By Wallace L. Clapp, Jr., CPCU
Agents can take advantage of opportunities to be of greater service to their customers by offering important short-term coverages for special events and prize indemnification. Special events liability provides third-party liability coverage for a short-term event where the presence of spectators can cause a catastrophe exposure. This coverage should be offered to any insured that is a nonprofit organization and many corporate businesses that frequently participate in special events such as sales conventions or trade shows.
Sponsors of special events are merchants associations, trade associations, municipalities, sports venues and centennial or sesqui-centennial committees. Such events may be municipal Fourth of July celebrations, local festivals and parades, such as the Indianapolis 500 festival in Indianapolis or the Rose Bowl and parade in Pasadena. Various types of smaller celebrations that may be insured include horse racing, fireworks displays, fairs, picnics, dances, concerts and sporting events. Other types of special events are written for the sponsor or the producer. These may be rock concerts and festivals, antique car shows and rodeos and horse shows.
Premises and operations liability insurance protects the sponsors of the event when a castastrophe exposure exists because of large crowds. This could be an event taking place in a rental hall, municipal auditorium, hotel or arena, as well as an outdoor site. Also part of the special event policy is products and completed operations coverage arising from the sale of food or souvenirs at the event. Personal and advertising liability (libel, slander and defamation) may be included.
Insurance coverage may be obtained for participants in races, parades, and sports events. Also available is accident and medical expenses coverage for volunteer workers at charitable fund-raising activities. Exhibitor transit and premises coverage may be an option as an incentive to attract exhibitors, protecting their property on the premises of the convention or trade show and while in-transit to and from the venue.
Coverage is normally written by specialty and excess and surplus lines carriers, and is available either directly from the insurer or through specialty managing general agents and excess and surplus lines brokers. Most markets offer liability limits up to $1 million combined single limit or $1 million occurrence/$2 million aggregate limits. Some wholesalers offer $2 million to $5 million limits in-house and excess liability up to $25 million-$50 million or higher for large special events. The coverage is short-term and would cover for the time period of the festival or event only.
Closely associated with special events liability coverage is insurance that provides protection for loss of income due to the postponement, cancellation or removal to alternate site of an event due to perils beyond the insured's control. This type of coverage can be written for sponsors of trade shows and conventions and sports venues. (Several years ago the walkway in a Kansas City hotel collapsed. No deaths or injuries occurred, but the hotel was unable to host any conventions during the time it took to repair the damage.)
Other covered perils include strikes by chefs and food servers, housekeepers' strikes or strikes at convention centers by union people whose job it is to transport and set up exhibits. Such contingencies leave the insured sponsor no choice except to postpone, cancel or move the convention to another city. The sponsor loses income because it must repay partial or full advance registration fees to its members. The sponsor loses substantial funds counted on to support its operations in the upcoming year.
The policy is written to cover loss of prepaid revenue or expenses resulting from the total or partial interruption of the event by cancellation or postponement. Perils covered are all risks from any direct physical cause beyond the control of the insured. Exclusions include: lack of financial resources; lack of support by the participants; late or non-arrival of exhibits; war; nuclear perils; disease or epidemic. Coverage limits are determined by the gross receipts anticipated from members of the sponsoring organization, and prepaid expenses.
Related to convention and trade show cancellation coverage is a form of nonappearance insurance for college or professional sports and also for other events. Cancellation or postponement of a college football game or an entire season due to a catastrophic airplane or vehicle crash, or an epidemic such as hepatitis, could mean financial disaster for large schools where the entire athletic program is dependent upon football gate receipts and television and radio receipts. International competition, touring track, tennis and soccer teams could be completely wiped out by a tragic air crash. The coverage could apply to pro sports, but the effect is not as likely to be catastrophic.
Usual coverage is provided for losses due to aircraft crash or accident to common carrier, as well as to losses due to epidemics. Coverage is on an actual loss sustained basis for any losses incurred to anticipated income, as a result of scheduled games being cancelled in their entirety. Limits are on a "per game" basis with an aggregate limit for the entire season.
Rock concerts insurance is a form of special events coverage that is very difficult to place even in the specialty and surplus lines markets. Coverage is available on a short-term basis for both outdoor and indoor concerts, usually by specialists in the entertainment field. Underwriters are cautious of heavy metal and rap concerts because of the tendency of the bands to arouse crowds to near frenzy.
Insurance coverage may include venue premises and operations liability, personal and advertising injury liability, medical payments, inland marine coverage, nonappearance event cancellation, auto and workers compensation.
