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County insurance broker recommends switching carriers, commissioners weigh higher wind/hail deductibles
Summary
SURE Partners presented quotes for property/casualty and workers' compensation renewing May 22; Travelers offered broader coverage and lower package premium than incumbent Liberty, but both carriers and market standards raise wind/hail deductibles to a minimum of $100,000 or 1% for large municipal schedules.
County insurance brokers from SURE Partners on May 5 presented renewal options for the county's property/casualty and workers' compensation programs ahead of a May 22 renewal deadline and recommended moving the county's package to Travelers from incumbent Liberty.
Steve Leist and Kevin Krekler of SURE Partners said Travelers presented more favorable terms in several areas: Travelers proposed replacement‑cost coverage for the courthouse (rather than Liberty’s actual cash value), offered per‑occurrence property coverage (instead of per‑location), and included coverage for the Westport Covered Bridge, which Liberty had excluded. "Per occurrence versus per location is much better, much broader," Leist said, explaining that a single wind event that damages several locations would be subject to a single deductible under Travelers, reducing the county’s out‑of‑pocket exposure in multi‑site events.
Both carriers, however, are setting minimum wind/hail deductibles tied to the size of the county’s property schedule. SURE Partners told commissioners that for counties with high blanket values carriers often require a minimum wind/hail deductible of 1% or not less than $100,000. "When your property schedule is in excess of $50 million, carriers assign minimum deductibles," a broker said.
Leist and Krekler noted coverage exclusions for certain assets: both Liberty and Travelers would exclude dam coverage as part of the package, though Travelers would provide a separate option that could include the Westport Covered Bridge; options to purchase separate dam coverage were indicated. The brokers are still finalizing a quote for cyber liability coverage, which the county currently carries with Liberty.
Commissioners asked about coverage quality and claims handling; the brokers said Travelers is an A‑rated, national carrier with broad capacity and responsive claims service, but cautioned that legal/adjuster performance depends in part on the assigned adjusters and county representation during claims. Commissioners also discussed the option of buying down deductibles; brokers said insurers will offer deductible‑buydown programs but at additional premium cost.
The board will review final quotes (including cyber liability) and is expected to take formal action on or before the renewal date (May 22).
