and enhance their risk management programs, we are providing our customers the best tools to help control their insurance costs. At the same time, we make transportation safer for the children, which is a win/win for everyone. We intend to provide the course to all school bus clients insured by National Interstate.”

For more information, please visit www.natl.com or www.schoolbussafetyco.com or contact:

Jim Parks
Vice President, National Interstate Insurance Company
800-929-1500

Jeff Cassell
President, School Bus Safety Company
800-275-7272

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

About School Bus Safety Company
The School Bus Safety Company (SBSC) is solely dedicated to creating the most effective training materials to improve the performance of school bus drivers and reduce accidents and injuries. More than 2,200 school districts are using training programs created by SBSC plus over 45 contractors, including six of the eight largest contractors. Used as explained in the training guides, the Driver Training Course has achieved a reduction in accidents approaching 50%.


Glatfelter Public Practice Adds Cyber Liability Coverage

New Cyber Liability & Privacy Crisis Management Expense Coverage features no deductible and offers public entities protection against the growing threat of cyber breaches

York, Pa. – March 27, 2012 – Glatfelter Public Practice, the nation’s premier public entity program manager, today announced that it has introduced Cyber Liability & Privacy Crisis Management Expense Coverage for municipalities and water related entities nationwide. Glatfelter Public Practice (www.GlatfelterPublicPractice.com) is part of Glatfelter Program Managers, a strategic business unit dedicated to Glatfelter Insurance Group’s program business.

The coverage is triggered by data breach incidents in which a public entity may be held legally liable (accountable). These incidents include personally identifiable information such as social security numbers being taken or released from an entity’s computer system, transmission of malware from their computer to a third party, or a denial of service attack resulting in the inability to use computers or web sites.

“More than 500 million records have been breached since 2005, and the federal government, as well as 47 states, have mandated that all affected parties be notified and offered credit monitoring services after a breach,” said Mark McCrary, president of Glatfelter Public Practice. “As a result, the cost of these losses can be significant, so it is important for a public entity to protect itself.”

Cyber Liability and Privacy Crisis Management Coverage is offered on the Glatfelter Public Practice Public Officials Management Liability policy written through an insurance carrier rated A+ (Superior), XV by A.M. Best Company. Coverage offered with no deductible.

Cyber Liability coverage (third party) has limits of $1 million occurrence/$3 million aggregate, and if an excess policy is purchased, Cyber Liability coverage extends through the excess. It offers protection for claims seeking monetary damages as a result of an electronic information security event, including:

  • The cost to defend suits brought by affected parties
  • Negligence
  • Failure to maintain reasonable security procedures

Privacy Crisis Management Expense coverage (first party) has limits of $50,000 with the option to purchase higher limits. Following a privacy event, it pays applicable reasonable and necessary fees on behalf of the insured. These include:

  • A computer forensic analysis to determine the cause and extent of the privacy breach
  • A crisis management review and advice by an approved independent crisis management or legal firm
  • Expenses associated with notifying affected parties to maintain goodwill or comply with any notification requirements imposed by law (Notification to affected parties for printing, advertising, mailing of materials or other costs)
  • Call center services for credit monitoring as well as identity theft education and assistance for affected individuals
  • Travel expenses by directors and employees to mitigate damages

Coverage will be offered in states where municipalities and water related entities are currently written.

Agents and brokers seeking more information should call 888-­855-­4782 or visit www.GlatfelterPublicPractice.com.

About Glatfelter Program Managers (GPM)
GPM (www.glatfelters.com/specialty_insurance_programs.asp) is a strategic business unit dedicated to Glatfelter Insurance Group’s program business. Based in York, Pa., GPM is one of the premier managers and recognized specialists of niche markets in the country. GPM manages and markets several specialty programs, including VFIS for fire departments, ambulance and rescue squads, and 911 centers; Glatfelter Public Practice for educational institutions, municipalities, independent school bus contractors and water/sewer entities; Glatfelter Healthcare Practice for skilled care, assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), personal care and group homes, hospice, home health care agencies and other private homecare agencies; and Glatfelter Religious Practice for churches, synagogues and other religious institutions.


Brownyard’s New E&O Coverage for Pest Control Professionals
Covers Monetary Damages

Bay Shore, N.Y.—February 16, 2012— Brownyard Group (www.brownyard.com), a program administrator providing specialized insurance coverage for select industry groups, announced today that it has introduced a new Errors and Omissions (E&O) coverage for its PCOpro pest control program to cover monetary damages.

