SUA INSURANCE COMPANY PARTNER AGENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.2
SUA INSURANCE COMPANY
This Partner Agent Program Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st day of October,
2007 (the “Effective Date”) by and between SUA Insurance Company and its property and casualty
insurance subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively the “Company”) and First Light Program
Managers, Inc. (the “Partner Agent”).
The parties hereto intend to develop and administer an insurance program (“Program”) as described
in Exhibit A attached hereto. This Agreement pertains only to the Program, with Company and Partner
Agent agreeing as follows:
I. DEFINITIONS
A. | “Commission” shall mean the commission as described in Exhibit A. |
||
B. | “Company Confidential Information” shall mean Company rates, rating manuals, forms,
Company Guidelines, program analysis, underwriting records, management reports, and any
information as may have been or shall be provided by Company to Partner Agent. |
||
C. | “Company Guidelines” shall mean the terms of this Agreement, the Program description,
underwriting guidelines, system templates, service standards, form and rate and other
filings, and authority limits provided by Company to Partner Agent. |
||
D. | “Company System” shall mean Company’s centralized technology system. |
||
E. | “Compensation” shall mean both Commission and Profit Sharing. |
||
F. | “Partner Agent Advisory Committee” shall mean Company’s Partner Agent committee. |
||
G. | “Partner Agent Stock” shall mean the Class B exchangeable common stock, as more fully
described in Article III, Paragraph O. of this Agreement and specifically described in the
Securities Purchase Agreement. |
||
H. | “Premium Trust Fund” shall mean an account separate and segregated from Partner Agent’s
own funds or funds held by Partner Agent on behalf of any other company or person as more
fully described in Article VII, Paragraph C. |
||
I. | “Profit Sharing” shall mean a share of profits in accordance with Exhibit B attached
hereto. |
||
J. | “Securities Purchase Agreement” shall mean the Securities Purchase Agreement by and
between Company and Partner Agent, which is incorporated by reference as an integral part
of this Agreement. |
||
K. | “Statement” shall mean a monthly itemized statement to Partner Agent from Company of
money due Company as more fully described in Article VII, Paragraph B. |
||
L. | “Term” shall be from the Effective Date until the termination of this Agreement. |
||
M. | “Third Party Confidential Information” shall mean any and all information either
Company or Partner Agent may receive with regard to applicants, policyholders,
beneficiaries of policies, and claimants. |
||
N. | “Vendor Selection and Claims Procedures” shall mean the selection of vendors and claims
handling procedures as more fully described in Article V, Paragraph D. |
1
II. AUTHORITY
A. | Partner Agent’s authority is subject to the Company Guidelines. Company appoints
Partner Agent as its exclusive Partner Agent for five (5) years for the Program
from the Effective Date within the territory specified in the Company Guidelines solely for
the following purposes: |
1. | To solicit, receive, and bind proposals for commercial lines insurance in
accordance with the Company Guidelines. |
||
2. | To pre-screen applications and estimate rates and/or premiums in accordance
with the Company Guidelines. |
||
3. | To endorse in-force policies in accordance with the Company Guidelines. |
||
4. | To collect, receive, account for, and pay to Company, premiums on policies
written by Company, and to refund to the policyholder or insured, as appropriate (or to
Company if requested by Company), return premiums as provided in the applicable policy. |
||
5. | To issue, countersign (where necessary), and deliver policies executed by
authorized officers of Company. |
||
6. | To effect conditional renewals, cancellation and non-renewal of policies in
accordance with the Company Guidelines and applicable law. |
B. | Partner Agent may delegate its authority in writing to designated employees. |
||
C. | Partner Agent’s authority is subject to compliance with (and Partner Agent shall not
alter, modify, or change and shall not waive any provision in) the applicable forms, rules,
or rates of Company, according to their exact terms and to all applicable laws and
regulations. |
||
D. | Company shall have the right to reject any application or business submitted by Partner
Agent or to modify, cancel, or refuse to renew any policies written by Company hereunder by
giving Partner Agent written notice of effective date of changes that would affect such
business. |
||
E. | Partner Agent shall, within twenty (20) calendar days of the inception of coverage,
provide to Company all data and statistical information relating to the underwriting of
accounts. Partner Agent is authorized to issue binders, certificates or other evidence of
insurance. |
||
F. | The Company Guidelines may be amended or new Company Guidelines may be adopted at
Company’s discretion without the need to amend this Agreement. Such amendments or new
Company Guidelines will be provided to Partner Agent in writing and must be implemented by
Partner Agent in accordance with Company’s instructions. Company will give Partner Agent
reasonable notice in which to enact such changes. |
||
G. | Company retains the right to modify, cancel, conditionally renew or non-renew any and
all policies solely in Company’s discretion. |
||
H. | Partner Agent has no authority to solicit, negotiate or place any reinsurance on behalf
of Company. |
III. OBLIGATIONS OF PARTNER AGENT
A. | Partner Agent represents and warrants that (i) Partner Agent has any and all ownership
or other rights in the business contemplated herein necessary to place such business with
Company under this Agreement; (ii) Partner Agent placing business under this Agreement is
not in violation of any duty or obligation owed to any other entity or person; and (iii)
