SPECIALTY LINES MARKETS
Hotels, bars, and restaurants
By Larry G. France
Property has become the major issue for high rise hotels 10 to 15 stories and higher. The events of 9/11 took care of that, and the threat of a terrorist attack still looms, especially in major cities. The potential loss in the property line due to a terrorist attack on a major hotel would be in the millions, not counting business income, workers compensation and other additional coverages.
The specialty markets are growing at a 40% to 50% rate as Main Street options dry up. This also is draining capacity in some programs; thus, we are seeing a "maintain" attitude on the part of several carriers and markets.
"This year the hospitality industry will continue to feel the consequence of an inconsistent insurance marketplace," states Susan Kearney, program manager of Venture Program's Preferred Hospitality Program. "Specialist brokers have cited to us that securing property and casualty insurance coverages for their customers is becoming increasingly difficult as available supply continues to decrease for this industry."
Kearney says that many insurance carriers have either ceased writing certain classes of business, limited the coverages they are willing to offer, exited the marketplace--either on a voluntary or involuntary basis--or have significantly increased their underwriting qualifications. "Once considered an extremely desirable class of business, hospitality accounts are now difficult to place and, if placed, they are seeing steep price increases."
When you look through the list of markets for the hospitality industry that follows this article, you will see that many markets will not write nightclubs. It is interesting that these responses were made prior to the Chicago and West Warwick, Rhode Island, disasters of recent weeks. It should not surprise anyone that the nightclub business is not attractive to many underwriters. The losses usually are quite severe. The two most recent occurrences will no doubt end up in many months of legal battles including civil action with the "world" being named in suits. If you have an account similar to these, underwriters will be inclined to be extremely cautious in accepting them regardless of their quality.
Another obstacle for the hospitality industry has been the industry's sluggish financial results due to the consequences of 9/11 and the downturn in the economy, says Kearney. "Driven by rate increases and rising premiums, many financially sound insureds have turned to alternative solutions such as self-insurance, large deductibles, and rent-a captive structures to mitigate their insurance risk. Accounts with substandard financials have been left with few alternatives, including insurance via State Funds, assigned-risk pools and smaller deductibles or guaranteed cost options that for larger premium accounts lack significant savings."
Restaurants and hospitality risks such as hotels and bars that share food preparation exposure also are fighting some uphill battles. With the current security threat, food-borne illness is a major concern. Tight restrictions need to be placed on control of food preparation and storage. Underwriters and loss control personnel will pay particular attention to this area.
"The market for the better restaurant risk is softer than some segments of the commercial marketplace right now, but certain types of restaurants are much tougher to place," points out Heidi Strommen, executive vice president of ProHost USA, which specializes in the fine dining restaurant risk. "Risks with dance floors, entertainment, liquor receipts over 40%, or that have been in business for less than three years, have experienced loss problems, or coastal problems, or are of frame construction are all a tougher sell to underwriters. Fast food restaurants and banquet/catering companies are also very difficult to place. There are several carriers competing for the best of the restaurant class although we are still obtaining renewal increases that average around 25%."
The recent passage of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act will also affect any increase in the cost of insurance for this industry, Kearney says. Many large hotels and restaurants are located in major cities across the United States and have large concentrations of employees. Carriers and reinsurers will continue to focus their efforts on a return to profitability as the adverse effects of the soft market threaten many balance sheets in the industry. Therefore, expect the cost of the terrorism exposure to be directly passed on to the insured. "Overall there continues to be justified concern for future security of existing insurance carriers and their ability to offer quality services to the hospitality industry," Kearney states.
As in many industries, the economy will play a big part in the profitability picture for risk in this class of business. Fuel prices hold down travel. As a result, in some cases hotels now are below break-even room capacity. Even when people are not traveling, the poor economy curtails the amount of money spent in restaurants, adding to the owners' financial woes. At best, the restaurant business is a difficult one in which to realize a profit. When outside forces beyond their control dictate the bottom line, it becomes almost impossible or, at least, an uphill battle to stay in the black.