Another form of special events coverage is written for sports events sponsors. It provides premises and operations liability and participants liability insurance. Eligible risks include softball, baseball, volleyball and youth soccer and basketball. Special events such as walkathons and running and biking events are also covered. Spectator liability is excluded. Vendors may be added as additional insureds.
Golf hole-in-one insurance is a popular form of prize indemnification coverage. The insurance is purchased by a sponsor of a local golf tournament who donates a prize such as cash, or new auto or other merchandise, to be given to the golfer who scores a hole in-one on a designated hole or holes on the golf course. The insurance is arranged prior to the event and indemnifies the insured only if a hole-in-one is made on the designated hole and the prize is awarded. Specialty insurers offer various modifications of this coverage such as for hole-in-twos, double eagles, putting contests and course records. Limits are available from $30,000 to $100,000.
Prize indemnification insurance is written on other forms of giveaways and promotions arranged by sponsors. A popular form of prize indemnification coverage is available for fishing tournaments, contests or tagged fish derbies. The policy is written to customize an event format based on each individual tournament's needs. Prize promotions can fit into all categories of tournaments from children's fishing rodeos, bass or walleye tournaments to off-shore sports fishing. Tournament sponsors can pick from prize categories such as lake record fish, first place big fish or second place fish. Limits are similar to hole-in-one coverage.
Sports promotions are available for other forms of prize indemnification coverage. Some of more common sports promotions are perfect 300 bowling score, half court basketball shots, freethrow contests, baseball and football target throws, etc. The concept of coverage is the same as hole-in-one and fishing contests. The insurance limits are set on the amount of the prize award offered. Rates are based on the degree of difficulty involved. Limits correspond to the prizes offered for each contingency. Limits can be $1 million or higher. Other types of prize indemnification coverage can be written for over-redemption of coupons, jackpot coverage for the gaming industry, scratch and win pull tabs, bingo jackpots, promotional contests, sweepstakes, telephone cards, and other games.
Weather insurance is written by a few specialist wholesalers. The insurance protects the insured sponsor of an outside event or a manufacturer designing a product, the promotion of which is affected by weather conditions. The policy is useful for situations such as:
* the cancellation of events such as outdoor concerts, civic and fraternal celebrations, carnivals, art shows, lawn parties, political rallies, outdoor weddings and receptions, parades and sports events;
* as a marketing and sales promotion, such as the manufacturer of air conditioners offering incentives to customers to buy air conditioners against the consequences of cool weather; or a snowthrower manufacturer offering a refund to the purchaser if there is no snow accumulation in the winter.
Insurers base coverage against adverse weather according to rates based on specific measurements, such as rain fall between specific hours of pre-chosen coverage. Adverse weather may be written for too much or too little snowfall at winter resorts.
A special form of weather insurance can be sold to operators of resorts, hotels, motels, inns and convention bureaus. These prospects purchase insurance to reimburse guests' enjoyment of vacations. Coverage could apply to too much rain or fog, lack of sunshine or too little snow at ski resorts. Coverage can be added to travel agents packages. Rates depend on the amount of precipitation measured at the closest weather station. Policies are issued for one day, whole weekends, weekly or for an entire season. Limits are available for up to $500,000 per day for any number of locations operated by the insured.
Markets
The American Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 12070, Overland Park, KS 66282-2070; (913) 661-0123; fax: (800) 642-1329 or (913) 451-3183; e-mail: aaiks@ibm.net (Chuck Rogers).
This managing general agency writes special events liability and all types of prize indemnification insurance and weather insurance. Limits for special events are $1 million/$2 million plus additional amounts provided on an excess basis. Inquire about limits on weather and prize indemnification coverages. Agents may access facilities in all states except AK, CT, FL, HI, MI, NJ, RI and TN. Insurers represented include: Lloyd's of London, Century Surety, Mt. Vernon Fire, Evanston Insurance Co., Preferred National, Monticello and Clarendon America Insurance Co.
American International Underwriters, 70 Pine St., New York, NY 10270; (212) 770-7353; fax (212) 785-4728; e-mail: Stuartkohn@aig.com (Stuart Kohn).
This insurer writes all types of special events except fireworks displays. It also writes hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages. Liability coverage includes commercial general liability, employers liability and foreign voluntary workers compensation. Limits of liability are as needed; can be primary or excess. Geographical territory is worldwide but event must be overseas. Coverage is written by a member company of American International Group.
American Specialty Underwriters, ASU Enterprises, LLC, 91 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180-3616; (781) 438-2220; fax: (781) 438-3616; e-mail: mark-barry@amspun.com (Mark L. Barry, VP Mktg).
