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IPC Announces HNOA Program with Obsidian

October 24, 2023 – IPC, a division of Platinum Specialty Underwriters, is pleased to announce an exciting collaboration with Obsidian, a highly regarded specialty hybrid program carrier rated “A-” by A.M. Best. This marks the introduction of an exclusive program dedicated to Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) insurance, available in all states except Florida, Louisiana, and New Jersey.

This innovative program encompasses a wide spectrum of businesses, including those engaged in food, liquor, and grocery delivery, as well as various miscellaneous classes relevant to HNOA insurance. Notable additions to the program cover medical lab deliveries, janitorial or cleaning services, small couriers, and an array of other related industries.

Obsidian Insurance Holdings, Inc. is an insurance holding company with both admitted and non-admitted insurance carrier subsidiaries. These subsidiaries issue policies, which are meticulously underwritten by managing general agents, managing general underwriters, and program managers of the highest caliber. Jeff Heath, Platinum Specialty Underwriters President, stated, “Collaborating with Obsidian represents a comprehensive partnership strategy, uniting the profound underwriting, technical, and operational proficiency of a program administrator, a forward-thinking hybrid program carrier, and best-in-class reinsurance partners.

This collective effort positions us favorably to provide an exceptionally appealing program to our wholesale broker partners addressing the dynamic requirements within the food delivery sector.” William Jewett, CEO of Obsidian, commented, “We are delighted to partner with IPC on this program. IPC, along with the entire Platinum Specialty Underwriters team, brings excellence in specialized underwriting and a steadfast commitment to delivering solutions to their clients that create a long-term profitable and sustainable advantage to the program and its performance.”  

This partnership underscores IPC and Platinum Specialty Underwriters’ commitment to providing comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses operating in today’s dynamic landscape. It represents a significant step forward in delivering high-quality HNOA coverage to support the growth and resilience of our clients.

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is the crucial component to underwrite challenging risks and accelerate wholesale business.  Wholesale experts in complex risk arenas need a specialist partner that understands their challenges. Platinum is the specialist underwriting team that brings creative insurance solutions to unique and challenging risks. Platinum’s platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. By investing in teams and exclusive, best-in-class insurance underwriting products and services, Platinum can solve high risk problems, delivered by entrepreneurial experts.

Contact: Tammy Sunderland 775.624.7086 tammy@ipc-nv.com

About Obsidian Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Obsidian Insurance Holdings, Inc. is an insurance holding company with admitted and non-admitted insurance carrier subsidiaries that issue policies underwritten by managing general agents, managing general underwriters, and program managers. Obsidian sources, underwrites, and manages a diverse portfolio of property, casualty, and specialty insurance programs, and reinsures the majority of the business to select reinsurers. Obsidian was formed in 2020 in partnership with leading insurance industry executives and Genstar Capital. For more information, visit www.obsidianspecialty.com.

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Dana Bjornson

Chief Financial Officer

Contact Dana Bjornson

Dana Bjornson, Chief Financial Officer, leads Platinum Specialty Underwriters’ financial strategy, focusing on sustainable growth and the company’s continued success. With over 40 years of experience in finance, Bjornson brings a wealth of expertise to the role. He began his career as a CPA at KPMG and has held numerous leadership positions across the insurance, mortgage, and investment banking sectors. Notably, he spent 22 years as CFO at George K. Baum & Company, a firm specializing in public finance and taxable fixed-income sales and trading, and most recently served as CFO at Mylo, a digital insurance agency.

Lisa Pratt

Platinum Auto Liability

Contact Lisa

Lisa Pratt is a seasoned Underwriter with a specialization in transportation and program administration. With nearly three decades of profound experience in the insurance industry, Lisa has established herself as a trusted authority in risk assessment, customizing insurance solutions, and ensuring the best interests of clients in the ever-evolving transportation sector.

In addition to her technical expertise, Lisa excels at proactively addressing emerging risks, consistently keeping Platinum ahead of the curve.