Rough Notes and The Insurance Marketplace will again co-sponsor Specialty Lines Seminars, with the first scheduled on May 7 in Dallas, and the second on August 13 in San Francisco. Representatives from carriers and specialty markets will present their products, explain how to access them, and provide information on more than 300 programs and coverages to assist agents in placing business for their clients. The seminars are very affordable and cost effective. One day spent attending the seminars could save you months trying to fulfill your clients' needs.
To register and receive extra savings on the seminar and hotel rates, click on www.roughnotes.com or www.insurancemarketplace.com and select "seminars." This form will appear in Rough Notes magazine in April/May for the Dallas seminar and July/August for San Francisco seminar. For additional information contact Larry G. France at (800) 428-4384, fax: (317) 816-1000, e-mail: larryf@roughnotes.com.
The following 41 entities have responded to our survey indicating that they are a market for hospitality business. Most will indicate their target market, limits, and in what territories they can provide coverage.
Aberdeen Insurance Group
1364 Welsh Rd., Ste. E2
North Wales, PA 19454
Contact: Thomas S. Downie
Phone: (800) 845-4150
Fax: (215) 641-1456
E-mail: aberdeeninsgrp@hotmail.com
Web site: aberdeeninsgrp.com
An E&S broker operating in DE, MD, NJ and PA with liability limits of $1 million and property limits of $1 million. Will not write nightclubs, after-hour (2 a.m.) clubs or go-go bars. Other coverages offered are liquor liability and workers comp (PA only). Lloyd's and INEX Insurance Exchange are the carriers.
AVRECO Brokerage
550 West Van Buren St., #1200
Chicago, IL 60606
Contact: Kathie Hearlston-Clark, Ken Karsted
Phone: (800) 776-7475 (Hearlston-Clark) (312) 294-5491 (Karsted) (312) 294-5493
Fax: (Hearlston-Clark) (312) 803-2173 (Karsted) (312) 803-2180
E-mail: khearlston@avreco.com kkarsted@avreco.com
An E&S broker that operates in all states with unlimited limits on small to large risks. AVRECO has in-house binding authorities for some classes up to $2.5 million. All carriers are A rated.
Baldinger Insurance Services
22 Village Square
New Hope, PA 18938
Contact: Sandy Baldinger
Phone: (800) 877-2348
Fax: (215) 862-4505
E-mail: BIS@baldingerins.com
An E&S broker that operates nationwide with GL primary limits of $1 million/$2 million, property up to a maximum TIV of $5 million; $1 million liquor as well as sub-limits on assault & battery; and umbrella up to $10 million. Target market is night clubs (must have three-year prior management experience and receipts must exceed $250,000 annually). Will also offer workers comp. All carriers are A rated.
Black White & Associates
1999 Harrison Street, Ste. 1230
Oakland, CA 94604
Contact: Marge Bersch, Judy Hoffman, Margaret Caldwell
Phone: (Bersch) (702) 856-0915
(Hoffman) (702) 856-0916
(Caldwell) (702) 856-0924
E-mail: mbersch@bwins.com judithh@bwins.com margaretc@bwins.com
Web site: www.bwins.com
An MGA operating in AZ, CO, ID, NV, SD and UT with limits of $5 million plus umbrellas and high-value property limits available. Target markets are hotels, casinos, and restaurants (fine dining). Will not write restaurants with more than 75% liquor receipts, or nightclubs with 100% liquor. Can offer property, GL, auto, crime, liquor liability, umbrella, inland marine, EPLI and D&O. "Policy also is not auditable; it is based on square footage." Hudson Insurance Company is the A rated carrier.
Burns & Wilcox, Ltd.
30833 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 220
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Contact: David J. Price, Kenneth Schneider
Phone: (800) 521-1918
Fax: (248) 932-9045
Web site: burnsandwilcox.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in all states except AK, HI and NY with GL limits of up to $5 million, property to $10 million and liquor to $10 million. Target markets are hotels, motels and restaurants, Can offer crime, umbrella and auto. Scottsdale, Lloyd's, and Burlington are the A rated carriers.
