Exhibit 10.24
MANAGING GENERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT
NUMBER DIRECT-03-001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1 Appointment
Article 2 Authority of the Managing General Agent
Article 3 Compensation
Article 4 Accounting and Records
Article 5 Reports and Remittances
Article 6 Expenses
Article 7 Premium Escrow Accounts
Article 8 Control of Expirations
Article 9 Independent Contractor Relationship
Article 10 Advertising
Article 11 Agents Licensing
Article 12 Agency Sale or Transfer
Article 13 Hold Harmless
Article 14 Arbitration
Article 15 Termination
Article 16 Claims Handling
Article 17 Reinsurance
Article 18 Privacy
Article 19 General Obligations of Managing General Agent
Article 20 General Obligations of Company
Article 21 Miscellaneous
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MANAGING GENERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT
DIRECT-03-001
This Agreement is made and entered into by and between OLD AMERICAN COUNTY
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY a Texas Corporation (Company) and DIRECT GENERAL
INSURANCE AGENCY, INC., a Texas Corporation with administrative offices in
Nashville, TN, (Managing General Agent).
THE COMPANY AND THE MANAGING GENERAL AGENT AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
ARTICLE 1 - APPOINTMENT
1.1 The Company appoints the Managing General Agent to act as its Managing
General Agent as that term is defined in Article 21.07-3 of the Texas Insurance
Code and the Texas Administrative Code. This appointment is continuous in nature
and shall remain in effect until terminated in accordance with Article 15.
1.2 The Managing General Agent acknowledges and agrees that the Company's
appointment of the Managing General Agent does not restrict in any manner the
Company's right to appoint agents writing any lines of insurance the Company
writes through any other agent, sub-agent or managing general agent either
direct to the Company or through other agents.
ARTICLE 2 - AUTHORITY
2.1 The Managing General Agent has the authority and duty to act on behalf of
the Company in all respects, insofar as necessary for the Managing General Agent
to perform the function of a Managing General Agent for the Company. The Company
may, from time-to-time, place reasonable written restrictions upon the Managing
General Agent. The Managing General Agent's authority includes, but is not
limited to, production, appointment and supervision of agents for the Company,
underwriting, accounting and claims handling. All acts of the Managing General
Agent, insofar as the Company's business is concerned, are subject to the
ultimate authority of the Company.
The authority granted to the Managing General Agent under this Agreement may be
performed in whole or in part by third parties, subject to the prior approval of
the Company, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, or, in the Managing
General Agent's sole discretion, by one or more affiliates of the Managing
General Agent; provided that (i) such affiliate shall be under ultimate common
control with the Managing General Agent; (ii) to the extent any affiliate of the
Managing General Agent provides services to the Company under this Agreement,
such affiliate shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement and (iii) the
performance of such services by any such affiliate shall not relieve the
Managing General Agent of its obligations to the Company hereunder. The parties
may establish mutually acceptable administrative and operational procedures to
facilitate delegation of performance under this Agreement on behalf of the
Managing General Agent.
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2.2 The original source of all business produced under this Agreement shall be
property/casualty, general lines, or limited lines agents in the State of Texas
(Agent(s)).
2.3 The Managing General Agent has the authority to accept, on forms approved by
the Company, applications, binders, and/or Policies written by or through
Agents, for classes or lines of insurance as described in the attached Schedule
of Business, as may be amended from time to time, and in the Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement Number DIRECT-02-001 between the Company and DIRECT
GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (the Reinsurer) effective January 1, 2003,
(Reinsurance Agreement), a copy of said Agreement is attached hereto and fully
incorporated herein.
2.4 The Managing General Agent acknowledges and agrees that the term(s) of any
Policy shall not exceed twelve (12) months. "Policy" is defined as any policy,
endorsement, binder, certificate, proposal for insurance or any other document
that binds the Company to insurance coverage.
2.5 The Managing General Agent has the authority to cancel Policies, at its
discretion, subject to the requirements imposed by law and in compliance with
the applicable provisions contained in this Agreement and the Policies.
2.6 The Managing General Agent has the authority to receive and receipt for
premiums and to retain commissions out of such collected premiums subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2.7 The Managing General Agent or its designated claims handler shall have the
authority to set loss reserves and adjust and pay claims on behalf of the
Company.
2.8 The Company shall retain the authority to restrict the premium volume.
2.9 The Managing General Agent may not authorize policy issuance on behalf of
the Company to any broker, agent, managing general agent or any other entity
without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
2.10 Any and all agreements with Agent(s) shall be made directly between the
Managing General Agent and such Agent(s). It is understood that the Agent shall
have no claim or cause of action against the Company and said Agent(s) shall
look solely to the Managing General Agent for any and all expenses, costs,
causes of action and damages, including, but not limited to, extra contractual
obligations, arising in any manner from actions or inactions by the Agent(s) or
the Managing General Agent.
2.11 The Managing General Agent shall bear sole responsibility to oversee the
proper licensing of any Agents(s). Should any fines be levied against the
Company as the result of the Managing General Agent accepting business from an
unlicensed Agent, the Managing General Agent shall hold the Company harmless and
reimburse the Company for any and all reasonable expenses so incurred including,
but not limited to, legal fees, fines and travel expenses.
