Board approves switching township insurance package to Travelers after agent flags higher deductibles elsewhere

The Easttown Board of Supervisors voted June 15 to authorize staff to pursue an insurance renewal with Travelers after staff and an agent outlined a renewal that included both sizable premium increases and much higher deductibles from the incumbent carrier.

Staff described the renewal as having ‘‘sizable increases’’ in both premiums and deductibles, and the agent, Isaac, told the board that some deductibles that were previously in the $1,000–$5,000 range had been proposed as high as $25,000. Isaac recommended switching to Travelers to preserve broad aggregate limits while moderating deductible exposure and capturing modest premium savings.

‘‘The net price difference between the two isn’t terribly much,’’ the agent said, adding that Travelers has been the township’s carrier for nearly six years and is a ‘‘reputable carrier.’’ He said the Travelers proposal keeps the total aggregate exposure within what he considers a ‘‘sufficient benchmark’’ for a traditional municipal program.

Board members pressed staff on the differences in coverage limits and on claims activity. A resident asked why carriers were showing ‘‘trepidation’’ about the township’s auto coverage; staff replied that there are active claims involving township vehicles and that plaintiffs’ initial demands have grown as cases mature.

The board discussed specific coverages that would change, including crime coverage and portable equipment coverage, and the way different carriers organize premiums within package offerings. A motion authorizing staff to secure the Travelers package as presented in the proposal carried on voice vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize the Travelers package consistent with the proposal presented and return any necessary paperwork to the board.