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Nationwide's Big Growth in Small Commercial

 Thu, April 8, 2021
Think Big
Think Big
Nationwide's Small Business Market has proven to be miraculously competitive in today's market. A variety of classes have shown more recent success along with their modified businessowners policy product. Before we dive into the details, it is essential to acknowledge one crucial question, “How does Nationwide identify small commercial business?”

Nationwide identifies their small business sector as accounts less than $100,000 DWP, and according to specific requirements for each line of business offered as follows:

Businessowners
  • $20M or less in building and business personal property (BPP).
  • Less than $20M in total sales, or less than $5M if wholesaler.
Property
  • Less than $20M in building and business personal property.
Worker's Compensation
  • Less than 50 full-time equivalent employees.
  • Less than $2M in total payroll, or less than $750K if a contractor.
Commercial Auto
  • Less than 20 power units.
General Liability
  • Less than $20M in total sales exposures, or less than $5M if wholesaler or manufacturer.
  • Less than $2M in total payroll exposure, or less than $750K if a contractor.
A Stable Strategy for Your Customer's Businessowners Policy

Nationwide has structured their businessowner's policy for the small commercial market, which has positioned themselves to be a competitive option. Your customers can expect several benefits from this product. For instance, while most carriers only offer Business Personal Property (BPP) located in or on the building within 100 feet of the premises, Nationwide has extended this to 1,000 feet.

Also, business income is offered on an actual loss sustained basis, therefore lost income that the customer may sustain during the restoration of a damaged property location is covered up to 12 months. Another benefit of this product is the extended business income that provides 60 days of protection from the time repairs are completed until operations return to a level the business would have been if the loss had not occurred. Typically, other carriers would only offer 30 days for extended business income.

Furthermore, Nationwide automatically includes equipment breakdown if equipment fails and causes physical or financial damage. This coverage is up to the property limit, and the deductible applies.

Your small business customers also have access to Businessowners Advantage bundle coverages! This enhancement provides off-premises utility power failure for direct and indirect damage including overhead power lines with only a 12-hour waiting period. The BOP Advantage endorsement starts with $100K in coverage and can be bumped up to $500K if needed. Nationwide has increased several coverage enhancements as part of its strategy for a competitive BOP product. Personal property off-premises were raised to $65K from $15K, with the option to add $10K employee dishonesty. Nationwide also increased personal property in-transit to $40K from $15K.

Now more than ever, cybersecurity is critical to a company's daily operations. Nationwide offers a Cyber Liability BOP Endorsement with three coverages available:

1) Data Compromise Coverage – Includes response expense and Defense Liability.
2) Identity Recovery Coverage
3) CyberOne Coverage – protects electronic data and computer systems from viruses and other computer attacks.

This Businessowners policy has been structured to adapt to the ever-changing market constantly affected by socioeconomic and environmental factors.

Top Performing Classes

Nationwide emphasized the below classes that have shown the most success according to these business segments:

Offices Retail & Services Auto Service
  • Dental
  • Real Estate
  • Attorneys
  • Optometrists
  • Veterinarians
  • Consultants
  • Insurance Agents
  • Chiropractors
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Hardware Store
  • Dry Cleaners
  • Liquor Stores
  • Printers
  • Clothing
  • Home Furnishing
  • Barbers & Beauticians
  • Funeral Homes
  • Florist
  • Specialty Grocery Stores
  • Quick Lube
  • Auto Repair
  • Tire Dealers
  • A/C Service or Repair
  • Auto Body
  • Paint Shops
  • Transmission
  • Auto Glass Repair
  • Alignment
  • Car Washes


Food Service Wholesale/Distributors Contractors Worker's Compensation
  • Fast Casual
  • Fine Dining
  • Casual Dining
  • Pizza Parlors
  • Ice Cream Shops
  • Delicatessens
  • Restaurants-Family Style
  • Coffee Shops
  • Donut Shops
  • Brick & Stone
  • Electrical & Plumbing
  • Furniture
  • Bakery Plants
  • AC Dealers/Distributors
  • Beverage Distributors
  • Floor Covering
  • Janitorial Supplies
  • Paper Products
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Lawn & Garden
  • HVAC
  • Janitorial Services
  • Painters
  • 14 other classes
  • Architectural or Engineering Firm
  • Attorney or Accountant
  • Auto Service or Repair
  • Barber / Beautician
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Physician and Clerical


In 2020, our top 5 performing class segments of business with Nationwide Small Commercial were Office, Food Service, Contractors, Auto Services, and Wholesale businesses. If you come across any of the top-referenced classes, please reach out to your assigned underwriter to assist in placing these risks for a potential competitive quote.

Conclusion

Nationwide can offer your small business customers very competitive coverage opportunities while withstanding the market changes, especially during the pandemic. This BOP product is offering more stability for your customers. To discover more options Nationwide can offer your small business customers, please reach out to your assigned underwriter.

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This content is strictly informational and should not be used as specific advice on insurance products, legal, accounting, and/or tax related matters. Insureds should always contact the appropriate licensed professional for their insurance, legal, accounting, or tax needs.

Contact Us


Halcyon Underwriters

Attn: Compliance Dept.
555 Winderley Place Ste. 420
Maitland, FL 32751

Telephone
(407) 660-1881

Toll Free
(800) 393-9090

Fax
(407) 660-0525


Should you wish to file a customer service issue, compliment or complaint, you may do so by emailing
the Compliance Officer at compliance@halcyonuw.com or contacting verbally at (321) 527-2180.


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