Insurance Journal Forums

I am having trouble competing with direct writers for apartment building risks in Illinois. Any suggestions on what carriers I might use to compete with them?

If i were you i would check out BigI markets as they have a very good habitational program that you might fit the bill for you.

It they're brick buildings smaller than 36 units, The Distinguished Programs are great. Properties need to be rehabbed within last 15-20 years, no aluminium wiring, and no frame construction.

For frame or large properties, there are few options. Philadelphia, Fireman's Fund, Hannover and Walnut Group will write apartments, but they're picky. For E&S, WKF&C is a good program for monoline property, and you can pair them up with First Mercury on GL. You can access both of them through Colemont-Chicago or most other larger wholesalers.

Forgot to add...

If you're running up against American Family on larger frame habitation properties, run the other way unless there is a glaring issue with the current agent. AmFam's pricing on frame apartments is cheap, and I've seen property rates lower than $0.10. Approach with great caution.