This managing underwriter writes all types of special events liability except fireworks displays. It also provides prize indemnification coverage and weather insurance. Limits for special events liability vary. Limits for hole-in-one insurance are $5 million; for other prize indemnification, $15 million. Limits for event cancellation are $100 million. Coverage is accessible worldwide. Insurers used are Lloyd's and U.S. carriers.
Big Sky Underwriters, P.O. Box 3567, Missoula, MT 59806; (406) 543-7161; (800) 473-3739; fax: (406) 721-9311 (Ruth Havican and Scott Tuxbury).
This managing general agent writes all types of special events except event cancellation. It also writes hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages except fishing contests. Liability limits are available to $1 million/$2 million. Excess limits are written to $5 million. Hole-in-one coverage is written up to $25,000. The agency services agents in ID and MT. Insurers include Capitol Indemnity, Acceptance, Colorado Western and GAINSCO.
Bohrer, Croxdale & McAdoo, Inc., 601 South Ave., P.O. Box 2760, Springfield, MO 65801-2760; (417) 869-2550; (800) 779-2550; fax: (417) 869-5102 and (888) 869-2550 (Yvonne Bohrer).
This managing general agency writes all types of special events except event cancellation and rock concerts. It also handles weather insurance, hole-in-one and other types of prize indemnification coverages. Limits for special events liability range from $100,000 to $1 million/$2 million. Excess is available. Contact the agency for limits on prize indemnification. The firm services agents in AR, IL, KS, MO and OK. Insurers include: Capitol Indemnity, GAINSCO, Scottsdale and Northland.
Burns & Wilcox, Ltd., 30833 Northwestern Hgwy., Ste. 220, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; (248) 932-9000; (800) 521-1918; fax: (248) 932-9046 (Steve Allen).
This managing general agent writes all types of special events, prize indemnification and weather insurance. Liability limits are $1 million primary but vary as per carrier. Excess liability is available up to $10 million. Various carriers are represented.
Capitol Indemnity Corp., 4610 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705-0900; (608) 231-4450; fax: (608) 231-2053 (James C. Schlacks, CPCU).
The specialty insurer writes special events liability, conventions and trade shows and sports events sponsors. It also writes hole-in-one coverage. Liability limits are written up to $1 million/$3 million. Hole-in-one coverage is written for $20,000/$25,000. Excess is available to $5 million. Company writes in all states except AK, CA, CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, NC, RI, SC, VT, WV.
Carnegie Insurance Service Corp., 17700 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, OH 44146; (440) 439-5555; fax: (440) 439-5551; e-mail: ciscocibco@juno.com (Scot Russell, ext. 3223).
This managing general agency writes all types of special events except events cancellation coverage. It also writes hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages. Liability limits are $1 million/$2 million. Excess is available to $10 million. The agency handles agents in all states. It represents various insurers.
Central Insurex Agency, 800 S. Washington St., Van Wert, OH 45891; (800) 736-7131; fax: (800) 736-7026 (Kurt Muntzinger, CPCU).
The managing general agent writes special events and fireworks displays. It also writes hole-in-one insurance. Liability limits are available to $1 million. Hole-in-one limits are up to $30,000. Excess is available. The agency serves agents in IL, IN and OH. It represents various insurers.
CMI Group, 90 William St., New York, NY 10038; (212) 747-0400; fax: (212) 747-0404 (Abe Snyder).
The excess and surplus lines broker writes all types of special events and prize indemnification coverages except fishing contests. It also writes weather-related risks. Limits are available to $25 million. Excess is written to $50 million. Facilities are accessible in all states. It represents various insurers.
Continental Bloodstock Agency, Ltd., 1818 Versailles Rd., Lexington, KY 40504-1402; (606) 233-1818; fax: (606) 255-7506; e-mail: continental-horse@worldnet.att.net; URL: http://www.equineinsurance.com (Richard Grossman).
This managing general agent writes all types of special events except fireworks displays. It also handles hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages and weather insurance. Liability limits are available from $300,000 to $1 million. Weather and prize indemnification coverages are written at stated value. Umbrella and excess is available. The agency writes in all states. The firm represents Sphere Drake, Colorado Western, Cigna Specialty and Reliance National.
Francis L. Dean & Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 4200, Wheaton, IL 60189; (630) 665-7011; (800) 745-2409; fax: (630) 665-7294 (John Dean).
This managing general agency writes special events, conventions and trade shows, rock concerts and sports events sponsors. It also writes hole-in-one insurance. Primary liability limits are available to $1 million/$1 million. Higher limits are available to $10 million. Hole-in-one limits vary by state. Facilities are available in all states. Reliance National is the insurer.
