The economy is good, population is growing, disposable income is on the rise, and everybody likes to have fun. If you ever had to stand in line at an amusement park you will attest to the fact that "pay for play" facilities are busy places. This niche is varied in the type of risks that fall into it and programs that answer the coverage issues.
Classes that comprise the leisure industry entries are: amusement parks, amusement rides, animal rides, bowling centers, campground owners, canoe trips/river rafting, golf driving ranges, horse & carriage rides, hot air balloon rides, miniature golf, paint ball centers, tennis & racquetball centers, trail rides and water parks.The markets listed provide coverage for one or more of these risks. If you have questions consult our Web site (www.insurancemarketplace.com), click on the type of risk and your state. Available markets will be listed.
Overall, these classes of business contain several similarities. Financial status is very important. Pro formas and financial statements may be required and be an underwriting factor for acceptance. Especially true in the larger facilities is the need for established procedures regarding safety regulations, evacuation plans, and first aid administration. These should be in written form and, if possible, accompany your submission.
Most of the leisure classes also will contain exposures of the same nature. Snack bars, cooking facilities, and liquor exposures can be found in amusement parks, bowling centers, miniature golf, and tennis and racquetball centers.
Workers compensation is showing signs of firming in several geographical regions, not only in leisure risks but also in many classes of business. A few markets will write most of the "pay for play" workers compensation on a stand-alone basis. One of those is HPP Group. They specialize in monoline workers compensation for the leisure and nonprofit social organizations. According to Ralph Blust, senior vice president of High Performance Programs Group, they write in all states except monopolistic states. The minimum premium is $2,000. Coverage is written on a guaranteed cost basis. Blust states that the qualifications are three years in business, prior workers compensation coverage for three years, and maximum experience modification of 1.30. "We are seeing an unprecedented number of submissions in recent weeks," he comments.
Driving ranges should take precautions against having more than one party on the tees at a time. Proper spacing between drivers also can prevent injury to a nearby participant.
In preparing a submission for "pay for play" risk, diagrams, photos of signage, copies of employee manuals, and brochures will assist in the placement of your client.
Loss control measures play a big part in minimizing claims with leisure risks. Up-to-date equipment maintenance records will give an underwriter a good picture of the safety concerns that the organization has. In most states, a state inspector must inspect amusement park rides. Failure to do so can result in fines, closing of the park or possible civil or criminal prosecution. A client who is a member of a national industry association may be eligible for credits regarding the liability portion due to membership requirements.
Other considerations include audit or non-audited policies, policy aggregate provisions, bodily injury deductibles, and inclusion of volunteers where applicable. If your client has special promotions on the Fourth of July, for example, the general liability policy may not respond to special events or fireworks exposures.
Leisure prospects can be a good source of business for young agents. Most cities have bowling centers, tennis or racquetball centers, driving ranges and miniature golf courses. If they develop a good rapport with a market that can supply coverage and guidance in the "pay for play " arena, this could add to the agency revenue outside Main Street business. It also can add some excitement in prospecting.
The following markets have responded to our survey and have indicated that they are a market for at least one of the classes of leisure risks highlighted in this specialty feature.
BAT Insurance Corporation
465 S. Beverly Dr., Ste. 101
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Contact: Tony Trocino
Phone: (310) 282-0753
Fax: (310) 282-7133
An E&S broker operating in CA offering limits of up to $10 million. Property and GL both are available. The A rated carrier is Westchester Fire.
Russell Bond & Company, Inc.
295 Main St., Ste. 866
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Jeff Latke, Ext. 147; Chris Moyer, Ext., 149; or Tony Ambrose, Ext. 143
Phone: (800) 333-7226
Fax: (716) 856-0403
E-mail: info@russellbond.com
An MGA operating in NY offering limits of $2 million/$3 million and higher. Target markets are amusement rides (kiddy), campground owners, canoe trips, horse & carriage rides, miniature golf, driving ranges, and tennis & racquetball centers. GL, liquor liability, and excess liability are available. Various A rated carriers are utilized to place coverage.