The new protection goes beyond standard liability coverage for bodily injury, property damage and personal injury, and provides protection against claims seeking monetary damages due to the negligence of the Pest Control Operator.

“As part of treatment or inspection claims, especially those related to bed bugs, businesses can potentially seek monetary damages to cover lost revenue and other expenses not normally covered by a Commercial General Liability policy,” said John Culotta, program manager of PCOpro. “Our innovative E&O endorsement offers pest control professionals this important protection, which is not easy to find among insurers today.”

Brownyard Group has underwriting authority for the E&O endorsement, which is written on an admitted basis. Coverage is written through an insurance carrier rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and is available in most states.

PCOpro was designed specifically for the pest management industry and is among the broadest commercial insurance programs currently available at highly competitive prices. Along with commercial, general and professional liability, it features commercial property and inland marine, business auto, umbrella, workers’ compensation and first and third party dishonesty.

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, landscapers, 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.


Distinguished Programs

Distinguished Programs Introduces Umbrella Liability Program for Museums

New product geared to address museums increasing vulnerability to D&O suits.

NEW YORK, NY, - Distinguished Programs (www.distinguished.com), a national insurance program developer and manager, has launched an umbrella liability program for museums. The program is geared to address the needs of a wide range of non-profit museums from science, technology and art museums to botanical gardens, specialty and children's museums. Distinguished's umbrella liability program for museums is distributed through independent agents and brokers and is available in all 50 states.

Policy limit options range from $1,000,000 to $50,000,000 and the product is underwritten by an admitted A-rated carrier. A simplified application, quick-quote turnaround and electronic policy issuance within 24 hours make processing fast and efficient. According to Distinguished Programs Associate Vice-President Brian Parks, "from a client's perspective, the key selling feature in this umbrella is that it provides excess coverage over the underlying D&O policy. The majority of umbrella products available to museums exclude this increasingly important coverage."

Parks went on to explain that, "With the doctrine of charitable immunity abolished in all but a handful of states, non-profit museums are now held liable for the wrong doings of their volunteers, employees and directors and officers. The reality is that no matter how beloved an institution is, museums can and do get sued by the public and their employees."

The Umbrella Liability Program For Museums represents a first for Distinguished Programs, as the company has long specialized in programs for the real estate industry. Chief Operating Officer, Carla Vel, stated "This is in support of our corporate goal of broadening the products and capabilities we bring to our brokers. We are developing new products that capitalize on the expertise we've built in over 20 years of program management. We also have an ongoing strategic initiative, through a joint venture with Ironshore, Inc., to acquire small to mid-sized program managers and MGUs as well as the development of start-up operations built around key underwriting teams."

Earlier this year, Distinguished Programs acquired a controlling interest in GreenLine Underwriters, a Dallas-based program administrator focused on delivering insurance products through industry-leading web-based technology. Most recently, Distinguished acquired The Colonial Group, a managing general agency specializing in insuring small mercantile businesses in New York.

About Distinguished Programs
Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance program manager focused on niche products for select business segments and industries. The company provides a wide range of competitive property and liability products for real estate risks and an umbrella liability program for museums. Products are distributed through a growing network of more than 3,000 independent agents and brokers. Distinguished's subsidiary companies include SES Insurance Brokerage Services, Inc., the premier insurance program manager and service provider for bank-managed trust property portfolios and China-based ReSource Pro, the leading business process outsourcing company for the insurance industry. The company is also a partner in IDP Holdings, a joint venture acquisition vehicle. Distinguished is the recipient of the "Best Practices Designation" by the Target Markets Program Administrators Association.

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

Contact: Brian Parks, Assistant Vice President & Program Manager, Dstinguished Programs, 303-862-9396, bparks@distinguished.com


Five Star Specialty Programs

Business Auto Program Expands Classes
Five Star offers more lines of coverage for more classes with additional market

Melbourne, FL - Five Star Specialty Programs, a division of Crump Insurance Services, Inc., and part of Crump Group, Inc., the nation's premier insurance wholesaler, announced a new market for the Business Auto Program, providing additional coverage for more classes, including wholesale distributors, retail locations and various contractors.

  • The 5Star Business Auto Program for miscellaneous classes is offered through multiple A-rated carriers. A recent carrier partnership opened coverage for more classes, including:
  • Wholesale distributors delivering beverages, boats and other goods;
  • Retail stores and locations providing the delivery of appliances, bakery goods, furniture and department store goods;
  • Contractors, including building contractors, renovation contractors, roofing and plumbing contractors and others;
  • And local/intermediate trucking.

