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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020

 

OR

 

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number

 

001-34126  

HCI Group, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

  Florida

 

20-5961396

(State of Incorporation)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33607
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

 

(813) 849-9500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Trading Symbol

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Shares, no par value

 

HCI

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes      No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes      No 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      No 

The aggregate number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on July 29, 2020 was 7,984,591.

 

 

 


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2020 (unaudited) and December 31, 2019

 

1-2

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income:

 

 

 

 

Three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)

 

3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

Three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)

 

4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

Three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)

 

5-8

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)

 

9-10

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

11-43

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

44-57

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

58-59

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4

 

Controls and Procedures

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1

 

Legal Proceedings

 

61

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A

 

Risk Factors

 

61

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

62-63

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3

 

Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5

 

Other Information

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6

 

Exhibits

 

64-69

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

70

 

 

 

Certifications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed-maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value

   (amortized cost: $98,669 and $199,954, respectively and

    allowance for credit losses: $526 and $0, respectively)

 

$

99,993

 

 

$

202,839

 

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $37,808 and $31,863, respectively)

 

 

39,309

 

 

 

35,285

 

Short-term investments, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

491

 

Limited partnership investments

 

 

26,177

 

 

 

28,346

 

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture, at equity

 

 

734

 

 

 

762

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

4,519

 

 

 

 

Real estate investments

 

 

70,908

 

 

 

73,763

 

Total investments

 

 

241,640

 

 

 

341,486

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

422,464

 

 

 

229,218

 

Restricted cash

 

 

700

 

 

 

700

 

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

 

 

913

 

 

 

1,616

 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

3,150

 

 

 

1,040

 

Premiums receivable

 

 

27,925

 

 

 

20,255

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

 

27,150

 

 

 

17,983

 

Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (allowance: $0 and $0, respectively)

 

 

12,397

 

 

 

16,155

 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (allowance: $104 and $0, respectively)

 

 

87,929

 

 

 

116,523

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

29,190

 

 

 

21,663

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

19,085

 

 

 

14,698

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

3,877

 

 

 

4,192

 

Other assets

 

 

11,965

 

 

 

17,080

 

Total assets

 

$

888,385

 

 

$

802,609

 

 

(continued)

1


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets - continued

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

211,162

 

 

$

214,697

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

229,234

 

 

 

181,163

 

Advance premiums

 

 

19,208

 

 

 

5,589

 

Assumed reinsurance balances payable

 

 

79

 

 

 

76

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

12,457

 

 

 

10,059

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

5,282

 

 

 

4,008

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

23,750

 

 

 

9,750

 

Long-term debt

 

 

161,839

 

 

 

163,695

 

Other liabilities

 

 

40,289

 

 

 

28,029

 

Total liabilities

 

 

703,300

 

 

 

617,066

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 21)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (no par value, none and

   1,500,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively,

   no shares issued or outstanding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series B junior participating preferred stock (no par value, none and

   400,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively,

   no shares issued or outstanding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock (no par value, 20,000,000 and 18,100,000 shares authorized

   at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, no shares issued

   or outstanding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock (no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 7,794,048 and

   7,764,564 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2020 and

   December 31, 2019, respectively)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained income

 

 

183,689

 

 

 

183,365

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 

1,396

 

 

 

2,178

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

185,085

 

 

 

185,543

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

888,385

 

 

$

802,609

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums earned

 

$

107,803

 

 

$

83,315

 

 

$

200,168

 

 

$

165,912

 

Premiums ceded

 

 

(34,354

)

 

 

(31,317

)

 

 

(65,073

)

 

 

(62,730

)

Net premiums earned

 

 

73,449

 

 

 

51,998

 

 

 

135,095

 

 

 

103,182

 

Net investment income

 

 

1,604

 

 

 

4,226

 

 

 

1,412

 

 

 

7,504

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

1,435

 

 

 

(133

)

 

 

(809

)

 

 

(505

)

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

 

 

2,884

 

 

 

1,326

 

 

 

(1,921

)

 

 

6,619

 

Credit losses on investments

 

 

(87

)

 

 

 

 

 

(526

)

 

 

 

Policy fee income

 

 

847

 

 

 

800

 

 

 

1,676

 

 

 

1,595

 

Other

 

 

585

 

 

 

413

 

 

 

1,170

 

 

 

869

 

Total revenue

 

 

80,717

 

 

 

58,630

 

 

 

136,097

 

 

 

119,264

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

39,843

 

 

 

24,293

 

 

 

67,921

 

 

 

51,289

 

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

 

 

12,991

 

 

 

10,077

 

 

 

24,817

 

 

 

19,750

 

General and administrative personnel expenses

 

 

9,731

 

 

 

7,998

 

 

 

18,098

 

 

 

15,362

 

Interest expense

 

 

3,020

 

 

 

2,884

 

 

 

5,990

 

 

 

7,221

 

Loss on repurchases of convertible senior notes

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

3,159

 

 

 

3,063

 

 

 

6,641

 

 

 

6,044

 

Total expenses

 

 

68,894

 

 

 

48,315

 

 

 

123,617

 

 

 

99,666

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

11,823

 

 

 

10,315

 

 

 

12,480

 

 

 

19,598

 

Income tax expense

 

 

2,887

 

 

 

2,762

 

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

5,307

 

Net income

 

$

8,936

 

 

$

7,553

 

 

$

9,483

 

 

$

14,291

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

1.16

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

1.75

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

1.08

 

 

$

0.90

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

1.72

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net income

 

$

8,936

 

 

$

7,553

 

 

$

9,483

 

 

$

14,291

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

 

 

3,280

 

 

 

1,626

 

 

 

(191

)

 

 

4,330

 

Credit losses charged to income

 

 

87

 

 

 

 

 

 

526

 

 

 

 

Call and repayment (gains) losses charged to investment income

 

 

(150

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

(216

)

 

 

1

 

Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains

 

 

(1,427

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,154

)

 

 

(33

)

Net change in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

1,790

 

 

 

1,627

 

 

 

(1,035

)

 

 

4,298

 

Deferred income taxes on above change

 

 

(440

)

 

 

(413

)

 

 

253

 

 

 

(1,090

)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes

 

 

1,350

 

 

 

1,214

 

 

 

(782

)

 

 

3,208

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

10,286

 

 

$

8,767

 

 

$

8,701

 

 

$

17,499

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amount)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Additional

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income,

 

 

Total

Stockholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Income

 

 

Net of Tax

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

 

7,735,204

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

179,210

 

 

$

46

 

 

$

179,256

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,936

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of

   income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,350

 

 

 

1,350

 

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

145,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

 

 

(5,220

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

 

(29,102

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,309

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,309

)

Repurchase and retirement of common stock under

   share repurchase plan

 

 

(51,834

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,100

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,100

)

Common stock dividends ($0.40 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,067

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,067

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,019

 

Additional paid-in capital shortfall allocated

   to retained income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,390

 

 

 

(1,390

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2020

 

 

7,794,048

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

183,689

 

 

$

1,396

 

 

$

185,085

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

(Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amount)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Additional

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income,

 

 

Total

Stockholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Income

 

 

Net of Tax

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

 

8,359,889

 

 

$

 

 

$

103

 

 

$

186,396

 

 

$

541

 

 

$

187,040

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,553

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of

   income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,214

 

 

 

1,214

 

Exercise of common stock options

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

133,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

 

 

(264,211

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

 

(24,478

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,005

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,005

)

Repurchase and retirement of common stock under

   share repurchase plan

 

 

(160,787

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,668

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,668

)

Common stock dividends ($0.40 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,192

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,192

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,489

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,489

 

Additional paid-in capital shortfall allocated

   to retained income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,018

 

 

 

(6,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019

 

 

8,053,573

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

184,739

 

 

$

1,755

 

 

$

186,494

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amount)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Additional

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

(Loss) Income,

 

 

Total

Stockholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Income

 

 

Net of Tax

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

7,764,564

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

183,365

 

 

$

2,178

 

 

$

185,543

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,483

 

Total other comprehensive loss, net of

   income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(782

)

 

 

(782

)

Cumulative effect on adoption of credit loss standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(453

)

 

 

 

 

 

(453

)

Exercise of common stock options

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

190,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

 

 

(12,358

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

 

(29,473

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,326

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,326

)

Repurchase and retirement of common stock under

    share repurchase plan

 

 

(128,685

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,141

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,141

)

Common stock dividends ($0.80 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,162

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,162

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,860

 

Additional paid-in capital shortfall allocated

   to retained income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,544

 

 

 

(2,544

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2020

 

 

7,794,048

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

183,689

 

 

$

1,396

 

 

$

185,085

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

7


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

(Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amount)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Additional

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

(Loss) Income,

 

 

Total

Stockholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Income

 

 

Net of Tax

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

 

8,356,730

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

182,894

 

 

$

(1,453

)

 

$

181,441

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,291

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of income

   taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,208

 

 

 

3,208

 

Exercise of common stock options

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

173,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

 

 

(268,892

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

 

(24,849

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,023

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,023

)

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

   under share repurchase plan

 

 

(192,576

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8,006

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,006

)

Common stock dividends ($0.80 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,428

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,428

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,948

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,948

 

Additional paid-in capital shortfall allocated

   to retained income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,018

 

 

 

(6,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019

 

 

8,053,573

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

184,739

 

 

$

1,755

 

 

$

186,494

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

8


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,483

 

 

$

14,291

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating

   activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

3,860

 

 

 

2,948

 

Net (accretion of discounts) amortization of premiums on investments

   in fixed-maturity securities

 

 

(60

)

 

 

127

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,359

 

 

 

4,702

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

1,527

 

 

 

592

 

Net realized investment losses

 

 

809

 

 

 

505

 

Net unrealized investment losses (gains)

 

 

1,921

 

 

 

(6,619

)

Credit loss expense

 

 

177

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated joint venture

 

 

28

 

 

 

54

 

Net loss (income) from limited partnership interests

 

 

2,747

 

 

 

(832

)

Distributions received from limited partnership interests

 

 

578

 

 

 

3,616

 

Loss on repurchases of convertible senior notes

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain)

 

 

84

 

 

 

(5

)

Other non-cash items

 

 

31

 

 

 

271

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

 

 

703

 

 

 

110

 

Income taxes

 

 

(2,110

)

 

 

(540

)

Premiums receivable

 

 

(7,670

)

 

 

(9,731

)

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

 

(9,167

)

 

 

(11,611

)

Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

32,248

 

 

 

45,831

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

(7,527

)

 

 

(4,344

)

Other assets

 

 

5,235

 

 

 

(1,393

)

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

(3,535

)

 

 

(53,344

)

Unearned premiums

 

 

48,071

 

 

 

35,697

 

Advance premiums

 

 

13,619

 

 

 

7,460

 

Assumed reinsurance balances payable

 

 

3

 

 

 

(14

)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

14,424

 

 

 

1,063

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

109,988

 

 

 

28,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9


 

HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in limited partnership interests

 

$

(1,470

)

 

$

(1,751

)

Distributions received from limited partnership interests

 

 

314

 

 

 

470

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

(5,349

)

 

 

(1,313

)

Purchase of real estate investments

 

 

(2,522

)

 

 

(9,892

)

Purchase of fixed-maturity securities

 

 

(28,281

)

 

 

(75,727

)

Purchase of equity securities

 

 

(20,392

)

 

 

(15,778

)

Purchase of short-term and other investments

 

 

 

 

 

(684

)

Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity securities

 

 

78,186

 

 

 

2,985

 

Proceeds from calls, repayments and maturities of fixed-maturity securities

 

 

52,594

 

 

 

47,788

 

Proceeds from sales of equity securities

 

 

12,455

 

 

 

32,841

 

Proceeds from sales, redemptions and maturities of short-term and other

   investments

 

 

460

 

 

 

66,897

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

85,995

 

 

 

45,836

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid

 

 

(6,315

)

 

 

(6,581

)

Cash dividends received under share repurchase forward contract

 

 

153

 

 

 

153

 

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

 

 

14,000

 

 

 

9,500

 

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 

 

63

 

 

 

63

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

(9,496

)

 

 

(90,647

)

Repurchases of convertible senior notes

 

 

(4,459

)

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

(1,326

)

 

 

(1,023

)

Repurchases of common stock under share repurchase plan

 

 

(5,141

)

 

 

(8,006

)

Debt issuance costs

 

 

(165

)

 

 

(459

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(2,686

)

 

 

(97,000

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(51

)

 

 

25

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

 

193,246

 

 

 

(22,305

)

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

229,918

 

 

 

240,158

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

423,164

 

 

$

217,853

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

3,902

 

 

$

5,254

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

3,737

 

 

$

5,453

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments in available-for-sale securities, net

   of tax

 

$

(782

)

 

$

3,208

 

Receivable from sales of equity securities

 

$

232

 

 

$

 

Receivable from maturities of fixed-maturity securities

 

$

 

 

$

2,000

 

Payable on purchases of equity securities

 

$

203

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

10


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 1 -- Nature of Operations

HCI Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“HCI” or the “Company”), is primarily engaged in the property and casualty insurance business through two Florida domiciled insurance companies, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. (“HCPCI”) and TypTap Insurance Company (“TypTap”). HCPCI is authorized to underwrite various homeowners’ property and casualty insurance products and allied lines business in the state of Florida. HCPCI also offers flood-endorsed and wind-only policies to Florida customers and has regulatory approval to underwrite residential property and casualty insurance in the states of Arkansas, California, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.  However, Florida is still HCPCI’s primary market. TypTap offers standalone flood and homeowners multi-peril policies. The operations of both insurance subsidiaries are supported by HCI Group, Inc. and certain HCI subsidiaries. In particular, the Company is developing technologies to collect and analyze claims and other supplemental data to generate savings and efficiency for the operations of the insurance subsidiaries. In addition, Greenleaf Capital, LLC, the Company’s real estate subsidiary, is primarily engaged in the businesses of owning and leasing real estate and operating marina facilities and one restaurant.

