Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement Effective April 15, 2006 (Hereinafter The “Agreement”) By And Between Republic Underwriters Insurance Company Administrative Offices In Dallas, Texas (Hereinafter The "Company") And American Vehicle Insurance Company...
Exhibit
10.37
Quota
Share
Reinsurance
Agreement
Effective
April 15, 2006
(Hereinafter
The “Agreement”)
By
And
Between
Republic
Underwriters Insurance Company
Administrative
Offices In Dallas, Texas
(Hereinafter
The "Company")
And
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Administrative
Offices In Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
(Hereinafter
The "Reinsurer")
Article
I - Classes of Business Reinsured
A. By
this
Agreement, the Company obligates itself to cede to the Reinsurer and the
Reinsurer obligates itself to accept quota share reinsurance of the Company’s
gross liability under “Group AV business” that includes policies, contracts,
endorsements, binders, certificates, proposals for insurance or reinsurance,
and
any other documents that bind the Company, which are classified by the Company
as commercial general liability and special events coverages (hereinafter called
“policies”) that are issued or renewed on or after the effective date hereof and
produced and/or underwritten by general agents and producers recommended by
the
Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees in all respects to follow the fortunes of the
Company with respect to all liabilities and obligations of the Company arising
out of or in connection with the Group AV business written. It is understood
and
agreed that the Group AV business subject hereto shall include, but not be
limited to, business assumed by the Company from its affiliates Southern County
Mutual Insurance Company, Republic Lloyds, Southern Insurance Company and
Republic-Vanguard Insurance Company, all of Dallas, Texas, and/or any other
company affiliated with the Company now or hereafter. It is also understood
and
agreed that the reference to “Company” as used hereinafter shall include the
aforementioned affiliates that issue policies, which form the subject business
of this Agreement.
B. The
liability of the Reinsurer with respect to each cession hereunder shall commence
obligatory and simultaneously with that of the Company.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
2
Article
II - Commencement and Termination
A. The
Agreement shall become effective on April 15, 2006, with respect to policies
commencing or renewing on or after this date, and shall continue in force
thereafter until terminated.
B. Either
party may terminate the Agreement on any calendar quarter or any December 31
thereafter by giving the other party not less than ninety (90) days prior notice
by certified mail, return receipt requested. This Agreement may be terminated
immediately upon mutual consent of the parties hereto.
C. Unless
the Company elects to reassume the ceded unearned premium in force on the
effective date of termination and so notifies the Reinsurer prior to or as
promptly as possible after the effective date of termination, reinsurance
hereunder on policies in force on the effective date of termination shall remain
in full force and effect until the natural expiration, cancellation or rewrite
of such policies, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the Reinsurer’s
obligations for reinsurance hereunder shall continue to apply after termination
of this Agreement in all respects including but not limited to policies, which
must be issued or renewed as a matter of state law or regulation, until the
final expiration or cancellation of such policies. A final accounting and
settlement shall be made between the Company and Reinsurer upon the completion
of all unfinished business subject to this Agreement.
D. Notwithstanding
paragraph B above, it is understood and agreed that either party may terminate
the Agreement at any time by giving ninety (90) days prior notice to the other
party by certified mail, return receipt requested, if either party:
1.
|
Is
ordered by a State Insurance Department or other legal authority
to cease
writing or assuming business or meets the definition of being in
a
“hazardous financial condition” (as defined by
regulation);
|
2.
|
Is
acquired or controlled by, merged with any other company, corporation
or
individual(s) not controlling the party’s operations at the inception of
this Agreement;
|
3.
|
Modifies
its reinsurance program significantly since the inception of this
Agreement;
|
4.
|
Acquires
the assets and/or liabilities of any other
company;
|
5.
|
Loses
the whole or a significant part of its policyholder’s surplus;
or
|
6.
|
Has
a conservator, liquidator or receiver appointed, or is the subject
of any
conservation, liquidation, insolvency or any other proceeding, where
the
intent is to take possession of its assets or control of its
operations.
|
Article
III - Territory
The
territorial limits of this Agreement shall be identical with those of the
policies written by Group AV.
Article
IV - Retention and Limit
As
respects business subject to the Agreement, the Company shall cede to the
Reinsurer and the Reinsurer agrees to accept 100% of the Company’s gross
liability for Group AV business.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
3
Article
V - Original Conditions
A. All
reinsurance under the Agreement shall be subject to the same rates, terms,
conditions and waivers, and to the same modifications and alterations as the
respective policies (inclusive of any reformation or liberalization of policies)
which are subject to this Agreement. The Reinsurer shall be credited with its
exact proportion of the original premiums received by the Company, prior to
disbursement of any dividends, but after deduction of policy fees or equivalent
charges, ceding commission as provided for in Article X other service fees
or
brokerage fees, and ceded reinsurance premiums, if any, paid by the Company
for
inuring reinsurance.