Delaware Valley Underwriting Agency, Inc., 420 S. York Rd., Hatboro, PA 19040; (215) 443-3500; fax: (215) 672-7983; e-mail: info@dvua.com; URL: http://www.dvua.com (Joan Voralli and Audrey Nudelman).
This managing general agent writes all types of special events except rock concerts. It also writes hole-in-one and other prize indemnification forms and weather insurance. Liability limits are available to $1 million/$2 million. Liquor liability is also available. The firm also arranges excess coverage. Various limits are available for hole-in-one coverage. The agency services agents in DE, MD, NJ and PA. Insurers represented include: GAINSCO, U.S. Underwriters, U.S. Liability, First Specialty, Acceptance, Essex, Colony, National Indemnity, Guaranty National and Western World.
Entertainment Brokers International, 10940 Wilshire Blvd., 17th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024; (310) 824-0111; fax: (310) 824-5733 (William M. Cody, partner).
This wholesale managing general agent specializes in entertainment, sports and leisure coverages including insurance on motion pictures and television, commercial producers, distributors, live entertainment, rental houses, post-production facilities, sports teams, venues, motor sports, conventions, fairs, festivals and casinos. It writes all types of special events coverages except rock concerts. It also provides hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages and non-appearance and event cancellation. Liability and prize indemnification limits of liability are available to $50 million. Facilities are written worldwide. Insurers are Acceptance Insurance Co. and Fireman's Fund.
Fairway Underwriters, Inc., 191 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854; (800) 662-2141; fax (978) 454-8740. (Fran Coulter).
This program manager writes hole-in-one and other types of prize indemnification insurance and weather insurance. There is no upper limit for weather insurance. Hole-in-one and prize indemnification is written with limits of up to $100,000. The facility is accessible in all states except HI, KY and NV. Insurers are Reliance and North American Specialty Co.
Donald Gaddis Co., Inc., 150 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606; (312) 853-0071; fax: (312) 853-1033 (Eric Gaddis).
This excess and surplus lines broker writes special events, conventions and trade shows, events cancellation, sports events sponsors and hole-in-one insurance. Limits of liability are available up to $2 million occurrence. Limits for hole-in-one coverage are $40,000. Excess limits available to $10 million and higher. The firm services agents in IL and the midwestern states. The company has multiple binding authority with leading E&S markets.
Gateway Underwriters Agency, 755 S. New Ballas Rd., Ste. 130, St. Louis, MO 63141-8713; (314) 567-4200; (800) 325-7652; fax: (314) 567-4552 (Carl Bartlotti).
This managing general agent writes all types of special events coverages, as well as hole-in-one, and other prize indemnification coverages. It also writes weather insurance. Limits for primary liability up to $1 million. Up to $25 million excess available. Prize indemnification limits are unlimited. The firm services agents in AR, IL, IN, KS, MO and NE. Insurers include: National Fire & Marine, Scottsdale, Nautilus, Western World, First Financial, Lloyd's and St. Paul Re.
Global Specialty Risk, 3838 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75219; (214) 526-5050; fax: (214) 526-6050; e-mail: admin@gsrisk.com; URL: www.gsrisk.com (Douglas McCrum).
This program administrator writes all types of special events except fireworks displays. It also writes hole-in-one insurance and other prize indemnification and weather insurance. Liability limits are available up to $10 million. Excess is available up to $20 million. General liability includes liquor, participant and spectator for sporting events.
Limits for hole-in-one are $10 million; other prize indemnification, $20 million. Limits for weather insurance risks are $5 million. The facilities are available on an international basis through Cigna Property & Casualty, AIG, TIG, Gulf Insurance, Lloyd's and Hartford.
Good Weather Insurance Agency, 76 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970; (978) 741-2252; (800) 324-7759; fax: (978) 741-8786 (Laurie Tillman).
This managing underwriter writes weather and vacation weather insurance only. Up to $5 million limits are available. Insurers are Reliance National and certain Underwriters at Lloyd's.
Green Mountain Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 828, Rutland, VT 05702; (802) 775-5579; (800) 451-4279; fax: (802) 775-5590; e-mail: gma@solver.net (Tom Palumbo).
This managing general agency writes all types of special events coverage, hole-in-one and other types of prize indemnification except fishing contests and weather insurance. Liability insurance limits are $1 million/$2 million. Excess can be arranged to $10 million. Limits for weather and prize indemnification are $25,000. The agency serves agents in New England using various insurers.