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ARTICLE 3 - COMPENSATION
3.1 The Managing General Agent's compensation shall be the commission and the
claims handling fee allowed under the Reinsurance Agreement less Fronting Fees
and premium taxes. As used in this Article, the term "Net Written Premium" is
defined as the total of all premium amounts on policies written by the Managing
General Agent between the Company and the Managing General Agent less return
premium and cancellations.
3.2 On the Net Written Premium and net policy fees (policy fees does not include
ATP fees) for each underwriting year, "Fronting Fees" shall be charged as
follows:
2.5% on premium and policy fees up to $20 million
2.0% on premium and policy fees from $20 million to $50 million
1.75% on premium and policy fees over $50 million
The above formula for calculating Fronting Fees shall be reviewed by the parties
at least annually and may be amended from time to time.
3.3 The tax provision of one and three-quarters percent (1.75%) of Net Written
Premium and net policy fees charged includes premium tax and the Texas Overhead
Assessment (collectively "Premium Tax"). The Company retains the right to adjust
the Premium Tax of 1.75% to any new effective rate determined by the Texas
Department of Insurance or other such agency. The Company will be liable for
remitting state premium taxes based on Net Written Premium and net policy fees
charged.
3.4 Should service fees be charged on any policy covered by this Agreement, and
such fees are deemed taxable for premium tax purposes, then such service fees
are to be added to the Net Written Premium and net policy fees charged to
determine the amount subject to Fronting Fees.
3.5 The Managing General Agent shall be entitled to retain the policy fee less
premium taxes of one and three quarters percent (1.75%) and front fees as stated
in Article 3.2.
3.6 In the event there is no Agent to receive the designated commission on a
Policy, the Managing General Agent may retain the commission.
3.7 The commission may, from time to time, be amended upon mutual agreement of
the Company and the Managing General Agent without otherwise affecting the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.
3.8 The Company agrees to pass through to the Managing General Agent any
Contingent or Profit Commission allowed by the Reinsurer(s) that may be
referenced in the Reinsurance Agreement.
ARTICLE 4 - ACCOUNTING AND RECORDS
4.1 The Managing General Agent shall provide as reasonably requested and
maintain all necessary books, records, policies, claim files, dailies and
correspondence with policyholders to determine the amount of liability of the
Company and the amount of premiums there from.
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4.2 The Managing General Agent shall prepare separate, itemized, monthly
statements for each Agent on the business placed by the Agent through the
Managing General Agent, and furnish the Agent with an IRS Form 1099 each year
when required.
4.3 All records shall be kept in such manner and form as is generally recognized
as acceptable in the insurance industry or as may be reasonably required by the
Company. The foregoing notwithstanding, the parties agree that all records may
be maintained in electronic data storage form accessible by computer, or
otherwise and if so stored in this fashion, no physical copy of such item need
be maintained unless otherwise required by law. Such records shall be maintained
for at least five (5) years or for any longer applicable retention period
required by the Texas Department of Insurance. All records must be located in
Texas, unless approved by the Texas Department of Insurance under Article 1.28
of the Texas Insurance Code, or as otherwise permitted by Texas law. The
foregoing notwithstanding, the Managing General Agent is permitted to maintain
records outside the state of Texas.
4.4 All records applicable to the Company's business shall be opened for
inspection and/or audit at all reasonable times by the Company, its reinsurers,
insurance department personnel or other governmental authorities.
4.5 Upon Company's reasonable request and pursuant to regulatory requirements,
the Managing General Agent shall forward as reasonably required to the Company
or the Company's designated accountant and/or statistical agent, exact, as
written, copies of all applications, binders, policies, daily reports, monthly
reporting forms and endorsements issued by or through licensed Agent(s),
including all other evidence of insurance written, modified or terminated.
4.6 The Managing General Agent shall be solely responsible for and shall keep
accurate records of all policies assigned to the Managing General Agent If
applicable, in the event canceled or terminated policies or binders are
unavailable, the Managing General Agent shall forward, or cause to be forwarded,
properly executed Lost Policy Receipts.
4.7 At renewal of any Policy issued by the Managing General Agent, the Managing
General Agent shall be responsible to the insured for the renewal or non-renewal
of the Policy and shall timely communicate any renewal quote or notice of
non-renewal to the insured to preclude the extension of coverage beyond the
expiration date of the current in-force policy.
4.8 The Company shall conduct or cause to be conducted four (4) examinations of
the Managing General Agent The examinations will take place at the Managing
General Agent's business offices or premises where necessary records are
maintained, and the Managing General Agent will bear the total cost of $750 per
audit plus reasonable out of pocket expenses actually and reasonably incurred by
the Company to conduct each examination, which out of pocket expenses shall not
exceed $2500. Such examination must remain on file with the Company for three
(3) years, be available to the Commissioner of Insurance for review, and
contain, at a minimum, the following information:
a. claims control procedures;
b. timeliness of claims payments;
c. timeliness of premium reporting and collection;
d. compliance with underwriting guidelines; and
e. reconciliation of policy inventory.
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If within any thirty (30) day period, the Company's aggregate premium volume
increases by thirty percent (30%) or more, the Company shall conduct, within
ninety (90) days of said period, an examination of the Managing General Agent if
the Managing General Agent:
a. writes greater than twenty percent (20%) of the Company's aggregate
premium volume; and
b. has experienced an increase of twenty percent (20%) or more of
premium volume during the thirty (30) day period.