B. Nothing
herein shall in any manner create any obligations or establish any rights
against the Reinsurer in favor of any third party or any persons not parties
to
this Agreement.
Article
VI - Exclusions
None.
Article
VII - Processing and Handling of the Business Reinsured
A. It
is
understood and agreed to by the Company and Reinsurer that all issuance,
maintenance and servicing of the policies, claims and any other documents
arising out of Group AV business written and reinsured under this Agreement
shall be performed by the Reinsurer or its designee approved in writing by
the
Company. This includes, but is not limited to, policy rate, rule and form
filings, policy application processing, policy issuance, cash handling,
xxxxxxxx, collections, cancellations, reinstatements, agency commission payments
(including information return reporting on behalf of the Company) and
collections, claims handling, adjusting payments (including information return
reporting on behalf of the Company), litigation, subrogation, all financial
and
statistical reporting records and requirements, and any other operational
functions normally performed in the course of writing insurance business.
Furthermore, it is understood and agreed that the Reinsurer shall not delegate
to any general agent or other third party any delegations made by the Company
to
the Reinsurer hereunder without the express written consent of the
Company.
B. Reinsurer
shall recommend and request the Company to appoint the general agents to produce
and/or underwrite Group AV business written and reinsured under the Agreement.
However, the Company shall retain the exclusive rights to appoint and terminate
any general agent and shall notify Reinsurer of any general agent appointment
or
termination made under this Agreement. The Reinsurer may recommend and request
the Company to appoint sub-agents recommended by a general agent to produce
Group AV business written and reinsured under the Agreement. However, the
Company shall retain the exclusive rights to appoint and terminate any
sub-agents recommended under this Agreement.
C. Notwithstanding
any other provision under the Agreement, in the event that the Company deems
it
necessary to assume, or delegate to another party, the responsibility for
processing and handling the Group AV business reinsured hereunder, Reinsurer
shall be liable for and pay all costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature
incurred by the Company that are due to the assumption or delegation of such
activities. The Company shall notify the Reinsurer of its intention to assume
or
delegate the processing and handling of Group AV business by giving the
Reinsurer written notice
setting
forth the reasons for the Company’s decision to assume or delegate the handling
of Group AV business. The Company’s notice shall allow the Reinsurer 30 calendar
days from mailing date of notice to cure all circumstances cited in the
Company’s notice to the Reinsurer. If the Reinsurer has not cured the
circumstances cited in the Company’s notice, the Company shall assume control of
the administration of the processing and handling of Group AV business and
the
Reinsurer shall cooperate fully with the Company’s efforts to transfer the
administration and management of the business.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
4
Article
VIII - Reports and Remittances
A. In
lieu
of Company furnishing Reinsurer with bordereaux showing the particulars of
all
reinsurance ceded hereunder, Reinsurer shall furnish, or cause to be furnished,
reports to the Company within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar
month. Such reports shall be prepared in accordance with statutory annual
statement reporting requirements and shall include the following at a
minimum:
1. |
net
written premiums for the month (“net written premiums” means the sum of
gross written premiums including premium changes on endorsements
plus all
policy fees less return premiums including return premiums on
cancellations) (“policy fees” means the sum of gross policy fees less
returned policy fees, if any, that are determined by the Company
as being
required by regulatory authorities to be reported as written premiums
for
annual statement purposes);
|
2. |
commissions
paid or allowed to general agents and/or sub-agents on (1)
above
|
3. |
ceding
commission on (1) above (including ceded policy
fees);
|
4. |
paid
losses and loss adjustment expenses for the
month;
|
5. |
unearned
premium as of the end of the month;
and
|
6. |
outstanding
loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (including incurred but
not
reported loss reserves) as of the end of the
month.
|
Since
the
Reinsurer shall be responsible for the collection of all net written premiums
and the payment of all general agent and/or agent compensation as well as all
losses and loss adjustment expenses, the Reinsurer shall, provided the amount
calculated is positive, remit to the Company, whether or not premiums have
been
collected from general agents and/or sub-agents, within forty-five (45) days
after the end of each calendar month the net written premiums less the
commissions paid or allowed to the general agents and/or sub-agents (i.e.,
item
(1) less (2) above). Within ten (10) days following the Company’s receipt of
such amounts, the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer ceded net written
premiums less its ceding commissions provided for in Article X. In the event
that net written premiums less commissions paid or allowed to general agents
and/or sub-agents is negative in any one calendar month, the Reinsurer shall
remit to the Company, whether or not premiums have been collected from general
agents and/or sub-agents, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each
calendar month the amount of ceding commissions provided for in paragraphs
B.