L. E. Harris Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 8330, Langley Park, MD 20787-8330; (301) 439-4700; fax: (310) 439-5800 (David Riffert, CPCU).
This managing general agency writes all types of special events, hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages. Limits vary but primary liability including host liquor is usually $1 million. Higher limits are available. Limits for hole-in-one and prize indemnification vary over $50,000. Serves agents in DC, MD and VA. Leading underwriters are Monticello, Penn America, National Indemnity and Lloyd's.
Hole-in-One International, 6170 Ridgeview Ct., Ste. A, Reno, NV 89509; (702) 828-4653; (800) 827-2249; fax: (702) 826-4653; e-mail: hioi@hioi.com (Mark Gilmartin).
Writes hole-in-one and other prize indemnification coverages except fishing contests for limits up to $1 million. Facilities are available worldwide. Insurer is Star insurance.
International Excess Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 21370, Cleveland, OH 44121-0370; (216) 291-1818; (800) 937-3947; fax: (216) 291-1382; e-mail: whtwtr@ixnetcom.com (Marc Pender, CPCU, CIC).
This excess and surplus lines broker writes all types of special events insurance except fireworks displays and rock concerts. It also handles hole-in-one, other kinds of prize indemnification and weather insurance. Limits are $1 million/$2 million for special events; $1 million for hole-in-one and prize indemnification; and $5 million for weather insurance. Agent is accessible to agents in IL, IN, KY, OH, TN, WV and WI. Insurers include: Scottsdale, Fireman's Fund, Reliance, AIG and Lloyd's.
Jimcor Agencies, 15 VerValen St., Closter, NJ 07624; (201) 784-8900; fax: (201) 784-7901 (Frank Mastowski, CPCU).
This managing general agency writes all types of special events insurance except event cancellation. It also handles hole-in-one and other prize indemnification insurance and weather insurance. Writes up to $10 million primary liability with $50 million available as excess. Limits for hole-in-one and prize indemnification are up to $500,000; and for weather insurance up to $1 million. The MGA serves agents in Northeastern and mid-Atlantic states through various insurers.
K&K Insurance Group, 1712 Magnavox Way, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804; (219) 459-5663; (800) 637-4757; fax: (219) 459-5967; URL: http://www.kandkinsurance.com (Angie Poulos).
Writes all types of special events insurance except rock concerts. Also writes prize indemnification coverages. Weather insurance is also written. Liability limits are available to $1 million with excess available to $25 million. Weather and prize indemnification limits are negotiable. Facilities are available worldwide with TIG Insurance Co. as underwriter.
H.R. Keller & Co., Inc., 1520 Sheridan Dr., Buffalo, NY 14217; (716) 874-1644; (800) 424-2202; fax: (716) 874-4920 or (716) 874-0952 (John Barton).
Writes special events, conventions and trade shows and sports events cancellation, as well as fishing contests and hole-in-one coverage. Primary limits go to $1 million for BI and PD liability, products and additional insured coverage. Excess available to $5 million. Handles accounts for NY agents only. Insurers include: First Financial, Frontier and Colonia.
Klinger Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 26542, Indianapolis, IN 46226; (317) 542-9890; fax: (317) 542-0685 (Bob Klinger).
Writes all types of special events insurance, and hole-in-one and other types of prize indemnification insurance. The agency also handles weather insurance. Limits for all coverages are available up to $10 million with excess limits available to $50 million or higher. Firm services agents in IL, IN, KY and other midwestern states. Uses various insurers.
Gary Markel Surplus Lines Brokerage, Inc., P.O. Box 20007, St. Petersburg, FL 33742; (813) 577-5980; (800) 237-2470; fax: (813) 577-5804.
This managing general agent writes various special events risks on the occurrence form general liability policy including liquor, products and personal injury/advertising liability. Excludes athletic participants. Liability limits are available up to $10 million. The firm writes hole-in-one limits of $25,000 and other prize indemnification, to $50,000. The facility is available throughout the U.S. Insurers include: Essex, Columbia Casualty, Lexington, Reliance National and Preferred National.
Market Finders Insurance Corp., P.O. Box 6549, Louisville, KY 40206; (502) 423-1800; (800) 626-5600; fax: (502) 426-7970; e-mail: info@mfic.com; URL http://www.mfic.com (Karen Cornett or Charlene Curry).
The firm writes all types of special events except event cancellation, sports events sponsors. It does not write rap concerts. Also available is hole-in-one and prize indemnification coverages and weather insurance. Limits vary but are available to $1 million for liability coverage. Weather, hole-in-one and prize indemnification limits vary. Excess is available. The MGA writes in IN, KY, TN and WV. Insurers handling the coverages are: Century Surety, Western World, Nautilus and Essex.
