GUARD Western US Insider Session

Patrick presented on GUARD's Western training session, highlighting their focus on small business insurance and their commitment to the agency channel. He discussed GUARD's core products, including workers' compensation, BOP, commercial auto, and commercial umbrella, with workers' compensation being their primary focus, representing 60% of their nationwide premium. Patrick announced upcoming updates to their workers' compensation program, including an expansion from 130 to 300 classes by August, and the introduction of a general liability product in 6 pilot states starting next month, though California will not be included in the initial pilot.

 

Patrick discussed GUARD's class code appetite and business focus, highlighting their success in auto service and dealer spaces, particularly in California where they've grown that book by 9000%. He explained their preference for small businesses defined as having less than 15 employees, less than $5 million in sales, and fewer than 10 vehicles for auto-related accounts. Patrick also mentioned their success with multi-location restaurant accounts, particularly those with corporate ownership structures, and noted that while they can handle larger accounts, their sweet spot is in the $5,000 to $50,000 range.

 

Patrick discussed their company's strategic shift in targeting specific business segments, particularly focusing on newer, nicer hotels for aggressive expansion outside of California. He also mentioned their approach to residential properties, specifically avoiding assisted living, student housing, and similar sectors, while expressing interest in properties outside California. Additionally, Patrick highlighted their focus on restaurants, particularly in areas where their rates are more competitive, noting some success with lighter occupancy restaurants outside of California.

 

Patrick discussed changes to GUARD's underwriting approach, explaining that they moved from a round-robin system to dedicated underwriters working with specific agencies, including a group of 5 underwriters for First Connect. He outlined improvements including wholesale-focused and retail-focused underwriters, and a new mindset toward considering accounts holistically rather than just fitting them into standard boxes. Patrick also mentioned ongoing technology updates to the agency service center and plans for an appetite checker and streamlined quote process, with the new Workers Comp system expected to launch by early 2027.

 

Patrick discussed how GUARD's claims team contributes to retention by providing fast, fair, and effective service, particularly in workers' compensation cases through nurse triaging and return-to-work programs. He highlighted their dedicated policyholder service center which allows customers to access various services including audit information, ID cards, and loss control materials. Patrick also mentioned their monthly "Good Things at GUARD" newsletter that shares improvements based on customer feedback, noting that many customers are unaware of existing services despite positive feedback.

 

Patrick Porter, Director of Wholesale Partnerships in the West, addressed questions about GUARD's commercial auto product in California during a Q&A session. He explained that while the product is competitive in certain areas like contracting businesses, Auto 2.0 will improve competitiveness when it launches in California by the end of the year. Patrick confirmed that commercial auto can be written on a monoline basis and that box trucks are generally acceptable, though specific details about weight limits and filing requirements will be followed up separately. He also clarified that professional liability coverage is not currently available in California but may be considered around 2028, and that new ventures with less than 4 years experience can be considered in certain states.