and C. of Article X. It is understood and agreed that any funds that become
due
to any third party from the Company for return premiums or paid losses and
loss
adjustment expenses shall not be due and payable to that third party until
such
funds have first been collected by the Company from the Reinsurer. The
Reinsurer’s liability for all losses, costs, expenses or other amounts due
hereunder shall not be affected by the default of any general agent or
sub-agent.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
5
B. Should
any general agent, sub-agent or premium finance company fail to remit premiums
to the Company (or return premiums to policyholders), the Reinsurer shall not
hold the Company liable for said premiums ceded but not collected from (or
returned by) the general agent, sub-agent or premium finance
company.
C. Annually,
the Reinsurer shall furnish the Company with such information as the Company
may
require to complete its annual convention statement.
D. Upon
request, the Reinsurer shall furnish to the Company other reports or statistical
records as required by the Company to be incompliance with insurance department
regulations and statistical reporting requirements.
Article
IX - Currency
A. Whenever
the word "dollars" or the "$" sign appears in the Agreement, they shall be
construed to mean United States dollars and all transactions under the Agreement
shall be in United States dollars.
B. Amounts
paid or received by the Company shall be in United States dollars.
Article
X - Ceding Commission
A. Reinsurer
shall pay ceding commissions to Company equal to the commissions paid or to
be
paid or allowed to the general agents and/or sub-agents producing Group AV
business under the applicable Agency Agreements.
B. Reinsurer
shall pay a ceding commission to Company for the costs of all brokerage, taxes,
board, exchange or bureau assessments, and all other bureau or regulatory body
expenses arising out of Group AV business. The provisional rate for taxes shall
be estimated by the Company periodically as a percentage of net written premiums
and adjusted by the Company annually to an actual rate. The difference between
actual and estimated taxes shall be paid by the owing party to the other as
soon
as practicable after the close of each calendar year. In the event that return
premiums exceed gross premiums written during any one calendar year, and in
the
further event that the Company is not able to recover any premium taxes from
a
state on the resulting net return premiums, Reinsurer agrees to reimburse the
Company for any premium tax deduction made by Reinsurer in the monthly
accountings to the Company for the calendar year involved.
C. A
minimum
ceding commission fee of four and three-fourths percent (4.75%) based upon
annual net written premiums shall be paid by Reinsurer to the Company each
month. Should the Agreement be terminated, the minimum fee set out in this
paragraph shall be fully earned by the Company as of the effective date of
termination and no refund of the fee shall be made by the Company to Reinsurer.
For purposes of calculating ceding commissions, net written premiums shall
include policy fees as well as premiums charged on the policy risks written
and
reinsured hereunder.
D. Ceding
commissions provided for in paragraphs B. and C. above and to the extent that
the Company has paid or allowed commissions to the general agents and other
sub-agents under paragraph A. above shall be paid to the Company by Reinsurer
regardless of the Reinsurer’s receipt of premium on Group AV business written
and reinsured hereunder or a default by any general agent or sub-agent under
any
agreement.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
6
Article
XI - Assignments and Assessments
A. The
Reinsurer hereby assumes liability for any and all assessments and assignments
arising out of Group AV business written and reinsured hereunder, whether before
or after the termination of this Agreement, levied or made against the Company.
If any recovery of an assessment or assignment that was paid by the Reinsurer
is
collected or realized by or returned to the Company, the Reinsurer shall receive
its proportionate interest in the recovery of such assessment or
assignment.
B. This
Agreement shall apply to risks assigned to the Company under any assigned risk
plan, if in the discretion of the Company such risks are assigned to the Company
because they arise out of the Group AV business written and reinsured
hereunder.
C. In
the
event this Agreement is terminated, the provisions of this Article shall survive
and continue to apply for as long as the Company is subject to assignments
and/or assessments arising out of the Group AV business written and reinsured
hereunder.
Article
XII - Taxes
In
consideration of the terms under which this Agreement is issued, the Company
will not claim a deduction in respect of the premium hereon when making tax
returns, other than income or profits tax returns, to any state or territory
of
the United States of America or the District of Columbia.
Article
XIII - Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
A. Losses
shall be reported to the Company by the Reinsurer, or its designee approved
by
the Company, in summary form as required by the Company. When requested,
detailed loss information shall be provided to the Company by the Reinsurer,
or
its designee. Additionally, the Reinsurer shall notify the Company promptly
when, in the opinion of the Company, a specific claim, suit or other proceeding
involves unusual circumstances or large loss possibilities and shall continue
to
report updates to the Company on a monthly basis, or as requested by the
Company, until such claim, suit or other proceeding has been settled or
resolved.
