AMENDED AND RESTATED SUA
INSURANCE COMPANY
PARTNER AGENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT
This Amended
and Restated Partner Agent Program Agreement (the
“Amendment”) is entered into as of the 10
th day of June, 2009 by and between SUA Insurance
Company and its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and
affiliates (collectively the “Company”) and Risk
Transfer Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries
(collectively, “Partner Agent”), and amends and
restates the Specialty Underwriters’ Alliance, Inc. Partner
Agent Program Agreement entered into by and between the Company and
Partner Agent on November 3, 2004, as amended (the
“Agreement”). Any terms defined in the Agreement and
used herein shall have the same meaning in this Amendment as in the
Agreement. In the event that any provision of this Amendment and
any provision of the Agreement are inconsistent or conflicting, the
inconsistent or conflicting provision of this Amendment shall be
and constitute an amendment of the Agreement and shall control, but
only to the extent that such provision is inconsistent or
conflicting with the Agreement. Any capitalized terms not defined
herein shall be defined as in the Agreement.
The parties
hereto agree to develop and administer insurance program(s) as
described in Exhibit A attached hereto. This Agreement
pertains only to that Program business, with the Company and the
Partner Agent agreeing as follows:
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A.
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Partner Agent’s authority is
subject to the terms of this Agreement and Company’s Program
description, underwriting guidelines, system templates, service
standards, form and rate and other filings, and authority limits
provided by Company to Partner Agent (“Company
Guidelines”). Company appoints Partner Agent as its
exclusive Partner Agent for ten (10) years for the
Program from the Effective Date within the territories specified in
the Company Guidelines solely for the following
purposes:
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1.
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To
solicit, receive, and bind proposals for commercial lines insurance
in accordance with the Company Guidelines.
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2.
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To
pre-screen applications and estimate rates and/or premiums in
accordance with the Company Guidelines.
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3.
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To
endorse in-force policies in accordance with Company
Guidelines.
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4.
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To
collect, receive, account for, and pay to Company, premiums on
policies written by Company, and to refund to the policyholder or
insured, as appropriate (or to Company if requested by Company),
return premiums as provided in the applicable policy.
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5.
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To
issue, countersign (where necessary), and deliver policies executed
by authorized officers of Company.
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6.
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To
effect conditional renewals, cancellation and non-renewal of
policies in accordance with Company Guidelines and applicable
law.
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B.
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Partner Agent may delegate its
authority in writing to designated employees.
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C.
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Partner Agent’s authority is
subject to compliance with (and Partner Agent shall not alter,
modify, or change and shall not waive any provision in) the
applicable forms, rules, or rates of Company, according to their
exact terms and to all applicable laws and regulations.
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D.
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Company shall have the right to
reject any application or business submitted by Partner Agent or to
modify, cancel, or refuse to renew any policies written by Company
hereunder by giving Partner Agent written notice of effective date
of changes that would affect this business.
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E.
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Partner Agent shall, within twenty
(20) calendar days of the inception of coverage, provide to
Company all data and statistical information relating to the
underwriting of accounts. Partner Agent is authorized to issue
binders, certificates or other evidence of insurance.
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F.
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With 30 days notice, the
Company Guidelines may be amended or new Company Guidelines may be
adopted at the Company’s discretion without the need to amend
this Agreement, provided, however, that amendments to the
(i) Collateral Management and Accounting or (ii) Premiums
and Accounting Process Guidelines of the Company Guidelines may be
adopted by the Company in its discretion only with 90 days
notice. Such amendments or new Company Guidelines will be provided
to the Partner Agent in writing and must be implemented by Partner
Agent in accordance with Company’s instructions. Partner
Agent will be provided the opportunity to discuss any changes to
Company Guidelines. Company will give Partner Agent reasonable
notice in which to enact such changes.
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G.
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Company retains the right to modify,
cancel, conditionally renew or non-renew any and all policies
solely in Company’s discretion.
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H.
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Partner Agent has no authority to
solicit, negotiate or place any reinsurance on behalf of
Company.
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A.
