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Special Section Sponsored by Target Markets Program Administrators Association Special Markets Insurance Consultants, Inc. With over 22 years of experience in covering accidents, Special Markets Insurance Consultants, Inc., is the managing general underwriter of choice for over 1,000 independent agents nationwide. Writing insurance in all 50 states, Special Markets provides insurance for thousands of schools and millions of students—youths and adults—in all types of sports and recreational activities. “Our goal is to be the ‘one stop shop’ for all of those activities that agents are often asked to cover but don’t know where to find the right insurance program,” says Founder and President Nora Stransky. As a managing general underwriter of youth and adult sports, leisure activities, events, and all types of school programs across the country, Special Markets works to make sure independent agents have all the coverages needed to protect their clients’ assets. Many coaches, volunteer event directors, or groups using someone else’s property often don’t realize that their personal assets could be jeopardized because of an injury to a participant or spectator, or because of property damage to the field or court where they practice or play. Their main focus is on teaching and helping participants enhance skills and development. “A coach, school administrator or event director can’t forecast what peril might surface. Accidents aren’t supposed to happen, but they do. With today’s high medical costs, the injured parties, whether participants or spectators, want bills paid promptly. If their own insurance will not cover the bills, they look for other means. That’s when lawsuits get filed against the activity’s organizers,” says Stransky. As a niche MGU, Special Markets focuses on the following programs: Youth and Adult Sports & Recreational Activities. Accident medical and general liability plans covering participants in activities such as one-day events, sports full seasons, or special events for church groups, clubs and various associations. According to Liability Underwriting Manager JoAnna Lynch, “Creative plan designs allow us to cover an insured’s individual needs, while meeting the carrier’s program objectives. Coverage for activities is not a luxury. It’s often a requirement. These days, school district and municipality policies require proof of insurance before permitting facility use. These entities, cognizant that protection is vital, are frequently named as additional insureds. By providing accident medical for participants, and general liability for the activity’s hosts, funds are earmarked to assist with medical bills and to protect the group should a claim be filed against it for damage to a person or property.” Student Accident Medical including Catastrophic Coverage. Special Markets is a leading underwriter for all types of schools: elementary and secondary levels, private, public, parochial, and home schools. Students are covered for all activities, including interscholastic athletics. Written on a blanket basis and covering all students, there is no individual enrollment necessary; therefore, little administering for the agent or school is required. “Catastrophic programs with limits to $5 million and lifetime benefit periods are the most popular,” says Stransky. “School administrators are pleased at the level of protection they can buy. Many plans are priced at less than a penny per day. Even the basic student accident packages can be custom tailored to fit a school’s budget. Whether it’s a playground bump or a severe sports injury resulting in disability, Special Markets’ programs can be written to cover them all.” Service and Experience are the Key Ingredients of Success. “Service is our top priority,” emphasizes Stransky. “We have simplified applications and quotes are generally provided immediately. We have single coverages or complete packages. With automated policy issuance and billing, clients don’t have to wait for their coverage documents. The carrier is linked via a private Web site to all policy information, so claims administration is streamlined. It’s a ‘win-win’ situation. Experience is the most important contribution Special Markets offers. Our management team has vast knowledge of all aspects of the insurance business, combining over 100 years of serving the industry.” Special Markets’ portfolio of products can be accessed on their Web site at www.specialmarkets.com. Read about coverages, download applications, and make submissions online. Inquiries can also be directly telephoned to (800) 727-7642 or e-mailed to information@specialmarkets.com. → |
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