Exhibit 10.14
UNDERWRITING MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into effective as of June 1, 2003, by and between
Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), and
Darwin Professional Underwriters Inc. (hereinafter called the "Manager").
WHEREAS, the Manager intends to develop, produce and market the insurance
business specified in Appendix I, Insurance Business (hereinafter called the
"Business") and desires to underwrite, administer and market the Business on
behalf of the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Company wishes that the Manager underwrite, administer and
market the Business;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises herein contained and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, it is agreed that:
SECTION 1 - APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY
1.0 The Company hereby appoints the Manager as its exclusive agent for writing
the Business, except the Company may write the Business with an agent other
than Darwin, without violating the exclusivity provision of this Section
1.0, in the event Company requests that the Manager act as agent for a
given account or program and the Manager declines Company's request.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) in the event that Alleghany Corporation
or any of its subsidiaries acquires an insurer which is engaged in one or
more lines of Business but is not licensed in one or more jurisdictions in
which the Company is licensed, the Company may as an accommodation issue
policies with respect to such lines of Business at the request of that
insurer for a period of no more than six months following such acquisition
without violating the exclusivity provisions of this Section 1.0, (ii) the
Company may issue surety products, policies to and in connection with the
Company's property and casualty accounts and programs in place at June 1,
2003 and coverages incidental to or in conjunction with commercial package
policies, without violating the exclusivity provisions of this Section 1.0
and (iii) the Company may issue policies for and provide services to
Resurgens Specialty Underwriting, Inc. and RSUI Indemnity Company.
1.1 In conducting the Business, the Manager is responsible for and is
authorized to:
a. Solicit and evaluate applications;
b. Subject to Appendix II, Underwriting Guidelines (the "Underwriting
Guidelines"), determine the underwriting acceptability of risks and
rate, quote, negotiate, bind, manuscript, issue, adjust, renew and
deliver policies, assumed facultative and treaty reinsurance
agreements, endorsements, certificates and binders with respect to the
Business (hereinafter called the "Contracts");
c. Xxxx, collect and remit to the Company all premiums for the Contracts
and keep the necessary records to support each transaction in
accordance with the guidelines specified in Appendix III, Accounting
and Records (the "Accounting and Records Guidelines");
d. Retain, out of premiums collected, expense reimbursement subject to
the terms specified in Appendix IV, Payments;
e. In accordance with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction, effect
cancellation, nonrenewal or rescission of Contracts on any risk bound
by the Manager for nonpayment of premium or other causes as the
Manager may deem to be in the interests of the Company or as directed
by the Company. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to
restrict the Company's rights to cancel or not renew any policy of
insurance subject to the applicable laws and regulations concerning
the cancellation and nonrenewal of insurance policies;
f. Report claims to the Company and administer, settle and maintain
records of claims in accordance with the claims guidelines provided in
Appendix V, Claims (the "Claims Guidelines"); and
g. Accept proposals of insurance and assumed reinsurance from agents,
brokers or solicitors (hereinafter called "Subproducers") and
determine the amount of compensation payable to such Subproducers. The
Manager agrees that any compensation payable to a Subproducer will be
its sole responsibility and the Company shall have no liability for
any such compensation unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the
Company and the Manager and, further, that no Subproducer shall be
appointed or considered as agent of the Company without the Company's
prior written consent thereto. The Manager shall be solely responsible
for confirming that all Subproducers approved by the Company possess
all licenses and appointments required under applicable law.
SECTION 2 - LIMITATIONS OF AUTHORITY
2.0 The Manager shall not accept proposals or bind the Company for insurance
(i) on risks not included in the types of insurance specified in Appendix
I, Insurance Business, (ii) on risks deemed unacceptable, as specified in
the Underwriting Guidelines, and (iii) as the Company may direct in writing
from time to time. The Manager shall have no authority to bind the Company
to any ceding reinsurance agreements.
2.1 Except for use of either party's name in correspondence in the ordinary
course of business, neither party shall use the other party's name, logo or
marks in any advertisement, sales or promotional materials without
providing notice thereof to the other party before or within 10 days of
such use. Neither party shall continue
2
such use upon receipt of an objection thereto by the other party, such
objection not to be unreasonably made.
