Zurich Programs and Origin launch hospitality Workers' Comp offering

Zurich Programs has reached an agreement with program administrator Origin Specialty Underwriters (Origin) to introduce a Workers’ Compensation program, backed by Zurich, for qualifying restaurants and hotels in the small to middle-market space. The collaboration brings Origin’s extensive experience in the small to middle-market hospitality segment together with Zurich’s A+ financial strength,¹ extensive Casualty capacity and reputation for excellence in Claims service.

Under the agreement’s terms, Zurich Programs delegates underwriting authority to Origin Specialty Underwriters to offer the coverage through Origin’s distribution channels. The arrangement is the product of nearly two years of discussion and mutual due diligence that started over a breakfast meeting at the Program Administrators Association’s premier event, the Target Markets Annual Summit.   

Origin, which became part of Beyond Risk in 2021, serves niche segments including hospitality, hotels, service stations and more. Under the leadership of President Neno Djordjevic, Origin offers solutions for Workers’ Compensation, Property and Transportation, working exclusively with carriers and reinsurers rated “A-” or better by A.M. Best.

Diversifying the Zurich Programs portfolio

"We’re pleased about onboarding a new program administrator with the depth of experience of Origin,” said Zurich North America’s Head of Programs Eric Cittadino. “Zurich Programs is focused on smart, profitable growth and diversifying our portfolio, carefully selecting opportunities that align with our long-term strategy. Select Casualty lines are in our appetite for many segments, and finding the right organization to give the pen to took some time. Origin proved to be the right fit, thanks to their specialized knowledge, strong distribution network and commitment to maintaining underwriting integrity.”

The new product strengthens Origin’s offering in the hospitality and restaurant segment, Djordjevic said.

“To have it backed not just by any carrier but by one with the reputation and credibility of Zurich supports our ambition to be a market leader in segments where we choose to play,” Djordjevic said. “We strive to offer our insureds, agents and brokers and everyone in the value chain the best possible service and solutions.”

Zurich Program Sales Regional Vice President Lena Battraw Peters recalls the initial meeting with Origin at Target Markets.

“Our conversation led to valuable insights that we had similar goals, including strategic growth and working with fewer, more credible organizations,” she said. “We both left that meeting excited about what we could build together.”

Value in ZRS and Claims insights

Together, Zurich and Origin developed and aligned on a robust underwriting strategy with a defined risk appetite. Fast food restaurants are not in appetite. They also identified desired state mix and class selections, said Programs Business Manager Patti Heffernan, who brought in Zurich Claims, Risk Engineering and Legal colleagues to provide additional insights.

Zurich Resilience Solutions colleagues provided valuable guidance on safety requirements in select states. “Their in-depth presentation educated the PA on Zurich's risk engineering standards and highlighted additional services available to support workplace safety and compliance,” Heffernan said.

The Hospitality Workers’ Compensation program launched at the end of February in 26 preferred states. Both organizations see potential opportunities to build on the relationship and momentum.

Since joining its parent company, Beyond Risk, Origin has been expanding its offerings. One of Origin’s sibling organizations under Beyond Risk, BevCap, does business with Zurich Group Captives in the Middle Market space.

1.  Zurich’s financial strength is rated A+ (Superior)/stable by A.M. Best and AA/stable by Standard & Poor’s.