B. As
authorized by the Company under this Agreement, the Reinsurer, or its designee
approved in writing by the Company, shall adjust, settle, or compromise all
losses, claims, suits or other proceedings arising out of Group AV business
reinsured hereunder, whether or not a specific policyholder is named or joined
in such claim, suit or other proceeding, including any class action suit
(whether or not a class has been certified). Provided, however, the Company
reserves the right to maintain control over the adjustment of all losses,
claims, suits or other proceedings arising out of Group AV business reinsured
hereunder, including but not limited to the defense of any such claims, suits
or
other proceedings. Notwithstanding any other provision under the Agreement,
in
the event the Company deems it necessary to assume, or delegate to another
party, the responsibility for the adjustment of losses, claims, suits or other
proceedings on Group AV business reinsured hereunder, Reinsurer shall be liable
for and pay all costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature incurred by the
Company that are due to the assumption or delegation of such
activities.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
7
C. All
payments for losses, adjustments, settlements, or compromises, including ex
gratia payments, for Group AV business reinsured hereunder shall be paid by
the
Reinsurer on behalf of and in the name of the Company and such payments shall
be
unconditionally binding on the Reinsurer and the Reinsurer shall receive benefit
from all salvage, subrogation, and recoveries thereof realized by the Company
on
Group AV business.
D. The
Reinsurer shall pay on behalf of and in the name of the Company and bear all
loss adjustment expense incurred by the Company, or on behalf of the Company,
in
the investigation, adjustment, appraisal or defense of all losses, claims,
suits
or other proceedings arising out of the business reinsured hereunder (excluding,
however, office expenses and salaries of officials of the Company) whether
or
not a specific policyholder is named or joined in such claim, suit or other
proceeding, including any class action suit (whether or not a class has been
certified). The Reinsurer shall receive benefit from any recoveries of such
loss
adjustment expenses realized by the Company on Group AV business.
Article
XIV - Loss in Excess of Policy Limits/Extra Contractual
Obligations
A. The
Reinsurer shall assume, defend, and protect the Company from 100% of any loss
in
excess of any policy limit together with any legal costs and expenses incurred
in connection therewith, whether or not such loss, costs and expenses are within
the terms of any policy, including but not limited to, punitive and exemplary
damages (hereinafter referred to as “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits”) having
been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company or its
designee to settle within the policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual
negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, bad faith or statutory or regulatory
violation in rejecting an offer of settlement, in denying or delaying payment
or
coverage, in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any suit or
other
proceeding, or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon
such action.
B. The
Reinsurer shall assume, defend, and protect the Company from 100% of all Extra
Contractual Obligations. The term “Extra Contractual Obligations” is defined as
those liabilities, including but not limited to, punitive, exemplary,
compensatory or consequential damages, fines penalties, costs and expenses
not
covered under any other provision of this Agreement and which arise out of
Group
AV business, including, but not limited to, (1) failure by the Company or its
designee to settle within the policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual
negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, bad faith, or statutory or regulatory
violation in rejecting an offer of settlement, in denying or delaying payment
or
coverage, in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any suit or
other
proceeding, or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon
such action; (2) alleged or actual excessive, discriminatory or other improper
rates or underwriting practices; and (3) alleged or actual negligence, fraud,
misrepresentation, malpractice, bad faith, or statutory or regulatory violation
committed by the Reinsurer or its general agents and their employees,
representatives, designees, sub-agents or sub-producers, whether or not
committed within the authority granted by the Company under this Agreement
or
the applicable Agency Agreements.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
8
C. With
respect to events described in paragraphs A. and B. of this Article, it is
understood and agreed that the Reinsurer shall not be responsible for such
acts
if the acts are solely the result of actions taken by officers, or employees
of
the Company.
D. An
Extra
Contractual Obligation shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as
the
loss covered or alleged to be covered under the policy.
E. Notwithstanding
any other provisions to the contrary, the term “losses” used throughout this
Agreement and its addenda shall include 100% of all Losses in Excess of Policy
Limits and 100% of all Extra Contractual Obligations.
F. It
is
understood and agreed that the Company is not required to carry excess insurance
or reinsurance to protect the Company and/or the Reinsurer against the subject
matter of this Article.
Article
XV - Offset
The
Company and Reinsurer shall have the right to offset any balance or amounts
due
from one party to the other under the terms of this Agreement. The party
asserting the right of offset may exercise such right any time whether the
balances due are on account of premiums or losses, or otherwise.
Article
XVI - Access to Records
Each
party shall have access during normal business hours to all records of the
other
party which pertain to the reinsurance of Group AV business hereunder. Requests
shall be made at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the access
date.
