Program News

Commercial Lines:
Businessowners Program Approved in New England States — As part of the MSO growth initiative, we are introducing our programs in the New England states. The first program to be approved, in the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, is the BOP.

Throughout 2009 we will continue to file the various commercial lines programs in the region. Filings in additional states as well as additional programs in these states will follow.

Businessowners Worksheets and Applications Updated — We recently updated our BOP worksheet and state-specific applications to track with the current program. All coverage options are now shown.

General Liability Classifications Updated — MSO has introduced a class code for Concrete Mix-in-Transit. The class has been added to the Commercial Liability manual in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Commercial Umbrella Program Introduced in New York — MSO has received approval of the Commercial Umbrella manual, forms and endorsements in the state of New York. Due to state requirements, the New York Umbrella main form, as well as several other endorsements, differs from the program offered in other states.

Personal Lines:
MHO 5 Introduced — MSO recently introduced a new optional Homeowners coverage form MHO 5. This form provides “all risk” coverage on contents as well as buildings. It also provides replacement cost on contents. MHO 5 is equivalent to using form MHO 3 with endorsements MPL 18 and MPL 49. Limited coverage for the removal of fallen trees that block access ways but do not cause property damage has been added as an enhancement. The form gives companies the option of offering additional coverages under a single form, rather than by use of several endorsements. The premium is the same for either method.

Additional Programs Introduced in Ohio
Combination Dwelling - MSO continues to file programs in Ohio. The latest to be approved is Combination Dwelling. Other programs available in the state are Businessowners, Commercial Auto, Commercial Inland Marine, Homeowners, Personal Inland Marine and Personal Umbrella. Ohio requires that all applications, cancellation / nonrenewal notices and declarations pages be filed for all lines of business. Rules, rates and forms should also be filed for any coverages not published in the MSO manuals. Additional programs to be filed this year in Ohio include Commercial Liability, Commercial Property and Special Contractors.