Any such examination shall contain the information required pursuant to this
Article 4.8.
ARTICLE 5 - MANAGING GENERAL AGENT'S REPORTS AND REMITTANCES
5.1 Except as otherwise indicated below, the Managing General Agent shall submit
a report to the Company, within thirty (30) days after the close of business
each calendar month, summarizing the business transacted under this Agreement
during the prior month. Such report shall include the following items:
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ premiums written and collected less returns and cancellations;
b. MGA's commission;
c. losses paid less recoveries and salvage;
d. loss adjustment expenses paid;
e. outstanding loss reserves;
f. outstanding loss expense reserves;
g. losses incurred but not reported - this information shall be reported
on a quarterly basis only, and shall be forwarded no later than the 30th
day of the month following the quarter being accounted for;
h. unearned premium reserve; and
i. earned premium.
5.2 The Managing General Agent shall remit all amounts collected and paid, which
are due, directly to the Company within forty-five (45) days after the close of
the calendar month for which the account is rendered.
5.3 In addition to the return of premium, the Managing General Agent shall
refund commissions on policy cancellations, reductions in premiums or any other
return premiums at the same rate at which such commissions were originally
retained.
5.4 The Company may, at its sole option, reasonably alter the frequency and/or
content of the Managing General Agent's report; provided, however, such report
is made no less frequently than monthly.
5.5 The omission of any item(s) from a monthly statement shall not affect the
responsibility of either party to account for and pay all amounts due the other
party, nor shall it prejudice the rights of either party to collect all such
amounts due from the other party.
5.6 The Managing General Agent shall annually furnish to the Company the
following summary information in such form as to enable the Company to record
such information in its annual statement:
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a. summaries, with data segregated by major classes, of net premium
written, gross loss paid, net salvage, subrogation and adjusting
expenses paid during the year; and
b. details of in-force and unearned premium running twelve (12) months
or less from the policy inception date.
5.7 The Managing General Agent agrees to furnish the Company with any additional
reports necessary to provide the Company's monthly, quarterly and/or annual
statements to regulatory authorities including, but not limited to, TICO
statistical reporting.
5.8 The Managing General Agent shall annually furnish the Company current
financial statements of the Managing General Agent These financial statements
shall include, but not be limited to, Profit and Lass, Balance Sheet and Cash
Flow Statements.
ARTICLE 6 - EXPENSES
6.1 The Managing General Agent is responsible for and shall promptly pay all
expenses attributable to the producing and servicing of business under this
Agreement, except as specified in Article 6.2. This responsibility shall not be
altered whether the expense is billed to the Managing General Agent or the
Company. These expenses include but are not limited to:
a. salaries and all other benefits of all employees of the Managing
General Agent;
b. transportation, lodging, and meals of employees of the Managing
General Agent;
c. postage and other delivery charges;
d. advertising;
e. printing of all policies, forms and endorsements;
f. EDP hardware, software, and programming;
g. commissions;
h. license and appointment fees for agents, brokers, and solicitors;
i. adjustment expenses arising from claims on insurance written under
this Agreement, except for expenses incurred at the direction of the
Company;
j. provision of office space, equipment and other facilities necessary
for the operation of Managing General Agent; and
k. legal, audit and other expenses relating to any rate filing,
regulation, or rules affecting the business of the Managing General
Agent pursuant to this Agreement.
With respect to expenses for which Managing General Agent is obligated to pay,
the Company agrees it will immediately but in no event more than 15 business
days following receipt forward to Managing General Agent any assessment,
invoice, report or record from any regulatory agency related to such expenses.
Company further agrees that it will not undertake to remit payment of any such
expense, including but not limited to agent appointment fees, without first
verifying such expense with Managing General Agent. Managing General Agent shall
not be obligated to reimburse Company for any expense paid without first
obtaining such verification.
6.2 The Company is responsible for and shall promptly pay all expenses
attributable to the actions of the Company as a result of business produced
under this Agreement. This responsibility shall not be altered whether the
expense is billed to the Company or the Managing General Agent These expenses
include but are not limited to:
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a. salaries and all other benefits of all employees of the Company;
b. transportation, lodging, and meals of employees of the Company;
c. State or Guaranty Fund Assessments;
d. losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred at the direction of the
Company;
e. cost of reinsurance; and
f. legal and auditing expense incurred at the direction of the Company
(other than as provided for in Article 4.8).
ARTICLE 7 - PREMIUM ESCROW ACCOUNTS
7.1 The Managing General Agent shall accept in a fiduciary capacity all premiums
collected and other funds relating to the business written under this Agreement.
It is expressly agreed and understood that all premiums collected by the
Managing General Agent are collected on behalf of the Company; that such
premiums are the property of the Company and the Reinsurer as their respective
interests may appear pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, less such
commissions and fees as are due the Managing General Agent. The privilege of
retaining commissions shall not be construed as changing the fiduciary capacity.
7.2 The Managing General Agent assumes responsibility for and shall promptly
pay, the Net Written Premium currently due the Company, whether collected or
not, on Policies issued by the Managing General Agent, or the Company on behalf
of the Managing General Agent, subject to any deductions provided herein.