2.2 The Manager shall not institute legal proceedings on behalf of the Company
except (i) for collection of premium, (ii) as may be specified in the
Claims Guidelines or (iii) as otherwise agreed by the Company and the
Manager.
2.3 With respect to the insurance functions performed for the Company by the
Manager, it is specifically recognized that the relationship between the
Manager and the Company shall be that of an authorized agent acting on
behalf of a principal. In all other respects, however, the Manager shall
conduct its business as an independent contractor.
2.4 The Manager shall not authorize any other person or entity to exercise any
of the Manager's underwriting authority specified herein without the prior
written consent of the Company.
SECTION 3 - OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
3.0 As used herein, "Proprietary Information" means all intellectual property
rights, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets and all
underwriting and marketing materials originated or substantially developed
by the Manager or the Company relating to the Business including, but not
limited to, underwriting manuals, applications, Contract forms,
advertisements, brochures, newsletters, loss prevention materials and
marketing logos. The Company and the Manager both acknowledge that
Proprietary Information developed or acquired by the other party prior to
or subsequent to the inception date of this Agreement is owned by the other
party and shall continue to be owned by the other party in the event of the
termination of this Agreement, regardless of the reason for the
termination.
SECTION 4 - OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.0 It is the responsibility of the Manager and the Company to comply with all
laws and regulations applicable to the Business, including but not limited
to:
a. Obtaining and maintaining appropriate licenses;
b. Maintaining accurate records of all transactions affecting the
Business;
c. Complying with any and all cancellation, nonrenewal and
countersignature requirements imposed by law; and
d. Complying with the requirements of any other applicable insurance
laws.
3
The Manager and the Company shall comply with the specific
requirements applicable to each, and shall assist each other whenever
possible in complying with this Section 4.0.
4.1 The Company shall pay all premium related taxes, with the exception of
surplus lines taxes which shall be the responsibility of the Manager or
another licensed surplus lines broker or agent producing Business to the
Manager, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Company and the
Manager.
4.2 The Manager shall observe all regulatory restrictions upon the licensing
and soliciting of insurance in each jurisdiction.
4.3 The Manager shall become a licensed agent of the Company and the Company
shall assist the Manager in obtaining licenses when required by applicable
law. The Manager shall secure a proper countersignature for each Contract
when required by law.
4.4 Except as otherwise provided herein, the Manager shall be responsible for
its own expenses which shall include, but not be limited to, all employee
compensation, all business license fees, overhead expenses, in-house claim
services expenses, commissions to Subproducers and compensation to
associates or entities sponsoring or endorsing any Business. The Company's
approval is necessary prior to the Manager obtaining any sponsorship or
endorsement of the Business from any third party.
4.5 The Manager will maintain a competent and sufficient staff to perform the
underwriting functions. The Manager also will maintain a competent and
sufficient staff or will retain competent and sufficient third parties,
including without limitation monitoring counsel, to perform investigation
and adjustment of claims, Contract issuance, billing and generation of
reports for the Business and any other non-underwriting activity as the
Manager determines is necessary and appropriate. Any such sub-contracted
for services will not be performed by any person or entity that is an
affiliate or an associate of Manager or an officer, director or employee of
Manager without the specific written approval of Company.
SECTION 5 - FUNDS HELD BY THE MANAGER ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY
5.0 All funds collected or received by the Manager for or on behalf of the
Company shall be held in a fiduciary capacity by the Manager in an account
in a financial institution which is a member of the Federal Reserve System.
This account shall be used for all payments on behalf of the Company.
Provided the Manager has, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
accounted for and paid to the Company all premiums and other monies legally
due and owing to the Company, any investment income produced from the
fiduciary funds held on behalf of the
4
Company by the Manager shall vest and become the property of the Manager,
and the Company waives any right of ownership to such investment income.
SECTION 6 - EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS
6.0 The Manager shall be entitled to an expense reimbursement payment and an
incentive compensation payment in respect of Business written pursuant to
this Agreement in the amounts specified in Appendix IV, Payments. The
Manager shall report transactions to the Company in the manner specified in
Appendix III, Accounting and Records, and shall deduct from its remittance
of premiums to the Company an amount in respect of the expense
reimbursement payment provided for in Article IV.