Partner Agent is, and will continue to be, authorized and licensed to perform all acts set
out in this Agreement while providing services under this Agreement. |
||
2
B. | The Program, as more specifically described in the Company Guidelines and in Exhibit A,
will be mutually exclusive, unless otherwise stated in this Agreement. Partner Agent will
be allowed to complete existing obligations under insurance policies with other insurance
carriers for the Program. Unless otherwise specifically stated in this Agreement, Company
will not accept business encompassed within the Program from any entity other than Partner Agent during the Term of this Agreement. Partner Agent
shall exclusively represent Company and shall not represent any other insurance company or
similar entity in relation to the Program. In the event that a conflict exists as to
whether Partner Agent is authorized to represent an existing or prospective policyholder,
Company may honor the policyholder’s written producer of record designation signed by the
policyholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company shall be under no obligation to honor
a written producer of record designation from a policyholder before accepting business from
a designated Partner Agent, and Company’s determination of which agent of Company represents
Company with regard to a particular policyholder shall be final and binding. |
||
C. | Partner Agent shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable state and federal
laws, regulations, rules, and requirements relating to the performance of Partner Agent’s
obligations and the general standards, rules, and regulations of the insurance industry and
all Company Guidelines as provided by Company in writing. |
||
D. | Partner Agent shall keep true, separate, accurate, and complete records of all
transactions related to the policies and all correspondence related thereto. |
||
E. | All records and documents applicable to the business relationship between Company and
Partner Agent shall be maintained by Partner Agent in a form and manner that is (i)
requested by Company, and (ii) secure and in accordance with Company’s record retention
guidelines and insurance regulatory practices. Such records and documents shall continue
to be maintained in a secure manner during the Term and for a period of no less than five
(5) years (or such longer period as Company may request or is needed in order to preserve
such records and documents under state statutes of limitations) after termination
of this Agreement. At the end of such five (5) year period or at any time Company
requests, Partner Agent shall provide Company with originals or copies of such records and
documents. No records or documents shall be destroyed at any time prior to five (5) years
or according to state regulation without Company’s prior written consent. |
||
F. | All records and documents of Partner Agent may be audited, examined, and/or copied by
representatives of Company at any time during normal business hours and shall be made
available for examination to reinsurers, or to any state insurance department or regulatory
authority which so requires. Additionally, Partner Agent shall permit authorized employees
and representatives of Company to review the operations of Partner Agent, both at its place
of business and at other locations during normal business hours upon ten (10) days written
notice by Company. |
||
G. | Partner Agent shall notify Company immediately of notice or receipt of any complaint
filed with any state insurance department or other regulatory authority relating to the
policies, whether against Company or Partner Agent. The parties will work together to
promptly and adequately respond to any such complaint. If requested by Company, Partner
Agent shall prepare a response to any such complaint or, at Company’s discretion, provide a
complete written account to Company such that Company can respond; however, no response
shall be sent by Partner Agent prior to consulting with Company regarding such response.
Company retains the final authority on all responses relating to complaints against
Company. Company may establish formal complaint handling procedures for Partner Agent to
follow which are consistent with the requirements set forth herein. |
||
H. | Partner Agent shall not contact any state insurance department or other regulatory
authority, directly or indirectly, with regard to Company’s business without the prior
written consent of Company. Partner Agent shall notify Company immediately in the event
that Partner Agent receives any contact from any such department or authority with regard
to Company’s business. |
||
I. | Partner Agent shall utilize automated business processing through the Company System.
Partner Agent shall be responsible for any integration required for the Company System to
operate with other third party systems of Partner Agent. |
||
J. | If Company provides access to Company information or networks through computer access,
Partner Agent shall be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of such
information and of the Company System. Partner Agent shall not introduce into the Company
System any virus or other harmful agent. Partner Agent shall be responsible for assuring
the quality of policy, premium, accounting and statistical data submitted to Company
consistent with Company standards. Partner Agent agrees to adhere to the terms and
conditions governing Partner Agent’s use of any existing Company website or any website |
3
Company may own, make available, operate, acquire, use from time to time, create or sponsor
in the future, and related services available under any such website. These terms and
conditions regarding use of any website or the content of any website may change without
notice to Partner Agent. Partner Agent’s use of these websites constitutes agreement to the
terms and conditions that exist at each point in time Partner Agent uses any such website.