J.E. Brown & Associates
303 Lennon Lane
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Contact: Betty Peterson or Wendy Heathorn
Phone: (800) 955-8213
Fax: (925) 947-3978
E-mail: marketing@jebrown.net
Web site: www.jebrown.net
An MGA/E&S broker operating in CA offering limits of up to $1 million. Target markets include amusement centers, campgrounds, canoeing, family fun centers, driving ranges, miniature golf, and water parks. Many other recreational classes are also written along with special events. The A rated carrier is Genesis Indemnity.
Burns & Wilcox, Ltd.
30833 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 220
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Contact: Home office for local branch
Phone: (800) 521-1918
An MGA/E&S broker operating in all states except HI, MA, ME, NJ and NY offering limits of up to $1 million on primary and $10 million on excess liability. Most classes are considered. Inland marine, property and event coverage are also available. Various carriers are accessed.
Capitol Indemnity Corporation
P.O. Box 5900
Madison, WI 53705
Contact: James C. Schlacks, CPCU, Director of Marketing
Phone: (608) 231-4450
Web site: www.capitolindemnity.com
An insurer operating in 37 states offering limits of up to $1 million/$3 million. Most leisure classes are considered. Animal rides, paint ball, and go-karts are not written. Capitol Indemnity is A+ rated.
Century Surety Group
P.O. Box 163340
Columbus, OH 43216
Contact: Tom Rossi
Phone: (800) 878-7389
Fax: (614) 895-7036
E-mail: trossi@centurysurety.com
Web site: www.centurysurety.com
An insurer working through contracted MGAs offering limits of up to $1 million/$2 million. Century Surety operates in most states. Target markets include driving ranges, bowling centers, paint ball centers, amusement centers, tennis & racquetball, and canoe trips. Excess is also available.
Entertainment Brokers International
10940 Wilshire Blvd., 17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Contact: Bill Cody
Phone: (310) 824-0111
Fax: (310) 824-5733
A managing agent operating in all states offering limits of up to $10 million. Target markets include mechanical rides, water slides, hot air balloons, and paint ball centers. Property, workers compensation, umbrella and contingency are available. XL Insurance Specialty/Intercargo Insurance is an A+ rated carrier.
Excel Insurance Services, Inc.
301 Oxford Valley Rd., Ste. 402A
Yardley, PA 19067
Contact: Dennis Pellegrino
Phone: (877) 369-2999
E-mail: dennisp@excelins.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in NJ and PA offering limits of $1 million and upwards. Scottsdale and various A rated or better carriers are utilized to place coverage.
Fairway Underwriters, Inc.
191 Pawtucket Blvd.
Lowell, MA 01854
Contact: Fran Coulter
Phone: (800) 662-2141
Fax: (978) 454-8740
Web site: www.fairwayunderwriters.com
An MGA operating in all states except AK, KY, HI, NV and TX. Target markets include golf courses and driving ranges. Country clubs and hole in one is also available. A rated carriers include Allmerica Group, Hanover Insurance Company and Massachusetts Bay Insurance.
Frazier Insurance Agency Inc.
P.O. Box 1250
Midlothian, VA 23113
Contact: Bill Frazier or Isabel Frazier
Phone: (804) 754-7610
Fax: (804) 754-7613
E-mail: frazierins@aol.com
Web site: www.frazierins.com
A P&C/E&S broker operating all states offering limits of $300,000 to $10 million. Target markets include batting cages, family fun centers, trail rides, ice/roller skating, water parks, go-karts concessions, and special events. Many other leisure, recreational, sports, and motorsports are available. Various carriers, rated from B++ to A++ are utilized to place coverage.
Gillingham & Associates, Inc.
8461 Turnpike Dr., Ste. 110
Westminster, CO 80030
Contact: Thomas S. Gillingham, Glenn Sudol or Thomas A. Gillingham
Phone: (888) 636-6504
Fax: (303) 428-5900
E-mail: tom@outdoorinsurance.com
Web site: www.outdoorinsurance.com
A program manager operating in most states and Canada offering limits of up to $1 million on primary and $5 million on excess/umbrella. Property up to $5 million is available. Crime and liquor is written in most states. GL is not available on whitewater rafting and ski resorts. Member companies of Gulf Insurance Group, A+ rated, are utilized to place coverage.
