Creativity, a can-do attitude and responsibility are cornerstones of Liberty International Underwriters’ program business approach. Mike Auerbach, vice president, professional liability programs, says Liberty International Underwriters is willing to “look at things a little out of the box. We’re not shy about exploring innovative concepts or programs if we believe we can make them work.”

Joe Peloso, vice president, casualty programs, echoes the sentiment. “An open mind is important,” he explains. “We may not be able to write everything presented to us, but we’re willing to listen.” This approach translates into strong partnerships, including a willingness to outsource underwriting responsibility to program administrators.

In addition, Peloso says, “In dealing with markets, we’re responsible. We’re transparent. There’s nothing to hide. If we can’t do something, we say so. If we can, we work hard to make it happen.”

According to Peloso, Liberty International Underwriters (LIU) is well known to program administrators. “We’ve been a reliable source on the professional liability side for years,” he notes, “and more recently, in the non-professional casualty arena.”

“Among our professional liability offerings is a relatively large allied health program, serving hundreds of segments,” Auerbach explains. LIU is interested in expanding into additional allied health markets.

Beyond developing new programs, LIU is integrating coverages. “We’re looking for opportunities to enhance our professional liability programs with some of our general lines, such as a BOP or GL companion product so we can offer a suite of products that meets a client’s full commercial insurance needs,” says Auerbach.

LIU is also expanding non-medical classes. “Our bread and butter has always been lawyers,” Auerbach notes. “Recently, we’ve branched out into accountants. And, of course, we’ve always offered mainstays like architects and engineers.” Other LIU programs serve home inspectors, real estate appraisers, insurance agents and brokers, travel agents, and a host of additional classes. LIU also offers some D&O and fidelity programs through its management liability operation.

“My team’s focus is on casualty-driven classes,” Peloso explains. “Five years ago, we began to write programs for the LIU classes of business which fell below the minimum premium requirements of our branch underwriters.” Casualty-driven program business has evolved from surplus lines into the admitted arena. Among LIU’s more notable programs are those for automobile repossessors, auto rental firms and “green” building owners.

According to Peloso, Liberty Mutual Group’s reputation is a big draw for program administrators and buyers. “We’re an ‘A’ rated carrier,” he says. “We don’t have to sell our financial strength.” Adds Auerbach, “One key to our success is brand recognition. Chances are, agents, brokers and consumers have had a good experience with Liberty or they know the name and are comfortable with it.”

In addition, LIU boasts some deep program experience. “We’ve been writing program business a long time,” Peloso says. “We understand the marketplace, partnering with program administrators and general agents, and everything that goes with that.”

Joe Peloso has been involved with Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) since its inception. Today, LIU is more active than ever. “We do business with some of the members,” he explains, “and we’d like to do business with more of them.”

Among TMPAA’s key strengths, Peloso notes, is its clear focus. “Everyone who’s at the meetings is involved in programs,” he explains. “We can meet dozens of program administrators in one place in an amazingly short timeframe.” He sums up LIU’s assessment of the association in four short words, “We love Target Markets.”