Partner Agent may not use the name, logo, or service xxxx of Company in any advertising,
promotional material, internet site, or in any material disseminated by Partner Agent
without the prior written consent of Company. Partner Agent shall maintain copies and
provide an original to Company of any advertisement or other materials approved by Company
along with full details concerning where, when, and how it was used. Use of any authorized
item shall be limited to the scope of the current request and approval, unless specifically
authorized for broader use by Company. Partner Agent must obtain re-authorization of all
items at least annually. |
|||
K. | All expenses associated with Partner Agent’s performance hereunder shall be the
responsibility of Partner Agent, including but not limited to general office expenses,
automation expenses, systems integration expenses, marketing expenses, broker, producer, or
countersigning commissions, fees, and taxes. |
||
L. | Partner Agent agrees that the Company Confidential Information, which is confidential
and proprietary to Company, shall be considered trade secrets of Company, and shall not be
disclosed to any third parties. Partner Agent agrees to maintain the confidentiality of
the Company Confidential Information. Partner Agent shall ensure that Partner Agent’s
employees, agents, and representatives are aware of and sensitive to the proprietary nature
of the Company Confidential Information, of the importance of confidentiality, and of the
need to comply with the confidentiality requirements in this Agreement. All Company
Confidential Information shall be returned by Partner Agent to Company immediately upon
request. |
||
M. | Partner Agent agrees that Partner Agent and its employees, agents, and representatives
are (i) aware of the sensitive and proprietary nature of Third Party Confidential
Information; and (ii) aware of and will comply with: (a) any and all applicable laws,
regulations, rules, and requirements relating to Third Party Confidential Information; (b)
the general standards, rules, and regulations of the insurance industry relating to Third
Party Confidential Information; and (c) all written instructions provided to Partner Agent
from time to time by Company relating to Third Party Confidential Information. Partner
Agent shall comply with Company’s privacy policies and shall hold all Third Party
Confidential Information in trust and confidence in compliance with Company’s privacy
policy, and shall use Third Party Confidential Information only for the purpose
contemplated in this Agreement. Partner Agent agrees that it shall immediately refer any
question concerning any aspect of Company’s privacy policy to Company for resolution. |
||
N. | If requested by Company, Partner Agent agrees to become a member of the Partner Agent
Advisory Committee. Partner Agent or appropriate designee shall attend all meetings of the
Partner Agent Advisory Committee, provide input at such meetings, and cooperate fully with
the Partner Agent Advisory Committee in all aspects. |
||
O. | Partner Agent agrees to purchase a certain amount of Partner Agent Stock as more
specifically described in the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof by
and between Company and Partner Agent which is hereby incorporated by reference as an
integral part of this Agreement. |
||
P. | Partner Agent agrees that it and its employees, agents and representatives will not
pledge any premiums due to Company as collateral or enter into similar arrangements such
that the Company would no longer have a continuing first priority security interest in the
premiums. |
IV. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY
A. | Company shall act in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and will pay Partner
Agent Compensation in accordance with Exhibit A and Exhibit B to this Agreement. Partner
Agent shall be responsible for paying any compensation due to its sub-producers. |
4
B. | Company shall provide for the payment of all excise taxes, premium taxes, except
surplus lines taxes, and assessments. |
||
C. | Company shall appoint Partner Agent as required by various state laws and regulations. |
||
D. | Company will develop and maintain the Company System. |
V. CLAIMS AND COVERAGE
A. | Partner Agent shall immediately notify and cooperate with Company if Partner Agent
receives notice of any claim or potential claim which could involve Company or the business
written hereunder. |
||
B. | Partner Agent has no authority to adjust or settle any claims arising out of or in
connection with policies, shall not make any statements regarding the application of
coverage to specific situations, whether actual or hypothetical, and shall not commit
Company to any liability in connection with any actual or potential claim or loss. |
||
C. | Partner Agent shall immediately report all claims, or potential claims, suits, or
losses relating to the policies to Company or to an assigned adjuster or claim
representative who has been designated by Company. Partner Agent shall cooperate fully
with Company or the assigned adjuster or claim representative in the investigation,
adjustment, settlement, and payment of claims and coverage matters. All records, files,
correspondence, or other materials pertaining to claims shall be the sole property of
