WHFA Endorses New Retail Furniture Insurance Program

Furniture World Magazine

Argonaut Group, Inc. announced that its Select Markets segment is expanding its line of products and services to include the retail furniture store marketplace. Highlights of the Retail Furniture Store Insurance Program include property coverage with optional deductible levels and Business Income coverage valued at Actual Loss Sustained. Optional additions include the value added, Retail Furniture Advantage endorsement, that offers several broad property coverages on one convenient form. The program also offers workers compensation guaranteed cost plans, general liability, earthquake, and computer coverage. The Select Markets’ Retail Furniture Insurance Program has received the endorsement of the Western Home Furnishing Association (WHFA) as a preferred provider to its member stores. The WHFA is a regional organization offering information, education, and financial resources to nearly 1,200 members in 12 western states. B. Thomas Johns, President of Select Markets, stated, “Select Markets and its affiliated companies have a long record of commitment to independent retailers nationwide in the niche markets we serve. Adding a line of property-casualty insurance products and services tailored to retail furniture store operations is a natural extension of our existing offerings. Expanding into this new market will allow us to leverage our expertise in retail exposures and deliver our expert claims handling and accident prevention services to another retail industry with specialized insurance needs.” Sharron Bradley, Executive Director of WHFA, added, “We are very pleased with our affiliation with Argonaut Group’s Select Markets. With its focus on the unique requirements of the independent retailer, Select Markets offers an invaluable resource and will provide our members with a reliable partner to help them achieve their goals and grow their businesses.” Preferred clients for this program include stores with excellent property maintenance, strong financial indicators, and willingness to implement loss prevention recommendations. Select Markets currently is accepting submissions for its retail furniture store program through appointed agents in all states except Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Mississippi. To obtain more information about the Select Markets retail furniture store insurance program, contact Dave Edison, Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution, at 503.833.1696 or toll free at 800.777.3602, ext. 1696. ABOUT ARGONAUT GROUP, INC. Headquartered in San Antonio, Argonaut Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS:AGII) is a national underwriter of specialty insurance products in niche areas of the property and casualty market, with approximately $3.6 billion in assets. Through its insurance subsidiaries, Argonaut Group offers a full line of high quality products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims handling needs of businesses in three primary segments: Excess and Surplus Lines, Select Markets, and Public Entity. Members of Argonaut Group include Colony, Argonaut Specialty, Rockwood, Great Central, Grocers Insurance, Trident, and Argonaut Insurance. Information on Argonaut Group and its subsidiaries is available at www.argonautgroup.com. ABOUT WESTERN HOME FURNISHING ASSOCIATION (WHFA) Since its inception in 1944, WHFA (then known as the Furniture Retailers’ Association) has been driven by the sole purpose of assisting in the growth and development of home furnishings retailers. For 60 years, WHFA has earned the respect of industry leaders as a credible resource in providing retailers with information, education, group discount programs, services and networking opportunities that have transformed businesses and perpetuated the industry. The 100% member owned WHFA is committed to being the industry advocate of the independent home furnishings retailer and is dedicated to providing the membership essential resources needed to achieve and maintain long-term goals. Information on WHFA is available at www.whfa.org.