CNA Insurance Companies - E & S Division
3500 Lacey Rd., Ste. 8000
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Contact: Patricia Jarrett, Ext. 4750; Kathy Szur, Ext. 4732; Dennis O'Brien, Ext. 4743
Phone: (630) 725-4750
Fax: (630) 725-4773
E-mail: patricia.jarrett@cna.com
Web site: www.cna.com
An insurer that operates in AL, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, KS, MA, ME, MI, MO, MN, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT and VT with limits of up to $1 million. Target markets are bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and private clubs. Will not write adult entertainment. Will offer a package in certain states: AZ, FL, IL, MI and NJ. Carriers are Transcontinental or Columbia Casualty.
Continental/Marmorstein & Malone
P.O. Box 586
Paramus, NJ 07652
Contact: William H. Malone, Jr., VP
Phone: (800) 932-0249
Fax: (201) 261-8922
E-mail: bmalone@ca-group.com
Web site: www.ca-group.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in NJ and NY only with GL/primary limits of $1 million/$2 million; excess and umbrella coverage available including excess umbrella; property of $5 million in-house with excess property limits available; liquor liability of $1 million/$2 million standard with limits of up to $10 million available. Target markets are restaurants, bars/taverns, hotels/motels, nightclubs, go-go bars, bed & breakfasts, catering/banquet halls, on-premises and off-premises caterers, luncheonettes/delis, pizza parlors and fast food restaurants. Can write GL, property, business interruption, package policy, liquor liability, excess and umbrella. American Empire, Essex, USLI/Mt. Vernon, Nautilus, Lloyd's of London, General Star, United National, FirstState, and Western World are the carriers.
Crump Insurance Services, Inc.
7557 Rambler Rd., Ste. 350
Dallas, TX 75231
Contact: Rajan Shah
Phone: (800) 522-7867
Fax: (214) 691-5460
E-mail: rajan.shah@crumpins.com
Web site: www.crumpins.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates nationwide with limits of up to $100 million and above. Can offer property, terrorism, D&O and auto. Various carriers are used to place coverage.
Crusader Insurance Co.
23251 Mulholland Dr.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Contact: Gay Corbett
Phone: (800) 669-9800
Fax: (818) 591-9856
Web site: www.crusaderinsurance.com
An insurer that operates in CA only with limits of up to $3 million liability and property. Target markets are bars/nightclubs, micro breweries, restaurants, and hotels/motels. Will offer liquor legal liability. Crusader is the B rated carrier.
Delaware Valley Underwriting Agency., Inc.
420 S. York Rd.
Hatboro, PA 19040
Contact: Jan Varalli, Maria Vutskova, Kristie Gresens
Phone: (800) 388-0215
Fax: (215) 672-7983
E-mail: varalli@dvua.com vutskova@dvua.com gresens@dvua.com
Web site: www.dvua.com
An E&S wholesaler that operates in DE, MD, NJ and PA with limits of $1 million/$2 million/$2 million--possibly higher upon request. Will not write workers comp; can offer property, crime, CGL, auto, umbrella, and liquor. Various carriers are used to place coverage
Evolution Insurance Broker Specialty
P.O. Box 4439
Sandy, UT 84091
Contact: F. Darrell Lindsey, President
Phone: (877) 678-7342
Fax: (801) 304-3800
Web site: www.aibinternational.com
An E&S broker that operates nationwide with unlimited limits. All classes are considered. Carriers are Prime and Lloyd's, rated C+ and A respectively.
H.R. Keller & Co., Inc.
1520 Sheridan Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14217
Contact: Rob Martin, John Barton
Phone: (800) 424-2202
A wholesaler that operates in NY state only with limits that vary by company. Target market is bars/restaurants. Will offer workers comp, boiler & machinery, disability and limited liquor liability. Various admitted and nonadmitted carriers are used.
Hull & Company, Inc.
2150 S. Andrews Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
E-mail: info@hullco.com
Web site: www.hullco.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in CA, CO, FL, HI, MO, MT, NC, NE, SC, VA and TX with limits of $1 million --higher limits possible. Various A rated carriers are used to place coverage.
Insurance Innovators Group
130 S. Easton Rd.
Glenside, PA 19038
Contact: Etty Herzig, Janet Barton
Phone: (800) 523-6422
Fax: (215) 886-2482
Web site: www.iiigroup.com
An MGA that operates in DE, MD, NJ and PA with limits of $1 million/$2 million/$2 million. Can offer umbrella and excess with various carriers.