Coverages available for this Business Auto Program include commercial auto liability, hired and non-owned liability, medical payments, physical damage, personal injury protection (statutory limits by state) and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (statutory limits by state). Coverage is available nationwide except for LA and MA.

About Crump Insurance Services and Five Star Specialty Programs
Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Crump P&C) is a division of Crump Group, Inc., a leading insurance wholesaler. Crump Insurance Services includes Crump wholesale brokerage locations across the U.S. and in Bermuda, Five Star Specialty Programs, Five Star Professional Programs, Target Insurance Services, and Hanleigh Insurance. Additional information on these companies is available at www.crumpins.com. Acting as a program administrator for numerous P&C carriers, Five Star Specialty Programs develops and provides specialty underwriting for commercial insurance programs.

More information specifically on 5Star is available at www.5starsp.com.

Contact:
Mary Jefferson, Five Star Specialty Programs, A Division of Crump Insurance Services, Inc., 301-467-2501, mary.jefferson@crumpins.com


Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Announces Expansive Transactional Liability and Tax Insurance Facility through Concord Specialty Risk

December 7, 2011, Chicago, IL - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) announced today that Concord Specialty Risk (Concord) has entered into new trading relationships with Arch Specialty Insurance Company (Arch), Freedom Specialty Insurance Company, and a U.S. subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. Under the new facility, Concord will underwrite various transactional liability insurance products with a combined capacity of $55 million and the ability to access at least $20 million additional capacity for larger risks. The facility will be administered by Concord in a seamless process from underwriting to binding to claims management and resolution. Concord will act as the single point of contact between the facility markets and the Insured.

Concord's principals, David De Berry and Kenneth De Berry, have over two decades of experience in underwriting transactional (M&A related) risks (representations and warranties, tax liability exposures, actual or threatened litigations, potential adverse regulatory actions, "successor liability" enforcement) and stand-alone tax insurance (covering, for example, uncertain tax positions required to be included in financial statements and/or reported to the IRS). These insurance products are designed to facilitate transactions by enhancing bids, expediting and easing closings, syndications and offerings, and also provide balance sheet protection.

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of RSG, says, "Our core strategy embodies disciplined underwriting management led by seasoned professionals combined with financially solid trading partners that recognize the distinctive value underwriting managers deliver. Under the long-time leadership of David De Berry and Kenneth De Berry, Concord has established a proven track record of offering state of the art products in a highly-specialized niche, and has consistently delivered excellent underwriting results. Concord Specialty's deep expertise combined with the market presence of these highly-rated insurers - Arch (currently rated A, XV / Positive by A. M. Best), Freedom Specialty Insurance Company (currently rated A+, XV by A. M. Best), and Zurich (currently rated A+ /Stable by A. M. Best*) - provides the market with a flexible, responsive and satisfying suite of products and services geared to today's uncertain economic and regulatory climate. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this new facility will offer agents, brokers and clients."

For more information on this release, contact David De Berry, (212)-784-5678, daviddeberry@concordspecialtyrisk.com.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG)
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company for wholesale brokerage, MGU/MGAs, Lloyd's specialty insurer Jubilee and other specialty services to agents, brokers and insurance carriers. www.ryansg.com

About Arch Insurance Company
Arch Insurance Group Inc., a division of Arch Capital Group Ltd., is a market-leading specialty insurer, providing a wide range of property, casualty and specialty insurance for corporations, professional firms and financial institutions worldwide. The transactional risk products for which we are now partnering will be written out of the Executive Assurance Department, a leading writer of insurance products targeting management liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, professional services liability and fidelity losses. For more information, visit www.archinsurance.com

About Freedom Specialty Insurance Company
Freedom Specialty Insurance Company ® represents a wealth of experience in Specialty Liability insurance, and provides solution expertise, dynamic innovation, and decisive responsiveness to the needs of their clients. Backed by Nationwide's A+XV rating, the company's financial strength and stability allows them to serve as a vanguard in Specialty Liability lines. Visit www.freedomspecialtyins.com to learn more about Freedom Specialty Insurance Company, or call John Lopes at 212-329-6925.

About Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich)
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurance provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East as well as other markets. For more information about Zurich, go to http:www.zurichna.com/zna/media/news-releases.archive/boilerplate.htm.

*For more information about the ratings of Zurich American Insurance Company, access the ratings section on www.zurichna.com. For more complete financial information about the Zurich Financial Services Group and ratings for Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., access www.zurich.com

 


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