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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMEETING MINUTES 100307 MEETING MINUTES: New Hanover County – Risk Management BUSINESS: Review and discuss renewal information for the City of Wilmington Property Insurance. TIME AND PLACE: October 3, 2007 8:30 a.m. New Hanover County Government Center County Attorney’s Conference Room # 618 230 Government Center Drive, Room Wilmington, NC 28403 ATTENDANCE: Committee Members and staff in attendance: George Chadwick III Charlotte Hicks Ronald H. Woodruff Anne Brown – Risk Manager Tiffany Allen – Risk Management Specialist Guest in attendance: Walker Taylor III, Walker Taylor Agency, Inc. Katherine Taylor, Walker Taylor Agency, Inc. Janet Vealey, Walker Taylor Agency, Inc. Travis Shamel, Public Entities of America ORDER OF BUSINESS: Risk Manager Anne Brown first welcomed all members and introduced Ronald Woodruff, the newest Risk Management Committee member. Risk Manager Brown advised the purpose of the meeting is to hear proposals from two companies for the City of Wilmington’s property insurance renewal. Risk Management Committee member Walker Taylor, III recused himself from the committee portion of the meeting, as his company is presenting a renewal offer for the City of Wilmington’s property insurance. Risk Manager Brown briefly discussed the quotation synopsis for the two presentations that were provided to members via fax on 10/2/2007. Risk Manager Brown advised that the quote from Travis Shamel was not solicited; however, he provided a quote for property insurance that added coverage enhancements such as Business Income/Extra Expense on a blanket limit and flood coverage. Hartford has insured the City’s property for more than 20 years and has not been able to offer this coverage until this year when faced with competition. The Hartford is now willing to provide flood insurance and reduce the wind deductible from 5% to 3%. Risk Manager Brown introduced Travis Shamel, Vice President of Public Entities of America, who presented a quote from Lexington Insurance Company (a division of American International Group), which is a surplus lines carrier. The major coverage enhancements are the inclusion of flood insurance, increased earthquake coverage, and a 3% named storm deductible. Lexington Insurance Company also offers a Loss Limit for the windstorm and hail exposure, which would cap coverage for windstorm and hail to $25 million, thereby reducing the annual premium by $54,075. Travis Shamel continued by advising that loss control services would be provided at no additional charge by Hartford Steam Boiler, unless the City makes an unusual request. Mr. Shamel stated that Lexington is a non-admitted carrier with an A+ rating by A.M. Best. Mr. Shamel’s experience with Lexington over the 6 years has been that rates tend to decrease over time. As an added perk, Lexington’s underwriters have full underwriting authority, which enables them to be creative and insure risks that might be declined by other companies. Committee members asked Mr. Shamel about the vacancy clause, to which he responded that it could be removed; however, the vacant buildings must be scheduled and coverage would apply on an actual cash value basis excluding vandalism and malicious mischief. Regarding claims handling, Mr. Shamel stated the City would have the option to choose their adjuster. Risk Manager Brown introduced Walker Taylor III, Kathryn Taylor, and Janet Vealey of the Walker Taylor Agency for their presentation of their quote through the Hartford. Walker Taylor III presented the renewal quote from the Hartford, which is an admitted carrier rated A+ by A.M. Best. Mr. Taylor advised that Hartford and his agency wants to keep the City’s business and to be competitive with Lexington, they are offering flood insurance and reducing the windstorm deductible from 5% to 3%. An additional perk to remaining with the Walker Taylor Agency is the excellent customer service provided by Janet Vealey. Mr. Taylor advised that AIG, the parent company of Lexington, is known for being volatile which results in them writing business and then non-renewing it. Committee members agreed with Mr. Taylor’s assessment and noted it should be considered before changing from an insurance carrier that has provided insurance for the City for more than 20 years. Additionally, Mr. Taylor advised that the Hartford’s policy is replacement cost versus pick and choose with the competing carrier. The City is also allowed quarterly installments at no additional charge, which allows the City to invest and earn interest. The committee questioned Mr. Taylor on the ability of the Hartford to offer Business Interruption and Extra Expense for a blanket limit of $1 million, as it is the major difference in quotes offered by Lexington and Hartford. Kathryn Taylor attempted to reach the underwriter during the meeting for an answer, but he was not available. Mr. Taylor advised they would contact Risk Manager Brown as soon as they received a reply. After representatives of the Walker Taylor Agency, Inc. left the meeting, the Committee discussed the pros and cons of the two quote options. General consensus of the committee is that it is prudent to keep coverage with the Hartford because they are an admitted carrier and due to the longstanding relationship are not likely to non-renew coverage any time in the near future. Risk Manager Brown briefly reviewed all of the City’s insurance policy actual premiums versus projected premiums for 7/1/07 – 7/1/08. Risk Manager Brown asked if there were any other items of business to be brought before the Committee. There were none and the meeting was adjourned.