On February 5, 2020, HCPCI entered into a policy replacement agreement with Anchor Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“Anchor”). Under the agreement, Anchor cancelled all its policies as of April 1, 2020 and HCPCI offered short-term replacement policies to those policyholders, who are under no obligation to accept them. The replacement policies had substantially the same terms and rates as the cancelled polices and would expire on the same dates the cancelled policies would have expired had they not been cancelled. Upon expiration of the replacement policies, HCPCI will offer, but is not obligated to offer, renewals to those policyholders at its own rates and terms. Total replacement policies issued by the Company on April 1, 2020 approximated 40,000.  

Risks and Uncertainties Caused by Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”)

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. To contain the spread of COVID-19, measures have been undertaken in the United States of America and elsewhere around the world. These measures include, but are not limited to, domestic and international travel restrictions, temporary closure of nonessential businesses, cessation of public activity, and work-from-home orders, which has led to significantly reduced economic activity. To prevent the U.S. economy from further deterioration, several state and local governments have relaxed or lifted some of these measures even though infection rates remain above five percent, the level at which the WHO recommends rates fall below for at least 14 days before reopening. In Florida where the Company’s headquarters is located, a statewide stay-at-home order was issued and later lifted in May 2020. In response to the pandemic, the Company temporarily closed its offices in Florida and asked employees to work from home. The Company also closed temporarily its restaurant. Since then, some employees who have gone through the Company’s health safety training are allowed to alternate their work location between home and office. The Company quickly adjusted its technologies and infrastructure to support a remote workforce and maintain business continuity. As a provider of homeowners insurance, the Company continually prepares for disasters and catastrophic events, including events that could disrupt business continuity.

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which is intended to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and to preserve jobs in American industries. The CARES Act includes, among other things, provisions relating to payroll tax credits and deferrals, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credits and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property.

11


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

The Company qualifies as a small business under the CARES Act but did not apply for any of the government loan programs.

At present, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries do not foresee a direct material impact from the outbreak of COVID-19 in terms of increased claims and losses. However, the resulting economic uncertainty is adversely affecting the results of the Company’s investment portfolios (See Note 5 -- Investments). The Company generally holds or invests premiums collected from policyholders in the financial markets in order to earn income before claims need to be paid. Since the economic outlook started to deteriorate, the Company’s investments in limited partnerships, equity and fixed-maturity securities have decreased in value.

In addition, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries may experience difficulties collecting premiums from some policyholders. Policyholders with financial difficulties may decide not to renew insurance policies with the Company. Reinsurance companies with which the Company has contracted may also face liquidity issues and may not timely settle reinsurance balances that become due. Reinsurance costs have increased as reinsurers pay COVID-19 related claims worldwide and face the possibility of increases in the cost of capital needed to fund their operations.

Furthermore, due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on retail business activities, rent payments due from the Company’s lessees may be delayed or not received. Some lessees, with the exception of all anchor tenants, have sought rent concessions in order to stay in business. In the near term, the Company determined there is no impairment to its real estate investments or intangible assets as the real estate market is inherently slower moving than equity and debt security markets. For other auxiliary operations such as restaurant and marina business, the temporary closure of these operations has no material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

It is too early to gauge the effectiveness of the CARES Act and any upcoming stimulus package in assisting targeted individuals and businesses and preventing further economic downturn. As of the date of issuance of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may materially affect the Company's financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations in the medium and long-term future remains uncertain and unquantifiable.

Note 2 -- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited, consolidated financial statements for HCI Group, Inc. and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules for interim financial reporting.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, in the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2020 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 6, 2020.

12


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

In preparing the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements, management was required to make certain judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the financial reporting date and throughout the periods being reported upon.  Certain of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex and consequently actual results may differ from these estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are related to the Company’s losses and loss adjustment expenses, which include amounts estimated for claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company uses various assumptions and actuarial data it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances to make these estimates. In addition, accounting policies specific to reinsurance with retrospective provisions, reinsurance recoverable, deferred income taxes, and stock-based compensation expense involve significant judgments and estimates material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), effective January 1, 2020. This update amends guidance on the recognition and measurement of credit losses for assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. For assets held at amortized cost, ASU 2016-13 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold and, instead, requires credit losses to be measured using the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model requires the measurement of all expected credit losses based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts which incorporate forward-looking information. For available-for-sale debt securities, credit losses will continue to be measured in a manner similar to the current standard.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company used a modified retrospective method for transition to the CECL model. The Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $453 related to reinsurance recoverable to beginning retained income with a corresponding entry to an allowance for credit losses account.  Any subsequent changes to the expected credit losses will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of income.

13


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for credit losses represents an estimation of potential losses that the Company may experience due to credit risk. The allowance for credit losses account is a contra account of a financial asset to reflect the net amount expected to be collected. Any increase or decrease in the allowance for credit losses related to investments is recognized and reflected as credit losses on investments in the Company’s consolidated statement of income. For all other financial assets, credit loss expense is included in other operating expenses. When the risk of credit loss becomes certain, the allowance for credit losses account will be written off against the financial asset. Under the CECL model, the Company measures all expected credit losses related to relevant financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts which incorporate forward-looking information. The Company primarily uses a discounted cash flow method and a rating-based method in estimating credit losses at a reporting date for financial assets under the scope of the CECL model. The discounted cash flow method is a valuation method used to estimate the value of a financial asset based on its future cash flows. The Company uses this method to determine the expected credit losses for available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities. In addition, the Company elects not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable as any uncollectible amount is adjusted to interest income on a monthly basis.

For certain financial assets related to insurance business such as reinsurance recoverable and reinsurance receivable for premium refund, the Company uses a rating-based method, which is a modified version of the probability of default method. It requires two key inputs: a) the liquidation rate and b) the amount of loss exposure. The liquidation rate, which is published annually, is the ratio of impaired insurance companies that were eventually liquidated to the group of insurance companies considered by A.M. Best in its study. The amount of loss exposure represents the future billing balance, net of any collateral, spread over the projected periods that are based on the Company’s historical claim payment pattern. The rating-based method measures credit losses by multiplying the future billings grouped by insurance rating over the projected periods by their corresponding liquidation rates by insurance rating. At present, the exposure to credit losses for certain financial assets related to non-insurance business is considered immaterial to the Company’s financial position.

Limited Partnership Investments

The Company has interests in limited partnerships that are not registered under the United Stated Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the securities laws of any state or the securities laws of any other jurisdictions. The partnership interests cannot be resold in the public market and any withdrawal is subject to the terms and conditions of the partnership agreement. The Company has no influence over partnership operating and financial policies. The Company uses the equity method to account for the investments with ownership interest greater than five percent. For the investments with ownership interest at five percent or less, the Company uses the net asset value method to estimate the fair value of these investments. The Company generally recognizes its share of the limited partnership’s earnings or losses on a three-month lag.  Due to the lag, the Company may record an adjustment to the Company’s most recent share of net asset value when the amount can be reasonably estimated and a significant adverse impact on the net asset value is expected as a result of a major economic event.

Net investment income or loss from limited partnerships represents a net aggregate amount of operating results allocated to the Company based on the percentage of ownership interest in each limited partnership.

14


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, these limited partnerships which are private equity funds must measure their investments at fair value and reflect the unrealized gains and losses in the fair value of their investments on their statement of income. As a result, the carrying value of limited partnership investments at each reporting date approximates their estimated fair value.

Premium Receivable

Premium receivable represents the amount of premiums due from policyholders for insurance coverage.  Premiums are recorded as receivable in the Company’s general ledger on the effective date of the policy.  Premiums are billed to the policyholder 45-60 days in advance of the effective date. The policyholder is given a 30-day grace period after the effective date to pay the premium before the insurance coverage is cancelled.  If the policyholder does not pay the premium, the Company can cancel the policy and has no obligation to provide insurance coverage. Unpaid renewal policies are cancelled at midnight on the last day of the period for which the policyholder has paid. The unearned premium liability for the cancelled policy is reversed along with the premium receivable balance. Therefore, there is no unpaid earned premium and credit loss associated with the cancelled policy.

However, when the 30-day grace period falls between two reporting periods, the premium receivable balance at the end of the first reporting period may potentially be overstated for not considering the policy that is subsequently cancelled during the following reporting period. To mitigate the overstatement issue, the Company estimates the monetary impact from the subsequent policy cancellation by multiplying the historical cancellation rate to the premium receivable balance at the reporting date. The premium receivable balance, together with the unearned premium liability is then reduced by the computed amount.

At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, allowances for uncollectible premiums were $1,034 and $528, respectively.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) represent direct costs to acquire insurance contracts and consist of premium taxes and commissions paid to outside agents at the time of collection of the policy premium. DAC also includes a cash bonus and other related expenses in association with the successful transition of policies from Anchor for the replacement policies and issuance of renewal policies under the Company’s own rates and terms. DAC is amortized over the life of the related policy in relation to the amount of gross premiums earned.

The method followed in computing DAC limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the gross premium earned, related investment income, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned.

DAC is reviewed to determine if it is recoverable from future premium income, including investment income. If such costs are determined to be unrecoverable, they are expensed at the time of determination. The amount of DAC considered recoverable could be reduced in the near term if the estimates of total revenues discussed above are reduced or permanently impaired as a result of the disposition of a line of business. The amount of amortization of DAC could be revised in the near term if any of the estimates discussed above are revised.

15


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 3 -- Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-01. In January 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-01 (“ASU 2020-01”) Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. This update, among others, clarifies the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323 when there is a change in level of ownership or degree of influence. ASU 2020-01 is effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2021 and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. This guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 -- Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of cash flows.

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

422,464

 

 

$

229,218

 

Restricted cash

 

 

700

 

 

 

700

 

Total

 

$

423,164

 

 

$

229,918

 

 

Restricted cash primarily represents funds held by certain states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries conduct business to meet regulatory requirements.

16


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 5 -- Investments

a) Available-for-Sale Fixed-Maturity Securities

The Company holds investments in fixed-maturity securities that are classified as available-for-sale. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the cost or amortized cost, allowance for credit loss, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities by security type were as follows:

 

 

 

Cost or

Amortized

 

 

Allowance for Credit

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

 

 

Estimated

Fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Loss

 

 

Gain

 

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

As of June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

 

$

12,146

 

 

$

 

 

$

296

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,442

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

73,662

 

 

 

(526

)

 

 

1,664

 

 

 

(392

)

 

 

74,408

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

5,832

 

 

 

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

(12

)

 

 

5,909

 

Exchange-traded debt

 

 

6,994

 

 

 

 

 

 

280

 

 

 

(74

)

 

 

7,200

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

34

 

Total

 

$

98,669

 

 

$

(526

)

 

$

2,329

 

 

$

(479

)

 

$

99,993

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

 

$

26,220

 

 

$

 

 

$

78

 

 

$

(3

)

 

$

26,295

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

157,155

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,212

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

159,364

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

7,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

149

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,912

 

Exchange-traded debt

 

 

8,698

 

 

 

 

 

 

462

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

9,145

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

123

 

Total

 

$

199,954

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,906

 

 

$

(21

)

 

$

202,839

 

 

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. The scheduled contractual maturities of fixed-maturity securities as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows:

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

As of June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

40,293

 

 

$

40,672

 

Due after one year through five years

 

 

50,879

 

 

 

51,423

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

2,590

 

 

 

2,874

 

Due after ten years

 

 

4,907

 

 

 

5,024

 

 

 

$

98,669

 

 

$

99,993

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

63,135

 

 

$

63,429

 

Due after one year through five years

 

 

125,833

 

 

 

127,660

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

6,896

 

 

 

7,350

 

Due after ten years

 

 

4,090

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

 

$

199,954

 

 

$

202,839

 

 

17


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Sales of Available-for-Sale Fixed-Maturity Securities

Proceeds received, and the gross realized gains and losses from sales of available-for-sale securities, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Realized

 

 

Gross

Realized

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

Three months ended June 30, 2020

 

$

74,137

 

 

$

1,653

 

 

$

(226

)

Three months ended June 30, 2019

 

$

74

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Six months ended June 30, 2020

 

$

78,186

 

 

$

1,730

 

 

$

(576

)

Six months ended June 30, 2019

 

$

2,985

 

 

$

34

 

 

$

(1

)

 

Gross Unrealized Losses for Available-for-Sale Fixed-Maturity Securities

Securities with gross unrealized loss positions at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows:

 

 

 

Less Than Twelve Months

 

 

Twelve Months or Longer

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Gross

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Gross

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

As of June 30, 2020

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

Corporate bonds

 

$

(392

)

 

$

7,785

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(392

)

 

$

7,785

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

(12

)

 

 

1,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12

)

 

 

1,270

 

Exchange-traded debt

 

 

(74

)

 

 

1,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(74

)

 

 

1,481

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

(1

)

 

 

35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

35

 

Total

 

$

(479

)

 

$

10,571

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(479

)

 

$

10,571

 

 

At June 30, 2020, there were 25 securities in an unrealized loss position. Of these securities, none had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.

 

 

 

Less Than Twelve Months

 

 

Twelve Months or Longer

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Gross

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Gross

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

 

$

(3

)

 

$

2,292

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(3

)

 

$

2,292

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

(3

)

 

 

4,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

4,597

 

Exchange-traded debt

 

 

(15

)

 

 

345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

345

 

Total

 

$

(21

)

 

$

7,234

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(21

)

 

$

7,234

 

 

At December 31, 2019, there were eight securities in an unrealized loss position. Of these securities, none had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.

 

18


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Allowance for Credit Losses of Available-for-Sale Fixed-Maturity Securities

The Company regularly reviews its individual investment securities for credit impairment. The Company considers various factors in determining whether each individual security is impaired, including-

 

the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings;

 

the extent to which the market value of the security has been below its cost or amortized cost;

 

general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors and other qualitative factors;

 

nonpayment by the issuer of its contractually obligated interest and principal payments; and

 

the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of costs.