Lisa embarked on her insurance journey as an underwriting assistant at Zurich Insurance, gradually progressing to hold esteemed positions, including Vice President, at various renowned insurance firms. Her extensive career trajectory has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, making her an invaluable asset to clients and partners alike.

Neal Borzea

Platinum Trucking Program

Contact Neal

Neal Borzea has more than 20 years of underwriting experience giving him a deep understanding of the industry and specific challenges associated with commercial transportation. He has held positions including Senior Commercial Transportation Underwriter and has earned designations and certifications including CPCI and CISR.

 

As Lead Transportation Underwriter, Neal specializes in providing coverage for high-quality, experienced trucking firms that may not meet the criteria for standard insurance markets.  His experience and insights make him an invaluable asset to the field, ensuring the delivery of tailored and comprehensive insurance solutions based on specific needs.

Landon Parnell

Executive Vice President

Contact Landon

Prior to Platinum Specialty Underwriters, Landon Parnell achieved great success as President of LP Risk, developing technical knowledge of underwriters and the market relationships of brokers, while making service the main priority. As Executive Vice President for Platinum, Landon has played a key role in strengthening the knowledge of the transportation division along with increased growth of other industries including construction and hospitality.

Tom Ruggieri

CEO

Contact Tom

Tom Ruggieri has over 35 years of Executive Management expertise in Specialty Distribution; Information, Technology and Analytics; and Financial and Capital Markets.

Over the years, Tom has created an extensive network of Retail Broker, Wholesale, MGA, Carrier, IT Analytics, Overseas Resources and Capital Markets relationships. In its first five years, Platinum Specialty Underwriters has benefited from Tom’s expertise and will continue to do so.

As CEO, Tom expands relationships of Platinum’s investments broadening distribution and supply.  He also leads the creation of exclusive MGAs by mechanizing operations with technology and new product development.

Tom began his career with Marsh, where he developed Marsh’s Global Brokerage group; a placement syndication business focused on the transaction of insurance placements, new product development, program facility development and carrier management.  He later built and founded Advisen, a leading information, analytics, media, and technology company which he sold in November 2020.  Prior to Platinum Specialty Underwriters, Tom led Swett & Crawford to significant operational advancement and its ultimate sale for a market leading multiple by implementing specialization, small account processing, and carrier management.

 

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Elliott Taliaferro

General Counsel

Contact Elliott

Elliott Taliaferro serves as Platinum Specialty Underwriters Deputy General Counsel. In this role, Elliott identifies and manages legal risks, and provides strategic legal advice to program leaders to support business success.

Prior to joining Platinum Specialty Underwriters, Elliott worked as Senior Corporate Counsel for a nationwide insurance provider with over $4 billion in written premiums. Elliott also previously served as in-house counsel for a multi-billion-dollar, nationwide hospitality company.

 

Jason Clark

Platinum Bars & Taverns

Contact Jason

Platinum Bars & Taverns has been a Program Manager for restaurants, bars and taverns General Liability and Liquor Liability coverages since 2007.

Bars & Taverns distributes the program solely through Wholesale Brokers.

Bars & Taverns manages all aspects of the program including underwriting, loss control, claims management and compliance.

 

Kelly Dworniczek

Platinum Management Liability

Contact Kelly

Kelly Dworniczek is at the helm of Platinum Management Liability, a boutique style MGA providing a specialized underwriting approach to the D&O markets. Kelly is a licensed attorney who began her career as a litigation attorney in insurance defense, coverage, and securities litigation.

Coming in house in 2003, she spent 12 years as Senior Claim Counsel focused on Public D&O, Financial Institutions, Fiduciary and EPL Claims. During this time, Kelly was deeply embedded with her underwriting contemporaries and found an aptitude and passion for strategy and underwriting and was eventually asked to run a regional public and private company D&O underwriting team.

Thereafter, she was hired by a large carrier as a Vice President to manage strategy and P&L for a national public D&O book of business before coming to Platinum.