Company. |
||
D. | Company will consult with Partner Agent on the Vendor Selection and Claims Procedures.
Company retains sole discretion for Vendor Selection and Claims Procedures. |
VI. COMPENSATION OF PARTNER AGENT
A. | Company shall pay Partner Agent the Commission and Profit Sharing as respectively
described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B. |
||
B. | With one hundred eighty (180) days advance written notice, for reasons related to
regulatory constraints or industry issues including, but not limited, to Program coverage
resulting in an insurance industry or market downturn, Company reserves the right to adjust
Partner Agent’s Commission as described in Exhibit A. |
||
C. | Effective at any time after a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days advance written
notice to Partner Agent, Company may adjust the current payout period of Profit Sharing as
described in Exhibit B. |
||
D. | It is understood and agreed that Compensation paid hereunder shall be full compensation
for all services rendered by Partner Agent pursuant to this Agreement. |
||
E. | Partner Agent shall refund Commission, or other fees or amounts retained by Partner
Agent, to the policyholder or insured, as appropriate, or to Company if requested by
Company, from Partner Agent’s own funds on a pro-rata basis on return premiums at the same
rate as paid to Partner Agent. |
||
F. | The Commission applicable to multiple year policies (if Company has bound such policies
through Partner Agent) shall be the Commission that is in effect for such policy during the
year in which the policy is initially written, and such Commission shall apply throughout
the term of any such policy. |
||
G. | Partner Agent shall have no authority to, and shall not collect any fee(s) on, the
policies unless specifically authorized by Company and permitted by law. |
||
H. | Partner Agent shall calculate Commission based on premiums collected by Partner Agent
for policies reported to Company. |
5
VII. PREMIUMS AND ACCOUNTING
A. | Partner Agent shall be responsible for collecting premiums, whether advance, deposit,
developed, installment, audit, renewal, additional, or otherwise, on all policies other
than direct-xxxx policies. Despite the foregoing, however, Company reserves the right, in
its sole discretion, to communicate with, to directly collect premium from, and/or to
cancel or non-renew policies of, its insureds. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, Partner Agent shall be liable for and pay all earned premium to Company, even if
Partner Agent does not collect such premium from the policyholder. Uncollected premiums
shall be remitted from Partner Agent’s own funds and not the Premium Trust Fund. Partner
Agent may deduct Commission from the Premium Trust Fund. |
||
B. | Within fifteen (15) days from the last day of each month, Company shall provide Partner
Agent with a Statement. Amounts due to Company pursuant to the Statement shall be remitted
to Company on or before the tenth day of the following month the Statement was rendered.
In the event of differences between Partner Agent’s and Company’s records, Partner Agent
shall provide all necessary information to permit proper adjustment. Any dispute
respecting such Statement shall be resolved based on Company’s records. |
||
C. | All premiums collected by Partner Agent are the property of Company, shall not be
commingled with any other funds, shall be held in trust on behalf of Company in a fiduciary
capacity, and shall be deposited and maintained in a Premium Trust Fund account separate
and segregated from Partner Agent’s own funds or funds held by Partner Agent on behalf of
any other company or person. The Premium Trust Fund shall be placed in an interest bearing
account in a bank and account approved by Company in advance. Unless Partner Agent has
breached this Agreement, Partner Agent shall be authorized to retain the interest on the
Premium Trust Fund. Company may request at any time, and Partner Agent shall provide, a
reconciliation of the funds deposited in, and balance due to Company from, the Premium
Trust Fund. |
||
D. | The omission of any item(s) by Company from the Statement does not affect Partner
Agent’s responsibility to properly account for policies and pay all amounts due, nor does
it prejudice the rights of Company to collect such amounts. |
||
E. | Partner Agent shall be liable for premiums on policies written through submissions to
Partner Agent by other brokers or producers, whether or not collected by Partner Agent or
such brokers or producers. |
||
F. | No premium advances may be made by Partner Agent from the Premium Trust Fund, and
premium advanced on behalf of any insured by the Partner Agent shall not be reversed.
