JM Associates/Burnham + Co., a Division of HUB InternationalNortheast, partnered with The Hartford to create a generalliability program for elevator contractors, inspectors, consultants(excluding E&O), manufacturers and distributors. Here, VicePresident John Tateossian (pictured) discusses the program'sorigins, how it is administered and the complex exposures—andnecessary cover—for those who work in the business of transportinghuman beings from floor to floor.

Q: Let's go back to the beginning: When and how was theprogram forged? What were the market needs that were identified tosupport such a program, and how did The Hartford becomeinvolved?

A: The National Elevator Insurance Program today is actually theamalgamation of the elevator programs of JM & Associates andBurnham + Co. Burnham began providing insurance for the elevatorindustry in the 1970s after identifying a need in the marketplace,from both coverage and overall expertise. The first elevatoraccount was written in 1972. JM & Associates began writingelevator accounts in the 1990s. Our program today is theculmination of individual client relationships, some going backthree generations, as well as consistent involvement and presencein the elevator industry. Our National Elevator Insurance Programtoday is the product of several decades of our focus and dedicationto the highly specialized elevator industry.

In our continued effort to be at the forefront of providinginsurance to the elevator industry, we began our partnership withThe Hartford in 2012. After 40 years of creating comprehensiveinsurance and risk management products to the elevator industry, wewere excited about embarking in a new partnership with a reputableand valued insurance carrier.

How would you describe your company's role inadministering the program and serving clients? Obviously your teamis deeply knowledgeable of the exposures faced by those who work inthe elevator industry, but who plays what role in enabling insuredsin this space to secure the appropriate cover?

Our program takes pride in staying up to date with currenttrends in both the insurance and elevator industriessimultaneously. As trends impact one or both industries, it iscritically important that we also adopt changes to our program, soas to remain the premier insurance provider to elevator customersnationwide. The elevator industry can be risky, so it is imperativeto have an insurance broker that truly understands the exposures,technology and how to best protect insureds in the event of aclaim.

The majority of our employees have over 20 years of experiencearranging insurance solutions for customers in all facets of theelevator industry. This level of experience is a pre-requisite toadequately service an elevator customer; from the issuance ofcertificates of insurance, to providing insurance solutionstailored to the elevator industry and finally responding with ourClaims team in the event of an incident. Each person on our teamplays a critical role in ensuring that not only is the propercoverage in place, but that we consistently deliver superiorservice to all our customers. As customer needs and insurancerequirements can vastly vary from state to state, our team canrespond regardless of the jurisdiction, but the key is identifyingthe differing requirements.

As a full-service program manager, we must individuallyunderwrite each risk, either by partnering directly with an insuredor their local insurance agent. We are responsible for educatingall our customers and carriers about the risks associated with theelevator industry and how to insure these risks. A critical aspectof our service comes into play when there is a claim or incident,at which point our Claims team goes into action. The team iscomprised of our seasoned in-house claims professionals, adjustorsexperienced in handling elevator claims, elevator industry expertsand engineers, investigators and lastly attorneys who specialize inelevator related claims. The team can respond within minutes of anincident and in the event of a claim, will continue through itslife cycle. The majority of the legal firms we use as part of ourprogram have many years of experience defending elevator claims andare known nationally for their expertise. It is critical that weexecute in all aspects of the handling of an insured.

What are some of the most common exposures for those whowork in the elevator industry, and what kind of specializedinsurance protections are required for them to do business? Andwhat are some of the exclusions, if any, that come up inpolicies?

Our broad base of expertise in insurance for the elevatorindustry enables us to identify the differing underwritingexposures associated with various facets of the elevator industry;such as the difference between a modernization contractor, anelevator inspector and a manufacturer of elevator cabs. While thereare common exposures consistent with other contracting risks, suchas slip and falls or being struck by an elevator door, a risk canvary depending on the type of work and jurisdiction. Our elevatorcustomers most commonly need general liability, workers'compensation, excess liability, commercial auto, property, inlandmarine and sometimes bonds. As part of the National ElevatorInsurance Program, the general liability provided through TheHartford is done on a first dollar basis, so there is no deductibleor self insured retention. This is particularly important becausean elevator claim could involve multiple claimants, and in theevent that a GL policy is written with a Per Claim deductible, thiscould be troublesome for an insured.

The General Liability product we provide, includes severalcoverage enhancements, thereby eliminating the need for costly midyear policy changes and addressing the coverage insureds are beingrequired to carry. The often manuscipted coverage enhancements aspart of our General Liability policy include; Per ElevatorAggregates, Blanket Additional Insured coverage, Blanket Waiver ofSubrogation coverage, Primary and Non-Contributory coverage andLimited Pollution. We continuously work with our customers as theirinsurance needs change throughout the year to ensure they areadequately protected.

We strive to offer the best coverage available in themarketplace, offering general liability coverage on an admittedbasis, which is often a requirement for our clients. An elevatorcompany that is not written through our National Elevator InsuranceProgram may find exclusions or coverage restrictions forresidential work, certain types of operations, completedoperations, work above a certain height, third party suits arisingfrom an injured employee and additional insureds. Additionally,they may be required to take on a deductible or self-insuredretention.