7.3 The Managing General Agent shall establish and maintain a "Premium Escrow
Account" entitled "DIRECT/OLD AMERICAN PREMIUM ESCROW ACCOUNT". The Premium
Escrow Account shall be in a bank, which is a member of the Federal Reserve
System and is mutually agreeable to the Managing General Agent and the Company.
All premiums collected by the Managing General Agent on business produced under
this Agreement shall be deposited promptly into said account.
7.4 The Managing General Agent shall not commingle any premium or escrow funds
with its personal accounts or other agency funds or funds held by the Managing
General Agent in any other capacity. The foregoing shall not apply to funds
collected on behalf of the Managing General Agent's premium finance company
affiliate.
7.5 The Managing General Agent and an officer of the Company shall maintain
signature authority on said Premium Escrow Account.
7.6 The Managing General Agent shall act as trustee for the Company on the
Premium Escrow Account.
7.7 Interest income and the cost of maintaining Escrow Accounts shall belong to
the Managing General Agent.
7.8 Escrow Accounts may consist of:
a. checking, savings, or money market accounts;
b. certificates of deposit; or
c. United States Treasury bills, notes or bonds.
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7.9 The Managing General Agent may use any and all premium and other funds
collected by the Managing General Agent for and on behalf of the Company under
this Agreement solely for the payment of:
a. premium balances due minus deductions allowed in accordance with this
Agreement;
b. the return of unearned premiums arising due to cancellation or
endorsement;
c. the Managing General Agent's and Agent(s) commission;
d. losses and loss adjustment expenses; or
e. such other items as mutually agreed upon in writing by the Managing
General Agent and the Company.
7.10 The Company shall not be liable for any loss which occurs by reason of the
default or failure of the bank in which an account is carried and such loss
shall not affect the Managing General Agent's obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8 - CONTROL OF EXPIRATIONS
8.1 The Managing General Agent's records and the use and control of expirations
of the business produced by the Agents appointed by the Managing General Agent
or by the Company at the Managing General Agent's request shall remain the
property of the Managing General Agent and be left in the Managing General
Agent's undisputed possession, provided the Managing General Agent is not in
material default and accounts for and pays over all premium and other sums for
which the Managing General Agent may be liable to the Company.
8.2 Ownership of the records, use and control of expirations and the goodwill
relating thereto shall be vested in the Managing General Agent, provided,
however in the event the Managing General Agent is in material default
hereunder, and does not remedy such default within a reasonable time and does
not account for and pay all premiums or other sums for which it may be liable to
the company within a reasonable time following the due date, such records, use
and control of expirations and the good will relating thereto shall become the
property of Company.
8.3 The Managing General Agent assigns to the Company as security for, but not
in payment of the obligations of the Managing General Agent under this
Agreement, all sums due or to become due to the Managing General Agent from any
insured(s) for whom the Managing General Agent or Agent(s) provided a Policy on
behalf of the Company. In the event of material default which remains uncured,
the Company shall have full authority to demand and collect such sums and the
Managing General Agent or Agent(s) shall not be entitled to any commissions
and/or policy fees on any premium so collected by the Company. The Company may
also assign any rights it acquires to the Reinsurer.
8.4 The Managing General Agent pledges and/or grants to the Company, so as to
further secure payment of any and all sums due the Company under this Agreement,
any and all of the Managing General Agent's records of expirations of Policies,
including but not limited to, the ownership and exclusive use of said
expirations. In the event Managing General Agent fails to render timely accounts
and payments within (10) days after such failure is brought to the Managing
General Agent's attention by way of written notification to the address provided
herein, the Company shall have the rights of the holder of a security interest
granted by law, including but not limited to the rights of foreclosure to
effectuate such security interest, arid the Managing General Agent hereby agrees
to peaceably surrender possession of such records to the Company upon demand.
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ARTICLE 9 - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP
9.1 Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the
relationship of employer and employee, or joint venture or partnership, between
the Company and the Managing General Agent, or between the Company and any
employees, representatives or Agents of the Managing General Agent.
ARTICLE 10 - ADVERTISING
10.1 Any advertising is the responsibility of, and shall be in the name of the
Managing General Agent The Managing General Agent is prohibited from using the
Company's name or logo without prior written consent of the Company.
10.2 In the event an advertisement containing the Company's name or logo is used
by the Managing General Agent or Agent(s), the Managing General Agent shall send
a copy of the advertisement to the Company and maintain a copy and full details
concerning where, when, and how it was used, and comply with all legal
requirements regarding content, review and approval of advertising and
maintenance of records.
ARTICLE 11 - AGENTS LICENSING
11.1 The Managing General Agent shall maintain current license(s) or
certificate(s) of authority as required by law for the conduct of business
pursuant to this Agreement.
11.2 The Managing General Agent shall assure that all Agents maintain
appropriate license(s), certificate(s) of authority and appointments as required
by law for conduct of business under this Agreement.
11.3 If applicable, the Managing General Agent shall maintain in force an Agency
or Producer Agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Company, with all Agents;
provided, however, Managing General Agent shall not be required to maintain any
form of agreement with its employee agents or its affiliates.
11.4 Any termination by the Managing General Agent of an Agent shall comply with
the Texas Insurance Code and any other applicable law or regulation.
