Special Section sponsored by

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

AmWINS Underwriting

Uniquely tailored program focus includes: transportation, affinity groups, maritime employers, property owners and managers, and woodworking firms

In the current economy, nothing could be more important than taking every opportunity to meet customer needs and generate business in the process. Fortunately, that’s the stock in trade of AmWINS Underwriting. Highly attuned to both customers and agents, and with an impressive array of existing carrier relationships, AmWINS Underwriting is in an ideal position to put programs in place that satisfy niche markets.

Through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, AmWINS Underwriting has grown to exceed $297 million in premium and is working with approximately 30 programs. A division of AmWINS Group, Inc., AmWINS Underwriting is currently comprised of six companies including:

• AmWINS Program Underwriters, Inc.—an MGA specializing in affinity and program management that administers more than 20 programs generating in excess of $110 million in premium.

• The American Equity Underwriters, Inc.—a national provider of insurance programs for maritime employers with a special expertise in United States Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation (USL&H) insurance.

• AmWINS Special Risk Underwriters, LLC—a highly focused niche property facility that specializes in finding solutions for the underserved middle market segment of the excess & surplus property business.

• AmWINS Transportation Underwriters, Inc.—a provider of leading edge insurance solutions for the trucking and commercial transportation industry.

• Specialty Programs & Facilities Managers, Inc.—administering insurance programs for property owners and managers of residential and commercial California and Nevada real estate.

• Woodus K. Humphrey & Co., Inc.—a specialty MGA that provides insurance for woodworking firms primarily in the southeastern United States.

In each of its markets, AmWINS Underwriting continually seeks to strategically expand its offerings to provide retail agents with a competitive edge. As a division of AmWINS Group, Inc., AmWINS Underwriting is able to “scan the globe for ideas,” says Ben Francavilla, director of program development. “Across the company, the AmWINS philosophy is, ‘talk to one of us and you talk to all of us.’ So when a retailer talks to any one of our divisions, a perceived need or a new idea is going to get communicated throughout our company.”

With three core divisions—Brokerage, Underwriting, and Group Benefits—AmWINS Group, Inc., provides a highly diverse portfolio of products and capabilities and has become one of the largest wholesale insurance brokers in the United States. With over 45 office locations, it has more than 1,100 employees nationwide. Francavilla credits this network of professionals with seeding ideas for the specialty programs he helps to develop. “Across the board, our underwriting talent is top notch, and everyone keeps an eye out for new opportunities to meet customer needs.” In addition, AmWINS Underwriting is known for the strong presence of its representatives in the field who visit over 150 agents per month. Francavilla adds, “We seek them out in order to reach a diverse retail audience with a wide geographic distribution.”

The company’s focus on new product development is clearly leading to an interesting mix of offerings. Currently, AmWINS Underwriting is developing widely varied new products for mobile home dealers, demolition contractors, motor sports risks, and a farm program for the state of Florida.

AmWINS, a long-time member of the Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA), salutes Target Markets as a unique professional organization that provides the industry with a forum to build partnerships and create business opportunities. Learn more about AmWINS, its divisions, and the business opportunities it offers at www.amwins.com.