J.M. Wilson
8036 Moorsbridge Rd.
Portage, MI 49024
Contact: Cathy Baldwin, Mktg. Mgr.
Phone: (800) 282-8113
Fax: (269) 327-2620
E-mail: cbaldwin@jmwilson.com
Web site: www.jmwilson.com
An MGA operating in IL, IN, KS, MI, MO, OH and WI with various limits depending on risk. Can offer liquor liability, umbrella, and EPLI. Carriers are Penn America, Nautilus, Mt. Vernon Fire, Capitol Indemnity, U.S. Liability, Interstate, and Lloyd's, all A rated or above.
John Handel & Associates, Inc.
635 93rd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Contact: Thomas L. Paine (P/L), Mark Fiordan (C/L), Dottie Dulhagen (C/L)
Phone: (800) 282-7729 (FL WATS) (727) 576-1536
Fax: (727) 577-6673
An E&S broker that operates in FL only with property limits of $250,000+ and homeowners of $250,000+. Will not write nightclubs. Can offer liability, inland marine, CL, PL, personal umbrella and excess auto. The A rated carriers are Admiral, United National, Tudor, Lexington, Lloyd's, Chubb Custom, USLI, Western World, Pacific Ins. Co., Ltd., American Empire Surplus Lines, Hermitage, RLI-MT. Hawley, and Royal S/L.
London American General Agency, Inc.
10174 Old Grove Rd., Ste. 100
P.O. Box 919243
San Diego, CA 92131
Contact: Greg Liewald
Phone: (858) 547-9000
Fax: (858) 547-9199
E-mail: gliewald@londonamerican.com
Web site:www.londonamerican.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in CA only with market capacity limits. Target market is franchise or non-franchise hotels or motels with fewer than three stories. Can offer crime. Various A rated nonadmitted carriers are used to place coverage.
M.J. Hall & Company, Inc.
709 N. Center St.
Stockton, CA 95202
Contact: Norm Amick (209) 870-2901
Phone: (209) 948-8108
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in AK, CA and NV with limits of $10 million to $50 million. Target market is bars/restaurants. Century, Surety, Scottsdale, and Lloyd's are the carriers.
M.J. Kelly Co., Inc.
4415 E. Sunshine
Springfield, MO 65809
Contact: Lori Drake, Roger Wilkinson, Shawna Cooke
Phone: (800) 725-7211
Fax: (417) 883-7103
E-mail: ldrake@mjkelly.com
Web site: www.mjkelly.com
An E&S broker operating in AR, IA, IL, KS, MO, OK and TN with limits of $1 million/$2 million. Various classes are considered; target is small to mid-sized risks. Will offer umbrella, liquor, special events, and rain insurance. Various carriers are used to place coverage.
McLeckie General Agency
120 Main St.
P.O. Box 770
Naples, TX 75568
Contact: Bill McLeckie
Phone: (903) 897-9090
Fax: (801) 365-5626
An MGA/E&S broker operating in IA, LA, MS, OH and TX with property limits of $1.5 million. Most classes are considered. Lloyd's of London is the A rated carrier.
Metcom Excess
P.O. Box 3140
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
Contact: Sandy Koval, Jim James
Phone: (800) 521-1717
Web site: www.metcomexcess.com
An E&S broker that operates in NJ only with GL limits of $1 million and liquor of $1 million. Columbia Casualty and Colony are the A rated carriers.
Midwestern General Agency, Inc.
255 NW Blue Pky.
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Contact: Linda Mayo, Bianca Betts, Carol Mauslein
Web site: www.mgakcmo.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in IL, KS and MO with limits of $1 million/$2 million/$2 million. Target market is small hotels/motels. Will offer umbrella. Various A rated carriers are used to place coverage.
National Specialty Underwriters, Inc.
155 108th Ave. NE, Ste. 800
Bellevue, WA 98004
Contact: Dusty Rowland
Phone: (425) 450-1090; 1026
E-mail: info@nsui.com
Web site: www.nsui.com
A program administrator/wholesaler operating in all 50 states with umbrella limits of $150 million and aggregate per location of $2 million. Can offer, CGL, liquor liability, property of others in your care, custody and control to $150 million, employee benefit liability, any watercraft to 75', any autos including hired and non-owned, garagekeepers legal liability, auto physical damage, hired auto physical damage to $40,000, professional liability for certain activities, stop-gap employers liability. The A rated carriers are Tokio Marine and Zurich N.A.