ARTICLE 12 - AGENCY SALE OR TRANSFER
12.1 In the event a controlling interest (10% or more of outstanding shares) of
the Managing General Agent is to be sold or transferred or the Managing General
Agent is to merge or be consolidated with another firm (not affiliated with
current ownership), the Managing General Agent shall give thirty (30) days
advance written notice to the Company. Under any of these circumstances, the
Company may:
a. consent to the assignment of this Agreement to the successor;
b. enter into a new Managing General Agency Agreement with the
successor; or
c. terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 15.
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The Company shall notify the Managing General Agent of its decision within
thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice.
12.2 The Managing General Agent shall also give notice to the Company if there
is a material change in the management of Managing General Agent within 30 days
of the occurrence of such change.
ARTICLE 13 - HOLD HARMLESS
13.1 The Managing General Agent shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless
from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, judgments and
expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees and costs of
court) which may be made against the Company and which arise, either directly or
indirectly, out of any action or inaction of the Managing General Agent or the
Managing General Agent's employees or representatives in connection with any
rights or obligations of the Managing General Agent incurred in connection with
this Agreement or with asserting rights hereunder including, but not limited to,
any action or inaction of the Managing General Agent concerning the termination
of Agent(s) pursuant to the Texas Insurance Code or any other applicable law or
regulation.
13.2 The Company shall indemnify and hold the Managing General Agent harmless
from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, judgments and
expenses (including, but riot limited to, reasonable attorney's fees and costs
of court) which may be made against the Managing General Agent and which arise,
either directly or indirectly, out of any action or inaction of the Company
including, but not limited to, any such acts of negligence by the Company in
connection with any rights or obligations of the Company incurred in connection
with this Agreement or with asserting rights hereunder.
13.3 The Reinsurer is hereby named as a third party beneficiary to all promises,
duties and obligations of indemnification made by the Managing General Agent to
the Company to the extent of all damages, fines, penalties and/or loss incurred
by the Reinsurer as a direct result of indemnifying and holding the Company
harmless for the actions and/or inactions of the Managing General Agent. Upon
indemnification by the Reinsurer, the Company shall assign its rights of
recourse against the Managing General Agent to the Reinsurer, provided always
that any benefit or right of recourse extended to the Reinsurer shall be
subordinate to that of the Company.
ARTICLE 14 - ARBITRATION
14.1 Unless both parties mutually agree to waive arbitration with respect to a
particular dispute, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree that binding
arbitration shall be the sole remedy for any and all dispute(s) arising between
them with reference to any transactions, terms or conditions under this
Agreement including its formation and validity. Arbitration proceedings brought
hereunder shall be referred for final determination to the majority decision of
a panel of three disinterested arbitrators (the "Panel"). Notice of demand for
arbitration (the "Notice") shall be made by the petitioning party (the
"Petitioner") in writing and shall be served via certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested, on the responding party to the Arbitration (the
"Respondent") at the Respondent's current address. The notice requesting
arbitration shall identify the Agreement(s) involved in the dispute, the issues
to be resolved in the view of the Petitioner, and the arbitrator selected by the
Petitioner. The term "days" as used herein shall mean calendar days.
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14.2 The Respondent shall appoint an arbitrator within 30 days of receiving the
Notice. At the same time as the appointment, the Respondent shall identify in
writing any issues which in its view must be resolved in the arbitration
proceeding and which were not identified by the Petitioner. If the Respondent
fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days of being requested to do so, in
writing, by the Petitioner, the Petitioner shall have the right to appoint the
second arbitrator. Within 30 days after their appointment, the two arbitrators
so chosen shall select a third arbitrator to act as umpire. If the two
arbitrators do not agree as to the selection of a third arbitrator within 60
days after their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be selected from a list
of six individuals (three named by each arbitrator) by a judge of the federal
district court or state court in Dallas County, Texas.
14.3 Each arbitrator shall be a disinterested, active or retired official or
officer of an insurance, or reinsurance company, or managing general agent who
has knowledge and experience with insurer and managing general agent
relationships and who is not under the control or management of either party to
this Agreement, and shall have experience in the class and type of business
subject to this dispute.
14.4 Within 30 days after notice of appointment of all arbitrators, the
Petitioner and the Respondent shall each submit a statement of position to the
Panel.
14.5 Within 60 days after notice of appointment of all arbitrators, each party
shall provide the other with its relevant books, records, and/or other papers
not protected from disclosure by either the work-product or attorney client
privilege. Other than the exchange of relevant documents, both parties shall
refrain from engaging in any type of discovery including, but riot limited to,
depositions and interrogatories.
14.6 Within 30 days following the exchange of documents, the Petitioner and the
Respondent shall submit hearing briefs to the Panel.
14.7 Unless some other location is mutually agreeable to the parties,
arbitration proceedings shall take place within Dallas County, Texas.
Arbitration shall commence as soon as practicable but in no event longer than
120 days after selection of the third arbitrator with notice thereof to the
parties. The specific time and site of arbitration shall be promptly agreed to
by the parties, or if no Consent is reached, then determined by the Panel.
