Today we're featuring one of NSM Insurance Group's programs, the We spoke with Krista Mayes, Express Hotel Program Director, about the program and what makes it unique in the marketplace. Krista has been with NSM Insurance Group for 13 years and joined the Express Hotel Program earlier this year. Prior to moving over to the program, Krista was the senior underwriter for NSM's Coastal Condo program for five years. With the Express Hotel Program, she oversees all underwriting and the day-to-day operations as well as the marketing and business development throughout the program's existing territories and its expansion into new targeted areas. The Express Hotel Program is available on an admitted and non-admitted basis, with an emphasis on properties up and down the East and West Coasts.
NSM acquired the Express Hotel Program in 2007 and has doubled the business since then, developing a strong footprint with the franchised, limited service hotel sector. These are small to medium-sized hotel establishments that offer a limited amount of on-site amenities. Typically these hotels cater to a specific demographic of travelers, such as the business traveler seeking a "no frills" accommodation.
As Krista explained, there are several factors that make the program unique and attractive to their agency partners. "One of the key differentiating factors in the program is our longevity in the industry and the expertise we bring to the table. In addition, we have an in-house claims department with professionals dedicated to ensuring that the claims submitted by our agents on behalf of their insureds are handled properly. This means providing an extra layer of service that goes beyond what you typically find with other programs and at other firms. We take the claims process very seriously."
Another distinction that benefits agents working with the folks in the Express Hotel Program is their full in-house underwriting authority. "This allows us to provide quick turnaround for quotes to our agents and facilitate the entire submission and policy issuance process," noted Krista.
Also a hallmark of the Express Hotel program, as with all of NSM Insurance Group's programs, is the relationship that is forged with agency partners. "We aren't looking to establish relationships with a thousand different agents across the country," explained Krista. "We tend to build relationships with agents who share our focus in this niche and are looking to grow with us. Along with that partnership approach comes superior service. We are reachable at any time, and can respond to our agents and their insureds' needs. Often we'll get a call from our agents advising us that a client is purchasing a new hotel, needs to close within the week and requires an insurance quote immediately. Because of our underwriting authority and expertise, we can respond and provide them with what they need quickly. Additionally, our program has been enhanced throughout the years based upon what our agency partners have requested and the on-the-ground experience they've shared with us. They help us become experts in the industry because they're the people in the trenches. We support their efforts with the products they need to protect their clients from the various exposures they face."
The insurance coverages provided in the Express Hotel Program package policy for limited service hotels includes General Liability, Property (including wind on the coast), Crime, Equipment Breakdown, Business Interruption, Employee Benefits Liability, and many more. "We have a property enhancement endorsement that provides a host of coverages key to hotels, including Ordinance & Law, Back-up of sewers and drains, theft of guest property, outdoor property, and accounts receivable. Additionally, we have authority to write up to $25 million TIV," explained Krista. Other coverages such as Cyber Liability, Employment Practices Liability, and Workers Compensation can also be added to a client's commercial insurance program.
Express Hotel clients also have access to the alliance NSM Insurance Group has established with IntelliCorp to provide background screening products and solutions at discounted rates, to help insureds mitigate risk and keep their operations safe. There are also many other services available at reduced rates, including credit reports, employment verification, and drug testing, just to name a few.
For more information about the Express Hotel Program, please contact Krista at 800-970-9778 ext. 152, or via email at: khmayes@nsminc.com.