 

The table below summarized the activity in the allowance for credit losses of available-for-sale securities for the three and six months ended on June 30, 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

Balance at January 1

 

$

 

Credit loss expense

 

 

439

 

Balance at March 31

 

$

439

 

Credit loss expense

 

 

87

 

Balance at June 30

 

$

526

 

 

b) Equity Securities

The Company holds investments in equity securities measured at fair values which are readily determinable. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s equity securities were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

 

 

Estimated

Fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gain

 

 

Loss

 

 

Value

 

June 30, 2020

 

$

37,808

 

 

$

2,707

 

 

$

(1,206

)

 

$

39,309

 

December 31, 2019

 

$

31,863

 

 

$

3,652

 

 

$

(230

)

 

$

35,285

 

 

The table below presents the portion of unrealized gains and losses in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the periods related to equity securities still held.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net gains (losses) recognized

 

$

2,892

 

 

$

1,193

 

 

$

(3,884

)

 

$

6,030

 

Exclude: Net realized gains (losses) recognized for

   securities sold

 

 

8

 

 

 

(133

)

 

 

(1,963

)

 

 

(589

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized

 

$

2,884

 

 

$

1,326

 

 

$

(1,921

)

 

$

6,619

 

 

19


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Sales of Equity Securities

Proceeds received, and the gross realized gains and losses from sales of equity securities, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Realized

 

 

Gross

Realized

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

Three months ended June 30, 2020

 

$

3,448

 

 

$

184

 

 

$

(176

)

Three months ended June 30, 2019

 

$

4,967

 

 

$

113

 

 

$

(246

)

Six months ended June 30, 2020

 

$

12,455

 

 

$

969

 

 

$

(2,932

)

Six months ended June 30, 2019

 

$

32,841

 

 

$

2,187

 

 

$

(2,776

)

 

c) Limited Partnership Investments

The Company has interests in limited partnerships that are not registered or readily tradeable on a securities exchange. These partnerships are private equity funds managed by general partners who make decisions with regard to financial policies and operations. As such, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and does not consolidate these partnerships. The following table provides information related to the Company’s investments in limited partnerships:

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Unfunded

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Unfunded

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Strategy

 

Value

 

 

Balance

 

 

(%)(a)

 

 

Value

 

 

Balance

 

 

(%)(a)

 

Primarily in senior secured loans and, to a

   limited extent, in other debt and equity

   securities of private U.S. lower-middle-market

   companies. (b)(c)(e)

 

$

9,394

 

 

$

2,085

 

 

 

15.37

 

 

$

9,659

 

 

$

2,085

 

 

 

15.37

 

Value creation through active distressed debt

   investing primarily in bank loans, public and

   private corporate bonds, asset-backed

   securities, and equity securities received in

   connection with debt restructuring. (b)(d)(e)

 

 

5,691

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.76

 

 

 

5,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.76

 

High returns and long-term capital appreciation

   through investments in the power, utility and

   energy industries, and in the infrastructure

   sector. (b)(f)(g)

 

 

6,289

 

 

 

1,401

 

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

9,188

 

 

 

1,391

 

 

 

0.18

 

Value-oriented investments in less liquid and

   mispriced senior and junior debts of private

   equity-backed companies. (b)(h)(i)

 

 

3,071

 

 

 

1,542

 

 

 

0.47

 

 

 

1,602

 

 

 

3,106

 

 

 

0.47

 

Value-oriented investments in mature real

   estate private equity funds and portfolio

   globally. (b)(j)

 

 

1,732

 

 

 

8,632

 

 

 

2.24

 

 

 

1,912

 

 

 

8,548

 

 

 

2.24

 

Total

 

$

26,177

 

 

$

13,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

28,346

 

 

$

15,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents the Company’s percentage investment in the fund at each balance sheet date.

 

(b)

Except under certain circumstances, withdrawals from the funds or any assignments are not permitted. Distributions, except income from late admission of a new limited partner, will be received when underlying investments of the funds are liquidated.

20


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

(c)

Expected to have a ten-year term. Although the capital commitment period has expired, there are still follow-on investments and pending commitments that require additional fundings.

 

(d)

Expected to have a three-year term from June 30, 2018. Although the capital commitment period has ended, the general partner could still request an additional funding of approximately $843 under certain circumstances.

 

(e)

At the fund manager’s discretion, the term of the fund may be extended for up to two additional one-year periods.

 

(f)

Expected to have a ten-year term. The capital commitment period has expired but the general partner may request additional funding for follow-on investment.

 

(g)

With the consent of a supermajority of partners, the term of the fund may be extended for up to three additional one-year periods.

 

(h)

Expected to have a six-year term from the commencement date, which can be extended for up to two additional one-year periods with the consent of either the advisory committee or a majority of limited partners.

 

(i)

The capital commitment was extended and is now expected to expire on December 1, 2020.

 

(j)

Expected to have an eight-year term from November 27, 2019.

The following is the summary of aggregated unaudited financial information of limited partnerships included in the investment strategy table above, which in certain cases is presented on a three-month lag due to the unavailability of information at the Company’s respective balance sheet dates. The financial statements of these limited partnerships are audited annually.

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating results:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total income

 

$

(1,230,124

)

 

$

338,414

 

 

$

(1,681,016

)

 

$

247,901

 

Total expenses

 

 

(25,708

)

 

 

(32,140

)

 

 

(80,520

)

 

 

(81,173

)

Net (loss) income

 

$

(1,255,832

)

 

$

306,274

 

 

$

(1,761,536

)

 

$

166,728

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Balance Sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

5,101,450

 

 

$

6,850,913

 

Total liabilities

 

$

641,725

 

 

$

549,562

 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized net investment income of $188 and net investment loss of $2,747, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company received total cash distributions of $196 and $892, respectively, including returns on investment of $196 and $578, respectively.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized net investment income of $1,043 and $832, respectively, for these investments.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company received total cash distributions of $3,073 and $4,086, respectively. Cash distributions representing return on investment were $2,603 and $3,616 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s cumulative contributed capital to the partnerships at each respective balance sheet date totaled $30,998 and $29,528, respectively, and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss aggregated $26,177 and $28,346, respectively.

21


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

d) Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Melbourne FMA, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, currently has an equity investment in FMKT Mel JV, a Florida limited liability company treated as a joint venture under U.S. GAAP. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss relating to the variable interest entity was $734 and $762, respectively, representing the carrying value of the investment. There were no cash distributions during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there was no undistributed income from this equity method investment. The following tables provide FMJV’s summarized unaudited financial results and the unaudited financial positions:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating results:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and gain

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

2

 

Total expenses

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(24

)

 

 

(32

)

 

 

(62

)

Net loss

 

$

(13

)

 

$

(24

)

 

$

(32

)

 

$

(60

)

The Company’s share of net loss*

 

$

(12

)

 

$

(21

)

 

$

(28

)

 

$

(54

)

 

 

*

Included in net investment income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Balance Sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

$

723

 

 

$

741

 

Cash

 

 

96

 

 

 

102

 

Other

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

Total assets

 

$

823

 

 

$

847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

$

8

 

 

$

 

Members’ capital

 

 

815

 

 

 

847

 

Total liabilities and members’ capital

 

$

823

 

 

$

847

 

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture, at equity**

 

$

734

 

 

$

762

 

 

 

**

Includes the 90% share of FMKT Mel JV’s operating results.

 

e) Assets Held for Sale

On April 9, 2020, Greenleaf Capital, LLC decided to offer for sale its investment property in Riverview, Florida. The proceeds from the sale are expected to exceed the property’s carrying value of $4,519 and, accordingly, no impairment loss was recognized on the classification of this property as held for sale.

22


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

f) Real Estate Investments

Real estate investments consist of the following as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Land

 

$

36,681

 

 

$

39,511

 

Land improvements

 

 

11,422

 

 

 

11,907

 

Buildings

 

 

23,006

 

 

 

24,086

 

Tenant and leasehold improvements

 

 

1,246

 

 

 

1,487

 

Other

 

 

5,928

 

 

 

3,489

 

Total, at cost

 

 

78,283

 

 

 

80,480

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(7,375

)

 

 

(6,717

)

Real estate investments

 

$

70,908

 

 

$

73,763

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense related to real estate investments was $432 and $422 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $887 and $754 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company classified the investment property as described earlier to assets held for sale.

g) Net Investment (Loss) Income

Net investment (loss) income, by source, is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities

 

$

1,243

 

 

$

1,622

 

 

$

2,758

 

 

$

3,157

 

Equity securities

 

 

299

 

 

 

293

 

 

 

634

 

 

 

674

 

Investment expense

 

 

(124

)

 

 

(106

)

 

 

(242

)

 

 

(235

)

Limited partnership investments

 

 

188

 

 

 

1,043

 

 

 

(2,747

)

 

 

832

 

Real estate investments

 

 

(346

)

 

 

(105

)

 

 

(265

)

 

 

201

 

Loss from unconsolidated joint venture

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(21

)

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(54

)

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

362

 

 

 

1,484

 

 

 

1,301

 

 

 

2,554

 

Short-term investments

 

 

(6

)

 

 

16

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

375

 

Net investment income

 

$

1,604

 

 

$

4,226

 

 

$

1,412

 

 

$

7,504

 

 

23


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 6 -- Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss, which for the Company includes changes in unrealized gains or losses of investments carried at fair value and changes in the allowance for credit losses related to these investments. Reclassification adjustments for realized (gains) losses are reflected in net realized investment gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of income. The components of other comprehensive income or loss and the related tax effects allocated to each component were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before

 

 

Expense

 

 

Net of

 

 

Before

 

 

Expense

 

 

Net of

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

(Benefit)

 

 

Tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

(Benefit)

 

 

Tax

 

Unrealized gains arising during the period

 

$

3,280

 

 

$

805

 

 

$

2,475

 

 

$

1,626

 

 

$

413

 

 

$

1,213

 

Change in allowance for credit losses

 

 

87

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call and repayment (gains) losses charged to

   investment income

 

 

(150

)

 

 

(37

)

 

 

(113

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Reclassification adjustment for realized

   gains

 

 

(1,427

)

 

 

(349

)

 

 

(1,078

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive gains

 

$

1,790

 

 

$

440

 

 

$

1,350

 

 

$

1,627

 

 

$

413

 

 

$

1,214

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before

 

 

Expense

 

 

Net of

 

 

Before

 

 

Expense

 

 

Net of

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

(Benefit)

 

 

Tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

(Benefit)

 

 

Tax

 

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period

 

$

(191

)

 

$

(46

)

 

$

(145

)

 

$

4,330

 

 

$

1,098

 

 

$

3,232

 

Change in allowance for credit losses

 

 

526

 

 

 

129

 

 

 

397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call and repayment gains charged to

   investment income

 

 

(216

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

(163

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Reclassification adjustment for

   realized gains

 

 

(1,154

)

 

 

(283

)

 

 

(871

)

 

 

(33

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(25

)

Total other comprehensive (losses) gains

 

$

(1,035

)

 

$

(253

)

 

$

(782

)

 

$

4,298

 

 

$

1,090

 

 

$

3,208

 

 

Note 7 -- Fair Value Measurements

The Company records and discloses certain financial assets at their estimated fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1

-

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2

-

Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly such as quoted prices for identical assets that are not observable throughout the full term of the asset.

Level 3

-

Inputs that are unobservable.

 

24


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Valuation Methodology

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of money-market funds and certificates of deposit maturing within 90 days. Their carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity and high liquidity of these funds.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of 91 to 365 days. Due to their short maturity, the carrying value approximates fair value.  

Fixed-maturity and equity securities

Estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed-maturity and equity securities are determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities or other inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar securities. In those instances where observable inputs are not available, fair values are measured using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the security and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange.

The estimated fair values for securities that do not trade on a daily basis are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from an independent pricing service and information provided by brokers, which are level 2 inputs. Management reviews the assumptions and methods utilized by the pricing service and then compares the relevant data and pricing to broker-provided data. The Company gains assurance of the overall reasonableness and consistent application of the assumptions and methodologies and compliance with accounting standards for fair value determination through ongoing monitoring of the reported fair values.

Revolving Credit Facility

The Company’s revolving credit facility is a variable-rate loan. The interest rate is periodically adjusted based on the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread. As a result, its carrying value approximates fair value.

25


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Long-term debt

The following table summarizes components of the Company’s long-term debt and methods used in estimating their fair values:

 

 

Maturity

Date

Valuation Methodology

4.25% Convertible senior notes

2037

Quoted price

3.90% Promissory note

2032

Discounted cash flow method/Level 3 inputs

4% Promissory note

2031

Discounted cash flow method/Level 3 inputs

3.75% Callable promissory note

2036

Discounted cash flow method/Level 3 inputs

4.55% Promissory note

2036

Discounted cash flow method/Level 3 inputs

 

Assets Measured at Estimated Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. The table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Total

 

As of June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

424,464

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

424,464

 

Restricted cash

 

$

700

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

700

 

Fixed-maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

 

$

10,899

 

 

$

1,543

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,442

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

74,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74,409

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

5,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,909

 

Exchange-traded debt

 

 

7,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,200

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

92,541

 

 

$

7,452

 

 

$

 

 

$

99,993

 

Equity securities

 

$

39,309

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

39,309

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Total

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

229,218

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

229,218

 

Restricted cash

 

$

700

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

700

 

Short-term investments

 

$

491

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

491

 

Fixed-maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

 

$

25,294

 

 

$

1,001

 

 

$

 

 

$

26,295

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

159,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

159,364

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

7,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,912

 

Exchange-traded debt

 

 

9,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,145

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

193,926

 

 

$

8,913

 

 

$

 

 

$

202,839

 

Equity securities

 

$

35,285

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

35,285

 

 

26


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Assets and Liabilities Carried at Other Than Estimated Fair Value

The following tables present fair value information for assets and liabilities that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Value

 

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

As of June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

23,750

 

 

$

 

 

$

23,750

 

 

$

 

 

$

23,750

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.25% Convertible senior notes

 

$

131,858

 

 

$

 

 

$

137,460

 

 

$

 

 

$

137,460

 

3.90% Promissory note

 

 

9,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,565

 

 

 

10,565

 

4% Promissory note

 

 

6,982

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,421

 

 

 

7,421

 

3.75% Callable promissory note

 

 

7,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,100

 

 

 

8,100

 

4.55% Promissory note

 

 

5,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,971

 

 

 

5,971

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

161,787

 

 

$

 

 

$

137,460

 

 

$

32,057

 

 

$

169,517

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Value

 

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

9,750

 

 

$

 

 

$

9,750

 

 

$

 

 

$

9,750

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.25% Convertible senior notes

 

$

134,075

 

 

$

 

 

$

147,375

 

 

$

 

 

$

147,375

 

3.95% Promissory note

 

 

8,875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,887

 

 

 

8,887

 

4% Promissory note

 

 

7,237

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,409

 

 

 

7,409

 

3.75% Callable promissory note

 

 

7,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,861

 

 

 

7,861

 

4.55% Promissory note

 

 

5,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,802

 

 

 

5,802

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

163,635

 

 

$

 

 

$

147,375

 

 

$

29,959

 

 

$

177,334

 

 

Note 8 -- Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

 

In connection with the transition of insurance policies from Anchor described in Note 1 -- “Nature of Operations,” the Company incurred $3,023 of direct costs, consisting of a bonus to Anchor of $2,898 and other related expenses of $125. The Company agreed to pay Anchor a cash bonus of $50 per $1,000 of premium for all policies in forces at June 1, 2020 that were in compliance with the conditions stated in the agreement. At June 30, 2020, other liabilities included $1,653 representing the remaining bonus payable to Anchor.