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Partner Agent represents and
warrants that (i) Partner Agent has any and all ownership or
other rights in the business contemplated herein necessary to place
such business with Company under this Agreement; (ii) Partner
Agent placing business under this Agreement is not in violation of
any duty or obligation owed to any other entity or person; and
(iii) Partner Agent is, and will continue to be, authorized
and licensed to perform all acts set out in this Agreement while
providing services under this Agreement.
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B.
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The
Programs that are the subject of this agreement, more specifically
described in Exhibit A , shall be exclusive for both
the Company and the Partner Agent. In the event that a conflict
exists as to whether Partner Agent is authorized to represent an
existing or prospective policyholder, when required by law the
Company will honor the policyholder’s written producer of
record designation signed by the policyholder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Company shall be under no obligation to honor a written
producer of record designation from a policyholder before accepting
business from a designated Partner Agent, and Company’s
determination of which agent of Company represents Company with
regard to a particular policyholder shall be final and binding.
Furthermore, if the Company cannot come to terms on the specific
risk (potential or existing customer) due to price, location, or
other underwriting reason, the Partner Agent may place the business
with another carrier; the underwriting file for that specific risk
must be documented as to why it was not placed with the Company. An
email delivered to the Company Program Director and stored in a
physical file shall be considered sufficient documentation for the
purposes of this subsection. The Partner Agent and Company further
agree that the Company will have first right of refusal on any
account meeting the specific program’s underwriting
guidelines.
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C.
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Partner Agent shall be responsible
for compliance with all applicable state and federal laws,
regulations, rules, and requirements relating to the performance of
Partner Agent’s obligations and the general standards, rules,
and regulations of the insurance industry and all Company
Guidelines as provided by Company in writing.
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D.
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Partner Agent shall keep true,
separate, accurate, and complete records of all transactions
related to the policies and all correspondence.
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E.
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All
records and documents applicable to the business relationship
between Company and Partner Agent shall be maintained in a form and
manner prescribed by the Company’s Records Retention Policy
(“Policy”), which has been provided to the Partner
Agent. Records must be maintained for the time period outlined in
the Policy.
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F.
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All
records and documents of Partner Agent relating to the business
described in Exhibit A may be audited, examined, and/or
copied by representatives of Company at any time during normal
business hours and shall be made available for examination to
reinsurers, or to any state insurance department or regulatory body
which so requires. Additionally, Partner Agent shall permit
authorized employees and representatives of Company to review the
operations of Partner Agent, both at its place of business and at
other locations during business hours upon ten (10) days
written notice by Company.
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G.
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Partner Agent shall notify Company
within forty-eight (48) hours of notice or receipt of any
complaint filed with any state insurance department or other
regulatory authority relating to the policies, whether against
Company or Partner Agent. The parties will work together to
promptly and adequately respond to any such complaint. If requested
by Company, Partner Agent shall prepare a response to any such
complaint or, at Company’s discretion, provide a complete
written account to Company such that Company can respond; however,
no response shall be sent by Partner Agent prior to consulting with
Company regarding such response. Company retains the final
authority on all responses relating to complaints against Company.
Company may establish formal complaint handling procedures for
Partner Agent to follow which are consistent with the requirements
set forth herein.
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H.
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Partner Agent shall not contact any
state insurance department or other regulatory authority, directly
or indirectly, with regard to Company’s business without the
prior written consent of Company. Partner Agent shall notify
Company immediately in the event that Partner Agent receives any
contact from any such department or authority with regard to
Company’s business.
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I.
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Partner Agent shall utilize
automated business processing through Company’s centralized
technology system (“Company System”).
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J.
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If
Company provides access to Company information or networks through
computer access, Partner Agent shall be responsible for maintaining
the security and integrity of such information and of
Company’s systems over those elements that the Partner Agent
can control. Partner Agent shall not introduce into Company’s
systems any virus or other harmful agent. Partner Agent shall be
responsible for assuring the quality of policy, premium, accounting
and statistical data submitted to Company consistent with Company
standards. Partner Agent agrees to adhere to the terms and
conditions governing Partner Agent’s use of any existing
Company website or any website Company may own, make available,
operate, acquire, use from time to time, create or sponsor in the
future, and related services available under any such website.