Article
XVII - Errors and Omissions
A. Inadvertent
delays, errors or omissions made in connection with this Agreement or any
transaction hereunder shall not relieve either party from any liability which
would have attached had such delay, error or omission not occurred, provided
always that such error or omission will be rectified as soon as possible after
discovered and brought to the attention of the Company's
management.
B. It
is
further understood that any policy issued as Group AV business inadvertently
by
the Reinsurer or any general agent or sub-agent shall be subject to the
provisions of this Agreement and shall be unconditionally binding to the
Reinsurer.
Article
XVIII - Unauthorized Reinsurers
A. If
the
Reinsurer is unauthorized in any state of the United States of America or the
District of Columbia, the Reinsurer agrees to fund the Company's ceded reserves
for unearned premium and outstanding loss and loss adjustment expenses (reported
and incurred but not reported) relating to the Group AV business written and
reinsured hereunder, so as to allow the Company to take full credit for reserves
ceded in its statutory annual statement, as follows:
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
9
1. Clean,
irrevocable and unconditional letter(s) of credit issued and confirmed, if
confirmation is required by the insurance regulatory authorities involved,
by a
bank or banks meeting the NAIC Securities Valuation Office credit standards
for
issuers of letters of credit and acceptable to said insurance regulatory
authorities (hereinafter referred to as “letter of credit”); and/or
2. Escrow
accounts for the benefit of the Company; and/or
3. Cash
advances;
if,
without such funding a penalty would accrue to the Company on any financial
statement it is required to file with any insurance regulatory authority
including the states in which the business is written. Reinsurer, at its sole
option, may fund in other than cash if its method and form of funding are
acceptable to the Company and the insurance regulatory authorities
involved.
B. If
the
A.M. Best rating of the Reinsurer is below or drops below a rating of “A” at any
time while any obligation of the Reinsurer under this Agreement remains
outstanding, the requirements for funding of the Company’s ceded reserves for
unearned premium and outstanding loss and loss adjustment expenses, including
reserves for incurred but not reported losses, as provided for under this
Article or any other provision of the Agreement shall apply regardless of
whether or not the Reinsurer is an unauthorized reinsurer.
C. With
regard to funding in whole or in part by letters of credit under this Article
or
any other provision of the Agreement, it is agreed that each letter of credit
will be in a form acceptable to insurance regulatory authorities involved,
and
will be issued for a term of at least one year and will include an "evergreen
clause", which automatically extends the term for at least one additional year
at each expiration date unless written notice of non-renewal is given to the
Company not less than thirty (30) days prior to said expiration date. The
Company and Reinsurer further agree, notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in
the Agreement, that said letters of credit may be drawn upon by the Company
or
its successors in interest at any time, without diminution because of the
insolvency of the Company or Reinsurer, but only for one or more of the
following purposes:
1. To
reimburse the Company for unearned premiums returned to insureds on account
of
policy cancellations, unless paid in cash by Reinsurer.
2. To
reimburse the Company for losses and/or loss adjustment expense paid under
the
terms of Policies reinsured hereunder, unless paid in cash by
Reinsurer.
3. To
reimburse the Company for any other amounts claimed to be due hereunder, unless
paid in cash by Reinsurer.
4. To
fund a
cash account in an amount equal to any ceded unearned premium and/or outstanding
loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, including incurred but not reported
loss reserves, if said letter of credit has not been renewed or replaced by
Reinsurer ten (10) days prior to its expiration date.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
10
5. To
refund
to Reinsurer any sum in excess of the actual amount required to fund the
Company's ceded unearned premium and/or outstanding loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves, if so requested by Reinsurer.
In
the
event the amount drawn by the Company on any letter of credit is in excess
of
the actual amount required for C(1), C(2) or C(4), or in the case of C(3),
the
actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to
Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn.
D. It
is
further understood and agreed that, as a condition of this Agreement more fully
described in Article XXI, the Reinsurer shall provide adequate reinsurance
security to the Company in the form of a letter of credit that meets the
requirements of this Article and Article XXI as well as the statutory
qualifications for reinsurance credit in the Texas Insurance Code for
unauthorized reinsurers. Prior to execution of this Agreement, the Company
shall
receive written confirmation from the bank that it has issued the letter of
credit to the Company as the beneficiary in the minimum and initial amount
of
$15 million. Such letter of credit shall be adjusted immediately by the
Reinsurer in accordance with the Letter of Credit Addendum attached to this
Agreement if the sum of the obligations assumed by the Reinsurer under this
Agreement at any time, as determined by the Company, are greater than $15
million. If the Reinsurer does not comply with the reinsurance security
requirements of this Agreement and its addenda, the Company, at its sole
discretion, shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by
giving notice in writing to the Reinsurer.