 

Note 9 -- Property and Equipment, Net

On April 2, 2020, Greenleaf Capital, LLC entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Tampa-Coconut Palms Office Building Exchange, LLC to acquire an office building in Tampa, Florida for a purchase price of $4,000 in cash. The building will be used as the Company’s secondary site in the Tampa Bay area. The transaction was completed on May 18, 2020 and accounted for as an asset acquisition.

 

27


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 10 -- Other Assets

The following table summarizes the Company’s other assets.

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Benefits receivable related to retrospective

   reinsurance contract

 

$

1,560

 

 

$

9,480

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

2,373

 

 

 

2,107

 

Deposits

 

 

3,352

 

 

 

1,678

 

Lease acquisition costs, net

 

 

516

 

 

 

566

 

Other

 

 

4,164

 

 

 

3,249

 

Total other assets

 

$

11,965

 

 

$

17,080

 

 

Note 11 -- Revolving Credit Facility

During the first quarter of 2020, the Company borrowed an additional amount of $14,000 for general business purposes. For the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, interest expense was $162 and $127, respectively, including $40 of amortization of issuance costs in each of the periods. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, interest expense was $315 and $196, respectively, including $79 of amortization of issuance costs in each of the periods. At June 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants, and there were $23,750 of borrowings outstanding.

 

Note 12 -- Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term debt.

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

4.25% Convertible senior notes, due March 1, 2037

 

$

139,200

 

 

$

143,750

 

3.95% Promissory note, due through February 17, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

8,881

 

4% Promissory note, due through February 1, 2031

 

 

7,081

 

 

 

7,345

 

3.75% Callable promissory note, due through September 1, 2036

 

 

7,783

 

 

 

7,955

 

4.55% Promissory note, due through August 1, 2036

 

 

5,588

 

 

 

5,704

 

3.90% Promissory note, due through April 1, 2032

 

 

9,945

 

 

 

 

Finance lease liabilities, due through August 15, 2023

 

 

52

 

 

 

60

 

Total principal amount

 

 

169,649

 

 

 

173,695

 

Less: unamortized discount and issuance costs

 

 

(7,810

)

 

 

(10,000

)

Total long-term debt

 

$

161,839

 

 

$

163,695

 

 

28


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

The following table summarizes future maturities of long-term debt as of June 30, 2020, which takes into consideration the assumption that the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes are repurchased at the earliest call date.

 

Due in 12 months following June 30,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

$

1,494

 

2021

 

 

140,755

 

2022

 

 

1,612

 

2023

 

 

1,668

 

2024

 

 

1,733

 

Thereafter

 

 

22,387

 

Total

 

$

169,649

 

Information with respect to interest expense related to long-term debt is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contractual interest

 

$

1,832

 

 

$

1,837

 

 

$

3,638

 

 

$

4,394

 

Non-cash expense (a)

 

 

1,068

 

 

 

999

 

 

 

2,120

 

 

 

2,789

 

Capitalized interest (b)

 

 

(42

)

 

 

(79

)

 

 

(83

)

 

 

(158

)

 

 

$

2,858

 

 

$

2,757

 

 

$

5,675

 

 

$

7,025

 

 

 

(a)

Includes amortization of debt discount and issuance costs.

 

(b)

Interest was capitalized for a construction project.

Convertible Senior Notes

4.25% Convertible Notes. The Company’s recent cash dividends on common stock have exceeded $0.35 per share, resulting in adjustments to the conversion rate of the 4.25% Convertible Notes. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2020, the conversion rate of the Company’s 4.25% Convertible Notes was 16.4039 shares of common stock for each $1 in principal amount, which was the equivalent of approximately $60.96 per share. In June 2020, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $4,550 in principal of the 4.25% Convertible Notes and recognized a $150 loss from the repurchases.

As of June 30, 2020, the remaining amortization period of the debt discount for 4.25% Convertible Notes was expected to be 1.7 years.

3.95% Promissory Note

In February 2020, the Company repaid its 3.95% Promissory Note.

29


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

3.90% Promissory Note

On February 28, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company for gross proceeds of $10,000. The agreement bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.90% and is secured by the Company’s shopping center property in Melbourne, Florida and the assignment of associated lease agreements. Approximately $60 of principal and interest is payable in 143 monthly installments beginning April 1, 2020 plus a final balloon payment of $5,007 including principal and unpaid interest payable on March 1, 2032. The promissory note may be repaid in full at any time as long as the Company provides at least 60 days’ written notice and pays a prepayment premium and processing fee. The proceeds were primarily used to repay the 3.95% Promissory Note due in February 2020.

On March 19, 2020, the loan agreement was modified to revise the due dates for the first and last installments to May 1, 2020 and April 1, 2032, respectively, while other terms and conditions remain intact.

Note 13 -- Reinsurance

The Company cedes a portion of its homeowners’ insurance exposure to other entities under catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts and one quota share reinsurance agreement. Ceded premiums under most catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts are subject to revision resulting from subsequent adjustments in total insured value. Under the terms of the quota share reinsurance agreement, the Company is entitled to a 30% ceding commission on ceded premiums written. The reinsurance premiums under one flood catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract are generally determined on a quarterly basis based on the premiums associated with the applicable flood total insured value in force on the last day of the preceding quarter.

The Company remains liable for claims payments in the event that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreements. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company contracts with a number of reinsurers to secure its annual reinsurance coverage, which generally becomes effective June 1st each year. The Company purchases reinsurance each year taking into consideration probable maximum losses and reinsurance market conditions.

30


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

The impact of the reinsurance contracts on premiums written and earned is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Premiums Written:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

171,906

 

 

$

133,441

 

 

$

248,478

 

 

$

201,053

 

Assumed

 

 

(25

)

 

 

 

 

 

(79

)

 

 

(2

)

Gross written

 

 

171,881

 

 

 

133,441

 

 

 

248,399

 

 

 

201,051

 

Ceded

 

 

(34,354

)

 

 

(31,317

)

 

 

(65,073

)

 

 

(62,730

)

Net premiums written

 

$

137,527

 

 

$

102,124

 

 

$

183,326

 

 

$

138,321

 

Premiums Earned:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

106,852

 

 

$

83,315

 

 

$

197,619

 

 

$

165,914

 

Assumed

 

 

951

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,549

 

 

 

(2

)

Gross earned

 

 

107,803

 

 

 

83,315

 

 

 

200,168

 

 

 

165,912

 

Ceded

 

 

(34,354

)

 

 

(31,317

)

 

 

(65,073

)

 

 

(62,730

)

Net premiums earned

 

$

73,449

 

 

$

51,998

 

 

$

135,095

 

 

$

103,182

 

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, ceded losses of $11 and $349, respectively, were recognized as a reduction in losses and loss adjustment expenses. There were no ceded losses recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 40 and 31 reinsurers, respectively, participating in the Company’s reinsurance program. Total gross amounts recoverable and receivable from reinsurers at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $100,430 and $132,678, respectively. Approximately 47.3% of the reinsurance recoverable balance at June 30, 2020 was receivable from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, a state trust fund. Based on all available information considered in the rating-based method described in Note 2 -- “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” the Company recognized a decrease in credit loss expense of $325 and $349 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. Allowances for credit losses related to the reinsurance recoverable balance were $104 and $0 at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

One of the reinsurance contracts includes retrospective provisions that adjust premiums in the event losses are minimal or zero. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized reductions in premiums ceded of $3,240 and $5,760, respectively, related to these adjustments in the consolidated statement of income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized net reductions in premiums ceded of $1,226 and $1,738, respectively, related to these adjustments.

 

Amounts receivable pursuant to retrospective provisions are reflected in other assets. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, other assets included $1,560 and $9,480 related to these adjustments, respectively. In June 2020, the Company received $13,680 of premium refund under the retrospective reinsurance contract that ended May 31, 2020. Management believes the credit risk associated with the collectability of these accrued benefits is minimal as the amount receivable is concentrated with one reinsurer and the Company monitors the creditworthiness of this reinsurer based on available information about the reinsurer’s financial condition.

31


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 14 -- Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is determined on an individual case basis for all claims reported. The liability also includes amounts for unallocated expenses, anticipated future claim development and losses incurred but not reported.

The Company primarily writes insurance in the state of Florida, which could be exposed to hurricanes or other natural catastrophes. The occurrence of a major catastrophe could have a significant effect on the Company’s quarterly results and cause a temporary disruption of the normal operations of the Company.  However, the Company is unable to predict the frequency or severity of any such events that may occur in the near term or thereafter.

Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net balance, beginning of period*

 

$

105,876

 

 

$

98,453

 

 

$

98,174

 

 

$

94,826

 

Incurred, net of reinsurance, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current period

 

 

40,493

 

 

 

21,416

 

 

 

66,296

 

 

 

45,737

 

Prior period

 

 

(650

)

 

 

2,877

 

 

 

1,625

 

 

 

5,552

 

Total incurred, net of reinsurance

 

 

39,843

 

 

 

24,293

 

 

 

67,921

 

 

 

51,289

 

Paid, net of reinsurance, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current period

 

 

(11,329

)

 

 

(13,778

)

 

 

(15,813

)

 

 

(17,708

)

Prior period

 

 

(11,261

)

 

 

(13,623

)

 

 

(27,153

)

 

 

(33,062

)

Total paid, net of reinsurance

 

 

(22,590

)

 

 

(27,401

)

 

 

(42,966

)

 

 

(50,770

)

Net balance, end of period

 

 

123,129

 

 

 

95,345

 

 

 

123,129

 

 

 

95,345

 

Add: reinsurance recoverable before allowance for

         credit losses

 

 

88,033

 

 

 

58,897

 

 

 

88,033

 

 

 

58,897

 

Gross balance, end of period

 

$

211,162

 

 

$

154,242

 

 

$

211,162

 

 

$

154,242

 

 

*Net balance represents beginning-of-period liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses less beginning-of-period reinsurance recoverable for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.

The establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process and changes in loss reserve estimates are expected as these estimates are subject to the outcome of future events. Changes in estimates, or during which such estimates are adjusted. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company derecognized losses related to prior periods of $650 primarily to decrease the reserve for 2019 loss year. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized losses related to prior periods of $1,625 for unfavorable development for 2019 resulting from litigation.

32


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 15 -- Segment Information

The Company identifies its operating divisions based on organizational structure and revenue source.  Currently, the Company has three reportable segments: insurance operations, real estate operations, and corporate and other. Due to their economic characteristics, the Company’s property and casualty insurance division and reinsurance division are grouped together into one reportable segment under insurance operations. The real estate operations segment includes companies engaged in operating commercial properties the Company owns for investment purposes or for use in its own operations. The corporate and other segment represents the activities of the holding companies, the information technology division, and other companies that do not meet the quantitative and qualitative thresholds for a reportable segment. The determination of segments may change over time due to changes in operational emphasis, revenues, and results of operations. The Company’s chief executive officer, who serves as the Company’s chief operating decision maker, evaluates each division’s financial and operating performance based on revenue and operating income.

For the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, revenues from the Company’s insurance operations before intracompany elimination represented 96.2% and 95.2%, respectively, of total revenues of all operating segments. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, revenues from the Company’s insurance operations before intracompany elimination represented 96.0% and 94.9%, respectively, of total revenues of all operating segments. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, insurance operations’ total assets represented 85.9% and 85.5%, respectively, of the combined assets of all operating segments. The following tables present segment information reconciled to the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Intersegment transactions are not eliminated from segment results. However, intracompany transactions are eliminated in segment results below.

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

Real

 

 

Corporate/

 

 

Reclassification/

 

 

 

 

 

For Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

Operations

 

 

Estate(a)

 

 

Other(b)

 

 

Elimination

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

73,449

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

73,449

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2,076

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

(578

)

 

 

1,604

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

1,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

(48

)

 

 

 

 

 

1,435

 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

 

2,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

411

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,884

 

Credit losses on investments

 

 

(87

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(87

)

Policy fee income

 

 

847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

847

 

Other

 

 

320

 

 

 

2,419

 

 

 

518

 

 

 

(2,672

)

 

 

585

 

Total revenue

 

 

80,561

 

 

 

2,421

 

 

 

985

 

 

 

(3,250

)

 

 

80,717

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

39,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,843

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

12,511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,511

 

Interest expense

 

 

1

 

 

 

498

 

 

 

2,742

 

 

 

(221

)

 

 

3,020

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

27

 

 

 

640

 

 

 

409

 

 

 

(596

)

 

 

480

 

Other

 

 

7,607

 

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

6,460

 

 

 

(2,433

)

 

 

13,040

 

Total expenses

 

 

59,989

 

 

 

2,544

 

 

 

9,611

 

 

 

(3,250

)

 

 

68,894

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

20,572

 

 

$

(123

)

 

$

(8,626

)

 

$

 

 

$

11,823

 

Total revenue from non-affiliates(c)

 

$

80,561

 

 

$

1,954

 

 

$

444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Other revenue under real estate primarily consisted of rental income from investment properties.

 

(b)

Other revenue under corporate and other primarily consisted of revenue from restaurant and marina businesses.

 

(c)

Represents amounts before reclassification of certain revenue and expenses to conform with an insurance company’s presentation.

