Chartis has built underwriting practices around some of theriskiest professions, including aircraft pilots, miners,construction workers, refuse collectors, truck drivers and policeofficers.

To profitably manage these risks, the insurer hires underwriterswho have specialized knowledge of these industries, which helps theinsurer to get a better grip on the Workers' Comp exposures.

“They know and can identify risk characteristics that are badthat we either want to deal with or avoid,” says Russell Johnston,Casualty product-line executive for Chartis U.S. and Canada.

And the insurer also employs loss-control and claims people whoknow exactly what they're looking at.

For instance, Chartis hires licensed pilots to work in itsaviation practice. Commercial-driving licensees man its truckingoperations. And staff in the mining practice includes people withgeology backgrounds.

“Industry experts in loss control lessen the likelihood that anaccident happens,” says Johnston.

And if an incident occurs, “the people who touch these claimsare only [the adjusters] from their specific industry space.”

This doesn't go unnoticed by policyholders. “It becomes clear[to the client] how deeply imbedded we are in the industry,” addsJohnston.