Atlas General Expands Availability of Contractors, Commercial Packages

PRODUCT: contractors general liability and commercial multi-peril packages

COMPANY: Rockingham Casualty Company

BEST RATING: A (Excellent)

AVAILABILITY: Coverage is available through brokers appointed by Atlas General Insurance Services LLC.

FOCUS: Rockingham Casualty Company has traditionally concentrated on homeowners, farm owners, personal auto and mobile home coverage. But the firm recognized a need among smaller and midsize independent agents and brokers for offerings including contractors general liability and multi-peril packages.

According to Joe Zuk, president, commercial division, and executive vice president, corporate development, Atlas General Insurance Services LLC is filling the void by doubling the availability of its contractors GL and commercial multi-peril packages in 38 states.

Rockingham’s general contractors GL program permits up to 100% of work to be subcontracted, unlike traditional contractors GL products. The program targets builders of custom, single-family homes and commercial general contractors and, along with the commercial multi-peril package, augments Atlas General’s exclusive workers compensation, property and other casualty products.

Zuk says Atlas General will help smaller agents place the coverages and adds that by working with the firm, smaller independent retail agents and brokers can place all lines necessary for their clients’ comprehensive protection in 38 states.

UNDERWRITING: Contractors GL limits are $1 million occurrence, with excess limits available upon request. In the contracting segment, new business clients are eligible for coverage upon adequate experience in their trade. The multi-peril package—an excess and surplus offering—includes property and GL coverages. Property coverage is available up to $10 million total insurable value when issued with GL coverage.

MINIMUM PREMIUM: $500 for the artisan contractor; $1,250 for general contractor coverage; $850 for commercial property package.

TARGET: General, artisan and exterior insulation finishing system contractors, especially custom home builders who build 1-10 homes per year and subcontract up to 100%.

For the artisan program, Atlas and Rockingham allow up to $2 million in direct payroll with more than 80 eligible classifications. A limited amount of subcontracted work is permitted. The ideal artisan contractor customer is a small, mobile operation with one or two individuals who might follow a general contractor to do small, niche work, such as drywall, on several projects per year.

For the commercial multi-peril package program, Atlas General and Rockingham target small businesses in one of the industry segments that Atlas now targets for its workers compensation programs. These include, but are not limited to, restaurants, hospitality, light manufacturing and the retail and wholesale trade.

COVERAGE TERRITORY: CA, CO, LA, NY, PA, VA and WV.

CONTACT: Joe Zuk, president, commercial division, and executive vice president, corporate development; Atlas General Insurance Services LLC, 3 Columbus Circle, 15^th Floor, Suite 1550, New York, NY 10019; 212-520-6671.

Ronimarie Acord is an IA contributor.