33


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

Real

 

 

Corporate/

 

 

Reclassification/

 

 

 

 

 

For Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

 

Operations

 

 

Estate(a)

 

 

Other(b)

 

 

Elimination

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

51,998

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

51,998

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

3,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,096

 

 

 

(258

)

 

 

4,226

 

Net realized investment losses

 

 

(132

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

(133

)

Net unrealized investment gains

 

 

1,108

 

 

 

 

 

 

218

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,326

 

Policy fee income

 

 

800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

800

 

Other

 

 

162

 

 

 

2,380

 

 

 

1,698

 

 

 

(3,827

)

 

 

413

 

Total revenue

 

 

57,324

 

 

 

2,380

 

 

 

3,011

 

 

 

(4,085

)

 

 

58,630

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

24,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,293

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

8,770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,770

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

382

 

 

 

2,632

 

 

 

(130

)

 

 

2,884

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

26

 

 

 

668

 

 

 

262

 

 

 

(572

)

 

 

384

 

Other

 

 

7,774

 

 

 

1,466

 

 

 

6,127

 

 

 

(3,383

)

 

 

11,984

 

Total expenses

 

 

40,863

 

 

 

2,516

 

 

 

9,021

 

 

 

(4,085

)

 

 

48,315

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

16,461

 

 

$

(136

)

 

$

(6,010

)

 

$

 

 

$

10,315

 

Total revenue from non-affiliates(c)

 

$

57,324

 

 

$

1,974

 

 

$

2,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Other revenue under real estate primarily consisted of rental income from investment properties.

 

(b)

Other revenue under corporate and other primarily consisted of revenue from restaurant and marina businesses.

 

(c)

Represents amounts before reclassification of certain revenue and expenses to conform with an insurance company’s presentation.

 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

Real

 

 

Corporate/

 

 

Reclassification/

 

 

 

 

 

For Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

Operations

 

 

Estate(a)

 

 

Other(b)

 

 

Elimination

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

135,095

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

135,095

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

4,409

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

(2,266

)

 

 

(734

)

 

 

1,412

 

Net realized investment losses

 

 

(339

)

 

 

 

 

 

(470

)

 

 

 

 

 

(809

)

Net unrealized investment losses

 

 

(1,624

)

 

 

 

 

 

(297

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,921

)

Credit losses on investments

 

 

(526

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(526

)

Policy fee income

 

 

1,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,676

 

Other

 

 

595

 

 

 

4,978

 

 

 

1,890

 

 

 

(6,293

)

 

 

1,170

 

Total revenue

 

 

139,286

 

 

 

4,981

 

 

 

(1,143

)

 

 

(7,027

)

 

 

136,097

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

67,921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,921

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

23,368

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,368

 

Interest expense

 

 

1

 

 

 

971

 

 

 

5,459

 

 

 

(441

)

 

 

5,990

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

58

 

 

 

1,296

 

 

 

811

 

 

 

(1,208

)

 

 

957

 

Other

 

 

15,682

 

 

 

2,657

 

 

 

12,420

 

 

 

(5,378

)

 

 

25,381

 

Total expenses

 

 

107,030

 

 

 

4,924

 

 

 

18,690

 

 

 

(7,027

)

 

 

123,617

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

32,256

 

 

$

57

 

 

$

(19,833

)

 

$

 

 

$

12,480

 

Total revenue (investment loss) from non-affiliates(c)

 

$

139,286

 

 

$

4,048

 

 

$

(2,182

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Other revenue under real estate primarily consisted of rental income from investment properties.

 

(b)

Other revenue under corporate and other primarily consisted of revenue from restaurant and marina businesses.

 

(c)

Represents amounts before reclassification of certain revenue and expenses to conform with an insurance company’s presentation.

34


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

Real

 

 

Corporate/

 

 

Reclassification/

 

 

 

 

 

For Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 

Operations

 

 

Estate(a)

 

 

Other(b)

 

 

Elimination

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

103,182

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

103,182

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

6,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,603

 

 

 

(115

)

 

 

7,504

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

(571

)

 

 

 

 

 

(505

)

Net unrealized investment gains

 

 

5,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,201

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,619

 

Policy fee income

 

 

1,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,595

 

Other

 

 

338

 

 

 

4,692

 

 

 

3,249

 

 

 

(7,410

)

 

 

869

 

Total revenue

 

 

116,615

 

 

 

4,692

 

 

 

5,482

 

 

 

(7,525

)

 

 

119,264

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

51,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,289

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

17,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,426

 

Interest expense

 

 

1

 

 

 

765

 

 

 

6,715

 

 

 

(260

)

 

 

7,221

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

53

 

 

 

1,251

 

 

 

530

 

 

 

(1,056

)

 

 

778

 

Other

 

 

14,864

 

 

 

2,574

 

 

 

11,723

 

 

 

(6,209

)

 

 

22,952

 

Total expenses

 

 

83,633

 

 

 

4,590

 

 

 

18,968

 

 

 

(7,525

)

 

 

99,666

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

32,982

 

 

$

102

 

 

$

(13,486

)

 

$

 

 

$

19,598

 

Total revenue from non-affiliates(c)

 

$

116,615

 

 

$

3,877

 

 

$

4,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Other revenue under real estate primarily consisted of rental income from investment properties.

 

(b)

Other revenue under corporate and other primarily consisted of revenue from restaurant and marina businesses.

 

(c)

Represents amounts before reclassification of certain revenue and expenses to conform with an insurance company’s presentation.

 

The following table presents segment assets reconciled to the Company’s total assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Operations

 

$

734,614

 

 

$

663,280

 

Real Estate Operations

 

 

96,831

 

 

 

93,727

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

87,521

 

 

 

60,662

 

Consolidation and Elimination

 

 

(30,581

)

 

 

(15,060

)

Total assets

 

$

888,385

 

 

$

802,609

 

 

Note 16 -- Leases

The table below summarizes the Company’s right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and corresponding liabilities for operating and finance leases:

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating leases:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROU Assets

 

$

337

 

 

$

484

 

Liabilities

 

$

350

 

 

$

513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance leases:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROU Assets

 

$

79

 

 

$

79

 

Liabilities

 

$

52

 

 

$

60

 

35


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s operating and finance leases in which the Company is a lessee:

 

 

 

 

 

Renewal

 

Other Terms and

Class of Assets

 

Initial Term

 

Option

 

Conditions

Operating lease:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office equipment

 

1 to 63 months

 

Yes

 

(a), (b)

Storage units (e)

 

2 years

 

Yes

 

(b)

Office space

 

3 to 10 years

 

Yes

 

(b), (c)

Finance lease:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office equipment

 

3 to 5 years

 

Not applicable

 

(d)

 

 

(a)

At the end of the lease term, the Company can purchase the equipment at fair market value.

 

(b)

There are no variable lease payments.

 

(c)

Rent escalation provisions exist.

 

(d)

There is a bargain purchase option.

 

(e)

The initial lease term has expired in May 2020. The lease was renewed for one year.

As of June 30, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 

Leases

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

Finance

 

Due in 12 months following June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

$

272

 

 

$

19

 

2021

 

 

91

 

 

 

19

 

2022

 

 

12

 

 

 

14

 

2023

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Total lease payments

 

 

375

 

 

 

55

 

Less: interest and foreign taxes

 

 

25

 

 

 

3

 

Total lease obligations

 

$

350

 

 

$

52

 

 

36


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

The following table provides quantitative information with regard to the Company’s operating and finance leases.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Lease costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance lease costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization – ROU assets*

 

$

5

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

9

 

 

$

6

 

Interest expense

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Operating lease costs*

 

 

78

 

 

 

73

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

154

 

Short-term lease costs*

 

 

42

 

 

 

59

 

 

 

91

 

 

 

104

 

Total lease costs

 

$

126

 

 

$

135

 

 

$

257

 

 

$

265

 

Cash paid for amounts included in

   the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash flows – finance leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1

 

 

$

1

 

Operating cash flows – operating leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

159

 

 

$

159

 

Financing cash flows – finance leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

8

 

 

$

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance leases (in years)

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases (in years)

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance leases

 

3.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

4.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Included in other operating expenses of the consolidated statement of income.

The following table summarizes the Company’s operating leases in which the Company is a lessor:

 

 

 

 

 

Renewal

 

Other Terms and

Class of Assets

 

Initial Term

 

Option

 

Conditions

Operating lease:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office space

 

1 to 3 years

 

Yes

 

(f)

Retail space

 

3 to 20 years

 

Yes

 

(f)

Boat docks/wet slips

 

1 to 12 months

 

Yes

 

(f)

 

 

(f)

There are no purchase options.

 

Note 17 -- Income Taxes

During the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded approximately $2,887 and $2,762 respectively, of income taxes, which resulted in effective tax rates of 24.4% and 26.8%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate as compared with the corresponding period in the prior year was primarily attributable to the recognition of a refund from the State of Florida for 2018 income taxes. Furthermore, the Florida corporate income tax rate was reduced from 5.5% to 4.458% in September 2019. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded approximately $2,997 and $5,307, respectively, of income taxes, which resulted in effective tax rates of 24.0% and 27.1%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2020 as compared with the corresponding period in the prior year was

37


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

primarily attributable to the recognition of the tax refund, the recognition of windfall tax benefits related to share-based awards, and the reduction in state corporate income tax rate. The Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory federal tax rate due to state and foreign income taxes as well as certain nondeductible and tax-exempt items. In addition, the Company determined there were no significant tax implications as a result of the CARES Act.

 

Note 18 -- Earnings Per Share

U.S. GAAP requires the Company to use the two-class method in computing basic earnings per share since holders of the Company’s restricted stock have the right to share in dividends, if declared, equally with common stockholders. These participating securities affect the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share during periods of net income or loss.

A summary of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per common share is presented below.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Per Share

 

 

 

(Numerator)

 

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

 

(Numerator)

 

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

Net income

 

$

8,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Income attributable to participating

   securities

 

 

(465

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(405

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income allocated to common stockholders

 

 

8,471

 

 

 

7,324

 

 

$

1.16

 

 

 

7,148

 

 

 

7,666

 

 

$

0.93

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible senior notes

 

 

1,948

 

 

 

2,357

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,871

 

 

 

2,346

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders and

   assumed conversions

 

$

10,419

 

 

 

9,685

 

 

$

1.08

 

 

$

9,019

 

 

 

10,027

 

 

$

0.90

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Per Share

 

 

 

(Numerator)

 

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

 

(Numerator)

 

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

Net income

 

$

9,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

14,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Income attributable to participating

   securities

 

 

(472

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(821

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income allocated to common stockholders

 

 

9,011

 

 

 

7,347

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

 

13,470

 

 

 

7,701

 

 

$

1.75

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible senior notes*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,868

 

 

 

2,947

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders and

   assumed conversions

 

$

9,011

 

 

 

7,353

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

18,338

 

 

 

10,664

 

 

$

1.72

 

 

 

*

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, convertible senior notes were excluded due to anti-dilutive effect.

 

 

38


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 19 -- Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

On December 19, 2019, the Board of Directors decided to extend the term of the 2019 stock repurchase plan to March 15, 2020. On March 13, 2020, the Board approved a stock repurchase plan for 2020 to repurchase up to $20,000 of the Company’s common shares before commissions and fees. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 51,834 shares at a weighted average price per share of $40.48 under these authorized repurchase plans. The total cost of shares repurchased, inclusive of fees and commissions, during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $2,100 or $40.51 per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 128,685 shares at a weighted average price per share of $39.92 under this authorized repurchase plan. The total cost of shares repurchased, inclusive of fees and commissions, during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $5,141, or $39.95 per share.

In December 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan for 2019 to repurchase up to $20,000 of the Company’s common shares before commissions and fees. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 160,787 shares at a weighted average price per share of $41.44 under this authorized repurchase plan. The total cost of shares repurchased, inclusive of fees and commissions, during the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $6,668, or $41.47 per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 192,576 shares at a weighted average price per share of $41.54 under this authorized repurchase plan. The total cost of shares repurchased, inclusive of fees and commissions, during the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $8,006, or $41.57 per share

On April 13, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividends were paid on June 19, 2020 to stockholders of record on May 15, 2020.

Preferred Stock

On May 15, 2020, the Company amended its Articles of Incorporation, effective on the same date, to cancel the designation of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s authorized preferred stock as Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, and the designation of 400,000 shares of the Company’s authorized preferred stock as Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock. As a result, all 20,000,000 authorized shares of the Company’s preferred stock are undesignated. Since the designation of these types of preferred stock, none have ever been issued by the Company.

Note 20 -- Stock-Based Compensation

Incentive Plans

The Company currently has outstanding stock-based awards granted under the 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and the 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Only the 2012 Plan is active and available for future grants. At June 30, 2020, there were 1,474,162 shares available for grant.

Stock Options

Stock options granted and outstanding under the incentive plans vest over periods ranging from immediately vested to five years and are exercisable over the contractual term of ten years.

