Tokio Marine Highland

Josh Clifton

WNC Insurance Services Rebrands to Tokio Marine Highland

Chicago, September 13, 2021 – WNC Insurance Services, a leading property and casualty underwriting agency, announced today that it has rebranded to Tokio Marine Highland. The evolution reflects the company’s strategic growth in the marketplace and significant investment in talent, infrastructure and technology that has fueled its digital transformation since being wholly acquired in 2018 by Tokio Marine Kiln, one of the largest carriers in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market and rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s.

The move will enable Tokio Marine Highland to enter new product classes, introduce its brand to new audiences and create a seamless customer experience, all while reaffirming its commitment to being a trusted partner and industry-leading provider of private flood, construction, fine art, specialty property, real estate investment and lender-placed insurance solutions.

For decades, WNC Insurance Services has built a reputation for sustained underwriting profitability, placing more than $2.5 billion into the Lloyd’s of London insurance market with a top-quartile return. Now, Tokio Marine Highland combines that long history of underwriting excellence with the global strength of the Tokio Marine brand.

Pat Blandford, CEO

“Throughout our nearly 60-year history, we have been known for our expert product design and ability to identify market opportunities, all of which is customer-driven and customer-led,” said Pat Blandford, Chief Executive Officer. “Ultimately, this has produced excellent underwriting results.”

Blandford said he is optimistic for what the future holds for Tokio Marine Highland.

“Tokio Marine Highland is the marriage of a fast-moving, entrepreneurial firm with a forward-thinking and well capitalized corporate parent in Tokio Marine Kiln, which has been our lead market for the past 40 years,” he said. “This relationship allows us to future-proof our business and take a long-term perspective. We have a tremendous ability to tap into resources, not only globally, but also in the U.S., and we’re investing in our business today by thinking about how we want to look in 10 years. That’s very exciting for me, and it positions Tokio Marine Highland for future success.”

About Tokio Marine Highland

Tokio Marine Highland is a leading property and casualty underwriting agency that offers distinct specialty risk management solutions, including private flood, construction, fine art, specialty property, real estate investment and lender-placed insurance. Tokio Marine Highland also includes Precise Adjustments, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides industry-leading claims capabilities.

Founded in 1962, Tokio Marine Highland Insurance Services, Inc. (formerly WNC Insurance Services, Inc.) is a wholly owned company of Tokio Marine Kiln, one of the largest carriers in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s for financial strength, and a member of the Tokio Marine Group. Tokio Marine Highland’s home office is located in Chicago, IL, with operating centers in Dallas, TX, Irvine, CA, Miami, FL, Naperville, IL, and South Pasadena, CA.

For more information, visit our website at www.tokiomarinehighland.com.

Media Contact:

Joshua Clifton
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
312-736-2351 (office)
773-230-1304 (mobile)
joshua.clifton@tmhighland.com

WNC Insurance Services to Rebrand as Tokio Marine Highland

We’re excited to announce that WNC Insurance Services will soon be rebranding as Tokio Marine Highland. From our founding in 1962 to becoming a wholly owned company of Tokio Marine Kiln in 2018, one thing has remained the same – our commitment to you, our most valued clients.

While Tokio Marine Highland represents the next evolution of our brand, we remain your trusted partner for industry-leading specialty risk management solutions, including private flood, construction, fine art, specialty property, real estate investment and lender-placed insurance. As part of one of the largest carriers in the Lloyd’s insurance market and a member of the Tokio Marine Group, we are backed by decades of experience and the deep industry expertise to meet the most complex needs of your customers.

From our creative underwriting and innovative products, to our superior claims management and customer service, the experience you’ve come to know and expect will remain unchanged. As we work toward our anticipated launch as Tokio Marine Highland on September 13, 2021, we look forward to serving you as we continue to build a strong and enduring partnership for the future.

Media Contact:

Joshua Clifton
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
312-736-2351 (office)
773-230-1304 (mobile)
jclifton@wncfirst.com

Tech Careers in Insurance: Andrew Leonard, Principal Solutions Architect – Data Engineer

The insurance industry is more than underwriting and claims management. Technology is transforming the way we assess risks, transact business and engage with our agents and brokers, and has led to new roles that specialize in data and analytics, robotics process automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence. There has never been a better time to consider the exciting opportunities available in our diverse, innovative and growing industry. As a recipient of Business Insurance’s Best Places to Work in 2020, Tokio Marine Highland is creating a culture and environment where employees who specialize in technology can thrive and grow their careers.