Article
XIX - Insolvency
A. In
the
event of the insolvency of the Company, the reinsurance subject to this
Agreement shall be payable to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver,
conservator or statutory successor immediately upon demand, with reasonable
provision for verification, on the basis of the liability of the Company without
diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator,
receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay
all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator,
receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written
notice to Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating
the policy reinsured which claim would involve a possible liability on the
part
of Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the
conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during
the pendency of such claim, Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose,
at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated,
any
defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator,
receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by
Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the Court, against
the
Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent
of a
pro rata share of the benefit which may accrue to the Company solely as a result
of the defense undertaken by Reinsurer.
B. Where
two
or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest
elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned
in
accordance with the terms of the Agreement as though such expense had been
incurred by the Company.
C. It
is
further understood and agreed that, in the event of the insolvency of the
Company, the reinsurance under the Agreement shall be payable directly by
Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver or statutory successor,
or except (1) where the Agreement specifically provides another payee of such
reinsurance in the event of the insolvency of the Company or (2) where Reinsurer
with the consent of the direct insured or insureds has assumed in writing such
policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of Reinsurer to the
payees under such policies and in substitution for the obligations of the
Company to such payees.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
11
Article
XX - Arbitration
A. As
a
condition precedent to any right of action hereunder, any dispute arising out
of
the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, including the
formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of
three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
B. One
arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall, before
instituting the hearing, choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside
at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within thirty
(30) days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after
ten (10) days notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do
so,
may appoint the second arbitrator.
C. If
the
two arbitrators are unable to agree upon the third arbitrator within thirty
(30)
days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be selected from a list
of
six individuals (three named by each arbitrator) by a judge of the federal
district court having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the
arbitration is to take place, or if the federal court declines to act, the
state
court having general jurisdiction in such area.
D. All
arbitrators shall be disinterested active or former executive officers of
insurance or reinsurance companies or Underwriters at Lloyd’s,
London.
E. Within
thirty (30) days after notice of appointment of all arbitrators, the panel
shall
meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules
for hearings.
F. The
panel
shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict
rules of procedures and evidence. Unless the panel agrees otherwise, arbitration
shall take place in Dallas, Texas, but the venue may be changed when deemed
by
the panel to be in the best interest of the arbitration proceeding. Insofar
as
the arbitration panel looks to substantive law, it shall consider the law of
the
State of Texas. The decision of any two arbitrators when rendered in writing
shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief
as it
may deem appropriate.
G. The
panel
shall interpret this Agreement as an honorable engagement rather than as merely
a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and
practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as
possible following the termination of the hearings. Judgment upon the award
may
be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
H. Each
party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally
bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs
of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its
discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate,
including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by
law.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
12
I. The
parties agree, and the appointed arbitrators shall agree as part of their
acceptance of nomination, to keep confidential and not disclose to persons
not
connected with the arbitration the details of the arbitration and all
information received by them in connection therewith, except as may be required
by process of law.
Article
XXI - Reinsurance Security
A. As
a
basis for entering into and maintaining this Agreement, it is understood and
agreed that the Reinsurer shall establish and maintain certain security
requirements of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement. It is understood
and agreed that the Reinsurer shall provide certain information about the
Reinsurer and its parent and affiliates to the Company, as requested, to comply
with the Company’s internal controls and procedures regarding reinsurance
security. Such information shall include, but not be limited to statutory and
audited financial statements; descriptions of the Reinsurer’s reinsurance
program; and copies of any significant regulatory filing that requires
regulatory approval.
B. It
is
agreed that Reinsurer shall obtain for the benefit of Company an initial letter
of credit in the amount of $15,000,000 that shall be maintained according to
the
Letter of Credit Addendum attached to this Agreement, which shall be
incorporated herein by reference.
C. It
also
agreed that in the event that the Reinsurer enters into any ceded reinsurance
of
Group AV business to another reinsurer (i.e., a retrocessionaire), Reinsurer
shall obtain for the benefit of Company an unlimited guarantee of the
Reinsurer’s obligations under this Agreement from its retrocessionaires, which
shall be executed separately and incorporated herein by reference. The
Reinsurer shall fully disclose its reinsurance program to the Company at
inception of this Agreement and annually thereafter. If any changes occur or
are
expected to occur to the Reinsurer’s reinsurance program, the Reinsurer shall
provide timely written notice to the Company of those changes.