Kelly’s claims background greatly informs her underwriting and produces a unique and creative strategic vision which she is thrilled to bring to Platinum Management Liability.

 

Mark Schroeder

Sierra Farm

Contact Mark

Mark Schroeder’s experience has been primarily on the underwriting and program manager side with multiple carriers and has always had a strong focus on establishing and managing national programs.

Mark is the program director for two unique Farm & Farm related programs available countrywide. Sierra Farm, a unique program combines E&S capabilities with P&C coverages and Farm Liability and Equine under one policy with the more challenging to place farm & ranch accounts.

Agri-Business Services provides GL, PL & inland marine for contractors servicing farms including consultants, Ag Sprayers, Farm Labor & Farm Machinery operators.

 

Robin Souza

Underwriting Director

Contact Robin

Robin has over 35 years of industry experience; including working with carriers, advisory organizations, and MGAs.  She has extensive experience in underwriting, loss control, and program development/management.  Prior to IPC she was the Product Development/Program Director for Bascule Insurance Services.  Robin is a national presenter for IRMI specializing in Transportation and Agribusiness insurance education.  Robin has also served as the Regional Vice President for the Internation Association of Insurance Professionals – Region VII and President for the local Fresno chapter.  She began her underwriting career at The Hartford.

Malcolm Gilreath

Platinum Trucking Programs

Contact Malcolm

Malcolm Gilreath has over 25 years of transportation and insurance experience including positions with trucking companies, transportation insurance, and as a transportation safety consultant.

He has held positions including Senior Underwriter, Regional Trainer, and President & Owner. With Platinum, Malcolm leads the underwriting team for Platinum Trucking Program, an admitted nationwide long haul truck program. He also leads our Trucking training resources and support the development of additional trucking products.

The addition of Malcolm underscores Platinum’s commitment to the depth and expertise of our underwriting professionals. With deep resources Platinum fortifies its client support with the best possible service and solutions to agency partners and insureds.

 

Jeri Lucas

Platinum Construction

Contact Jeri

Jeri Lucas has extensive knowledge in a variety of underwriting and management positions with emphasis in the property and casualty insurance market including, property, general liability, inland marine and excess/umbrellas, and excess and surplus casualty lines of business.

As Director of Construction, Jeri leads a team focused on writing small to mid-size artisan contractors working with exclusive wholesale producers.

 

Todd Germano

Chief Underwriting Officer

Contact Todd

Todd Germano began his insurance career more than 20 years ago with positions including head of Global Crisis Management Division as Executive Vice President and Managing Director tasked with platform development.

Todd leads Platinum Excess Liability with a highly experienced team of specialists and his vast knowledge of Trade Credit and Political Risk Insurance.

 

Karen D’Elia

SVP Underwriting Director,
Platinum Excess Trucking

Contact Karen

Karen D’Elia has over 35 years of transportation and insurance experience including Retail, MGU and Insurance Company positions.  Focus has been on underwriting, operations, management and sales, leading teams as large as 80. 

Karen is the Program Manager for the Excess Transportation Division.  She is charged with building a skilled underwriting team to further establish existing products as well as develop new offerings for our wholesale producers.  Karen’s team specializes in E&S Excess coverage focusing on the trucking and specialty auto sector.

Platinum Specialty Underwriters Welcomes Todd Germano as Managing Director

October 12, 2022

Platinum Specialty Underwriters announced today the addition Todd Germano, Managing Director.  Germano has extensive knowledge in P&C program management. 

Germano began his underwriting career more than 20 years ago with AIG where he led many profit center positions in casualty including Chief Underwriting Officer of Excess Casualty.  The business units he managed ranged from National Accounts, Construction and small to midsized risks.  After AIG, Germano was at Allied World (AWAC) where he led the build out of their North American P&C segment and with a focus on wholesale distribution.  Included in the North American P&C business Germano managed the Program Division as Executive Vice President.  Most recently Germano served as Managing Director of Optio Insurance Services tasked with development of the US platform.  