Here’s why Andrew Leonard, Principal Solutions Architect – Data Engineer, chose a career in insurance:

Why did you choose a career in insurance?

When I was looking at different industries to take my career, I wanted to find work that was challenging and interesting at the same time. The insurance industry offers lots of challenges when it comes to technology.

What do you find most interesting or rewarding about your role?

One of the most interesting aspects is the many types of data I get to work with. For example, I’ve learned how to leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for our company’s unique use cases. Additionally, I get to work with the Private Flood Division to help implement technology into their processes. Seeing the impact my work has on their business has been really rewarding.

How do you apply technology to your role? 

Technology is applied pretty naturally and organically in my role. In terms of resources we use, I am constantly taking classes to continue my professional development. We also learn about new technologies based out of need, utilizing technologies based off what the problem requires.

For someone who may have never considered the insurance industry for a career, what would you say to change their minds?

The insurance industry really poses many interesting problems and questions to us. If you consider yourself a problem solver or someone who wants to be challenged in your career, the insurance industry would be a great fit for you.

Discover how you can join our team and grow your career like Andrew at Tokio Marine Highland. Visit our Careers page to learn more.

Create an Evacuation Plan to Prepare for Potential Disasters

Hurricane season is underway, and according to Ready.gov, it is essential to have an evacuation plan ready to ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of a potential storm or other type of disaster. Emergency services may require urgent evacuation and preparedness is needed for you and your family to remain safe. Ready.gov provided the following tips on how to plan and develop an evacuation strategy in the event of a natural disaster:

Before a Disaster:

  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go.
  • Go through every possible evacuation route and discuss where you can stay, such as motels, friends or families’ houses, or shelters.
  • Discuss plans with your family in case you get separated, such as where to meet in the event someone gets lost.
  • Prepare “go bags” and place them in essential places, such as houses, cars or workspaces.
  • Always listen to what emergency services says in the event of a natural disaster.
  • If your mode of transportation is a car, be sure to always keep a full tank of gas.
  • If you do not have a car, discuss other ways to evacuate.

During an Evacuation:

  • Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your local area.
  • Follow all evacuation instructions from your local authorities.
  • Remember to grab your “go bags” while evacuating.
  • Try to leave as soon as possible.
  • Bring pets but remember that only service animals are allowed at evacuation shelters.
  • Follow evacuation routes and do not take shortcuts, as they may be blocked by flooding or downed power lines.
  • If time allows, secure your house and unplug all electric outlets.

By utilizing these tips, you and your loved ones will become much more prepared in the event of a potential evacuation. Safety is always the top priority, and preparedness in this case can save lives and benefit everyone.

For more information and hurricane preparation tips, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Tips to Prepare Your Business for Hurricane Season

Is your business ready for this year’s hurricane season? Below are steps you can take now to ensure the safety of your employees and minimize potential interruptions to your business if disaster strikes.

  • Prepare an employee evacuation plan. Assign team members to perform essential emergency roles. Conduct training with employees and perform flood drills often to ensure your staff is prepared.
  • Create a business continuity plan to minimize business interruption during a disaster. Establish emergency communication protocols and confirm you have current contact info for all staff, vendors and customers.
  • Review your flood insurance policy. Ensure you have a current photo or video inventory of your premises, equipment, and supplies.
  • Make sure that your data is backed up regularly and stored in a safe facility. Ensure that all data could be accessed remotely in the event of an emergency.
  • Consider installing a back-up generator, back-up water source, and gas or battery powered pumps to keep lower levels of your building free of water.
  • Know your building’s structural risks. Install pressure rated doors and windows. Secure outside or reinforce outdoor signs and fencing. Consider consulting a professional on removing potential tree or landscaping hazards.
  • Relocate any critical items or documents at least one foot over your base flood elevation or design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
  • Consider hiring a professional to assess and mitigate the risk of flood damage to your essential systems. This may include elevating or relocating equipment or protecting equipment by installing anchors, shields, or tie-downs.

Private Flood Insurance Offers a Wider Range of Innovative Solutions

Tokio Marine Highland provides a wide range of innovative private flood solutions with higher limits, broader coverages and more stable and competitive rates than what is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To learn more about our comprehensive flood offerings or to have us quote your potential target risks, visit our website or contact us at PrivateFloodSolution@tmhighland.com.