The Harry W. Gorst Company
805 Fairmont Ave.
Glendale, CA 91203
Contact: Jennifer Clark
Phone: (818) 507-0900, Ext. 124
An E&S broker operating in CA offering limits of up to $3 million/ $3 million. Target markets include amusement parks, driving ranges, miniature golf, and swim and racquetball clubs. Property, prize indemnification, golf carts, and liquor liability are also written. Scottsdale and Western Heritage are utilized to place coverage.
Harbour Entertainment & Sports Insurance
100 Corporate Pointe
Los Angeles, CA 90230
Contact: Joe Hall
Phone: (800) 477-4930
Web site: www.eventinsurance.net
A program manager operating in all states offering limits of up to $25 million. Most leisure classes are considered. GL, property, liquor liability, workers compensation, prize indemnity, and AD&D are also written. Carriers include AIG, North American Specialty, and National Casualty.
L.E. Harris Agency, Inc.
P.O. Box 8330
Langley Park, MD 20787
Contact: Cindy Milburn or David Riffert
Phone: (800) 382-4709
Fax: (301) 439-4700
An MGA/E&S broker operating in DC, MD and VA offering limits of $1 million CSL. Target markets include equine/saddle animals, hot air balloon rides, and amusement parks. Property, D&O, and EPLI are also written. A rated or better carriers include National Indemnity, Monticello, and Penn-American.
High Performance Programs Group (HPPG)
10 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 3000
Chicago, IL 60603
Contact: Ralph Blust or Gail Majewski
Phone: (888) 852-4969
Fax: (312) 621-6865
E-mail: blust_ra@willis.com
Web site: www.hppgroup.com
An MGA operating in all states except monopolistic states. The target market includes most leisure classes. Amusement parks, circus, carnivals, and water parks are not written. The A rated carrier is Royal and Sun Alliance.
Izzo Insurance Services, Inc.
7234 W. North Ave.
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Contact: Michael C. Jones
Phone: (708) 452-1700, (IL)
(800) 800-1704 (outside IL)
Fax: (708) 452-1777
An MGA/agency operating in all states offering EPLI limits of $1 million/$2 million. Target market is EPLI and workers compensation only for leisure classes of business. Carriers include Great American, Legion Insurance, Virginia Surety, and Casualty Reciprocal.
Jimcor Agencies
15 Ver Valen St.
Closter, NJ 07624
Contact: Coryn Mastowski
Phone: (800) 334-0474
Fax: (201) 784-7901
E-mail: cmastowski@jimcor.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in DE, MD, NJ, NY and PA offering limits of up to $5 million on primary and $25 million on umbrella. Target markets include swim/tennis clubs, driving ranges, miniature golf, and campgrounds. Hot air balloon rides and paint ball are not written. Various A rated or better carriers are utilized to place coverage.
M.J. Kelly Company, Inc.
4415 E. Sunshine
Springfield, MO 65809
Contact: Lori Drake, Sandy Shue or Heather Duffield
Phone: (800) 725-7211
Fax: (417) 883-7103
An MGA operating in AR, IL, KS, MO and OK offering limits of $1 million/$2 million on primary and up to $10 million excess. Target markets include paint ball, miniature golf, carriage rides, and horse rides. Amusement parks and hot air balloon rides are not written. Special events, property, and packages policies are available. Various carriers are utilized to place coverage.
Markel Insurance Company
4600 Cox Rd.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Contact: Martha Watson
Phone: (800) 431-1270
Fax: (804) 273-6144
E-mail: mwatson@markelcorp.com
Web site: markelcorp.com
An insurer operating in all states except HI offering limits of $1 million/ $3 million. Target market is tennis and racquetball centers. GL, umbrella, accident medical and package coverages are written. Markel Insurance Company is an A rated carrier.
Market Finders Insurance Corporation
P.O. Box 6549
Louisville, KY 40206
Contact: Karen Cornett, Charles Curry or Barb Lush
Phone: (800) 626-5660
Fax: (502) 426-7970
E-mail: k.cornett@mfic.com
Web site: www.mfic.com
An MGA operating in IN, KY, TN and WV offering limits of up to $1 million/$3 million. Most classes are considered. Property and inland marine are written. A rated or better include Scottsdale, Colorado Western, Essex Insurance, Admiral Insurance, and Western World.