14.8 The Panel shall be relieved from applying the strict rules of evidence
and/or procedure and shall make its decision based on the custom and practice of
the insurance and reinsurance business with a view toward effecting this
Agreement in a reasonable manner. Should either party fail to appear at the
arbitration and/or fail to furnish the Panel with any subpoenaed papers or
information, the Panel is empowered to proceed ex parte. The Panel shall make
its award within 60 days following the close of the hearing. The majority
decision of the Panel shall be final and binding upon the parties and shall be
reduced to a written award, which may include factual findings, and shall be
signed by any two of the three arbitrators, dated and delivered overnight to the
parties. The Panel may award pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, but in no
case shall the authority of the Panel extend to awarding punitive or exemplary
damages. Judgment may be entered upon the award by any court having
jurisdiction.
14.9 Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator, but shall equally
share with the other the expense of the third arbitrator. In the event that the
two arbitrators are chosen by one party, as above provided, the expense of the
two arbitrators, the third arbitrator and the arbitration
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shall be equally divided between the Petitioner and the Respondent. Unless
mutually agreed otherwise, a court reporter transcript shall be taken of the
hearing with costs to be divided equally between the parties. The Panel shall
allocate the remaining costs of arbitration.
14.10 The Arbitration proceeding brought hereunder, any or all provisions
contained herein, and arbitration awards entered pursuant to this Article are
specifically governed by, subject to and enforceable under the Federal
Arbitration Act (Title 9, United States Code, Sections 1-14, as amended).
14.11 Each party agrees that time is of the essence with respect to all terms
and conditions referenced in this Article. All deadlines contained in this
Article may be extended by mutual consent of the parties, and if the Panel has
been selected, the Panel's Consent must also be obtained.
14.12 Each party agrees that any arbitration award entered pursuant to and
governed by this Article shall not have any precedential or collateral estoppel
effect on future arbitrations, proceedings, or controversies, if any, between
the parties. Any claim of res judicata or claim preclusion shall itself be
subject to arbitration.
14.13 This Article shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 15 - TERMINATION
15.1 This Agreement may be terminated at any December 31 by either party issuing
a written notice at least ninety (90) days prior to such date. Any draft
authority of the Managing General Agent shall terminate upon the date of said
notice of termination except as provided in Article 15.7 or provided otherwise
in writing by the Company.
15.2 This Agreement shall automatically terminate simultaneous with and upon the
cancellation or termination of the reinsurance agreement referred to in Articles
2.3 and 17, except as provided in Article 15.7.
15.3 The right to solicit and place new business, or renewal, or any
modification of existing business, shall be suspended as provided in Article
15.5 in the event of default by the Managing General Agent.
The term "default" means any material breach or material failure to comply with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement and includes, but is not limited to,
the following:
a. failure to remit balances due as required by this Agreement and fails
to cure such default within ten (10) days after written demand has been
made for the same;
b. failure to adjust all claims in a timely manner arising from all
business written under this Agreement;
c. failure to maintain Agent's license(s) or certificate(s) as required
by any public authority; and
d. failure to comply with any and all provisions of the Texas Insurance
Code and/or Texas Administrative Code and such failure remains uncured
after notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure.
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15.4 In the event that the Company determines that the Managing General Agent is
in material default, the Company may, at its sole discretion, suspend the
authority of the Managing General Agent. Such suspension shall be effective
immediately. The Managing General Agent shall have thirty (30) days to cure the
default.
15.5 In the event of cancellation of this Agreement due to fraud or material
breach of this Agreement and Company has suspended or terminated Managing
General Agent's continuing service obligation as described herein below, any
indebtedness of the Managing General Agent to the Company and all premiums in
the possession of the Managing General Agent, or for the collection of which
the Managing General Agent is responsible, shall, notwithstanding any provisions
to the contrary, become immediately due the Company. In such circumstance, any
indebtedness of the Company to the Managing General Agent shall also become
immediately due and payable.
15.6 The failure of the Company or Managing General Agent to declare promptly a
default or breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not
be construed as a waiver of any of said terms and conditions, nor estop either
party from thereafter demanding a full and complete compliance herewith.
15.7 Managing General Agent agrees that in the event this Agreement is
terminated for any reason, Managing General Agent shall continue to perform all
customary and necessary services for all in-force Insurance policies in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement until all such policies have
been completely cancelled, non-renewed, or otherwise terminated; provided,
however, that Company may, in the event of Managing General Agent's material
default hereunder, immediately suspend or terminate Managing General Agent's
continuing service obligation hereunder.
ARTICLE 16 - CLAIMS HANDLING
16.1 The Managing General Agent shall have authority to settle all claims
arising from business placed with the Company under this Agreement in accordance
with established Company procedures. At the sole option of the Company, the
Company may assume any or all of this responsibility at its own expense.
16.2 The authority of the Managing General Agent to settle claims shall not
exceed $30,000 per claim without notification to and consent of the Company. The
Company retains final authority over disputes concerning claims settlement and
setting of loss reserves, (required by TAC re MGA).
16.3 The Managing General Agent shall promptly report to the Company any and all
claims involving lawsuits, when the Company is named, as soon as the Managing
General Agent has been made aware of such lawsuits by any party, and shall
cooperate fully with the Company to facilitate reporting, investigation, and
adjustment of any claim, loss or lawsuit when and as requested by the Company.
16.4 The Managing General Agent may appoint (subject to the approval of the
Company, which shall not be unreasonably withheld) appropriate claims adjustment
firms to handle certain investigations and settlements relating to claims.
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16.5 Payment of losses shall be made on checks or drafts in the name of the
Company. Any expense not directly connected with the settlement of losses or
recovery by way of salvage or subrogation shall be incurred solely by the
Managing General Agent except as from time to time specifically authorized by
the Company.