SECTION 7 - ACCOUNTING
7.0 The Manager shall account for and forward all money due to the Company with
respect to the Business transacted on behalf of the Company in accordance
with Appendix In, Accounting and Records.
SECTION 8 - RECORDS AND AUDITING
8.0 The Manager will maintain separate records of business written by the
Manager for the Company. The Company has the right, upon reasonable written
notice and during normal business hours of the Manager, to copy, inspect
and audit all the records, files and documents related to the Business as
the Company, at its sole discretion, deems necessary. The Manager agrees to
cooperate with the Company in conducting such inspections and audits. The
insurance commissioner of the State of Wisconsin (the "Commissioner") shall
have access to all books, bank accounts and records of the Manager in a
form usable by the Commissioner. The Manager shall retain records according
to sections Ins 6.61 and 6.80 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code Rules of
the Commissioner of Insurance.
8.1 The Manager will submit to the Company on a daily basis notification of
policies bound during the previous business day and such other information
as is agreed between the parties.
8.2 The Manager will assist the Company in responding to any regulatory
requirements, audits or other inquiries. The Manager will assist Company in
any way necessary in order for Company to meet its obligations under sec.
Ins 42.05, Wis. Adm. Code, including but not limited to, providing Company
with any requested data, documentation or files related to the business
written by the Manager for the Company.
8.3 Use, ownership and control of expirations shall remain with the Manager
following the termination of this Agreement.
5
SECTION 9 - INDEMNIFICATION
9.0 The Company agrees to indemnify and hold the Manager harmless from and
against all claims, actions, causes of action, liability or loss which
arise from any negligent or willful acts, errors or omissions by the
Company, or its directors, officers or employees, in the performance or
breach of duties under this Agreement. Loss will include, but not be
limited to, all damages, costs, expenses, reasonable attorneys' fees and
other legal fees, penalties, fines, direct or consequential damages,
assessments, verdicts (including punitive damages to the extent permissible
by law) and any other expense or expenditure incurred by the Manager.
9.1 The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and
against all claims, actions, causes of action, liability or loss which
arise from any negligent or willful acts, errors or omissions by the
Manager, or its directors, officers or employees, in the performance or
breach of duties under this Agreement. Loss will include, but not be
limited to, all damages, costs, expenses, reasonable attorneys' fees and
other legal fees, penalties, fines, direct or consequential damages,
assessments, verdicts (including punitive damages to the extent permissible
by law) and any other expense or expenditure incurred by the Company.
SECTION 10 - TERMINATION
10.0 a. This Agreement shall commence as of June 1, 2003, and continue, except
as otherwise provided herein, through May 31, 2007 (the "Expiration
Date"), and shall thereafter continue in effect as provided in Section
10.0(b), unless terminated by either party in accordance with Section
10.1 of this Agreement.
b. Subject to the provisions of Section 10.1 herein below, at each twelve
(12) month anniversary following the Expiration Date of this
Agreement, this Agreement shall. be deemed automatically extended for
an additional twelve (12) month period and the Expiration Date
specified in Section 10.0(a) shall be deemed to be so amended, without
further notice.
10.1 Notwithstanding Section 10.0:
a. Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason whatsoever
effective upon the Expiration Date by providing not less than sixty
(60) days prior written notice to the other party evidencing said
party's intent to terminate this Agreement at such Expiration Date.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon the mutual written
agreement of the Company and the Manager.
6
c. This Agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time by written
notice in the event the Manager files for bankruptcy, becomes
insolvent or assigns all or part of its assets for the benefit of
creditors.
d. This Agreement may also be terminated by the Company or by the Manager
at any time by written notice if the other party materially breaches
the terms of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within 30 days
after notice thereof has been delivered to the breaching party. The
Company may suspend the Manager's underwriting and claim authority
during the pendency of any dispute regarding the cause for
termination.
e. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time by written notice
upon (i) a consolidation or merger of the Manager resulting in
Alleghany Corporation's failure to own, directly or indirectly, at
least 51% of the outstanding equity interests in the Manager, (ii) a
sale by Alleghany Corporation or its affiliates of equity interests in
the Manager resulting in Alleghany Corporation's failure to own,
directly or indirectly, at least 51% of the outstanding equity
interests in the Manager, or (iii) a sale of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Manager to a person other than Alleghany
Corporation or any of its affiliates. The Manager may terminate this
Agreement at any time by written notice upon (i) a consolidation or
merger of the Company resulting in Alleghany Corporation's failure to
own, directly or indirectly, at least 51% of the outstanding equity
interests in the Company, (ii) a sale by Alleghany Corporation or its
affiliates of equity interests in the Company resulting in Alleghany
Corporation's failure to own, directly or indirectly, at least 51% of
the outstanding equity interests in the Company or (iii) a sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries
to a person other than Alleghany Corporation or any of its affiliates.
10.2 The Manager's appointment and authority for the Business written under this
Agreement is subject to the following:
a. That the Company is able to obtain and maintain in force at all times
reinsurance satisfactory to the Company for the Business. The Manager
shall assist the Company to obtain reinsurance with respect to the
Business, consistent with the Underwriting Guidelines; and
b. If the Company's reinsurance is terminated or no longer in full force
and effect for all or any part of the Business, the Company may, upon
written notice to the Manager, reduce the Manager's authority for the
Business or any part of the Business affected so that the Company's
net retention levels, as described in the Underwriting Guidelines, are
not exceeded.
10.3 In the event of termination of this Agreement, the Company, in its sole
discretion, may continue in-force Contracts until their stated expiration
dates, subject to the following provisions:
7
a. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Company reserves all of
its rights to cancel and/or non-renew Contracts for nonpayment of
premium, and Contracts issued in violation of the Underwriting
Guidelines then applicable; and
b. The Manager shall continue to be the agent of the Company, but only
with respect to the servicing of Contracts in-force on or before the
date of termination of this Agreement and the administration of claims
made on Contracts issued under this Agreement. The Company may suspend
or terminate Manager's authority under this Section 10.3(b) in the
event this Agreement is terminated because of breach by Manager of the
material terms of this Agreement.
SECTION 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.0 Neither party will delegate or assign its rights, duties or obligations
under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.
11.1 This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by the internal laws of the
State of Wisconsin without giving effect to the conflicts of laws
provisions thereof.
11.2 Except upon the prior written consent of Company, Manager shall not
represent any other insurer not affiliated with Alleghany Corporation with
respect to the insurance business specified in Appendix I.
11.3 If any portion of this Agreement is in contravention of any statute,
governmental regulation or directive, such portion shall be interpreted to
conform to such statute, governmental regulation or directive without
further action by the Manager or by the Company.
11.4 In the event that any provision of this Agreement is struck down as invalid
or unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain binding and
in effect.
11.5 The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall not constitute a waiver by either party of any such provision.
11.6 If any dispute or disagreement shall arise in connection with any
interpretation of this Agreement, its performance or nonperformance, or the
figures or calculations used, the parties shall make every effort to meet
informally and settle their dispute in good faith.
11.7 The Company and the Manager each represent that they are authorized to
enter into this Agreement, in compliance with applicable law.
11.8 The provisions of this Agreement together with the Appendices and any
Addendum or Addenda attached hereto, constitute the entire Agreement. This
Agreement may not be altered or modified, except in writing, signed by both
parties.
8
11.9 The parties acknowledge that the following Appendices are attached hereto
and incorporated herein by reference as of the inception date of this
Agreement:
Appendix I Insurance Business
Appendix II Underwriting Guidelines
Appendix III Accounting and Records
Appendix IV Payments
Appendix V Claims
11.10 This Agreement maybe executed in counterparts, each of which when
construed together shall constitute the whole.
SECTION 12 - NOTICES
12.0 All written notices under this Agreement shall be mailed by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, or sent by facsimile, as
follows:
a. To the Company: CAPITOL SPECIALTY INSURANCE CORPORATION
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
b. To the Manager: DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS INC.
00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx
Attention:. Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed in
duplicate by their respective duly authorized officers.
CAPITOL SPECIALTY INSURANCE CORPORATION DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS INC.
Dated as of June 1, 2003 Dated as of June 1, 2003
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Its: VP, CFO, & Treasurer Its: SVP, CFO
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------
9