“Adding someone of Todd’s caliber to the Platinum team further demonstrates our commitment to product growth from the highest level of industry experts. Todd’s P&C underwriting experience supporting the wholesale market combined with his knowledge of actuarial and claims management make him invaluable to Platinum’s team,” stated Jeff Heath, President of Platinum Specialty Underwriters. 

Todd Germano added, “Our commitment to superior service means we consistently deliver market-leading turnarounds, binding business faster and making our clients shine.  I am thrilled to be supporting a team with this experience level who can incorporate public and private data to make informed decisions on risk selection, rates, classes, and coverage wordings.”

Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel. Platinum has recently backed teams launching programs in Farms, Excess Liability and Management Liability. It also continues strong growth in its Trucking, Bars and Taverns programs.Contact: Todd Germano, tgermano@platinummgu.com

 

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is the crucial component to underwrite challenging risks and accelerate wholesale business.  Wholesale experts in complex risk arenas need a specialist partner that understands their challenges. Platinum is the specialist underwriting team that brings creative insurance solutions to unique and challenging risks. Platinum’s platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. By investing in teams and exclusive, best-in-class insurance underwriting products and services, Platinum can solve high risk problems, delivered by entrepreneurial experts.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com

Platinum Announces Expanded Program Offerings

October 13, 2022

Platinum Specialty Underwriters announced today Gross Written Premiums of $200m with a 50% growth rate driven by the success of five new product offerings to accompany the existing successful transportation program portfolio. Platinum is the crucial component to underwrite your challenging risks and accelerate your wholesale business. Platinum underwriters are entrepreneurs providing solutions to wholesalers on underserved risk segments and complex risks. 

Platinum’s recent program offerings including Platinum Construction, Platinum Bars & Taverns, Sierra Farm, Platinum Excess Liability, and Platinum Management Liability.  Platinum Construction covering Artisan Contractors and local General Contractors. Platinum Bars & Taverns coverage includes full liquor liability, general liability and property. Sierra Farm covering agricultural service providers and Farms blending personal and commercial lines, Platinum Excess Liability focuses on midsized accounts in the Excess & Surplus space. Platinum Management Liability specializing in public Biotech, Tech, IPO’s and SPACS.  

These new programs join the successful Platinum Transportation programs including Texas Trucking, Platinum Trucking Program, IPC and Platinum Excess Trucking. Texas Trucking covers small Fleets with less than 25 units in Texas. Platinum Trucking Program provides national coverage for high-quality, experienced trucking firms with greater than 5 units that just miss being considered “prime risks”. IPC is a full-service MGA specializing in hired and non-owned auto for the delivery industry. Platinum Excess Trucking is an MGU specializing in excess liability for trucking and specialty auto accounts. 

“As specialist underwriting experts supporting our select wholesale customers, we are proud of our program offerings evolve to provide coverage for hard to place risks.  We bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the underwriting process by being closer to all of the workings of our insurance company and reinsurance partners,” stated Jeff Heath, President.

Todd Germano, Managing Director, continued, “Our optimism is grounded in our confident knowledge of the market.  We enable entrepreneurial professionals to join us and build businesses that serve our wholesale partners. This enables us to design differentiated and flexible products that meet individual coverage needs, supported by superior systems and data capture.”

Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel.

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is the crucial component to underwrite challenging risks and accelerate wholesale business.  Wholesale experts in complex risk arenas need a specialist partner that understands their challenges. Platinum is the specialist underwriting team that brings creative insurance solutions to unique and challenging risks. Platinum’s platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. By investing in teams and exclusive, best-in-class insurance underwriting products and services, Platinum can solve high risk problems, delivered by entrepreneurial experts.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com

Jeff Heath

President

Contact Jeff

Jeff has a rich history of reinsurance and wholesale insurance management including the establishment of his own successful business, Heath XS, where he pioneered a digital paperless platform.

Over the years, the success of the MGA was built on firm relationships with insurance and reinsurance partners along with a reliable base of professional wholesale producers.

