How successful is our
Restaurant, Bar & Tavern Program?

Target Accounts | Non-Target Accounts | Ineligible Accounts
Underwriting Philosophy | Miscellaneous Info | Applications & Commissions

TARGET ACCOUNTS -- 80% Hit Ratio!!!

While we can sometimes compete with "preferred" markets, our "sweet spot" starts where the "preferreds" leave off and goes through the "up to 75% liquor" account. Additional requirements vary by state but generally:

NON-TARGET ACCOUNTS

We can also write accounts that fall outside our "sweet spot". Our hit ratio varies quite a bit by state. In Alaska, it is probably 60%. In Colorado and Washington, it is more like 35% to 40%. In Oregon, we have much tougher eligibility requirements and accounts falling outside our target account criteria are not often eligible.

INELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS

Commonly ineligible accounts include those with a liquor violation for serving to a minor or overserving, those with too many "worst offender list" incidents (WA & OR only) and accounts with Liquor Liability or Assault & Battery claims.

Pure nightclubs, adult entertainment, off premises caterers (if more than 25% of receipts) and buildings on pilings are not eligible for this program.

While additional states are under consideration, at this time this program is only available to accounts in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon (on a limited appetite basis) and Washington. We've made a few exceptions for very low liquor accounts in Idaho.

UNDERWRITING PHILOSOPY

Basically, we take a preferred market approach to underwriting what has historically been a substandard class of business. Pricing is closer to "preferred market" pricing and policy forms tend to be much broader than commonly found in the E&S marketplace.

As a result, we underwrite much more tightly than our competition does -- declining close to one third of the applications that we see. Basically, if we want the account, then we price it to write it. And If we don't want it, then we let the competition have that honor. We are the market leader for our niche.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

APPLICATIONS

We are changing our commission schedule to promote use of our new on-line applications. Up until now, we have been paying 15% new business commission on target accounts and 10% commission on target account renewals and on all non-target accounts, new and renewal.

We will announce a new commission schedule shortly. For now, however...

To secure an application, please select from those shown below.

But before you do, you might want to click here to see if we are clear on the account or to see if there is too much liquor activity for us to consider it. (Note: This will not reserve our market for you -- it merely give you a heads up if somebody has already beat you in the door. Likewise, there are other reasons for declining an account besides too much liquor activity. This is not a guarantee of a quote.) The point here is to help you avoid wasting your time, filling out applications that we can't consider.

Applications are best submitted directly to: applications@surpluslines.com

Your broker / underwriter will be...
William H. (Bill) Tanner, CPCU, AU, ASLI, CISC
E-Mail: btanner@surpluslines.com
Phone: 360-613-5455 Ext: 202 - Cell: 360-649-8969