NIF Group - North Island/NIF Pro
30 Park Ave.
Manhasset, NY 11030
Contact: Nancy Williams (See Web site for list of offices)
E-mail: marketing@nifgroup.com
Web site: www.nifgroup.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates in CT, FL, GA, MS, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI and VA. Can offer liquor liability, special events, and umbrella. Various A rated carriers are used to place coverage.
NorthCoast Excess & Surplus, Inc.
2244 East Enterprise Pky.
Twinsburg, OH 44087
Contact: Jeffrey L. Burke, President; Michele Burke
Phone: (330) 405-9890
Fax: (330) 405-9093
E-mail: jburke@ncoastxs.com mburke@ncoastxs.com
An E&S broker operating in OH only. Can offer property, GL, liquor, and umbrella. Various A rated, nonadmitted carriers are used to place coverage.
Prime Insurance Syndicate, Inc./I.E.B.S.
P.O. Box 4439
Sandy, UT 84091
Contact: Rick J. Lindsey, President
Phone: (801) 304-5510
Fax: (801) 304-5595
Web site: www.primeis.com
IEBS is an MGA; Prime is an insurer--operating nationwide with all limits available. Will consider all classes. Prime is rated C+; Lloyd's is an A rated carrier.
Professional Liability Insurance Services, Inc.
8015 Bronco Lane, Ste. 100
Lago Vista, TX 78645
Contact: David Hanley, President; Vicki Klopfenstein; Cyndi Ivy
Phone: (800) 761-7547
Fax: (512) 327-5834
E-mail: underwriting@plisinc.com
Web site: www.plisinc.com
A national program administrator that operates in various states with various limits, depending on class. Will consider any class. Can offer trade name restoration/food borne illness loss of business income (TNR), EPLI, D&O and excess liability. Lloyd's of London is the A rated carrier.
Program Brokerage Corporation
100 Sunnyside Blvd.
Woodbury, NY 11797
Contact: Gary Shapiro, VP
Phone: (516) 496-1346
Fax: (917) 934-9571
E-mail: gshapiro@programbrokerage.com
A wholesaler operating in CT, NJ, PA and NY with limits of $1 million/$2 million GL and $25 million umbrella. Target markets are restaurants with values less than $1 million. Will not consider taverns, bars, dance floors, entertainment, diners, and catering halls. Can offer GL, property, crime, umbrella and B&M. All carriers are rated A or above.
ProHost USA, Inc.
4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 410
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Contact: Heidi A. Strommen, EVP; Kaye Fehr
Phone: (888) 968-6863
Fax: (952) 922-5423
E-mail: info@prohostusa.com
Web site: www.prohostusa.com
An MGA that operates in most states with limits of $2 million GL (property varies). Target market is fine dining restaurants with an average entrée of $15 or more. Can offer, package, umbrella, workers comp, and liquor. All carriers are A rated.
Quaker Special Risk
P.O. Box 415
Sea Girt, NJ 08736
Contact: Pam Thoman
Phone: (800) 447-4180
Fax: (732) 223-9072
E-mail: pthoman@qsr-insurance.com
Web site: www.qsr-insurance.com
An E&S broker that operates countrywide with limits of $1 million/$2 million GL. Target markets are nightclubs, coastal hotels/motels, and coastal restaurants. Can offer property, liquor liability, and umbrella. The A rated or better carries are Interstate Fire & Casualty, National Indemnity, Royal and National Fire & Marine.
RCA Insurance Group
1333 Broad St.
Clifton, NJ 07013
Contact: Michael Maher, VP Marketing
Phone: (800) 526-0147
Fax: (973) 972-5448
E-mail: maher@rca-insurance.com
Web site: www.rca-insurance.com
An MGA that operates in 39 states (See Web site for states available with GL limits of $3 million, property limits of $5 million, and liquor liability of $1 million.) Target markets are restaurants, taverns/bars, pizza parlors, delis, social clubs, catering. Will not write nightclubs, diners or any bar with entertainment, and hotels/motels. Can offer a property enhancement endorsement. Royal & SunAlliance is the carrier.
