Arch replaces Axa XL on ProHost restaurant program

Arch Insurance has replaced Axa XL as the capacity provider to the package products offered by specialist restaurant industry program administrator (PA) ProHost USA, The Insurer has learned.

Minneapolis, Minnesota-based ProHost USA, which is a subsidiary of PA giant Distinguished Programs, has been in business since 1989. Axa XL had provided capacity to ProHost since 2014, but that relationship came to an end on 1 September, this publication can reveal.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Arch announced that it had agreed a new underwriting partnership with ProHost USA.

ProHost USA provides coverage to fast casual, family and fine dining establishments, as well as wine bars and caterers across the US.

Paul Sullivan, executive vice president, P&C Programs at Arch Insurance, said that ProHost USA has been providing insurance solutions to the restaurant industry for more than 30 years.

He stated that ProHost USA “has a superior understanding of this market”.

“Their longevity in this business and the knowledge of their underwriters make ProHost USA a great partner for Arch Insurance. The restaurant industry is struggling right now. Working with ProHost USA and harnessing their expertise will enable us to serve their restaurant insureds and the industry for many years to come,” Sullivan said.

The president of ProHost USA, Heidi Strommen, told The Insurer: “As one of the preeminent market leaders in the specialty insurance space, Arch brings a lot to the table as we work to continually maximise our restaurant program to benefit our brokers. We look forward to this new partnership.”

The switch of paper provider brings about another significant change for ProHost USA in the past 18 months.

New York-based Distinguished Partners acquired ProHost USA in April last year. Distinguished Programs already offered umbrella coverage for the restaurant industry, and as the company explained at the time, the addition of ProHost USA’s customised restaurant packages allow it to offer the restaurant industry a wider range of products.