As President, Jeff leads Platinum Specialty Underwriters in supplying valuable products to insureds through wholesalers while ensuring profitable results to insurance partners.

The Platinum platform is a digital foundation built upon efficient processes that create deep data for analysis to perfect value for Insurers and Insureds.



Sierra Farm Offers Exclusive, Comprehensive Farm & Equine Program

March 3, 2022

Sierra Farm, part of Platinum Specialty Underwriters, an MGA specializing in insuring the Farm & Ag Industry, announced a new, exclusive Farm & Equine program from Sierra Farm today. Sierra Farm has sole authority to rate, quote, and bind in 48 states. This unique program combines E&S capabilities with P&C coverages and Farm Liability and Equine under one policy with the more challenging to place farm & ranch accounts.

Kathy Schroeder, President of Sierra Specialty, “we are thrilled to be able to offer clients comprehensive Farm & Equine focused exposures and coverages through this rare program. As true Farm experts, we can deliver coverage for agribusiness, farms, ranches, and all aspects of the equine industry under one policy.”

This program will target a wide range of farm classes with coverages including farm liability, CGL, property including dwellings, farm equipment, and more. Non-admitted carrier with group rating of “A” (Excellent) by AM Best.

Sierra Farm also has an exclusive agribusiness program offering a wide range of farm classes, including pesticide & herbicide spraying services, farm consultants & managers, farm labor contractors, landscaping services for lawn and garden, tree trimming, and pruning, and more. Available coverages include General Liability, Professional Liability, Excess Liability, and Inland Marine, with GL limits up to $5 million. These can be packaged or written monoline.

The collaboration of our industry experts constructed our Farm & Equine program and our Agribusiness program. We are excited to share our knowledge and offer farm coverage across the board,” said Mark Schroeder, Chief Operating Officer for Sierra Specialty and Program Manager.

Contact: Mark Schroeder 559-256-6912 markschroeder@xptpartnersllc.com

Platinum Specialty Underwriters Announces Excess Trucking Program

November 16, 2021

Platinum Specialty Underwriters announced today the launch of Platinum Excess Trucking, a Managing General Underwriter (MGU) specializing in Excess Liability for trucking and specialty auto accounts. Platinum  Excess will focus primarily on smaller to mid-size accounts with the ability to offer capacity for larger accounts within the underwriting guidelines.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of this program and Platinum’s continued growth. We are committed to  investing in our underwriting teams and their collaborative ability to develop exclusive programs to provide solutions  for the hardest to place risks,” stated Jeff Heath, President.

Platinum Specialty Underwriters offers a wide range of solutions while focusing on leading service technology combined  with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partners insurance  company’s low loss ratios.

Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGUs, MGAs, and exclusive programs that  supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel. Platinum has been  successfully operating other programs within the transportation, construction and hospitality industries and has a number of new offerings.

 

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. Platinum invests in underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com

Platinum Specialty Underwriters Welcomes Transportation Expert

June 8, 2021

Platinum Specialty Underwriters, an XPT company, announced today the addition of transportation expert Malcolm Gilreath. Gilreath joins Platinum Specialty Underwriters as Vice President of Underwriting. Malcolm will lead the underwriting team as well as underwrite for Platinum Truck Program, an admitted nationwide long haul truck program, distributed exclusively through XPT Transportation. He will also lead our Trucking training resources and support the development of additional trucking products. The addition of Gilreath underscores Platinum’s commitment to the depth and expertise of our underwriting professionals. With deep resources Platinum fortifies its client support with the best possible service and solutions to agency partners and insureds.

Gilreath has over 25 years of transportation and insurance experience including positions with trucking companies, transportation insurance, and as a transportation safety consultant. Most recently Gilreath was President and Owner of Proactive Transportation Safety Services Inc. providing risk management and safety consulting services to trucking companies. He has also held positions including Senior Underwriter and Regional Trainer positions for Great West Casualty Company.

