SEMA News - July 2010

Members Benefit From Alliant Insurance Services

We recently had the good fortune to speak with Bob Corwin, first vice president of Alliant Insurance Services, to discuss his company’s role and service offerings within ProPledge.

SEMA News: We understand that Alliant Insurance Services played a key role in the development of ProPledge. What was your company’s involvement early on?

Bob Corwin: Alliant became the risk-management advisor to SEMA as one of the developers and supporters of the ProPledge program. The intent of ProPledge was to provide a unified warranty program to the automotive industry in which participating manufacturers and installers could grow their businesses by selling, installing and servicing new-car auto dealers and consumers with quality automotive aftermarket equipment and products. Alliant can help facilitate the insurance needs of ProPledge members who might be in need of further insurance assistance.

SN: What specific ways does Alliant provide benefits to ProPledge member manufacturers and installers outside of competitive premiums?

BC: Alliant provides policy audit assessments to make sure the ProPledge member has the appropriate coverage to support asset protection. Additionally, when or if the ProPledge participant becomes a member of the Specialty Equipment Insurance Alliance (SEIA), we provide human resources service. Additionally, we can provide risk management and safety support. These SEIA program services can assist in premium reduction.

SN: Why should professional automotive restylers and specialty-equipment manufacturers invest in larger general liability insurance policies now, particularly when many small businesses may be challenged to afford the higher premiums typically associated with such programs?

BC: We never recommend that companies be “insurance rich and cash poor” to begin with. However, determining whether to insure with a limit of product liability coverage that will protect the owner’s business assets does become a business decision. To assist in this process for professional automotive restylers, Alliant launched the Installers Edge insurance program, providing higher liability limits at a very affordable premium level. For manufacturers, we have preferred insurance company providers within SEIA that afford higher levels of liability at the lowest premium cost possible.

SN: How many years has Alliant Insurance Services been in business? Why was it formed?

BC: Alliant was initially formed in 1925 by Robert F. Driver and has been in business for 85 years, originally as a San Diego-based insurance brokerage firm. In 2002, the Robert F. Driver Company became Driver Alliant Insurance Services after a merger with Alliant Resources Group. In 2007, the Blackstone Group—one of the largest private equity firms in America—purchased Driver Alliant Insurance Services and Alliant Insurance Services was formed, becoming the premier specialty insurance brokerage firm in the United States. It is currently ranked as the 11th largest.

SN: What are some notable success stories within Alliant’s business model?

BC: We developed Installers Edge to meet the specialty insured demands of the installers of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories. Further information can be found here.

		—For a more detailed analysis of the ProPledge and SEMA partners such as Alliant Insurance Services, visit the newly redesigned ProPledge website or call 818/248-4449.

SN: Where is Alliant’s core business done, and in what markets specifically?

BC: Alliant’s core business market sectors include automotive, public entity, tribal nations, construction, law firms, real estate, energy, marine and restaurants, to name a few. We are committed to these business market segments to provide specialized risk services and insurance products tailored to the industries we serve.

SN: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your long-standing relationship with SEMA?

BC: Joining Alliant in 1991, I have more than 22 years of insurance industry experience specializing in property and casualty lines, with extensive experience serving the automotive aftermarket with insurance and risk management services. As a broker to SEMA for 15 years and as the program director of the SEIA, I understand the unique needs of the automotive parts and racing industries. I have been successful in working with hundreds of automotive companies to help save well in excess of $10 million dollars in premiums. I have worked closely with SEMA’s industry councils, such as the Wheel & Tire Council, Truck and Off-Road Alliance, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council and the Suspension Task Force, and I also served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, I was instrumental in implementing ProPledge.