Article
XXII - Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement
IN
CONSIDERATION OF THESE PRESENTS AND THE RECIPROCAL BENEFITS DERIVED BY EACH
OF
THE PARTIES HERETO, REINSURER HEREBY AGREES TO DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND
INDEMNIFY THE COMPANY AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS OR
OTHER PROCEEDINGS, LOSS, COST, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO
ALL LEGAL FEES AND EXPENSES) OF WHATEVER KIND OR CHARACTER THAT ARISE OUT OF
GROUP AV BUSINESS REINSURED HEREUNDER WHETHER OR NOT SUCH CLAIM, CAUSE OF
ACTION, SUIT OR OTHER PROCEEDING, LOSS, COST, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE IS WITHIN THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF POLICIES WRITTEN AND REINSURED HEREUNDER AND WHETHER
OR
NOT ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. THIS ARTICLE SHALL APPLY
REGARDLESS OF THE SOLE OR CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER FAULT OF THE COMPANY,
WHETHER ACTUAL OR ALLEGED.
IF
FOR
ANY REASON THE REINSURER IS UNABLE TO OR DOES NOT ADMINISTER THE POLICIES
REINSURED HEREUNDER (WHETHER THE AGREEMENT IS IN EFFECT OR THE GROUP AV BUSINESS
IS BEING RUN-OFF), THE COMPANY SHALL APPOINT A THIRD PARTY TO ADMINISTER THE
GROUP AV BUSINESS REINSURED HEREUNDER AND THE REINSURER SHALL BE LIABLE FOR
ANY
EXPENSES INCURRED THEREWITH.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
13
Article
XXIII - Savings Clause
If
any
law or regulation of the federal, state, or local government of the United
States or the rulings of officials having supervision over insurance companies
should render illegal the undertaking of this Agreement as to risks located
in
the jurisdiction of such authority, either the Company or the Reinsurer may
upon
written notice to the other party suspend, abrogate, or amend this Agreement
insofar as it relates to risks located within such jurisdiction to such extent
as may be necessary to comply with such law, regulation, or ruling. Such
suspension, abrogation, or amendment of a portion of this Agreement shall in
no
way affect any other portion thereof.
Article
XXIV - Service of Suit
A. It
is
agreed that in the event Reinsurer fails to pay any amount claimed to be due
hereunder, Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, will submit to the
jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction within the United States,
will comply with all requirements necessary to give such court jurisdiction
and
agrees to abide by the final decision of such court or an appellate court to
which such court’s decision is appealed. Nothing in this Article constitutes or
should be understood to constitute a waiver of Reinsurer's rights to commence
an
action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove
an
action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to
another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state
in
the United States.
B. Further,
pursuant to any statue of any state, territory or district of the United States
which makes provision therefore, Reinsurer hereby designates the party named
in
its Interests and Liabilities Agreement, or if no party is named therein, the
Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance or the officer specified
for that purpose in the statute, or his successors in office, as its true and
lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit
or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary
hereunder arising out of this Contract.
Article
XXV - Miscellaneous
A. The
Agreement shall bind and inure to the sole benefit of the Company and Reinsurer
and their respective successors and assigns and shall not confer any benefit
on
any other person.
B. The
rights and obligations of either party under the Agreement shall not be assigned
to a third party without the prior written approval of the other party to the
Agreement.
C. The
provision of the Agreement shall not create any right or legal relationship
between Reinsurer and any insured and/or policyholder of Company.
D. The
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which is deemed
to be an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and
the
same instrument.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
14
E. The
Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior understandings,
whether written or oral, with respect thereto.
F. The
Agreement may be amended from time to time by a written instrument executed
with
the same degree of formality as the Agreement. No waiver of any of the terms
or
conditions of the Agreement by any party shall be considered as creating a
waiver of the same terms or conditions in any subsequent transaction or
occurrence.
G. This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America and
the
State of Texas, without respect to their choice of law provisions.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
15
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto by their respective duly authorized
representatives have executed the Agreement to be effective as of April 15,
2006.
REPUBLIC UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY | ||
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By | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx | |
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Its | Vice President | |
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AMERICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE COMPANY | ||
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By | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |
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Its | President | |
|
Letter
of Credit Addendum
To
The
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective April 15, 2006
This
Letter of Credit Addendum, effective April
15,
2006,
is
incorporated into and forms a part of the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
between Republic Underwriters Insurance Company (the “Company”) and American
Vehicle Insurance Company (“Reinsurer”), originally effective April
15,
2006,
covering Group AV business.
It
is
agreed that Reinsurer
shall provide the Company a letter of credit and maintain it as provided
herein.
Section
I - Purpose Of Addendum
Pursuant
to the terms hereof, Reinsurer agrees to secure a letter of credit (as defined
in herein) which shall be for the sole use and benefit of the Company for the
payment of amounts due the Company as of the effective date hereof, and amounts
that may become due the Company thereafter under the Quota Share Reinsurance
Agreement (as amended from time to time, originally effective April 15, 2006,
and hereinafter referred to as the "Reinsurance Agreement") as allowed
herein.
