January 21, 2021 – WestPro Insurance Services announce today a new program partnership with Obsidian, an A.M. Best rated “A-“ hybrid fronting program carrier. WestPro is a Managing General Underwriter and leading program administrator for bar, tavern and restaurant coverage in over a dozen states. WestPro, a division of Platinum Specialty Underwriters, targets neighborhood bars, taverns, and restaurants with liquor sales, both with and without entertainment. The program has an extensive history of expertise in this niche segment with unparalleled experience handling liquor liability exposure. Aligning with Obsidian offers a multi-faceted partnership approach, bringing together deep underwriting, technical, and operational expertise of a program administrator, a “next generation” fronting carrier, and top tier reinsurance partners.
Kyle Stevens, President of WestPro, leads the program and commented on the new partnership stating, “We are thrilled to start our joint venture with the team at Obsidian. Together, we are well positioned to offer a highly compelling program to our wholesale broker partners to meet the evolving needs in the hospitality space.”
Jeff Heath, President of Platinum Specialty Underwriters stated, “The partnership with Obsidian will allow us to offer a premium program free of operational and distribution channel conflicts. Our modern technology platform will meet the needs of the evolving hospitality industry.”
William Jewett, CEO of Obsidian, commented, “We are very pleased that WestPro is among our first MGA partners. They are a best-in- class, specialized underwriting organization that is focused on profitable growth, and we look forward to a long-term relationship with them and our reinsurance partners.”
Platinum Specialty Underwriters continues with its mission of investing in MGAs that supply insurance products for hard to insure risks through the Wholesale distribution channel. Platinum recently acquired International Property & Casualty Insurance of Nevada (IPC) and has been successfully operating a primary auto liability program for Mid & Large fleet trucking firms and has a number of new offerings launching in Q1 2021.
About WestPro Insurance Services
WestPro Insurance Services has been a Program Manager for restaurants, bars and taverns General Liability and Liquor Liability coverages since 2007. WestPro distributes the program solely through Wholesale Brokers. WestPro manages all aspects of the program including underwriting, loss control, claims management and compliance. WestPro is a division of Platinum Specialty Underwriters
Contact: Kyle Stevens 469.252.7875 kstevens@wssib.com.
About Platinum Specialty Underwriters
Platinum Specialty Underwriters is a Managing General Underwriter platform distributing through the Wholesale channel. The platform focuses on leading service technology combined with expert underwriting, claims management, loss inspection, and actuarial analysis to assure partner insurance company’s low loss ratios. Platinum invests in underwriting teams and underwriting businesses with a collaborative entrepreneurial culture.
Contact: Jeff Heath 908.295.1763 jheath@xptspecialty.com