39


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

A summary of the stock option activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows (option amounts not in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

Options

 

 

Price

 

 

Term

 

Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2020

 

 

340,000

 

 

$

43.21

 

 

7.9 years

 

$

1,657

 

Granted

 

 

110,000

 

 

$

48.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(10,000

)

 

$

6.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2020

 

 

440,000

 

 

$

45.25

 

 

8.3 years

 

$

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2020

 

 

440,000

 

 

$

45.25

 

 

8.1 years

 

$

1,184

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2020

 

 

165,000

 

 

$

42.17

 

 

7.2 years

 

$

740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2019

 

 

240,000

 

 

$

37.19

 

 

8.8 years

 

$

3,278

 

Granted

 

 

110,000

 

 

$

53.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2019

 

 

350,000

 

 

$

42.16

 

 

8.5 years

 

$

1,329

 

Exercised

 

 

(10,000

)

 

$

6.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2019

 

 

340,000

 

 

$

43.21

 

 

8.4 years

 

$

445

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2019

 

 

92,500

 

 

$

36.36

 

 

7.3 years

 

$

380

 

 

The following table summarizes information about options exercised for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (option amounts not in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Options exercised

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

10,000

 

Total intrinsic value of exercised options

 

$

 

 

$

547

 

$

288

 

 

$

547

 

Tax benefits realized

 

$

 

 

$

88

 

$

71

 

 

$

88

 

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $297 and $200, respectively, of compensation expense which was included in general and administrative personnel expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $580 and $425, respectively, of compensation expense. Deferred tax benefits related to stock options were $19 and $20 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $38 and $39 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there was $2,488 and $1,835, respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options. The Company expects to recognize the remaining compensation expense over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

The following table provides assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of the stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Expected dividend yield

 

 

3.48

%

 

 

3.34

%

Expected volatility

 

 

38.68

%

 

 

40.17

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

1.63

%

 

 

2.53

%

Expected life (in years)

 

 

5

 

 

 

5

 

 

40


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Restricted Stock Awards

From time to time, the Company has granted and may grant restricted stock awards to its executive officers, other employees and nonemployee directors in connection with their service to the Company. The terms of the Company’s outstanding restricted stock grants may include service, performance and market-based conditions. The determination of fair value with respect to the awards containing only service-based conditions is based on the market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

Information with respect to the activity of unvested restricted stock awards during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Restricted

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

Awards

 

 

Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2020

 

 

396,760

 

 

$

41.71

 

Granted

 

 

45,000

 

 

$

44.97

 

Vested

 

 

(31,250

)

 

$

40.97

 

Forfeited

 

 

(7,138

)

 

$

42.60

 

Nonvested at March 31, 2020

 

 

403,372

 

 

$

42.12

 

Granted

 

 

145,000

 

 

$

45.59

 

Vested

 

 

(104,926

)

 

$

41.16

 

Forfeited

 

 

(5,220

)

 

$

43.75

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2020

 

 

438,226

 

 

$

43.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2019

 

 

632,296

 

 

$

33.33

 

Granted

 

 

40,000

 

 

$

47.94

 

Vested

 

 

(21,250

)

 

$

37.69

 

Forfeited

 

 

(4,681

)

 

$

42.79

 

Nonvested at March 31, 2019

 

 

646,365

 

 

$

34.03

 

Granted

 

 

133,160

 

 

$

41.30

 

Vested

 

 

(84,914

)

 

$

41.58

 

Forfeited

 

 

(264,211

)

 

$

23.81

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2019

 

 

430,400

 

 

$

41.06

 

 

41


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

The Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock, which is included in general and administrative personnel expenses, of $1,722 and $1,269 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $3,280 and $2,523 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and  2019, respectively. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there was approximately $17,483 and $12,661, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock arrangements. The Company expects to recognize the remaining compensation expense over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. The following table summarizes information about deferred tax benefits recognized and tax benefits realized related to restricted stock awards and paid dividends, and the fair value of vested restricted stock for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Deferred tax benefits recognized

 

$

319

 

 

$

244

 

 

$

603

 

 

$

490

 

Tax benefits realized for restricted stock

    and paid dividends

 

$

1,186

 

 

$

924

 

 

$

1,239

 

 

$

985

 

Fair value of vested restricted stock

 

$

4,319

 

 

$

3,530

 

 

$

5,599

 

 

$

4,331

 

 

During 2019, all shares of restricted stock awards granted to employee and nonemployee directors with market-based vesting conditions were forfeited due to not meeting the vesting conditions. The dividend payments associated with these awards were expensed when declared. As a result, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized dividends of $113 related to these awards in general and administrative personnel expenses for $85 and in other operating expenses for $28. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized dividends of $227 in general and administrative personnel expenses for $170 and in other operating expenses for $57.

 

Note 21 -- Commitments and Contingencies

 

Capital Commitment

 

As described in Note 5 -- “Investments” under Limited Partnership Investments, the Company is contractually committed to capital contributions for limited partnership interests. At June 30, 2020, there was an aggregate unfunded balance of $13,660.

 

Litigation

On April 1, 2020, Gulf to Bay LM, LLC, the Company’s wholly owned real estate subsidiary, sued Kroger Co. in federal district court to enforce a guaranty of a commercial lease executed between Gulf to Bay LM, LLC and Lucky’s Market Operating Company, LLC. Lucky’s filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

42


HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

 

Note 22 -- Subsequent Events

On July 2, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividends are payable on September 18, 2020 to stockholders of record on August 21, 2020.

On July 24, 2020, the Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) exercised the power of eminent domain under the Florida Constitution in order to acquire for a highway expansion project the property in Tampa, Florida where the Company’s headquarters is located for compensation of $47,500. Under the terms of the agreement, the FDOT assumed all contracts associated with this property, including the leases with existing tenants. In addition, the Company agreed to donate a small portion of a separate tract of nearby undeveloped land it owns to the FDOT for the same expansion project. The Company will have no later than July 24, 2023 to vacate the property. In connection with this transaction, the Company recognized a net gain from involuntary conversion of approximately $37,000.

On July 29, 2020, the Company made an early repayment of its 4% Promissory Note totaling $7,062 in principal plus accrued interest. The note was collateralized by the Company’s Tampa, Florida headquarters which was acquired by the FDOT in the eminent domain proceedings.

  

 

 

43


 

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion under this Item 2 in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and information included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 6, 2020.  Unless the context requires otherwise, as used in this Form 10-Q, the terms “HCI,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “our company,” and similar references refer to HCI Group, Inc., a Florida corporation incorporated in 2006, and its subsidiaries. All dollar amounts in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are in whole dollars unless specified otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions or future events. These statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Typically, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions. The important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the effects of governmental regulation; changes in insurance regulations; the frequency and extent of claims; uncertainties inherent in reserve estimates; catastrophic events; changes in the demand for, pricing of, availability of or collectability of reinsurance; restrictions on our ability to change premium rates; increased rate pressure on premiums; the severity and impact of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic; and other risks and uncertainties detailed herein and from time to time in our SEC reports.  

OVERVIEW – General

HCI Group, Inc. is a Florida-based InsurTech company that, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, real estate and information technology. Based on our organizational structure, revenue sources, and evaluation of financial and operating performances by management, we manage the following operations:

 

a)

Insurance Operations

 

Property and casualty insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

b)

Real Estate Operations

 

c)

Other Operations

 

Information technology

 

Other auxiliary operations

44


 

For the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, revenues from insurance operations before intracompany elimination represented 96.2% and 95.2%, respectively, of total revenues of all operating segments. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, revenues from insurance operations before intracompany elimination represented 95.5% and 94.9%, respectively, of total revenues of all operating segments. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, insurance operations’ total assets represented 85.9% and 85.5%, respectively, of the combined assets of all operating segments. See Note 15 -- “Segment Information” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Insurance Operations

Property and Casualty Insurance

Our insurance business is operated through two insurance subsidiaries: Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. (“HCPCI”), our principal operating subsidiary, and TypTap Insurance Company (“TypTap”). We provide various forms of residential insurance products such as homeowners insurance, fire insurance, flood insurance and wind-only insurance. We are authorized to write residential property and casualty insurance in the states of Arkansas, California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.  Currently, Florida is our primary market.

In February 2020, HCPCI entered into a policy replacement agreement with Anchor Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“Anchor”). Under the agreement, HCPCI offered short-term replacement policies for all policies cancelled by Anchor as of April 1, 2020. The replacement policies had substantially the same terms and rates as the cancelled polices and will expire on the same dates the cancelled policies would have expired had they not been cancelled. Upon expiration of the replacement policies, HCPCI may offer renewals to those policyholders at its own rates and terms but has no obligation to do so. In connection with the agreement, we received $30,000,000 on February 13, 2020 representing an estimate of unearned premium on policies to be replaced.

TypTap has been the primary source of our organic growth in gross written premium since 2018. TypTap’s policies in force have increased from 6,721 in January 2018 to 31,715 at June 30, 2020. TypTap has been successful in using internally developed proprietary technology to underwrite, select and write policies efficiently in Florida. In addition to the expansion in TypTap business, we expect the Anchor transaction will contribute to our future growth.

Reinsurance

We have a Bermuda domiciled wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiary, Claddaugh Casualty Insurance Company Ltd. We selectively retain risk in Claddaugh, reducing the cost of third-party reinsurance. Claddaugh fully collateralizes its exposure to our insurance subsidiaries by depositing funds into a trust account. Claddaugh may mitigate a portion of its risk through retrocession contracts. Currently, Claddaugh does not provide reinsurance to non-affiliates.

Real Estate Operations

Our real estate operations consist of properties we own and use for our own operations and multiple properties we own and operate for investment purposes. Properties used in operations consist of two Tampa office buildings and a secondary insurance operations site in Ocala, Florida. Our investment properties include one full-service restaurant, retail shopping centers, one office building, two marinas, and undeveloped land near our headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

45


 

Other Operations

Information Technology

Our information technology operations include a team of experienced software developers with extensive knowledge in developing web-based products and applications for mobile devices. The operations, which are in Tampa, Florida and Noida, India, are focused on developing cloud-based, innovative products or services that support in-house operations as well as our third-party relationships with our agency partners and claim vendors. These products include SAMSTM, Harmony, and ClaimColony®.

Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business

As of the date of this filing, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to continue causing significant economic disruption and negatively affect almost every industry directly or indirectly. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows is difficult to predict (also see Risks and Uncertainties Caused by COVID-19 in Note 1 -- “Nature of Operations” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) as this global health crisis is still evolving. The severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the pandemic, the containment measures, the extent and severity of the impact on our patrons and business partners, and the size and effectiveness of the state and federal government’s relief programs, of which we expect more to follow. With the use of our existing technologies and infrastructure, a majority of our workforce can work from home without significant disruptions to our operations. At present, we have no plan to reduce our workforce. At June 30, 2020, the impact on our financial statements of COVOD-19 consists primarily of unrealized losses on our portfolio of investment securities and material losses from limited partnership investments. However, we may experience further material economic impacts in other areas of our business, such as in our real estate operations, in future periods.

Recent Events

On July 2, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividends are payable on September 18, 2020 to stockholders of record on August 21, 2020.

On July 24, 2020, the Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) exercised the power of eminent domain under the Florida Constitution in order to acquire for a highway expansion project the property in Tampa, Florida where our headquarters is located for compensation of $47,500,000. Under the terms of the agreement, the FDOT assumed all contracts associated with this property, including the leases with existing tenants. In addition, we agreed to donate a small portion of a separate tract of nearby undeveloped land we own to the FDOT for the same expansion project. We will have no later than July 24, 2023 to vacate the property. In connection with this transaction, we recognized a net gain from involuntary conversion of approximately $37,000,000.

On July 29, 2020, we made an early repayment of our 4% Promissory note, which was collateralized by our Tampa, Florida headquarters.

 

46


 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums earned

 

$

107,803

 

 

$

83,315

 

 

$

200,168

 

 

$

165,912

 

Premiums ceded

 

 

(34,354

)

 

 

(31,317

)

 

 

(65,073

)

 

 

(62,730

)

Net premiums earned

 

 

73,449

 

 

 

51,998

 

 

 

135,095

 

 

 

103,182

 

Net investment income

 

 

1,604

 

 

 

4,226

 

 

 

1,412

 

 

 

7,504

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

1,435

 

 

 

(133

)

 

 

(809

)

 

 

(505

)

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

 

 

2,884

 

 

 

1,326

 

 

 

(1,921

)

 

 

6,619

 

Credit losses on investments

 

 

(87

)

 

 

 

 

 

(526

)

 

 

 

Policy fee income

 

 

847

 

 

 

800

 

 

 

1,676

 

 

 

1,595

 

Other income

 

 

585

 

 

 

413

 

 

 

1,170

 

 

 

869

 

Total operating revenue

 

 

80,717

 

 

 

58,630

 

 

 

136,097

 

 

 

119,264

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

39,843

 

 

 

24,293

 

 

 

67,921

 

 

 

51,289

 

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

 

 

12,991

 

 

 

10,077

 

 

 

24,817

 

 

 

19,750

 

General and administrative personnel expenses

 

 

9,731

 

 

 

7,998

 

 

 

18,098

 

 

 

15,362

 

Interest expense

 

 

3,020

 

 

 

2,884

 

 

 

5,990

 

 

 

7,221

 

Loss on repurchase of convertible senior notes

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

3,159

 

 

 

3,063

 

 

 

6,641

 

 

 

6,044

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

68,894

 

 

 

48,315

 

 

 

123,617

 

 

 

99,666

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

11,823

 

 

 

10,315

 

 

 

12,480

 

 

 

19,598

 

Income tax expense

 

 

2,887

 

 

 

2,762

 

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

5,307

 

Net income

 

$

8,936

 

 

$

7,553

 

 

$

9,483

 

 

$

14,291

 

Ratios to Net Premiums Earned:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

54.25

%

 

 

46.72

%

 

 

50.28

%

 

 

49.71

%

Expense Ratio

 

 

39.55

%

 

 

46.20

%

 

 

41.23

%

 

 

46.88

%

Combined Ratio

 

 

93.80

%

 

 

92.92

%

 

 

91.51

%

 

 

96.59

%

Ratios to Gross Premiums Earned:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

36.96

%

 

 

29.16

%

 

 

33.93

%

 

 

30.91

%

Expense Ratio

 

 

26.95

%

 

 

28.83

%

 

 

27.82

%

 

 

29.16

%

Combined Ratio

 

 

63.91

%

 

 

57.99

%

 

 

61.75

%

 

 

60.07

%

Earnings Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.16

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

1.75

 

Diluted

 

$

1.08

 

 

$

0.90

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

1.72

 

 

47


 

Comparison of the Three Months ended June 30, 2020 to the Three Months ended June 30, 2019

Our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 reflect income available to common stockholders of approximately $8,936,000 or $1.08 earnings per diluted common share, compared with approximately $7,553,000, or $0.90 earnings per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The quarter-over-quarter increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to a net increase in net premiums earned of $21,451,000, an increase in income from our investment portfolio (consisting of net investment income/loss and net realized and unrealized gains/losses) of $504,000, offset by an increase in policy acquisition and underwriting expenses of $2,914,000, an increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses of $15,550,000, and increased payroll costs of $1,733,000.

Revenue

Gross Premiums Earned for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $107,803,000 and $83,315,000, respectively. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily attributable to the policies transitioned from Anchor and increased policies in force from the growth in TypTap’s business. Gross premiums earned related to the Anchor policies were approximately $14,220,000 for the quarter.