Richter-Robb Pacific Insurance Services, Inc.
310 Sun West Pl., Ste. C
Manteca, CA 95337
Contact: Lee Puryear, Lorraine Iglosias, Margaret Browne
Phone: (800) 454-4343
Fax: (800) 454-5005
E-mail: nancyd@richter-robb.com
An MGA/wholesale broker that operates in CA only with limits of $1 million/$5 million; excess $10 million. Most classes are considered. Western Heritage is the A rated carrier.
RMA Brokerage, LLC, dba Caitlin-Morgan Insurance
8465 Keystone Crossing, Ste. 190
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Contact: Sean P. Murray, President
Phone: (800) 723-7475
Fax: (317) 205-4450
E-mail: sean.murray@caitlin-morgan.com
An MGA/E&S broker that operates nationwide with various limits (nursing home coverage is offered nationwide; hospitality is offered in the Midwest). Various carriers that offer both guaranteed cost and alternative programs are used to place coverage.
Robert A. Schneider Agency
5620 Smetana Dr., Ste. 225
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Contact: Randy Velin
Phone: (800) 862-6038
Fax: (952) 938-0701
E-mail: rs@rasinc.com
Web site: www.rasinc.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in IA, MN, ND, SD and WI with liability limits of $2 million and property limits of $5 million. Offers a program for fine dining and a program for bars/taverns, and small restaurants. Can also offer liquor liability. St. Paul Surplus Lines and Penn America are the A rated carriers.
Roush Insurance Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1060
Noblesville, IN 46061
Contact: Gabriel Derzhavets, Jerry Roush, Scott Sackers
Phone: (800) 752-8402 (IL, IN) (317) 776-6880
Fax: (317) 776-6891
Web site: www.roushins.com
An MGA that operates in IL, IN and OH only with liability limits of $1 million and up and property limits of $1 million and up. Will consider all classes with liquor liability, special events, inland marine, and equipment breakdown also offered. Century Surety, Essex, Evanston, Reliant America, and Scottsdale are the carriers.
Russell Bond & Co., Inc.
295 Main St., Ste. 866
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Chris Moyer, Ext. 149; Jeff Latke, Ext. 147; Mike Kraus, Ext. 330
Phone: (800) 333-7226
Fax: (716) 856-0403
E-mail: info@russellbond.com cmoyer@russellbond.com jlatke@russellbond.com mkraus@russellbond.com
Web site: www.russellbond.com
An MGA that operates in NY state only with GL limits of up to $3 million plus excess limits of up to $10 million; property--capacity available for virtually any limit. Will consider any risk with liquor, umbrella, EPL, workers comp, and excess hired & non-owned also offered. All carriers are A rated or better.
S.H. Smith & Co.
41 N. Main St.
West Hartford, CT 06107
Contact: Bill St. George
Phone: (800) 356-0168
Fax: (860) 313-5662
E-mail: williams@shsmith.com
Web site: www.shsmith.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating nationwide with limits of up to $20 million, umbrella coverage. Target market is restaurants; can write liquor liability. Great American, Chubb, and U.S. Liability are the carriers.
Specialty Insurance
P.O. Box 1126
Neptune, NJ 07754
Contact: Mel Watters, VP Marketing
Fax: (732) 919-3501
Web site: specialty@specialtyagency.com
An MGA operating in CT, DE, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NY, PA and TN with property limits of $2 million or more and GL + liquor legal of $1 million. Target market is nightclubs. Can offer Plus "D" Endorsements which include coverage extensions, e.g., mechanical breakdown, ordinance or law, food spoilage, etc. QBE is the A rated, admitted carrier.
Strata Insurance Agency, Inc.
14168 Poway Rd., Ste. 109
Poway, CA 92064
Contact: J. Ron Ortega
Phone: (800) 748-5615
Fax: (858) 679-0775
E-mail: rortega@stratains.com
Web site: www.stratains.com
An MGA that operates in all states except AK, DE and HI. Property limits: in-house authority of $25 million per location (higher limits available), casualty limits: $1 million/$2 million primary, plus umbrella of up to $25 million. Target markets are hotels/motels that are franchised and less than 25 years old. Will consider non-franchised with financial information and other layers with renovation questionnaire. Will also offer boiler & machinery, crime, hotel/motel coverage extension endorsement. All carriers are rated A or above.
