Overview — Hotel & Motel Umbrella Program from VAIL
VAIL (Value Added Insurance Lines) offers a focused umbrella and ancillary-lines placement program designed for hotels, motels and other habitational hospitality risks. As a wholesale broker, VAIL places umbrella limits that supplement primary liability programs and helps agents secure layered protection for exposures common to lodging operations. Primary markets used include Fireman's Fund and other carriers across most available markets.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Mid-size to larger independent and franchise hotels and motels.
- Habitational properties with on-site food service, limited banquet operations, and standard amenities (pools, fitness rooms).
- Owners/operators seeking $5 million or $15 million umbrella limits over the primary policy.
- Accounts with disciplined loss control, up-to-date premises maintenance, and worker safety programs.
VAIL typically looks for accounts with clear underwriting information, up-to-date property and liability limits, and reasonable loss histories. Risks with active, unresolved major claims, significant liquor liability exposure without proper controls, or high-hazard operations (e.g., large-scale nightclubs, amusement attractions) may not fit this program.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Umbrella limits available at $5 million and $15 million to extend liability protection above primary policies.
- Ancillary lines placement capabilities include workers’ compensation, EPLI for hotels & restaurants, and packaged programs for hospitality operations.
- Access to admitted and non-admitted markets through VAIL’s wholesale relationships — flexibility to find the best placement for your client’s need.
- Fast response and in-house binding on most programs to help close business quickly.
- Experienced underwriting team focused on habitational and hospitality exposures.
Underwriting Notes and Minimums
VAIL does not require a fixed minimum premium for submissions, allowing consideration of a wide range of account sizes. Standard submission materials include the current primary liability policy declarations, five years of loss runs, an application outlining property and operations, and details on risk management controls (e.g., pool fencing, security, food-safety certifications).
Underwriting will evaluate occupancy, number of units/rooms, on-site food and beverage operations, liquor exposure, employee counts, and the quality of the primary carrier limits and retentions.
Territories and Availability
This program is available across a broad footprint: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. Admitted status: Most Available Markets — VAIL can typically place accounts in admitted or non-admitted markets depending on the client and state availability.
Why Work With VAIL on Hotel & Motel Business
- Wholesale broker expertise in habitational and hospitality lines, with direct relationships to markets such as Fireman's Fund.
- Quick turnaround and in-house binding on most programs to help you close business and meet client timelines.
- Flexible approach to limits and multi-line solutions (umbrella plus EPLI, workers’ comp, and packages).
- Practical underwriting guidance to help you prepare stronger submissions and increase placement velocity.
Example Accounts That Fit
- A 120-room independent hotel with an on-site restaurant and modest banquet operations seeking a $5M umbrella layer over primary GL — clean loss history and documented safety programs.
- A small regional motel chain with consistent operations across several states seeking $15M total umbrella capacity and coordinated EPLI coverage for on-site staff.
We guarantee quick turnaround. In-house binding on most programs. Call us today to discuss placement options for your hospitality accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hotel or motel accounts are the best fit for this VAIL umbrella program?
Independent and franchise hotels or motels with standard on-site amenities (restaurant, pool, fitness area), reasonable loss history, and primary liability limits that can be layered are ideal. VAIL prefers accounts with documented risk management and routine maintenance programs.
Are these umbrella placements admitted or non-admitted?
Admitted status is listed as “Most Available Markets.” VAIL works across admitted and non-admitted markets and will seek the best available placement depending on the state, client preference, and underwriting requirements.
Is there a minimum premium or limit requirement?
There is no fixed minimum premium. Typical umbrella limits offered through this program are $5 million and $15 million. Final premium and minimums depend on the specific risk, attachments, and market selected.
What submission documents should I include to get a quick quote?
Provide current primary liability declarations, five years of loss runs, an application describing operations and exposures, and any documentation of safety or loss-control programs. Complete submissions help VAIL deliver faster quotes and binding decisions.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.