Premiums Ceded for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $34,354,000 and $31,317,000, respectively, representing 31.9% and 37.6%, respectively, of gross premiums earned. The $3,037,000 increase was primarily attributable to increased reinsurance costs effective June 1, 2020 and a higher level of reinsurance coverage, offset by a reduction in premiums ceded attributable to retrospective provisions under one reinsurance contract.

Our premiums ceded represent costs of reinsurance to cover losses from catastrophes that exceed the retention levels defined by our catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts or to assume a proportional share of losses as defined in a quota share agreement. The rates we pay for reinsurance are based primarily on policy exposures reflected in gross premiums earned. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, premiums ceded included a decrease of approximately $3,240,000 related to retrospective provisions compared with a net reduction of approximately $1,226,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. See “Economic Impact of Reinsurance Contracts with Retrospective Provisions” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Net Premiums Written for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled approximately $137,527,000 and $102,124,000, respectively. Net premiums written represent the premiums charged on policies issued during a fiscal period less any applicable reinsurance costs. The increase in 2020 resulted from an increase in gross premiums written from the growth of TypTap business and the transition of policies from Anchor. We had approximately 164,000 policies in force at June 30, 2020 as compared with approximately 124,000 policies in force at June 30, 2019.

Net Premiums Earned for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $73,449,000 and $51,998,000, respectively, and reflect the gross premiums earned less reinsurance costs as described above.

The following is a reconciliation of our total Net Premiums Written to Net Premiums Earned for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net Premiums Written

 

$

137,527

 

 

$

102,124

 

Increase in Unearned Premiums

 

 

(64,078

)

 

 

(50,126

)

Net Premiums Earned

 

$

73,449

 

 

$

51,998

 

 

48


 

Net Investment Income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $1,604,000 and $4,226,000, respectively. The $2,622,000 decrease was primarily attributable to lower income from limited partnership investments and cash equivalent instruments.

Net Realized Investment Gains for the three months ended June 30, 2020 were approximately $1,435,000 versus approximately $133,000 of net realized investment loss for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The gains in 2020 resulted primarily from sales intended to rebalance our investment portfolio and manage overall portfolio risk.

Net Unrealized Investment gains for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $2,884,000 and $1,326,000, respectively, reflecting an increase in the fair value of equity securities resulting from an improved economic outlook since the shock caused by COVID-19.

Expenses

Our Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses amounted to approximately $39,843,000 and $24,293,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $15,550,000 increase primarily resulted from the increase in gross premiums earned, change in premium mix and reserves for weather-related losses in the quarter, offset by a reduction in loss reserves related to 2019 loss year. See “Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $12,991,000 and $10,077,000, respectively, and primarily reflect the amortization of deferred acquisition costs such as commissions payable to agents for production and renewal of policies, and premium taxes. The $2,914,000 increase was primarily attributable to higher agent commission rates and property inspection costs associated with the organic growth of TypTap business.

General and Administrative Personnel Expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $9,731,000 and $7,998,000, respectively. Our general and administrative personnel expenses include salaries, wages, payroll taxes, share-based compensation expenses, and employee benefit costs. Factors such as merit increases, changes in headcount, and periodic restricted stock grants, among others, cause fluctuations in this expense. In addition, our personnel expenses are decreased by the capitalization of payroll costs related to a project to develop software for internal use and the payroll costs associated with the processing and settlement of certain catastrophe claims which are recoverable from reinsurers under reinsurance contracts. The period-over-period increase of $1,733,000 was primarily attributable to higher share-based compensation expense and employee incentive bonus, an increase in the headcount of temporary and full-time employees, and merit increases for non-executive employees effective in late February 2020, and lower capitalized and recoverable payroll costs.

Income Tax Expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $2,887,000 and $2,762,000, respectively, for state, federal, and foreign income taxes resulting in an effective tax rate of 24.4% for 2020 and 26.8% for 2019. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of 2018 Florida income tax refund and the reduced Florida corporate income tax rate effective in September 2019.

Ratios:

The loss ratio applicable to the three months ended June 30, 2020 (losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred related to net premiums earned) was 54.2% compared with 46.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses, offset in part by the increase in net premiums earned.

49


 

The expense ratio applicable to the three months ended June 30, 2020 (defined as underwriting expenses, general and administrative personnel expenses, interest and other operating expenses related to net premiums earned) was 39.6% compared with 46.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2019.  The decrease in our expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in net premiums earned, offset by the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses and the increase in policy acquisition, underwriting and personnel expenses.  

The combined ratio (total of all expenses in relation to net premiums earned) is the measure of overall underwriting profitability before other income. Our combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was 93.8% compared with 92.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Due to the impact our reinsurance costs have on net premiums earned from period to period, our management believes the combined ratio measured to gross premiums earned is more relevant in assessing overall performance. The combined ratio to gross premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was 63.9% compared with 58.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in 2020 was attributable to the factors described above.

Comparison of the Six Months ended June 30, 2020 to the Six Months ended June 30, 2019

Our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 reflect income available to common stockholders of approximately $9,483,000, or $1.23 earnings per diluted common share, compared with approximately $14,291,000, or $1.72 earnings per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The period-over-period decrease was primarily due to a net decrease in income from our investment portfolio of $14,936,000, an increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses of $16,632,000, an increase in policy acquisition and other underwriting expense of $5,067,000, and an increase in general and administrative personnel expenses of $2,736,000, offset by an increase net premiums earned of $31,913,000, which contributed to a decrease in pre-tax income of $7,118,000.

 

Revenue

 

Gross Premiums Earned for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $200,168,000 and $165,912,000, respectively. The $34,256,000 increase in 2020 compared with the corresponding period in 2019 was primarily attributable to a net increase in policies in force as described earlier.

 

Premiums Ceded for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $65,073,000 and $62,730,000, respectively, representing 32.5% and 37.8%, respectively, of gross premiums earned. The $2,343,000 increase was primarily attributable to increased reinsurance cost per coverage limit effective June 1, 2020 and a higher level of reinsurance coverage, offset by a reduction in premiums ceded attributable to retrospective provisions under one reinsurance contract.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, premiums ceded included a reduction of approximately $5,760,000 related to retrospective provisions. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, premiums ceded included a net reduction of approximately $1,738,000 related to retrospective provisions. See “Economic Impact of Reinsurance Contracts with Retrospective Provisions” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”  

 

Net Premiums Written for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled approximately $183,326,000 and $138,321,000, respectively. The $45,005,000 increase in 2020 resulted primarily from the factors described earlier.

 

50


 

Net Premiums Earned for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $135,095,000 and $103,182,000, respectively, and reflect gross premiums earned less reinsurance costs as described above.

 

The following is a reconciliation of our total Net Premiums Written to Net Premiums Earned for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net Premiums Written

 

$

183,326

 

 

$

138,321

 

Increase in Unearned Premiums

 

 

(48,231

)

 

 

(35,139

)

Net Premiums Earned

 

$

135,095

 

 

$

103,182

 

 

Net Investment Income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $1,412,000 and $7,504,000, respectively. The $6,092,000 decrease was primarily attributable to a loss of $2,747,000 from limited partnership investments in 2020 as opposed to income of $832,000 in 2019.  In addition, interest income from cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments was lower by $1,627,000 in 2020 compared with 2019 due to a lowering of investment yields, particularly on cash.

Net Unrealized Investment Losses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were approximately $1,921,000 versus net unrealized investment gains of approximately $6,619,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019, reflecting a deterioration in the fair value of equity securities caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Expenses

 

Our Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses amounted to approximately $67,921,000 and $51,289,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $16,632,000 increase was primarily attributable to the increase in gross premiums earned, change in premium mix and reserves for weather-related losses, offset by lower prior year development. See “Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

 

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $24,817,000 and $19,750,000, respectively. The $5,067,000 increase was primarily attributable to the factors described earlier.

 

General and Administrative Personnel Expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $18,098,000 and $15,362,000, respectively. The period-over-period increase of $2,736,000 was primarily attributable to higher share-based compensation expense and merit increases for non-executive employees, and lower capitalized and recoverable payroll costs.

 

Interest Expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $5,990,000 and $7,221,000, respectively. The decrease resulted from the repayment of our 3.875% Convertible Senior Notes in March 2019.  

 

Income Tax Expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $2,997,000 and $5,307,000, respectively, for state, federal, and foreign income taxes resulting in an effective tax rate of 24.0% for 2020 and 27.1% for 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to the recognition of windfall tax benefits related to share-based awards in addition to the factors described previously.

 

51


 

Ratios:

The loss ratio applicable to the six months ended June 30, 2020 was 50.3% compared with 49.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

 

The expense ratio applicable to the six months ended June 30, 2020 was 41.2% compared with 46.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease in our expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in net premiums earned.  

 

The combined ratio is the measure of overall underwriting profitability before other income. Our combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was 91.5% compared with 96.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was attributable to the increase in net premiums earned, offset in part by the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses as described above.

 

Due to the impact our reinsurance costs have on net premiums earned from period to period, our management believes the combined ratio measured to gross premiums earned is more relevant in assessing overall performance. The combined ratio to gross premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was 61.8% compared with 60.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in 2020 was primarily attributable to the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses, offset by the increase in gross premiums earned.

Seasonality of Our Business

Our insurance business is seasonal as hurricanes and tropical storms affecting Florida typically occur during the period from June 1 through November 30 each year. Also, with our reinsurance treaty year typically effective June 1 each year, any variation in the cost of our reinsurance, whether due to changes in reinsurance rates or changes in the total insured value of our policy base, will occur and be reflected in our financial results beginning June 1 each year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Throughout our history, our liquidity requirements have been met through issuances of our common and preferred stock, debt offerings and funds from operations. We expect our future liquidity requirements will be met by funds from operations, primarily the cash received by our insurance subsidiaries from premiums written and investment income. We may consider raising additional capital through debt and equity offerings to support our growth and future investment opportunities.

Our insurance subsidiaries require liquidity and adequate capital to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and claimants and to fund operating expenses. In addition, we attempt to maintain adequate levels of liquidity and surplus to manage any differences between the duration of our liabilities and invested assets.  In the insurance industry, cash collected for premiums from policies written is invested, interest and dividends are earned thereon, and losses and loss adjustment expenses are paid out over a period of years. This period of time varies by the circumstances surrounding each claim. Substantially all of our losses and loss adjustment expenses are fully settled and paid within 100 days of the claim receipt date. Additional cash outflow occurs through payments of underwriting costs such as commissions, taxes, payroll, and general overhead expenses.

We believe that we maintain sufficient liquidity to pay claims and expenses, as well as to satisfy commitments in the event of unforeseen events such as reinsurer insolvencies, inadequate premium rates, or reserve deficiencies. We maintain a comprehensive reinsurance program at levels management considers adequate to diversify risk and safeguard our financial position.

52


 

In the future, we anticipate our primary use of funds will be to pay claims, reinsurance premiums, interest, and dividends and to fund operating expenses and real estate acquisitions.

Revolving Credit Facility, Senior Notes, Promissory Notes, and Finance Leases

The following table summarizes the principal and interest payment obligations of our indebtedness at June 30, 2020:

 

 

Maturity Date

Interest Payment Due Date

4.25% Convertible senior notes

March 2037

March 1 and September 1

4% Promissory note

Through February 2031

1st day of each month

3.75% Callable promissory note

Through September 2036

1st day of each month

4.55% Promissory note

Through August 2036

1st day of each month

3.90% Promissory note

Through April 2032

1st day of each month

Finance leases

Through August 2023

Various

Revolving credit facility

Through December 2021

January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1

 

See Note 12 -- “Long-Term Debt” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Share Repurchase Plan

On March 13, 2020, the Board approved a plan for 2020, effective March 16, 2020, to repurchase up to $20,000,000 of common shares under which we may purchase shares of common stock in open market purchases, block transactions and privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. See Note 19 -- “Stockholders’ Equity” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.

Limited Partnership Investments

Our limited partnership investments consist of five private equity funds managed by their general partners. Three of these funds have unexpired capital commitments which are callable at the discretion of the fund’s general partner for funding new investments or expenses of the fund. Although capital commitments for the remaining three funds have expired, the general partners may request additional funds under certain circumstances. At June 30, 2020, there was an aggregate unfunded capital balance of $13,660,000. See Limited Partnership Investments under Note 5 -- “Investments” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Real Estate Investments

Real estate has long been a significant component of our overall investment portfolio. It diversifies our portfolio and helps offset the volatility of other higher-risk investments. Thus, we may consider increasing our real estate investment portfolio should an opportunity arise.

We currently have a 90% equity interest in FMKT Mel JV, LLC, a Florida limited liability company for which we are not the primary beneficiary. FMKT Mel JV’s real estate portfolio consists of outparcels for ground lease or sale. We have the option to take full ownership of these outparcels by acquiring the remaining 10% interest. Alternatively, we may sell these outparcels and allocate the profits from the sale before liquidating FMKT Mel JV.

53


 

Sources and Uses of Cash

Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was approximately $109,988,000, which consisted primarily of cash received from net premiums written, reinsurance recoveries (of approximately $32,597,000) and $28,745,000 of net cash receipts from Anchor less cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments. Due to the inclusion of the cash receipt from Anchor, net cash provided by operating activities was higher than usual. Net cash provided by investing activities of $85,995,000 was primarily due to the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $90,641,000, and the proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $52,594,000, offset by the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $48,673,000, the purchase of real estate investments of $2,522,000, limited partnership investments of $1,470,000, and the purchases of property and equipment of $5,349,000. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $2,686,000, which consisted of $9,496,000 used to repay a 3.95% promissory note, $6,162,000 of net cash dividend payments, $4,459,000 used to repurchase our 4.25% convertible senior notes, and $6,467,000 used in our share repurchases, offset by the proceeds from issuance of a 3.90% promissory note of $10,000,000 and draws from our revolving credit facility of $14,000,000.

Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was approximately $28,834,000, which consisted primarily of cash received from net premiums written as well as reinsurance recoveries (of approximately $45,832,000) less cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments. Net cash provided by investing activities of $45,836,000 was primarily due to the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $35,826,000, the proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $47,788,000, and the proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term and other investments of $69,897,000, offset by the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $91,505,000, the purchase of real estate investments of $9,892,000, and limited partnership investments of $1,751,000. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $97,000,000, which was primarily due to the repayments of long-term debt of $90,647,000, $6,428,000 of net cash dividend payments, and $9,029,000 used in our share repurchases, offset by $9,500,000 of borrowings from our revolving credit facility.