G.A. Mavon & Co., 10 W. Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521-3499; (630) 655-2400; fax: (630) 654-4447 (Ken Cuprisin).
This managing general agent operating only in IL writes special events, conventions and trade shows, sports events sponsors, and hole-in-one and weather insurance. Insurers represented include Scottsdale, Northfield, Acceptance and Lloyd's.
Miami Valley Excess & Surplus Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 29, Miamisburg, OH 45342; (937) 438-0491; (800) 445-9863; fax: (888) 438-9834; e-mail: mves@worldnet.att.net; URL: www.mves.com (Fred Wootan, CPCU).
The firm writes all types of special events, hole-in-one, other prize indemnification coverages and weather insurance. General liability includes liquor and occurrence products. Limits for primary liability are $1 million. Excess coverage can be arranged to $10 million. Hole-in-one and prize indemnification limits range to $100,000. The firm serves agents in IN, KY, OH, TN, VA and WV. Insurers include: Century Surety Burlington, Colony, Preferred National and Fireman's Fund.
National Fire & Marine Insurance Co., 3024 Harney St., Omaha, NE 68131; (402) 536-3000; fax: (402) 536-3030; e-mail: jgiandinoto@nationalindemnity.com (John Giandinoto).
This specialty insurer writes special events for all risks except events cancellation. It also writes hole-in-one and other types of prize indemnification. Limits are available for $2 million/$2 million; and for $1 million for hole-in-one and prize indemnification. The facility is available in all states.
National Hole in One Association, a member of J.P. Everhart Co., 8350 N. Central Expwy., 7th Floor, Dallas, TX 75206; (800) 446-1913; fax: (214) 373-1619; e-mail: hio@hio.com; URL: http://www.hio.com (John P. Everhart, CPCU).
This program administrator writes hole-in-one insurance only. Limits are up to $1 million in-house, with excess available to $10 million. The firm writes worldwide with offices in Dallas and London. Insurers are: Winterthur Swiss Group (Republic Underwriters Ins. Co. in U.S. and Canada and Winterthur U.K. in Europe).
Nationwide Insurance, Special Risks Health, P.O. Box 2399, Columbus, OH 43216-2399; (614) 854-3735; (800) 525-8669; fax: (614) 854-3753; e-mail: Ron-Barrow@Nationwide.e-mail.com (Ronald R. Barrow, CPCU, FLMI).
This insurer writes accident insurance on conventions and trade shows, fishing contests, fireworks displays, special events and sports events sponsored risks. The company's facilities are available in all 50 states, DC, PR and VI.
North Island Facilities, Ltd., 30 Park Ave., Manhasset, NY 11030-2444; (516) 365-7440; (800) 892-8892; fax: (516) 365-7392; e-mail: nifmail@aol.com (Daphne Alvarado).
The MGA writes all types of special events, hole-in-one and prize indemnification risks except fishing contests. Limits of liability are available to $5 million. The firm serves agents in Northeastern states. Various insurers are used.
R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc., P.O. Box 307, Fawnskin, CA 92333; (909) 866-8120; (800) 567-2685; fax:(909) 866-4659 (Kerri McDonald).
This program administrator provides insurance for special events such as weddings, bar mitzvahs and celebrations. The policy covers expenses incurred by the insured for cancellation or postponement of the event. Optional coverage is available for photographs and videos, wedding gifts, rented property, special attire, jewelry, personal liability and medical payments.
Limits are available up to $10 million. Facilities are available throughout the U.S. The program is underwritten by Fireman's Fund.
Pennock Insurance, Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; (610) 358-2600; (800) 662-5182; (610) 358-3449. e-mail: pennockins@aol.com (Cindi King).
The managing general agency writes all types of special events except rock concerts. It also writes hole-in-one insurance and other prize indemnification coverages except fishing contests, and weather insurance. Limits for liability coverage are written up to $2 million. Excess is available to $10 million. Hole-in-one insurance is written for $100,000. Limits for other prize indemnification and weather are subject to underwriting information. The firm services agents in the mid-Atlantic states. Insurers include Scottsdale, Acceptance, U.S. Underwriters, Nautilus, American Equity, Genstar, Chubb Custom, Lloyd's and GAINSCO.
Phoenix Excess & Surplus Lines, Inc., P.O. Box 7386, W. Trenton, NJ 08628; (609) 530-0111; (800) 334-1357; fax: (609) 538-0661; e-mail: phinix@ix.netcom.com (Dennis Pellegrino).