Partner Agent accepts full responsibility for such premiums. |
||
G. | After making a diligent effort to collect such premiums and submitting documentation of
that diligent effort to Company which Company reasonably determines to be sufficient,
Partner Agent may request in writing that premiums due as a result of audit of a particular
insured be collected directly by Company. Company agrees to assume responsibility for
collecting such additional premiums. Company will have no obligation to collect amounts
hereunder unless Partner Agent’s written request is made within forty-five (45) days of the
billing date shown on the audit statement. Partner Agent shall not be entitled to
Compensation on premiums Partner Agent requests Company to collect or Company undertakes to
collect, regardless of the amounts collected by Company. |
||
H. | Should Partner Agent default in any payment of premiums on any policy, Company shall
have the right to require that all premiums on all policies are due and payable
immediately. |
||
I. | Partner Agent agrees to be responsible for the payment of any applicable surplus lines
taxes and the filing of all affidavits as required by the applicable entities, and shall
provide Company with written evidence of such payment and compliance on a quarterly basis. |
||
J. | Partner Agent shall not be entitled to any Compensation on any premium which Company
determines (i) to collect (whether or not collected), (ii) in its sole discretion to
write-off, or (iii) is overdue and is collected by Company, regardless of the amounts
collected. Nothing contained herein shall alter Partner Agent’s obligation to remit all
premium to Company, whether or not collected. |
6
VIII. INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY
B. | Partner Agent shall maintain the following insurance amounts with an insurer having a
rating with A.M. Best of at least “A-”: (i) errors and omissions insurance covering Partner
Agent and its employees in the minimum amount of $3,000,000 per claim, $5,000,000
aggregate, with a deductible not exceeding an amount agreed by Company; (ii) fidelity
insurance covering Partner Agent and its employees in the minimum amount of $1,000,000; and
(iii) general liability insurance covering Partner Agent and its employees in the minimum
amount of $1,000,000. Partner Agent agrees to immediately notify Company when it receives
notice of lapse, increased deductibles, decreased coverage, non-renewal, or termination of
any such coverage. Partner Agent agrees to notify Company of any claim brought under any
errors and omissions or fidelity insurance which arises out of or is connected with a
policy or policies. At the inception of this Agreement and on or before January 31 of each
year thereafter, Partner Agent shall furnish Company proof of this insurance. |
||
C. | Company agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Partner Agent from any and
all liability, claims, demands, suits, fines and penalties, expenses, costs and attorney
fees, made or assessed against or incurred by Partner Agent or the officers, directors, or
affiliates of Partner Agent, that may arise by reason of any act, error, or omission of or
any misrepresentation by Company or its officers or employees. |
||
D. | Partner Agent agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company from any and
all liability, claims, demands, suits, fines and penalties, expenses, costs and attorney
fees, made or assessed against or incurred by Company or the officers, directors, or
affiliates of Company, that may arise by reason of any act, error, or omission of or any
misrepresentation by Partner Agent, its officers or employees, or brokers or producers
submitting business to Partner Agent pursuant to this Agreement. |
||
E. | The indemnifying party shall have the right to direct the investigation, settlement,
and defense of any such claim, complaint or action. If the indemnifying party assumes the
defense of any such action, such party shall not be liable to the indemnified party for any
expenses incurred by such indemnified party in connection with such action. |
IX. TERM AND TERMINATION
A. | At any time during the Term, Partner Agent may terminate this Agreement without cause
on one hundred eighty (180) days written notice of termination to Company. Partner Agent’s
authority to place new business with Company shall cease immediately upon receipt of such
notice of termination. Partner Agent’s authority to renew business with Company shall
cease as of the effective date of termination. |
||
B. | At any time during the Term, Company may terminate this Agreement on one hundred eighty
(180) days (or such longer period as mandated by regulation) written notice of termination
to Partner Agent if Partner Agent has not met the Company Guidelines pertaining to
profitability and/or production. Partner Agent’s authority to submit new business with
Company will cease on ninety (90) days after receipt of such notice of termination.
Partner Agent’s authority to submit renewals with Company shall cease as of the effective
date of termination. Any disputes regarding Company Guidelines shall be determined by
Company in its sole discretion. |
||
C. | Upon written notice, Company may immediately terminate this Agreement in whole or in
part for cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: |
1. | Partner Agent, or its parent or any affiliated corporation becomes insolvent,
institutes or acquiesces in the institution of any bankruptcy, financial
reorganization, or liquidation proceeding or any such proceeding is instituted against
Partner Agent or its parent corporation (Partner Agent shall immediately notify Company
of same); or |
||
2. | Partner Agent, or the owner of a controlling interest in Partner Agent, sells,
exchanges, transfers, assigns, consolidates, pledges or causes to be sold, exchanged,
transferred, assigned, consolidated, or pledged: (i) all or substantially all of the
assets of Partner Agent, or any entity controlling Partner Agent, to a third party, or
(ii) a controlling interest in Partner Agent, or any entity controlling Partner Agent,
to a third party (Partner Agent shall immediately notify Company of same); or |
7
3. | Partner Agent fails to correct material deficiencies as noted in any agency
audit or program review within the time frame set out in the audit; or |
||
4. | Partner Agent fails to render timely and proper reports or premium accounting
as required, or remit premiums when due; or |
||
5. | Partner Agent fails to maintain premium funds in trust as required by this
Agreement; or |
||
6. | Partner Agent engages in acts or omissions constituting abandonment, fraud,
insolvency, misappropriation of funds, material misrepresentation, or gross and willful
misconduct; or |
||
7. | Partner Agent’s license or certificate of authority is cancelled, suspended, or
is declined renewal by any regulatory body within the territory where Partner Agent
transacts or services policies pursuant to this Agreement (Partner Agent shall
immediately notify Company of same); for fraud or if for more than thirty (30) days for
any other reason; or |
||
8. | Partner Agent otherwise materially breaches this Agreement. |
D. | In the event this Agreement is terminated or any authority of Partner Agent is
suspended, limited, or terminated (whether by Company, Partner Agent, or agreement of the
parties), Partner Agent shall, subject to all terms, conditions, and restrictions contained
in this Agreement, service all business until all such business has been completely
cancelled, non-renewed, or otherwise terminated and all claims hereunder have been closed.