“Malcolm’s unmatched transportation breadth of experience gives him a unique view of transportation risks and we are thrilled to have him part of our team. His insightful ability combined with Platinum’s focus on risk analysis and service will offer leading solutions for the placement of all types of trucking risks,” said Jeff Heath, President of Platinum Specialty Underwriters.

Gilreath will be based in Platinum’s Plano, Texas office.

Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel. Platinum recently acquired International Property & Casualty Insurance of Nevada (IPC) and has been successfully operating a primary auto liability program for Mid & Large fleet trucking firms and has a number of new offerings.

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. Platinum invests in underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com

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Platinum Specialty Underwriters Names Jeff Heath President

February 2, 2021

Platinum Specialty Underwriters announced today the appointment of Jeff Heath to President.  Jeff will lead Platinum Specialty Underwriters in continued endeavors of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the wholesale distribution channel.  Under Jeff’s leadership, Platinum Specialty Underwriters will supply valuable products to insureds through wholesalers while ensuring profitable results to insurance partners.   The Platinum platform will be a digital foundation built upon efficient processes that create deep data for analysis to perfect value for Insurers and Insureds.

Jeff has a 38-years of reinsurance and wholesale insurance management experience, including a career at Gen Re followed by the establishment of his own successful business, Heath XS, where he pioneered a digital paperless platform. Both the firm and platform were acquired by Hallmark. He later joined Swett & Crawford with a focus on underwriting strategy.  Jeff is currently a Founding Partner of XPT Group, a specialty insurance distribution firm set apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. 

Tom Ruggieri, XPT CEO stated, “Jeff’s rich history of insurance management and business creation has been focused on developing efficient processes leading to data analysis while driving extraordinary results which makes him ideal to lead Platinum Specialty Underwriters.  He has an unmatched, proven track record of product development and profitably leading Managing General Underwriting operations to business success.”

Platinum Specialty Underwriter’s diverse portfolio recently added International Property & Casualty Brokers of Nevada, Inc. (IPC) and has been successfully operating a primary auto liability program for Mid & Large fleet trucking firms. 
A number of new offerings will be launching in Q1 2021. 

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters 

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios and valuable products for insureds. Platinum invests in underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com

WestPro Insurance Services Launches New Bars, Taverns and Restaurants Program

January 21, 2021

WestPro Insurance Services announce today a new program partnership with Obsidian, an A.M. Best rated “A-“ hybrid fronting program carrier.  WestPro is a Managing General Underwriter and leading program administrator for bar, tavern and restaurant coverage in over a dozen states.  WestPro, a division of Platinum Specialty Underwriters, targets neighborhood bars, taverns, and restaurants with liquor sales, both with and without entertainment.  The program has an extensive history of expertise in this niche segment with unparalleled experience handling liquor liability exposure.  Aligning with Obsidian offers a multi-faceted partnership approach, bringing together deep underwriting, technical, and operational expertise of a program administrator, a “next generation” fronting carrier, and top tier reinsurance partners.

Kyle Stevens, President of WestPro, leads the program and commented on the new partnership stating, “We are thrilled to start our joint venture with the team at Obsidian.  Together, we are well positioned to offer a highly compelling program to our wholesale broker partners to meet the evolving needs in the hospitality space.”

Jeff Heath, President of Platinum Specialty Underwriters stated, “The partnership with Obsidian will allow us to offer a premium program free of operational and distribution channel conflicts.  Our modern technology platform will meet the needs of the evolving hospitality industry.”  

William Jewett, CEO of Obsidian, commented, “We are very pleased that WestPro is among our first MGA  partners.  They are a best-in- class, specialized underwriting organization that is focused on profitable growth, and we look forward to a long-term relationship with them and our reinsurance partners.”  

Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel. Platinum recently acquired International Property & Casualty Insurance of Nevada (IPC) and has been successfully operating a primary auto liability program for Mid & Large fleet trucking firms and has a number of new offerings launching in Q1 2021.