These terms and conditions regarding use of any website or the
content of any website may change with prior notice provided to the
Partner Agent. Partner Agent’s use of these
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websites constitutes agreement to
the terms and conditions that exist at each point in time Partner
Agent uses any such website. Partner Agent may not use the name,
logo, or service mark of Company or any of its affiliates in any
advertising, promotional material, internet site, or in any
material disseminated by Partner Agent without the prior written
consent of Company. Partner Agent shall maintain copies and provide
an original to Company of any advertisement or other materials
approved by Company along with full details concerning where, when,
and how it was used. Use of any authorized item shall be limited to
the scope of the current request and approval, unless specifically
authorized for broader use by Company. Partner Agent must obtain
re-authorization of all items should Partner Agent change such
advertisements or other materials in appearance and/or
content.
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K.
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All
expenses associated with Partner Agent’s performance
hereunder shall be the responsibility of Partner Agent, including
but not limited to general office expenses, automation expenses,
systems integration expenses, marketing expenses, broker, producer,
or countersigning commissions, fees, and taxes.
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L.
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Partner Agent agrees to protect
Company’s ‘Confidential Information’ from
disclosure to third parties. ‘Confidential Information’
shall mean Company originated information that is not readily
available to the general public to include, but not limited to,
rating manuals that have been prepared or generated by the Company,
forms that have been prepared or generated by the Company, Company
Guidelines, underwriting records that have been prepared or
generated by the Company, and management reports that have been
prepared or generated by the Company. All Confidential Information,
that has not previously been destroyed, shall be returned to the
party that originated that Confidential Information immediately
upon written request that specifically describes the information or
documentation to be returned. ‘Company Guidelines’
shall mean any Program description, underwriting guidelines, system
templates, service standards, system forms, rates and authority
limits provided by Company to Partner Agent. Company Confidential
Information does not include any information that: (a) is in
the public domain or hereafter becomes known to the public through
no fault of either party; (b) is subsequently obtained from an
independent, third-party source having no obligation of
confidentiality, directly or indirectly, to Company; or
(c) the disclosure of which is required by law. If a
possibility exists that disclosure may be ordered by a court of
law, Partner Agent shall give the Company at least thirty
(30) days prior written notice of such possibility so that
Company may have the opportunity to contest such
disclosure.
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M.
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Partner Agent agrees that Partner
Agent and its employees, agents, and representatives are (i) aware
of the sensitive and proprietary nature of any and all information
each may receive with regard to applicants, policyholders,
beneficiaries of policies, and claimants (the “3
rd
Party Confidential
Information”); and (ii) aware of and will comply with:
(a) any and all applicable laws, regulations, rules, and
requirements relating to the 3 rd Party Confidential Information;
(b) the general standards, rules, and regulations of the
insurance industry relating to the 3 rd Party Confidential Information; and
(c) all written instructions provided to Partner Agent from
time to time by Company relating to the 3 rd Party Confidential Information.
Partner Agent shall comply with Company’s privacy policies
and shall hold all 3 rd Party Confidential Information in
trust and confidence in compliance with Company’s privacy
policy, and shall use the 3 rd Party Confidential Information only
for the purpose contemplated in this Agreement. Partner Agent
agrees that it shall immediately refer any question concerning any
aspect of Company’s privacy policy to Company for
resolution.
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N.
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If
requested by Company, Partner Agent agrees to become a member of
Company’s Partner Agent committee (“Partner Agent
Advisory Committee”). Partner Agent or appropriate designee
shall attend all meetings of the Partner Agent Advisory Committee,
provide input at such meetings, and cooperate fully with the
Partner Agent Advisory Committee in all aspects.
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O.
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Partner Agent agreed to purchase a
certain amount of Class B exchangeable common stock
(“Partner Agent Stock”) as more specifically outlined
in the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof by
and between the Company and the Partner Agent (“Securities
Purchase Agreement”) which is hereby incorporated by
reference as an integral part of this Agreement. Company warrants
that, as of October 2006, Partner Agent has satisfied such
purchase obligation as provided for in the Securities Purchase
Agreement.
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P.
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Partner Agent shall cooperate with
Company’s implementation and execution of loss control and
premium audit functions which includes billing, collection and
remittance or return of any and all premium due.
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III.