Company may, in its sole discretion, immediately suspend or terminate Partner Agent’s
continuing service obligation as outlined in the Company Guidelines. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Partner Agent shall not, without the prior written approval of Company, increase
or extend Company’s liability under, extend the term(s) or condition(s) of, or cancel and
re-write, any policies. |
||
If Partner Agent fails to fulfill any service obligation under this Agreement or comply with
this Agreement, then Partner Agent shall reimburse Company any expense incurred by Company
as a result of non-compliance, or in servicing or arranging for the servicing of business,
or such amounts may be offset by Company. |
|||
E. | Any notice of termination shall be in writing and sent by certified mail or personally
delivered. Such notice shall be deemed received three (3) days from the date of mailing
or, if personally delivered, the date delivered. Unless changed by giving written notice
to the other party, the addresses of the respective parties are: |
Partner Agent:
First Light Program Managers, Inc.
0000 X. Xxxxx Xxxx 00, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: 0-000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
0000 X. Xxxxx Xxxx 00, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: 0-000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Company:
SUA Insurance Company
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: 0-000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, General Counsel
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: 0-000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, General Counsel
X. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. | If Partner Agent breaches this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, Company may, in
lieu of terminating the Agreement, suspend some or all of the authority of Partner Agent
under this Agreement. Additionally, Company may suspend the authority of Partner Agent during the pendency of any dispute
regarding termination or suspension. |
8
B. | During the Term and following termination of the Agreement, if Partner Agent has made
full payments of all amounts due Company and continues to do so in a timely manner, then
the expirations and renewals shall be the property of Partner Agent; provided, however,
that Company shall have the absolute right to write or renew such business as may be
required by law, and to take any and all actions with regard to the business as may be
required in order to service the business or as may be required by law or pursuant to the
policy’s terms. |
||
If, during the Term and following termination of this Agreement, Partner Agent has not made
full payment to Company, the expirations and renewals shall not be the property of Partner
Agent, and Company shall be entitled to the expirations and renewals, and the use and
control of the expirations and renewals shall be vested in Company for sale, use, or
disposal as Company deems fit. |
|||
C. | Partner Agent will advise Company promptly if it, an employee of Partner Agent, or any
of Partner Agent’s brokers or producers have been or are in the future convicted of a
felony. |
||
D. | This Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement constitute the entire agreement
between Company and Partner Agent and supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral
or written, between Company and Partner Agent with respect to the business. No waiver by
either party to enforce any provisions of this Agreement will be effective unless made in
writing and signed by an authorized officer of Company and Partner Agent and shall be
effective as to the specifically stated waiver date. No amendment to this Agreement will
be effective unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto, and specifying the
effective date of such amendment. |
||
E. | Company may combine or offset any balances or funds owed by Partner Agent to Company
against any balances or funds owed to Partner Agent by Company under this Agreement or any
other agreement between the parties. Partner Agent may not offset any balance due from
Company to Partner Agent under this Agreement or under any other agreement with Company or
any other party against the Premium Trust Fund. |
||
F. | This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware, without regard to its rules regarding conflict of laws. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, matters relating to agency termination and Partner Agent’s right or
Company’s obligations on termination shall be governed solely by the applicable insurance
laws, if any, of the state in which Partner Agent is domiciled. The parties hereto consent
to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Illinois in any matters pertaining to
this Agreement which are not otherwise resolved in accordance with subsection G. below. |
||
G. | Except as provided herein, all unresolved differences of opinion or disputes between
Company and Partner Agent arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any
transaction hereunder shall first be attempted to be settled by a good faith meeting of a
member of senior management of each of Company and Partner Agent and/or by mediation. If
any unresolved differences of opinion or disputes still exist after such meeting, then such
matters shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the rules relating to
commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration initiated by
one party will allow the other party to select the situs of the arbitration proceedings.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company shall be entitled to the issuance of an injunction
or other legal or equitable action to obtain premiums or monies due, to prohibit Partner
Agent’s use of funds, to prohibit Partner Agent’s writing business in violation of this
Agreement, or to require Partner Agent’s deposit of such funds in accordance with this
Agreement. If Company prevails in any such action, the cost and expense thereof, including
attorney fees, shall be borne by Partner Agent. |
||
H. | Partner Agent may not assign this Agreement, delegate its duties, or assign its rights
under this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed upon and authorized in writing in advance by
Company. |
||
I. | This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
||
J. | The parties hereby agree that all provisions of this Agreement shall survive
termination, except that Article II and Article IV hereof shall not survive. |
9
K. | Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by both parties, each party agrees that during
this Agreement and for a period of one (1) year after the termination or expiration of this
Agreement, it shall not directly or indirectly recruit, solicit or hire any employee of the
other party, or induce or attempt to induce any employee of the other party to discontinue
his or her employment relationship with the other party. |
||
L. | Partner Agent shall submit to the Company, for Company’s approval, a copy of its
business continuity and disaster recovery plan on an annual basis, on or before the
anniversary date of this Agreement. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed effective as of the
Effective Date first above written.