Superior Access Insurance Services
3 Whatney, 2nd fl.
Irvine, CA 92619
Contact: Hulya Young, Mike Richard
Phone: (800) 272-7550
Fax: (888) 272-7550
Web site: www.superioraccess.com
An MGA that operates in AZ, CA, NV and TX with limits of $1 million/$2 million. Can offer med pay and broad coverage. Century Surety is the A rated, nonadmitted carrier.
Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc.
23251 Mulholland Dr.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Contact: Phyllis Sindelman
Phone: (800) 669-9800
Fax: (818) 591-9856
Web site: www.crusaderinsurance.com
An MGA that operates in CA only with liability and property limits of up to $3 million. Target markets are bars/nightclubs, micro breweries, restaurants, and hotels/motels. Can also offer liquor legal liability. Crusader is the B+ rated carrier.
United Brokers, Inc.
P.O. Box 1243
New Albany, IN 47151
Contact: Crystal Burns, Ext. 112; Ron Gapp, Ext. 119; Jennifer Doran, Ext. 129
Phone: (800) 444-4824
Fax: (812) 949-4015
E-mail: crystalb@ubinc.com rong@ubinc.com jennifer@ubinc.com
Web site: www.urinc.com
An MGA/E&S broker operating in GA, IN, KY, OH and TN with variable limits. Will offer liquor liability and umbrellas; optional coverages available, e.g., glass, sign, EDP, etc. The A rated or better carriers are Penn Star, Markel Southwest, USLI, and Colony.
United Coastal Insurance Co.
233 Main St.
New Britain, CT 06050
Contact: Henry W. Nozko, Jr.
Phone: (860) 223-5000
Fax: (860) 229-1111
An insurer that operates in all states except ME, NH and VT with limits of $1 million. All carriers are rated A.
Venture Programs
1301 Wrights Lane East
West Chester, PA 19380
Contact: Mary Joan Gardler, Susan Kearney
Phone: (800) 282-6247
Fax: (610) 692-5977
E-mail: mjgardler@ventureprograms.com
A program specialist operating nationwide with statutory limits of up to $1 million. Target markets are restaurants, hotels, resorts and casinos. Chubb and Alea are the A rated or better carriers.
W.A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc.
P.O. Box 445
Belleville, IL 62222
Contact: Jack Miller, President; David Miller; Linda Siglar
Phone: (800) 869-9976
Fax: (618) 233-0674
E-mail:sales@waschickedanz.com
An MGA that operates in IL (special package available, including property, GL and liquor), MO and AR (monoline property, GL and liquor) with GL limits of $1 million and property limits of $500,000. Will consider all risks selling alcoholic beverages; also offered is liquor liability ($1 million). Carriers in IL are Lloyd's of London and First Financial (rated A); carriers in AR and MO are Acceptance Casualty (B++), Essex (A), and Burlington (A-).
Western World Insurance Co.
400 Parson's Pond Dr.
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Contact: Timothy P. Hochkeppel, VP
Phone: (201) 847-8600
Fax: (201) 847-1010
Web site: www.westernworld.com
An insurer that operates in all states with limits of $1 million/$2 million. Target markets are smaller/lighter risks. Will not write liquor liability or bars/taverns. Can also offer GL, property, and floaters. Carriers are Western World and Tudor, both rated A or above.
Yates & Associates Insurance Services
2100 E. Fourth St., 2nd fl.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Contact: Vivian Enriquez, Santa Ana branch (800) 660-1125, Ext. 261; Bea Sims, Stockton branch (800) 464-7042, Ext.220
Phone: (800) 660-1125
Fax: (800) 378-8588
E-mail: venriquez@yates-assoc.com
An MGA/E&S wholesale broker that operates in CA only with primary limits of $1 million/$2 million. Target market is small motels and bars; also offered are liquor legal liability and excess liability. The B rated or above carriers are TOPA, Golden Bear, Scottsdale, and Essex. *