16.6 The Managing General Agent shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all
checks and/or drafts of the Company used for settling claims and shall perform
the following:
a. the Managing General Agent shall immediately return all voided checks
and/or drafts to the Company;
b. the Managing General Agent shall immediately notify the Company of
any material irregularities, theft, disappearance or destruction of
checks and/or drafts; and
c. the Managing General Agent shall see to it that all checks and/or
drafts are sequentially numbered and issued in order, with all voided
checks and/or drafts properly marked and accounted for.
16.7 The Managing General Agent shall notify the Company by sending a copy of a
form within thirty (30) days of the determination that the claim involves:
a. a continuing coverage dispute requiring attorney review;
b. a demand in excess of policy limits;
c. allegations of bad faith; or
d. alleged violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act or
Article 21.21 of the Texas Insurance Code.
The form should include the claimant's name, claim number, insureds name, policy
number and a description of the claim. This information can be faxed or sent via
e-mail to the Company.
ARTICLE 17 - REINSURANCE
17.1 The Managing General Agent may not bind reinsurance or retrocessions on
behalf of the Company, may not commit the Company to participate in insurance or
reinsurance syndicates and may not collect a premium from a reinsurer or commit
the Company to a claims settlement with a reinsurer without the prior written
approval of the Company. If the Company gives such prior approval, the Managing
General Agent must promptly forward a report to the Company.
17.2 The Managing General Agent is prohibited from ceding reinsurance on behalf
of the Company.
17.3 All business coming within the scope of this Agreement shall be reinsured
under the attached Reinsurance Agreement. Because of the nature of the
Reinsurance Agreement, the Reinsurer shall have the right to act on all such
matters coming within the scope of this Agreement as though the Reinsurer were
the Company, but by doing so or not doing so, shall not invalidate the right of
the Company to act hereunder.
17.4 Any violation of the terms and/or conditions of the Reinsurance Agreement
by the Reinsurer resulting in any diminution of the Reinsurer's liability to the
Company shall be the sole responsibility of the Managing General Agent and the
Managing General Agent shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any
such liability. Managing General Agent shall have no obligation to indemnify and
hold the Company harmless for any damage or liability that arises,
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either directly or indirectly, out of any action or inaction of the Company
including, but not limited to, any acts of negligence by the Company in
connection with any rights or obligations of the Company incurred in connection
with the Reinsurance Agreement.
ARTICLE 18 - PRIVACY
18.1 Privacy Notice. The Managing General Agent shall provide to each new
policyholder, prior to or upon the issuance of any Policies written under this
Agreement, and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, an initial
notice of the Company's privacy policies and practices. Not less than annually
thereafter, the Managing General Agent, upon the request of the Company, shall
distribute a copy of the Company's annual privacy notice, as may be amended from
time to time, to each existing policyholder. In addition, the Managing General
Agent shall, upon the request of the Company, distribute revised privacy notices
and opt-out notices as applicable to each policyholder to reflect any revisions
which may be made to the Company's privacy policies arid practices. In each
case, the Company shall be responsible for providing the Agency with a copy of
the form for its privacy policies and practices notice, which forms the Managing
General Agent shall use to create and deliver the notices described herein, at
the Agency's sole cost and expense with respect to initial and annual notices.
The cost and expense of creating and delivering revised notices at a time other
than delivering initial and annual notices shall be borne by the Company. These
notices shall be created and delivered in addition to any separate legal
obligation the Managing General Agent may have to create and deliver its own
such notices on behalf of itself or its affiliates.
18.2 Confidentiality of Customer Information. None of the Parties hereto shall
disclose or use any nonpublic personal financial information or nonpublic
personal health information related to any policyholder, or to any consumer or
customer (as such terms are defined under applicable state and federal privacy
laws), except as necessary to carry out its duties and obligations under this
Agreement or as otherwise permitted under applicable state or federal law.
18.3 Information Security Program. Each of the Parties hereto shall develop and
implement, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, a comprehensive
information security program designed to (i) ensure the security and
confidentiality of nonpublic personal financial information and nonpublic
personal health information related to any policyholder, or to any consumer or
customer (as such terms are defined under applicable state and federal privacy
laws), (ii) protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security
or integrity of such information, and (iii) protect against unauthorized access
to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or
inconvenience to any customer.
18.4 Confidentiality of Information Systems. If either party provides to the
other party access to information or networks through computer access, such
other party shall be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality, security
and integrity of such information and of the providing party's computer programs
and systems. Additionally, each party that obtains such information shall be
responsible to insure that its employees, agents, and representatives are aware
of the sensitive and proprietary nature of the information obtained, of the
importance of confidentiality, and of the conditions described in this Section
18.4. This Section 18.4 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE 19 - GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF MANAGING GENERAL AGENT
19.1 Licensing. Managing General Agent warrants that it is, and will continue to
be during the term of this Agreement and thereafter while providing any
continuing services hereunder, authorized and licensed to perform all acts set
out in this Agreement. On or before the signing of this Agreement, Managing
General Agent shall provide Company with a copy of its current Managing General
Agent License, and thereafter shall, within 15 days of receiving written
request, provide copy of any renewal of such license to Company.