About WestPro Insurance Services  

WestPro Insurance Services has been a Program Manager for restaurants, bars and taverns General Liability and Liquor Liability coverages since 2007.  WestPro distributes the program solely through Wholesale Brokers.   WestPro manages all aspects of the program including underwriting, loss control, claims management and compliance.  WestPro is a division of Platinum Specialty Underwriters.

Contact:  Kyle Stevens 469.252.7875 kstevens@wssib.com.

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters 

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. Platinum invests in underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com 

Platinum Specialty Underwriters Announces Platinum Trucking Program with Watford Insurance Company

September 23, 2019

Platinum Specialty Underwriters announced today the launch of a new trucking program, Platinum Trucking Program, with Watford Insurance Company (Watford), to provide needed coverages for high-quality, experienced trucking firms that just miss being considered “prime” risks.    John Love, Trucking Practice Leader, stated, “We developed Platinum Trucking specifically for the trucking and transportation liability market where we believe the needs are underserved.  Platinum Trucking’s focus is on the best of the non-prime trucking firms, and we underwrite them with detailed analysis of drivers, losses, exposure and SMS data.”  

The Platinum Trucking program was created by XPT and Watford for primary truck liability insurance with a focus on insureds requiring special underwriting attention.  This program will be available through XPT Transportation. The carrier for this program is Watford Insurance Company, a New Jersey domiciled admitted carrier (rated A- Financial Size Category XII by A.M. Best). www.watfordus.com

“Platinum is committed to the continued growth through new product development.  The creation of Platinum Trucking allows for trucking experts to not only offer better products to insureds, but also promote a collaborative environment to provide the best service possible,” said Jeff Heath, President Platinum Specialty Underwriters.  As a trucking expert, Heath previously founded an MGA specializing in Excess Liability for small to medium size trucking fleets.  

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters 

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios and valuable products for insureds. Platinum invests in underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture.

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com

 

IPC Joins Platinum Specialty Underwriters

January 12, 2021

Platinum Specialty Underwriters announced today the acquisition of International Property &  Casualty Insurance of Nevada, Inc. (IPC), a full service Managing General Agent (MGA) and Program Manager  specializing in E&S business including a niche in Hired and Non-Owned Auto for the delivery industry. IPC offers the  wholesale market a variety of complete packages for the hard to place risks including cannabis, bars and taverns, vacant  buildings, and mobile home parks strengthening the offerings of Platinum Specialty Underwriters diverse portfolio. 

Tammy Sunderland, President and Senior Underwriter, stated, “Joining Platinum Specialty Underwriters will allow us  the tools to expand our current offerings while still delivering unparalleled services through our knowledge of specialty  products.” IPC was founded by Tammy Sunderland and Chris Sunderland in 1996. 

“For nearly 25 years, Tammy and Chris have worked to develop a niche identity in the E&S insurance market. Our  modern platform and collaborative culture will allow IPC to expand across the wholesale insurance industry offering  brokers complete packages for tough classes of business,” said Jeff Heath, President of Platinum Specialty  Underwriters.  

Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard  to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel. Platinum has been successfully operating a primary auto  liability program for Mid & Large fleet trucking firms and has a number of new offerings launching in Q1 2021. 

The transaction closed on December 31, 2020 and IPC will continue to operate under its established brand name, so  client business will not be affected. Platinum Specialty Underwriters was represented in the acquisition by TAG  Financial. MarshBerry was IPC’s advisor. 

About Platinum Specialty Underwriters 

Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management,  loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. Platinum invests in  underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture. 

Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com 

About International Property & Casualty Insurance of Nevada, Inc.  

International Property & Casualty Insurance of Nevada, Inc. (IPC) is a Managing General Agent and Program Manager  that specializes in E&S business including a niche in Hired & Non-Owned Auto. IPC provides insurance products to  wholesale insurance brokers providing complete packages for hard to place accounts including food delivery and  cannabis.  

Contact: Tammy Sunderland tammy@ipc-nv.com

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