The excess and surplus lines broker writes all types of special events insurance, hole-in-one coverage and other prize indemnification insurance except fireworks displays. Liability limits are available to $1 million. Coverage includes spectators. Excess is available. Limits for hole-in-one and prize indemnification are unlimited. The firm serves agents in NJ, NY and PA. Insurers include Scottsdale and Lloyd's.
Princeton Risk Managers, Inc., 201 Wall St., Research Park, Princeton, NJ 08540-1567; (609) 924-9222; (800) 582-7607 (NJ) and (800) PRM-0099 (PA); fax: (609) 924-8155; e-mail: prmtiger@aol.com (Debbie Stevens and David Griffith).
The firm writes special risks, conventions and trade shows, events cancellation, rock concerts and sports events sponsors, as well as hole-in-one insurance. Limits are available to $1 million for primary liability and $50,000 plus for hole-in-one coverage. Excess is available to $100 million. The agency services risks in NJ and PA. Underwriters are Chubb, General Star, Fireman's Fund and Lloyd's.
Prize Guaranty Association, a member of J.P. Everhart companies, 8350 N. Central Expwy, 7th Floor, Dallas, TX 75206; (888) 291-2881; fax: (214) 373-1619; e-mail: hio@hio.com; URL: www.hio.com (John P. Everhart, CPCU).
The firm writes only prize indemnification and weather insurance. Limits are $100,000 in-house. Excess for weather is up to $10 million; for prize indemnification, up to $1 million. Facilities are available worldwide with offices in Dallas and London. The Winterthur Swiss Group is the underwriter (Republic Underwriters Ins. Co., U.S. and Canada, and Wintertur U.K., Europe).
Roush Insurance Services, Inc., P.O. Box 1060, Noblesville, IN 46061; (317) 776-6880; (800) 752-8402; fax: (317) 776-6891 (Gail Pierce).
The agency writes all types of special events except events cancellation and rock concerts. It also writes hole-in-one insurance and prize indemnification and weather insurance. Limits are available to $1 million/$2 million. Liability program covers premises/operations, products, personal and advertising injury, fire damage and medical payments. Limits for hole-in-one and prize indemnification are up to $50,000. Excess is written to $20 million. The agent services agents in IL and IN only. Insurers include: Acceptance, Century Surety, Nautilus, GAINSCO, Scottsdale and American Equity.
SCA Insurance Specialists, 8300 Douglas Ave., Ste. 625, Dallas, TX 75225; (888) 860-3770; fax: (214) 860-3700; e-mail: lynch@sca.com; URL: www.scapromotions.com (Kent Lynch).
The program administrator writes events cancellation, hole-in-one insurance and other prize indemnification coverages. Limits are available to $10 million. The facility is available worldwide. It represents various insurers.
Surplus Insurance Brokers, P.O. Box 749, South Bend, IN 46624; (800) 342-5706; fax: (800) 578-7758 (Carol Dhoore).
The firm writes all types of special events except events cancellation and rock concerts. It also handles hole-in-one and other prize indemnification insurance. Limits are available to $1 million. Excess is available to $10 million. Risks are serviced in IL and IN. Insurers include: Scottsdale, Northfield, Capitol Indemnity and Western Heritage.
Swett Insurance Managers, 109 S. Seventh St., Ste. 600, Minneapolis, MN 55402; (612) 333-0361; (800) 752-4251; fax: (612) 333-3666 (Joe Inderieden, CPCU).
Writes all types of special events except rock concerts and hole-in-one and other prize indemnification except fishing contests. Also handles weather insurance. Various liability limits are available. Hole-in-one insurance is written for limits up to $50,000. The agency covers risks in IA, MN, NE, ND, SD and WI. Insurers include: Northfield, Landmark American, Scottsdale, Chubb and CNA.
Swett Insurance Managers, 1760 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 200, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302; (248) 333-0500; fax: (248) 333-1710 (Mickey Sanders).
Firm writes all types of special events except events cancellation. It also handles hole-in-one and prize indemnification coverages. Limits for liability insurance are $2 million/$2 million. Hole-in-one is written up to $100,000 or higher. Excess coverage is available to $50 million. The firm services agents in most states. Western World, Landmark American, Lloyd's and Cigna are represented.
Swett & Crawford--Idaho, 9196 W. Barnes Dr., Boise, ID 83709; (208) 376-1121; fax: (208) 376-1165; e-mail: jerryp@prodigy.net (Jerry Pollard).
Writes all types of special events, hole-in-one and other prize indemnification and weather insurance. Liability limits are available to $20 million. Hole-in-one and prize indemnification is written to $100,000, and weather insurance is written to $1 million. The office serves agents in the Pacific Northwest. Insurers include: Northfield, Lloyd's and Scottsdale.