SUA Insurance Company | |||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||||
Name Printed: | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||||
Title: | Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer | ||||
First Light Program Managers, Inc. | |||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||||
Name Printed: | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||||
Title: | President |
10
EXHIBIT A
COMMISSION SCHEDULE
A. | Except as otherwise provided in this commission schedule, Partner Agent’s Commission shall be
as follows: |
Program Description | Line of Business | Maximum Rate of Commission | ||||
Transportation operations
in the territories defined
in the Underwriting
Guidelines
|
Commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability and physical damage | 15 | % |
B. | The Commission provided in this commission schedule does not relate to the following types of
business: |
1. | business which Company determines is specially rated, specially classified, or
specially reinsured; |
||
2. | business written subject to a participating plan; |
||
3. | business written subject to a retrospective plan, SIR, or large deductible; or |
||
4. | business placed through assigned risks, fair plans, pools, or other
risk-sharing associations. |
||
Commission for all such business shall be negotiated on an individual policy basis and
agreed to in writing by Company. |
C. | Commission different than provided herein may be agreed to in writing between Partner Agent
and Company, and such agreement shall supersede this commission schedule. |
11
EXHIBIT B
PROFIT SHARING SCHEDULE
The Profit Sharing Due to Partner Agent will be calculated using the following Table:
Table
Profit Sharing Year [ ]
Premium | ||||
1. |
Eligible Earned Premium before write off for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
2. |
Premium Written Off |
$ | ||
3. |
Eligible Earned Premium |
$ | ||
(Line 1 minus Line 2) |
||||
Expenses | ||||
4. |
Losses and ALAE Incurred for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
5. |
TPA Claims Fee for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
6. |
Claims Charge for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
7. |
IBNR Charge for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
8. |
Commissions Incurred for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
9. |
Taxes, Licenses and Fees for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
10. |
Operating Charge |
$ | ||
11. |
Dividends Incurred for Profit Sharing Year |
$ | ||
12. |
Expense Total (Sum of Lines 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) |
$ | ||
Profit Sharing Year Result | ||||
13. |
Profit Sharing Year Result |
$ | ||
(Line 3 minus line 12) (Can be negative) |
||||
14. |
Profit Sharing Factor |
50% | ||
15. |
Profit to be Shared (Line 13 times Line 14) |
$ | ||
(Can be negative) |
||||
16. |
Payout Factor |
% | ||
17. |
Result (Line 15 times Line 16) (Can be Negative) |
$ |
Based on this Table, the Partner Agent’s Combined Ratio is % (line 12 divided by line 3).
The maximum Profit Sharing due Partner Agent will be limited to 7% of Eligible Earned Premium per
Profit Sharing Year.
12
A minimum total Eligible Written Premium of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and minimum
Eligible Written Premium of five million dollars ($5,000,000) for each program must be achieved
during the Profit Sharing Year to be paid out under the profit sharing calculation. The profit
sharing calculation will be completed regardless of whether Partner Agent meets its minimum
requirements.