19.2 Compliance with Laws. Managing General Agent shall be responsible for
compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and requirements
relating to the performance of its obligations hereunder and the general
standards, rules, and regulations of the insurance industry; and all written
instructions as may be provided to Managing General Agent from time to time by
Company.
ARTICLE 20 - GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY
20.1 Licensing. Company warrants that it is, and will continue to be during the
term of this Agreement and thereafter while providing any continuing services
hereunder, authorized and duly licensed to perform all acts set out in this
Agreement. On or before the signing of this Agreement, Company shall provide
Managing General Agent with a copy of its current Certificate of Authority, and
thereafter shall, within 15 days of receiving written request, provide copy of
any renewal of such license to Managing General Agent.
20.2 Compliance with Laws. Managing General Agent shall be responsible for
compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and requirements
relating to the performance of its obligations hereunder and the general
standards, rules, and regulations of the insurance industry.
ARTICLE 21 - MISCELLANEOUS
21.1 Any obligations and undertakings of each of the parties to this Agreement
shall be performable in Dallas County, Texas. The Managing General Agent agrees
to pay to the Company all sums of money which may become payable to Company
under this Agreement.
21.2 Complaints by Insureds - All Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) complaints
are to be handled by the Managing General Agent as follows:
a. the Managing General Agent is to notify the Company promptly of any
TDI complaints received and forward a copy of the complaint to the
Company;
b. the Company will promptly notify the Managing General Agent of any
complaints it receives on the business written pursuant to this
Agreement;
c. the Managing General Agent is to promptly research the circumstances
of each complaint and provide the Company with a written reasonable
explanation of the Managing General Agent's position and intention; and
d. the Managing General Agent is to maintain complete records of each
complaint and all supporting documentation.
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21.3 As regards non-TDI complaints, the Managing General Agent is to maintain a
log and complete records of each complaint and all supporting documentation in a
form approved by the Company.
21.4 The underwriting guidelines of the Company, as may be promulgated from time
to time by the Managing General Agent, are incorporated herein by reference.
21.5 As regards the subject matter of this Agreement, this Agreement supersedes
all previous Managing General Agency Agreements, if any, whether written and
oral, between the Company and the Managing General Agent.
21.6 The Managing General Agent shall maintain errors and omissions insurance
with an insurer acceptable to the Company, covering its operations, including
the obligations of this Agreement, the limits of which shall not be less than
$1,000,000 per claim, with a permitted retention amount up to $1,000,000.
21.7 No amendments to or modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless
made in writing and executed by the Company and the Managing General Agent in
the form of an Amendment to this Agreement.
21.8 The Managing General Agent shall not directly or indirectly assign its
rights and obligations under this Agreement in whole or in part to any
non-affiliated party without the prior written approval of the Company, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
21.9 Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in
either the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural and any term
stated in either the masculine, the feminine or the neuter gender shall include
the masculine, the feminine and the neuter gender. All captions and section
headings are intended to be for purposes of reference only and do not affect the
substance of the articles to which they refer.
21.10 Each party hereto agrees to perform any further acts and execute and
deliver any further documents, which may be reasonably necessary to carry out
the provisions of this Agreement.
21.11 In the event that any of the provisions, or portions thereof, of this
Agreement are held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity and enforceability of the remaining
provisions, or portions thereof, shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid
or unenforceable provisions or by its severance here from.
21.12 Any and all notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement
shall be in writing and will be deemed given when deposited in the United States
Postal Service, Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, to the parties'
address as provided below; or when e-mailed, deemed given when there is proof of
receipt.
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This Agreement shall be effective the 1st day of January 2003, or on such other
date as the parties hereto mutually agree.
THE COMPANY: THE MANAGING GENERAL AGENT:
OLD AMERICAN COUNTY MUTUAL DIRECT GENERAL
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Title: President Title: SVP & CFO
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Date: December 31, 2002 Date: December 31, 2002
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
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SCHEDULE OF BUSINESS
The Company, the Reinsurer and the Managing General Agent agree that the
Managing General Agent has the authority to accept, on forms approved by the
Company, any Policy, endorsement, binder, certificate, or proposal for
insurance. The Managing General Agent's authority is limited by this Schedule of
Business.
Overall:
Projected premium volume $40,000,000
Territory Texas only
Maximum policy term Twelve months
While business will be predominately minimum limits, the lines of business and
the maximum limits of liability are as follows:
COVERAGE MAXIMUM LIMITS
Bodily Injury Liability $100,002 each person
$300,002 each accident
Property Damage Liability $ 50,002 each accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Bodily Injury $ 20,002 each person
$ 40,002 each accident
Property Damage $ 15,002 each accident
Personal Injury Protection $ 2,502 each person
Medical payments $ 502 each person
Physical Damage $ 35,002 each automobile
This Agreement does not apply to and specifically excludes the following:
a. Any business not produced by DIRECT GENERAL INSURANCE AGENCY, INC, or
b. Any business not classified as private passenger automobile liability
or physical damage, or
c. Exclusions specified within the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
Number DIRECT-03-001.
THE COMPANY: THE MANAGING GENERAL AGENT:
OLD AMERICAN COUNTY MUTUAL DIRECT GENERAL
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Title: President Title: SVP & CFO
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Date: December 31, 2002 Date: December 31, 2002
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
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