https://completemarkets.com/company/nsa-mga/Managing-General-Agency-and-Excess-and-Surplus-Lines-Broker/
Overview of the Program From Northern States Agency
Northern States Agency, Inc. (NSA), a trusted Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker, has been serving independent insurance agents since 1953. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, NSA brings over 70 years of underwriting experience and market knowledge to help agents place standard and hard-to-place commercial risks. Whether you’re looking for traditional coverage or need options for unique exposures, NSA offers broad access to various carriers and a deep understanding of E&S markets.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
NSA specializes in hard-to-place and unusual risks that may not qualify for standard markets. Their underwriting appetite includes a wide range of commercial operations, with particular strength in:
Commercial Auto Fleets (10+ power units)
Garage and Auto Dealer Operations
Trucking and Transport Risks
Businesses with Excess Auto Liability Needs
Contractors and Small Manufacturers
Professional Services with E&O or D&O Exposures
For example, you might have a client with a regional delivery fleet or an auto service operation with unique liability exposures. NSA can provide tailored solutions for these accounts, even when standard carriers decline.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
NSA offers access to a wide array of commercial coverages through both admitted and non-admitted markets, depending on the risk and state. Available coverages include:
Commercial Auto Insurance
Garage and Auto Dealer Liability
Excess Auto and General Liability
General Liability and Umbrella/Excess Liability
Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Miscellaneous Professional Liability
Errors & Omissions (E&O)
Property and Inland Marine
NSA leverages relationships with numerous carriers to help you secure the right coverage at competitive terms for your clients' specific needs.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
NSA evaluates each submission on its own merits, focusing on the risk’s operational details and loss history. While minimum premiums vary by carrier and line of coverage, the program is well-suited for mid-sized and larger accounts, particularly those requiring fleet or excess liability solutions. Submissions with complete information and clear risk narratives will receive the most responsive service.
Territories and Availability
NSA works with thousands of independent agents across the upper Midwest, offering access to this program in:
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
South Dakota
North Dakota
Nebraska
Michigan
Illinois
Nationwide availability is also offered for certain classes, including auto fleets with 10 or more power units and excess auto/general liability placements.
Why Work With Northern States Agency?
With decades of experience and a regional focus, NSA is a valuable partner for agents seeking reliable underwriting support and market access. Their team understands the complexities of E&S placements and is committed to providing timely responses, flexible solutions, and a collaborative approach. If you’re looking to grow your commercial book with hard-to-place or specialty risks, NSA can help you deliver results for your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?Ideal accounts include commercial auto fleets, garage and dealer operations, risks needing excess liability, and professional service firms with E&O or D&O exposures.
Which states is this program available in?This program is available in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, and Illinois. Select coverages are also accessible nationwide.
Can NSA place hard-to-insure or non-standard risks?Yes, NSA specializes in hard-to-place and non-standard commercial risks, especially those that fall outside of standard carrier appetite.
What minimum premium should I expect?Minimum premiums vary by risk and carrier, but this program is best suited for mid-sized to larger accounts, especially those with fleet or excess liability needs.
What carriers does NSA work with?NSA works with a variety of admitted and non-admitted carriers, allowing them to tailor coverage solutions to the specific needs of your clients.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.
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Overview of the PEO Program from Novatae Risk Group
Novatae Risk Group offers a specialized PEO solution tailored for staffing companies that face challenges securing workers' compensation coverage in the standard market. Through our program, agents and brokers can find placement options for difficult staffing accounts—particularly those affected by high experience mods, prior losses, tough class codes, or multi-state exposures.
Our PEO for Difficult Staffing Accounts, powered by Empire Underwriters, delivers flexible and creative alternatives to state funds, assigned risk pools, or carriers who are unwilling to renew. With access to top-rated AM Best carriers and a wide range of program structures, we help you place hard-to-write risks efficiently and competitively.
Ideal Accounts and Target Classes
Staffing firms exiting state funds or assigned risk pools
Accounts with X-Mods between 1.30 and 3.0
Clients recently non-renewed or cancelled due to losses
Risks with a lapse in coverage (case-by-case basis)
Multi-state staffing firms or those with adverse underwriting history
Target staffing classes include Construction, Light Industrial, Healthcare, IT/Technical, Clerical, Administrative, Hospitality, and Skilled Trades. We will consider most class codes, depending on the state and risk profile.
Example: You might be working with a staffing agency that places light industrial workers across three states and was recently dropped by its carrier after a year of losses. That’s a strong candidate for our PEO program.
Coverage Highlights and Program Benefits
Custom-tailored solutions for each account
High Deductible and Retroactive Plans available
Dividend or Return of Premium eligibility (case-by-case)
Loss control and risk management support
Fair and expert claims handling
Automatic renewals with minimal to no audits
HR services and optional benefits administration (ACA compliant)
Pay-As-You-Go billing and optional zero premium deposits
Full-service payroll with tax filing (941s, W-2s, etc.)
Multiple Coordinated Policy Programs (MCCP)
Master Policy options aligned with NCCI guidelines
Fast turnaround on quotes
Commissions
Great Commissions – Ranges from 6% to 10% of workers' compensation premium, depending on risk class and account size.
Submission Requirements
Completed Acord 130
Three years of loss runs
Loss affidavit for accounts with no prior or lapse
Explanation for any claim over $20,000
Current Experience Mod sheet
Class-specific supplemental application (Click here for Supplementals)
Territories and Availability
Our PEO program is available in all U.S. states except monopolistic fund states. We currently write business in: AL, AK, 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, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI.
Why Work With Novatae Risk Group?
As a leading managing general underwriter and E&S broker, Novatae Risk Group delivers access to over 12 top-rated carriers including AIG, Zurich, Hartford, Amtrust, Argonaut, State National, and more. We specialize in placing tough-to-insure staffing risks and provide agents with market access, underwriting expertise, and fast service to help you close more business.
Whether you're helping a client transition out of an assigned risk pool or dealing with a tough class code, Novatae gives you the tools and options to find a competitive solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this PEO program?Staffing companies facing non-renewal, high X-Mods, prior losses, or those exiting state funds are ideal. We also accept multi-state risks and tough class codes.
Do you offer coverage in all states?We write in all states except monopolistic fund states, including CA, FL, TX, NY, and many others.
What carriers do you work with for this program?We have access to over 12 top-rated carriers including AIG, Zurich, Hartford, Amtrust, Argonaut, and more.
How fast can I get a quote?We offer quick turnaround on most submissions, provided all required documents are complete and accurate.
What documents are needed to submit an account?You'll need a completed Acord 130, three years of loss runs, Experience Mod sheet, explanations for large claims, and a class-specific supplemental form.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.