Defined Terms Used in this Exhibit B
A. | “Claims Charge” shall be a designated amount determined by Company based on unallocated loss
adjustment expense for the current Profit Sharing Year. |
|
B. | “Combined Ratio” shall mean the ratio of Expense Total to Eligible Earned Premium. |
|
C. | “Commissions Incurred” shall include the direct commissions and policy fees (if included in
Eligible Earned Premium) incurred by Company for the Profit Sharing Year, relating to Eligible
Earned Premium. Additionally, Company shall add to such total any amounts or expenses of
Partner Agent which Company agrees to reimburse, assume, or share. |
|
D. | “Dividends Incurred” shall include all dividends incurred (paid plus an estimate of accrued
but not paid) for the Profit Sharing Year by Company. |
|
E. | “Eligible Earned Premium” shall mean direct premium earned for Profit Sharing Year less
earned premium ceded (less ceding commission earned) for reinsurance. |
|
F. | “Eligible Written Premium” shall mean direct premium written for Profit Sharing Year. |
|
G. | “Expense Total” shall mean the sum of the following: Losses and ALAE Incurred for Profit
Sharing Year; TPA Claims Fee for Profit Sharing Year; Claims Charge for Profit Sharing Year;
IBNR Charge for Profit Sharing Year; Commissions Incurred for Profit Sharing Year; Taxes,
Licenses and Fees for Profit Sharing Year; Operating Charge; and Dividends Incurred for Profit
Sharing Year. |
|
H. | “Final Profit Sharing Year” shall mean the Profit Sharing Year in which this Agreement is
terminated. |
|
I. | “IBNR Charge” shall be determined solely by Company and shall include a provision for the
reserve for Losses and ALAE Incurred but not reported during the Profit Sharing Year, which
reserve shall include development on losses and ALAE already reported to Company less losses
for IBNR ceded. |
|
J. | “Losses and ALAE Incurred” shall be direct losses and expenses incurred (paid plus case
reserves) less Losses and ALAE Incurred ceded for reinsurance by Company on claims reported
for the Profit Sharing Year relating to Eligible Earned Premium, excluding unallocated loss
adjustment expense, plus any extra contractual or bad faith payments or reserves. |
|
K. | “Operating Charge” shall be a designated amount for the current Profit Sharing Year.
Operating Charge shall be determined solely at Company’s discretion and shall be based on the
operating expenses of Company not included in any of the line items described herein. |
|
L. | “Payout Factor” shall be calculated according to the following chart: |
13
PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT
PAYOUT FACTORS
5 Years | ||||
1st Valuation |
20 | % | ||
2nd Valuation |
40 | % | ||
3rd Valuation |
60 | % | ||
4th Valuation |
80 | % | ||
5th Valuation |
100 | % |
M. | “Premium Written Off” shall include any premium due Company which Company has charged off as
uncollectible for the Profit Sharing Year. |
|
N. | “Profit Sharing Year” shall mean January 1 to December 31, except for the initial Profit
Sharing Year which shall be from the Effective Date until December 31. |
|
O. | “Taxes, Licenses and Fees” shall include any loss based or premium based assessments and any
expenses relating thereto, and premium taxes, boards, bureaus, and any miscellaneous taxes
including insurance department licenses and fees, relating to Eligible Earned Premium. |
|
P. | “TPA Claims Fee” shall be third party claims fees incurred by Company on behalf of the
Partner Agent for the current Profit Sharing Year. |
|
Q. | “Valuation Date” shall mean June 30 of each year. Except as otherwise set forth below,
Company shall continue providing calculations for each Profit Sharing Year through the June 30
of each successive year following termination of this Agreement, the Final Profit Sharing
Year, or until the parties mutually agree in writing to close the calculations for a
particular Profit Sharing Year or Profit Sharing Years. |
Timing of Calculation of Profit Sharing Due
A. | If Partner Agent meets the Minimum Eligible Written Premium requirements for profit sharing,
Company shall calculate Profit Sharing Due to Partner Agent for the Profit Sharing Year based
on Company’s records. Such calculation shall be provided to Partner Agent sixty (60) days
after each Valuation Date for each Profit Sharing Year. |
|
B. | Each Profit Sharing Year’s calculation will include a separate re-calculation of each prior
Profit Sharing Year. Re-calculations for each prior Profit Sharing Year will be as of the
current Valuation Date, and will be made utilizing the formula set forth in the Table. |
|
C. | Provided that all premium or other amounts due Company shall have been received by Company,
within sixty (60) days after completion of the calculation of Profit to be Shared, Company
shall pay the amount of Profit Sharing Due to Partner Agent for the Profit Sharing Year. |
Term and Termination
In the event this Agreement is terminated prior to the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date by
the Partner Agent, Company shall provide no further profit sharing calculations. In the event that
this Agreement is terminated prior to the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date by Company in
accordance with Section IX, Company shall provide no further profit sharing calculations.
14
General
No charge, offset, credit, or deduction for any Profit Due to Partner Agent which is or may be due
Partner Agent shall be made or claimed by Partner Agent in accounts submitted to Company under this
Agreement or any other agreement. Profit Due to Partner Agent shall be payable only by Company’s
check. Company may combine or offset any amount owed to Partner Agent by Company hereunder against
any amount owed to Company by Partner Agent under any other agreement between the parties.
15