Section
II - Amount Of Letter Of Credit
A. Concurrent
with the execution of this Addendum, Reinsurer shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Company a letter of credit in an amount greater than or equal
to the initial amount as stated in the Reinsurance Agreement. Subsequent to
the
execution of this Addendum, Reinsurer shall immediately adjust the amount of
the
letter of credit to an amount greater than or equal to the greater of the
minimum amount of $15,000,000 or the sum of the Company's "ceded reserves"
and
"other reinsurance balances."
B. "Letter
of credit" as used herein shall meet the minimum requirements as to form and
expiration as provided for in the Texas Insurance Code to qualify for
reinsurance credit for unauthorized reinsurers and other provisions of the
Reinsurance Agreement. Such letter of credit must be clean, irrevocable, and
unconditional. It must be issued or confirmed by a qualified United States
financial institution acceptable to the Company. It must be issued for a term
of
at least one year and include an “evergreen” clause, which automatically extends
the term for at least one additional year at each expiration date unless written
notice of non-renewal is received by the Company not less than thirty (30)
days
prior to said expiration date.
C. "Ceded
reserves" as used herein shall be defined as the reserves for unearned premiums
plus the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (reported as well
as
not reported) as determined by the Company that are ceded by the Company to
Reinsurer for Group AV business.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
2
D. "Other
reinsurance balances" as used herein shall be defined as the net of the
receivables for ceded paid losses and loss adjustment expenses and the payable
for ceded premiums written less the respective ceding commissions for Group
AV
business.
Section
III - Reporting
A. Subsequent
to the effective date of this Addendum, Reinsurer shall report to the Company
its calculation of the letter of credit balance required in writing. Such report
shall be as of each calendar month and shall be due within forty five (45)
days
after the end of the subject monthly period.
B. Any
changes to the letter of credit shall be agreed to in writing by the Company
and
Reinsurer. Such changes shall be completed and Reinsurer shall cause a new
letter of credit, or amendments thereto, to be received by the Company within
sixty (60) days after the end of the subject monthly period.
Section
IV - Company's Claim On The Letter Of Credit
A. In
the
event Reinsurer defaults upon its obligation under the Reinsurance Agreement
including, but not limited to, the following: to reimburse the Company for
Reinsurer's share of premiums refunded to policyholders on account of the
cancellations of individual coverage under reinsured policies, or to reimburse
the Company for lossesand loss adjustment expenses paid by the Company under
the
terms and provisions of the reinsured policies, or to reimburse the Company
for
Reinsurer's share of excess premium refunds to the policyholders under reinsured
policies pursuant to retrospective premium adjustment formula agreements between
the Company and the policyholders (or the similar), if any, or to reimburse
the
Company for Reinsurer's share of retrospective commission adjustments,
contingent commissions, profit-sharing, or experience refunds due to the Company
or the Company's agents, managing general agents, or special agents, then upon
written demand by an authorized officer of the Company at the Company's sole
discretion, the bank issuing the letter of credit shall thereupon pay proceeds
of the letter of credit in cash to the Company.
B. In
the
event the Company takes possession of proceeds from the letter of credit as
provided for in paragraph A. above, the Company shall return to Reinsurer any
amount by which the proceeds of such letter of credit exceeds the balance due
the Company under the Reinsurance Agreement. Reinsurer shall continue to be
liable for any amount by which balances due the Company exceed the said proceeds
of the letter of credit plus any unfunded portions thereof.
Section
V - Letter Of Credit Fee Expense
The
expense incurred to obtain and maintain the letter of credit will be borne
solely by Reinsurer.
American
Vehicle Insurance Company
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement
Originally
Effective: April 15, 2006
Page
3
Section
VI - Termination
This
Addendum shall continue beyond the effective date of termination of the
Reinsurance Agreement, while the Group AV business is in run-off, until all
obligations under the Reinsurance Agreement have been satisfied by the
Reinsurer. This Addendum may only be terminated by the Company upon its
verification of the final settlement between the Company and Reinsurer of all
reinsured claims and losses and all obligations of Reinsurer under the
Reinsurance Agreement. Such termination must be made by the Company in
writing.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto by their respective duly authorized
representatives have executed this Letter of Credit Addendum to the Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement to be effective as of April
15,
2006.
Attest | REPUBLIC UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY | |
|
|
|
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | By | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx |
|
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Its | Vice President | |
|
Attest | AMERICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE COMPANY | |
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/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx | By | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
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Its | President | |
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