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OBLIGATIONS OF
COMPANY
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A.
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Company shall act in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement and will pay Partner Agent a commission
in accordance with Exhibit A (“Commission”)
and a share of profits in accordance with Exhibit B
(“Profit Sharing” which, together with
“Commission”, is the “Compensation”)
attached hereto and referenced herein. Partner Agent shall be
responsible for paying any compensation due to its sub
producers.
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B.
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Company shall provide for the
payment of all excise taxes, premium taxes (except surplus lines
taxes) and assessments.
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C.
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Company shall appoint Partner Agent
as required by various state laws and regulations.
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D.
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Company will develop and maintain
Company System.
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E.
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Company agrees to protect Partner
Agent’s ‘Confidential Information’ from
disclosure to third parties. ‘Confidential Information’
shall mean Partner Agent originated information that is not readily
available to the general public to include, but not limited to,
rating manuals that have been prepared or generated by the Partner
Agent, forms that have been prepared or generated by the Partner
Agent, underwriting records that have been prepared or generated by
the Partner Agent, and management reports that have been prepared
or generated by the Partner Agent. All Confidential Information,
that has not previously been destroyed, shall be returned to the
party that originated that Confidential Information immediately
upon written request that specifically describes the information or
documentation to be returned.
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F.
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Company agrees that Company and its
employees, agents, and representatives are (i) aware of the
sensitive and proprietary nature of any and all information each
may receive with regard to applicants, policyholders, beneficiaries
of policies, and claimants (the “3 rd Party Confidential
Information”); and (ii) aware of and will comply with:
(a) any and all applicable laws, regulations, rules, and
requirements relating to the 3 rd Party Confidential Information;
(b) the general standards, rules, and regulations of the
insurance industry relating to the 3 rd Party Confidential Information; and
(c) all written instructions provided to Company from time to
time by Partner Agent relating to the 3 rd
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Party Confidential Information.
Company shall comply with Partner Agent’s privacy policies
and shall hold all 3 rd Party Confidential Information in
trust and confidence in compliance with Company’s privacy
policy, and shall use the 3 rd Party Confidential Information only
for the purpose contemplated in this Agreement. Company agrees that
it shall immediately refer any question concerning any aspect of
Partner Agent’s privacy policy to Partner Agent for
resolution.
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A.
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Partner Agent shall immediately
notify and cooperate with Company if Partner Agent receives notice
of any claim or potential claim which could involve Company, any of
its affiliates or subsidiaries, or the business written
hereunder.
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B.
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Partner Agent has no authority to
adjust or settle any claims arising out of or in connection with
policies, shall not make any statements regarding the application
of coverage to specific situations, whether actual or hypothetical,
and shall not commit Company to any liability in connection with
any actual or potential claim or loss.
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C.
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Partner Agent shall immediately
report all claims, or potential claims, suits, or losses relating
to the policies to Company or to an assigned adjuster or claim
representative who has been designated by Company. Partner Agent
shall cooperate fully with Company or the assigned adjuster or
claim representative in the investigation, adjustment, settlement,
and payment of claims and coverage matters. All records, files,
correspondence, or other materials pertaining to claims shall be
the sole property of Company.
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D.
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Company will consult with Partner
Agent on the selection of vendors and claims handling procedures
(“Vendor Selection and Claims Procedures”) unique to
the Programs; however, Company retains sole discretion for Vendor
Selection and Claims Procedures.
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A.
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Company shall pay Partner Agent the
Commission and Profit Sharing as respectively described in
Exhibit A and Exhibit B .
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B.
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With one hundred eighty
(180) days advance written notice, for reasons related to
regulatory constraints or industry issues including but not limited
to Program coverage resulting in an insurance industry or market
downturn, the Company reserves the right to adjust Partner
Agent’s Commission as described in Exhibit A ,
but only for business that is new or renewal after the one hundred
eighty 180 days notice.
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C.
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Effective at any time after a
minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days advance written
notice to Partner Agent, Company may adjust the current payout
period of Profit Sharing as described in Exhibit B
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D.
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It
is understood and agreed that the Compensation paid hereunder shall
be full compensation for all services rendered by Partner Agent
pursuant to this Agreement.
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