G.A. Mavon & Company
10 W. Chicago Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Contact: Karen Bowler
Phone: (877) GA-MAVON
E-mail: karen@mavon.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in all states except CT, DE, MA, ME, MN, MS, NY and TX. Limits offered are $300,000 to $1 million. Colorado Western Insurance and Genesis Insurance Companies are the carriers.
Nationwide Insurance
P.O. Box 2399
Columbus, OH 43216
Contact: Ron Barrow
Phone: (800) 525-8669, Ext. 3735
Fax: (614) 854-3753
E-mail: BarrowR@Nationwide.com
Web site: www.GrouProtector.com
An insurer operating in all states, DC, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Target market is accidental death and specific loss (dismember-ment) and accident medical expense for the leisure business; dollar amounts will vary. Nationwide is an A+ carrier.
Roush Insurance Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1060
Noblesville, IN 46061
Contact: Gail Pierce, Ext. 18; Scott Sackers, Ext. 23; or Tony Armor, Ext., 17
Phone: (800) 752-8402
Fax: (317) 776-6891
Web site: www.roushins.com
An MGA operating in IL and IN offering limits of up to $20 million. Target markets are hot air balloon rides and equine trail rides. Property, workers compensation, and commercial auto are also written. A rated or better carriers include Scottsdale, Tudor, American Equity, Gainsco, Reliant American and Gulf Insurance Group.
Robert A. Schneider Agency
5620 Smetana Dr., Ste. 350
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Contact: Sue Karkhoff
Phone: (800) 862-6038
E-mail: rs@rasinc.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in IA, MN, ND, SD and WI offering limits of $1 million/ $3 million. Target markets are bowling centers and climbing walls. Property, inland marine, auto, and umbrella are available. Carriers include Nautilus, Essex, and Colorado Western.
U.S. Risk Group, Inc.
Specialty Programs Division
10210 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 500
Dallas, TX 75231
Contact: Larry Williams, Ext. 964; Dory Johnson, Ext. 966; or Julie Esparza, Ext. 965
Phone: (800) 232-5830
E-mail: Larryw@usrisk.com, Dory@usrisk.com, or JulieE@usrisk.com
A risk purchasing group/MGA operating in all states except FL, HI, NJ and WV offering limits of up to $5 million occurrence with $2 million aggregate. Target markets include short-term recreational, leisure, or entertainment risk. Amusement rides, risks with fireworks/firearms animal rides, hunting clubs or ranges are not written. A+ carriers are Northland Insurance and Northland Casualty Insurance Companies.
Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc.
23251 Mulholland Dr.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Contact: Mick Kroll
Phone: (800) 669-9800
Fax: (818) 591-9858
An E&S broker operating in CA offering limits up to $5 million. Target markets include outfitters and guides in hunting and fishing. Various carriers are utilized to place coverage.
Venture Programs
P.O. Box 1329
West Chester, PA 19380
Contact: Bill Dalton, Director of Marketing, Ext. 254
Phone: (800) 282-6247
Fax: (610) 692-5977
E-mail: BDalton@VenturePrograms.com
Web site: www.VenturePrograms.com
A program manager operating in all states offering limits as requested. Target markets include golf and country clubs, private social and sport-related clubs including golf, tennis, and racquetball. Hunting and yachting clubs are not written. Package, workers compensation, D&O, and EPLI policies are available. A rated or better carriers include Chubb, Legion, Villanova, and USLI.
J.M. Wilson
8036 Moorsbridge Rd.
Portage, MI 49024
Contact:
Karen Stites, (MI) Phone: (800) 677-8122 Fax: (616) 327-4131
Terry McFaul, (IL and WI) Phone: (800) 695-0059 Fax: (608) 833-3736
Dan Norton, (IN) Phone: (800) 538-4796 Fax: (317) 846-5762
Sue Gwillim, (OH) Phone: (800) 388-8178 Fax: (614) 890-6333
Web site: www.jmwilson.com
An MGA operating in IL, IN, MI, OH and WI offering limits of up to $5 million. Most classes are considered except hot air balloon rides, water parks, and theme parks. A rated or better carriers include Capitol Indemnity, Nautilus, General Star, and National Indemnity. *