Tennant Risk Services Inc., Cityplace II, 185 Asylum St., Hartford, CT 06103; (860) 527-9717; fax: (860) 527-2438; URL: http://www.tennant.com. (Kim Bird).
This program administrator writes weather insurance only. The facilities are available to agents in various states. Various limits of liability are offered. Northland and Reliance Insurance Cos. are underwriters.
Tournament Fishing Association, a member of J.P. Everhart Companies, 8350 N. Central Expwy., 7th Floor, Dallas, TX 75206; (800) 446-1886; fax: (214) 373-1619; e-mail: hio@hio.com; URL: www.hio.com (John P. Everhart, CPCU).
This program administrator writes fishing contests only. Primary limits are available to $100,000 with excess arranged to $1 million. Facilities are available worldwide. Insurer is Winterthur Swiss Group (Southern Insurance Co., U.S. and Canada and Winterthur U.K. in Europe).
Transwestern General Agency, P.O. Box 1196, Salt Lake City, UT 84110; (801) 521-3310; (800) 453-3156; fax: (801) 521-8235; URL: transwestern.com (Jeff Burgener).
This managing general agent writes all types of special events insurance except rock concerts. It also writes hole-in-one and other prize indemnification risks and weather insurance. Limits are available to $1 million/$2 million. The liability coverage protects premises operations, products, personal injury, fire legal liability and medical payments. Limits for hole-in-one and prize indemnification vary. Excess limits are available to $50 million. The firm services agents in AZ, ID, MT, NV, UT and WY. The firm represents various insurers.
TSI Sports, Inc., P.O. Box 1320, Flowery Branch, GA 30542; (770) 534-6409; (800) 356-7868; fax: (770) 534-2233; e-mail: jennifer@tsius.com; URL: www.tsisports.com (Jennifer Sanders).
This program administrator writes special events and hole-in-one insurance and all other prize indemnification coverages. Limits are available to $2 million. The agency serves agents in all states. The underwriter is St. Paul.
Weather Specialty Underwriters, LLC, 127 Water St., Exeter, NH 03833; (603) 778-2292; fax: (603) 778-2721; e-mail: scurtin@weatherspecialty.com (Sean T. Curtin).
The firm writes all types of special events except event cancellation. It also writes prize indemnification coverage but not hole-in-one. It handles both weather and vacation-weather coverage. Limits of liability are available up to $1 million. The insurance is accessible in U.S. and Canada. Northland Insurance Co. and Lloyd's are underwriters.
J.M. Wilson Corp., 8036 Moorsbridge Rd., Portage, MI 49024; (616) 327-4130; (800) 666-5692; fax: (616) 327-4131; e-mail: marilyn-schmidt@jmwilson. com (Marilyn Schmidt).
This MGA writes all types of special events except event cancellation. It also provides hole-in-one insurance and other prize indemnification and weather insurance. Liability limits are written up to $1 million with excess available. Limits for hole-in-one, prize indemnification and weather insurance are $100,000. The firm serves agents in all states. Leading insurers are Penn America, Northland, Lloyd's, Monticello, General Star and Burlington.
Worldwide Facilities Inc., 3530 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010; (213) 380-4670; fax: (213) 384-5180 (Davis Moore).
The firm writes all types of special events insurance, hole-in-one and other kinds of prize indemnification coverage and weather insurance. Liability limits are available to $10 million with excess available. Limits for hole-in-one and prize indemnification are $1 million, and for weather insurance, $20 million. Facilities are available in all states. Insurers include General Star, American Equity, Chubb and Lloyd's.
Worldwide Weather Insurance Agency, Inc., 1615 Northern Blvd., Ste. 301, Manhasset, NY 11030; (516) 365-7373; (800) 500-5801; fax: (516) 365-7474; e-mail: underwriters@weatherins.com; URL:http://weatherinsurance.com (Pat Sleicher, events; Michele Borday, event promotions; Frank Parkhurst, event liability; and Christie Liberio, director of marketing).
The firm writes all types of special events coverage, hole-in-one and other prize indemnification and weather and vacation insurance-weather ($25 minimum premium). Limits are unlimited. Facilities are available worldwide. Insurers are A-rated or higher, admitted and nonadmitted companies. *
The author
Wallace L. Clapp, Jr., CPCU, is a consultant to the insurance industry, and is editor of The Insurance Marketplace, published by Rough Notes.
©COPYRIGHT: The Rough Notes Magazine, 1998