Exclusive: Zurich Programs partners with Origin on new hospitality workers’ comp offering

By Chris Munro

March 17 - (The Insurer) - Zurich has entered into a partnership with Origin Specialty Underwriters through which the AM Best A-plus rated insurer has agreed to provide capacity to the program administrator’s new small to middle market restaurant and hotel-focused workers’ compensation coverage.

Through the partnership, Zurich Programs has delegated underwriting authority to Beyond Risk subsidiary Origin, which will offer the workers’ compensation program through its distribution channels.

The new hospitality workers’ compensation program went live at the end of February and is currently offered in 26 states. In a statement, Zurich said the tie-up is the product of almost two years of discussion and mutual due diligence.

“We’re pleased about onboarding a new program administrator with the depth of experience of Origin,” said Zurich North America’s head of programs Eric Cittadino.

“Zurich Programs is focused on smart, profitable growth and diversifying our portfolio, carefully selecting opportunities that align with our long-term strategy.

“Select casualty lines are in our appetite for many segments, and finding the right organization to give the pen to took some time. Origin proved to be the right fit, thanks to their specialized knowledge, strong distribution network and commitment to maintaining underwriting integrity,” Cittadino added.

Zurich and Origin have together developed and aligned on a robust underwriting strategy with a defined risk appetite for the new hospitality workers’ compensation program. That appetite does not include fast food restaurants.

The new workers’ compensation program strengthens Origin’s existing offerings in the hospitality and restaurant segment.

Its existing products targeting the space include excess casualty and employment practices liability, among others.

“To have (the new workers’ compensation program) backed not just by any carrier but by one with the reputation and credibility of Zurich supports our ambition to be a market leader in segments where we choose to play,” said Origin president Neno Djordjevic.

“We strive to offer our insureds, agents and brokers and everyone in the value chain the best possible service and solutions,” Djordjevic added.

Origin focuses on small and mid-sized risks in specialist market segments including hospitality, hotels and service stations, among others.

Alongside workers’ compensation, the company, which became part of Beyond Risk in 2021, offers property and transportation coverage and works exclusively with carriers and reinsurers rated A-minus or better by AM Best.

The Origin partnership strengthens the existing ties between Zurich and Beyond Risk, with the carrier’s Zurich Group Captives unit working with BevCap in the middle market space.

In partnering with Origin on the new small to middle market restaurant and hotel-focused workers’ compensation coverage, Zurich has added to its sizable programs portfolio.

Zurich has supported the programs market for over half a century, and it currently backs a wide range of specialist protections targeted at the automotive, construction, film, hospitality and professional services sectors, and many others.