Investments

The main objective of our investment policy is to maximize our after-tax investment income with a reasonable level of risk given the current financial market. Our excess cash is invested primarily in money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and fixed-maturity and equity securities.  

At June 30, 2020, we had $139,302,000 of fixed-maturity and equity investments, which are carried at fair value. Changes in the general interest rate environment affect the returns available on new fixed-maturity investments. While a rising interest rate environment enhances the returns available on new investments, it reduces the market value of existing fixed-maturity investments and thus the availability of gains on disposition. A decline in interest rates reduces the returns available on new fixed-maturity investments but increases the market value of existing fixed-maturity investments, creating the opportunity for realized investment gains on disposition. To maximize the gains from fixed-maturity investments in a low interest rate environment, we have decreased our holdings in fixed-maturity securities since the beginning of 2020.

In the future, we may alter our investment policy as to investments in federal, state and municipal obligations, preferred and common equity securities and real estate mortgages, as permitted by applicable law, including insurance regulations.

54


 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As of June 30, 2020, we had unexpired capital commitments for limited partnerships in which we hold interests. Such commitments are not recognized in the financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. See Note 21 -- “Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Contractual Obligations and Commitment below for additional information.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

The following table summarizes our material contractual obligations and commitments as of June 30, 2020 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Payment Due by Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More than

 

 

 

Total

 

 

1 Year

 

 

1-3 Years

 

 

3-5 Years

 

 

5 Years

 

Operating leases (1)

 

$

374

 

 

$

277

 

 

$

97

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Service agreement (1)

 

 

37

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfunded capital commitments (2)

 

 

13,660

 

 

 

13,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

23,750

 

 

 

23,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt obligations (3)

 

 

191,970

 

 

 

8,795

 

 

 

150,675

 

 

 

5,337

 

 

 

27,163

 

Total

 

$

229,791

 

 

$

46,506

 

 

$

150,785

 

 

$

5,337

 

 

$

27,163

 

 

 

(1)

Represents a lease for office space in Miami Lakes, Florida, a lease and maintenance service agreement for office space in Noida, India, and leases for office equipment and storage space. Liabilities related to our India operations were converted from Indian Rupees to U.S. dollars using the June 30, 2020 exchange rate.

 

(2)

Represents the unfunded balance of capital commitments under the subscription agreements related to limited partnerships in which we hold interests.

 

(3)

Amounts represent principal and interest payments over the lives of various long-term debt obligations. See Note 12 -- “Long-Term Debt” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in our financial statements. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are related to our losses and loss adjustment expenses, which include amounts estimated for claims incurred but not yet reported. We base our estimates on various assumptions and actuarial data we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

We believe our accounting policies specific to losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance recoverable, reinsurance with retrospective provisions, deferred income taxes, and stock-based compensation expense involve our most significant judgments and estimates material to our consolidated financial statements.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Our liability for losses and loss adjustment expense (“Reserves”) is specific to property insurance, which is our insurance division’s only line of business. The Reserves include both case reserves on reported claims and our reserves for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses. At each period end date, the balance of our Reserves is based on our best estimate of the ultimate cost of each claim for those known cases and the IBNR loss reserves are estimated based primarily on our historical experience. Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and loss adjustment expenses are adjusted.

55


 

The IBNR represents our estimate of the ultimate cost of all claims that have occurred but have not been reported to us, and in some cases may not yet be known to the insured, and future development of reported claims. Estimating the IBNR component of our Reserves involves considerable judgment on the part of management. At June 30, 2020, $166,238,000 of the total $211,162,000 we have reserved for losses and loss adjustment expenses is attributable to our estimate of IBNR. The remaining $44,924,000 relates to known cases which have been reported but not yet fully settled in which case we have established a reserve based on currently available information and our best estimate of the cost to settle each claim. At June 30, 2020, $32,393,000 of the $44,924,000 in reserves for known cases relates to claims incurred during prior years.

Our Reserves decreased from $214,697,000 at December 31, 2019 to $211,162,000 at June 30, 2020. The $3,535,000 decrease is comprised of reductions in our Reserves of $28,490,000 specific to Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018 and reductions in our non-catastrophe Reserves of $14,324,000 for 2019 and $11,203,000 for 2018 and prior loss years, offset by $50,483,000 in reserves established for 2020 loss year. The $50,482,000 in Reserves established for 2020 claims is primarily driven by an allowance for those claims that have been incurred but not reported to the company as of June 30, 2020. The decrease of $54,017,000 specific to our 2019 and prior loss-year reserves is due to settlement of claims related to those loss years.

Based on all information known to us, we consider our Reserves at June 30, 2020 to be adequate to cover our claims for losses that have occurred as of that date including losses yet to be reported to us. However, these estimates are continually reviewed by management as they are subject to significant variability and may be impacted by trends in claim severity and frequency or unusual exposures that have not yet been identified. As part of the process, we review historical data and consider various factors, including known and anticipated regulatory and legal developments, changes in social attitudes, inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data becomes available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases to the existing unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Adjustments are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they are made, and the liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates.

Economic Impact of Reinsurance Contracts with Retrospective Provisions

One of our reinsurance contracts includes retrospective provisions that adjust premiums in the event losses are minimal or zero. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we will recognize an asset in the period in which the absence of loss experience obligates the reinsurer to pay cash or other consideration under the contract. In the event that a loss arises, we will derecognize such asset in the period in which a loss arises. Such adjustments to the asset, which accrue throughout the contract term, will negatively impact our operating results when a catastrophic loss event occurs during the contract term.

For the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we accrued benefits of $3,240,000 and $1,026,000, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, there was no adjustment in ceded premiums whereas we recognized a reduction in premiums ceded of $200,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. In combination, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we recognized decreases in ceded premiums of $3,240,000 and $1,226,000, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we accrued benefits of $5,760,000 and $1,304,000, respectively. There was no adjustment in ceded premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2020.  For the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recognized a decrease in premiums ceded of $434,000. In combination, for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we recognized decreases in ceded premiums of $5,760,000 and $1,738,000, respectively.

56


 

As of June 30, 2020, we had $1,560,000 of accrued benefits, the amount that would be charged to earnings in the event we experience a catastrophic loss that exceeds the coverage limit provided under such agreement. In June 2020, we received a $13,680,000 premium refund under the retrospective reinsurance contract that ended May 31, 2020. Accrued benefits related to this expired contract were $9,480,000 at December 31, 2019. We believe the credit risk associated with the collectability of these accrued benefits is minimal based on available information about the reinsurer’s financial position and the reinsurer’s demonstrated ability to comply with contract terms.

The above and other accounting estimates and their related risks that we consider to be our critical accounting estimates are more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we filed with the SEC on March 6, 2020.  For the six months ended June 30, 2020, there have been no material changes with respect to any of our critical accounting policies.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 3 to our Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

57


 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our investment portfolios at June 30, 2020 included fixed-maturity and equity securities, the purposes of which are not for speculation. Our main objective is to maximize after-tax investment income and maintain sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations while minimizing market risk, which is the potential economic loss from adverse fluctuations in securities prices. We consider many factors including credit ratings, investment concentrations, regulatory requirements, anticipated fluctuation of interest rates, durations and market conditions in developing investment strategies. Our investment securities are managed primarily by outside investment advisors and are overseen by the investment committee appointed by our board of directors. From time to time, our investment committee may decide to invest in low risk assets such as U.S. government bonds.

Our investment portfolios are exposed to interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk.  Fiscal and economic uncertainties caused by any government action or inaction may exacerbate these risks and potentially have adverse impacts on the value of our investment portfolios.

We classify our fixed-maturity securities as available-for-sale and report any unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred income taxes, as a component of other comprehensive income within our stockholders’ equity.  As such, any material temporary changes in their fair value can adversely impact the carrying value of our stockholders’ equity. In addition, we recognize any unrealized gains or losses related to our equity securities in our statement of income. As a result, our results of operations can be materially affected by the volatility in the equity market.

Interest Rate Risk

Our fixed-maturity securities are sensitive to potential losses resulting from unfavorable changes in interest rates. We manage the risk by analyzing anticipated movement in interest rates and considering our future capital needs.

The following table illustrates the impact of hypothetical changes in interest rates to the fair value of our fixed-maturity securities at June 30, 2020 (amounts in thousands):

 

Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

 

Change in

Estimated

Fair Value

 

 

Percentage

Increase

(Decrease)

in Estimated

Fair Value

 

300 basis point increase

 

$

95,710

 

 

$

(3,872

)

 

 

-3.89

%

200 basis point increase

 

 

97,007

 

 

 

(2,575

)

 

 

-2.59

%

100 basis point increase

 

 

98,298

 

 

 

(1,284

)

 

 

-1.29

%

100 basis point decrease

 

 

100,422

 

 

 

840

 

 

 

0.84

%

200 basis point decrease

 

 

100,864

 

 

 

1,282

 

 

 

1.29

%

300 basis point decrease

 

 

101,189

 

 

 

1,607

 

 

 

1.61

%

 

Credit Risk

Credit risk can expose us to potential losses arising principally from adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers of our fixed-maturity securities. We mitigate the risk by investing in fixed-maturity securities that are generally investment grade, by diversifying our investment portfolio to avoid concentrations in any single issuer or business sector, and by continually monitoring each individual security for declines in credit quality. While we emphasize credit quality in our investment selection process, significant downturns in the markets or general economy may impact the credit quality of our portfolio.

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The following table presents the composition of our fixed-maturity securities, by rating, at June 30, 2020 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Estimated

 

Comparable Rating

 

Cost

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

AA+, AA, AA-

 

$

16,120

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

$

16,528

 

 

 

16.0

 

A+, A, A-

 

 

54,597

 

 

 

55.0

 

 

 

55,715

 

 

 

56.0

 

BBB+, BBB, BBB-

 

 

16,704

 

 

 

17.0

 

 

 

17,196

 

 

 

17.0

 

BB+, BB, BB-

 

 

3,971

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

3,952

 

 

 

4.0

 

CCC+, CC and Not rated

 

 

7,277

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

6,602

 

 

 

7.0

 

Total

 

$

98,669

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

$

99,993

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

Equity Price Risk

Our equity investment portfolio at June 30, 2020 included common stocks, perpetual preferred stocks, mutual funds and exchange traded funds. We may incur losses due to adverse changes in equity security prices.  We manage the risk primarily through industry and issuer diversification and asset mix.

The following table illustrates the composition of our equity securities at June 30, 2020 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

Stocks by sector:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial

 

$

12,467

 

 

32

 

Technology

 

 

2,404

 

 

 

6

 

Consumer

 

 

3,828

 

 

 

10

 

Other (1)

 

 

4,609

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

23,308

 

 

 

60

 

Mutual funds and exchange traded funds by type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt

 

 

13,862

 

 

 

35

 

Equity

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

5

 

Total

 

$

39,309

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

(1)

Represents an aggregate of less than 5% sectors.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

At June 30, 2020, we did not have any material exposure to foreign currency related risk.

59


 

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer (our principal executive officer) and our chief financial officer (our principal financial and accounting officer), we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, implementation of possible controls and procedures depends on management’s judgment in evaluating their benefits relative to costs.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

On April 1, 2020, Gulf to Bay LM, LLC, our wholly owned real estate subsidiary, sued Kroger Co. in federal district court to enforce a guaranty of a commercial lease executed between Gulf to Bay LM, LLC and Lucky’s Market Operating Company, LLC. Lucky’s filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

The Company is a party to claims and legal actions arising routinely in the ordinary course of our business. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the claims and lawsuits asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

With the exception of the item described below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 6, 2020.

Our operations could be materially and adversely affected by measures implemented by federal, state and local governments to cope with public health issues such as the outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in a material impact to our financial position and results of operations.

The measures undertaken by governmental authorities to combat a serious public health issue could significantly disrupt or prevent us from operating our business in the ordinary course for an extended period and could materially affect our financial position and operating results.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency to control the spread of COVID-19, which was followed by declarations of public health emergencies in several states and municipalities. Wide-ranging actions undertaken by international, federal, state and local government authorities include full lockdowns, airport shutdowns, travel restrictions, quarantines and stay-at-home orders.  As a result, people are forced to substantially restrict daily activities resulting in businesses having to curtail or cease normal operations and furlough or terminate employees. Such measures cause concerns over the stability of global markets and threaten prospects for economic growth.

In response to the pandemic, we temporarily closed our offices and asked our employees to work from home until further notice. Currently, stay at home orders initially issued by the State of Florida and local governments are lifted. We allow some employees who have gone through health safety training to alternate working from home and in the offices. When we can fully reopen our offices is uncertain and will depend upon the severity and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Furthermore, the disruption of global commercial activities across all market sectors and the significant declines and volatility in financial markets could result in a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Possible effects may include, but are not limited to, disruption to cash inflows from our insurance business and rental properties, nonrenewal of insurance policies, uncollectibility of reinsurance recoverable, increased reinsurance costs and a decline in value of assets held by us, including real estate investments, limited partnership investments, equity and debt securities.

 

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ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

(a)

Sales of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

 

(b)

Repurchases of Securities

The table below summarizes the number of common shares repurchased during the three months ended June 30, 2020 under the 2019 and 2020 repurchase plans approved by our Board of Directors and also the number of shares of common stock surrendered by employees to satisfy payroll tax liabilities associated with the vesting of restricted shares (dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

 

 

Total

Number

of Shares

 

 

Average

Price

Paid

 

 

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

as Part of

Publicly

Announced Plans

 

 

Maximum

Dollar

Value of Shares

That May Yet

Be Purchased

Under

The Plans

 

For the Month Ended

 

Purchased

 

 

Per Share

 

 

or Programs

 

 

or Programs (a)

 

April 30, 2020

 

 

37,470

 

 

$

39.99

 

 

 

37,470

 

 

$

16,625

 

May 31, 2020

 

 

42,999

 

 

$

43.93

 

 

 

13,897

 

 

$

16,046

 

June 30, 2020

 

 

467

 

 

$

42.79

 

 

 

467

 

 

$

16,026

 

 

 

 

80,936

 

 

$

42.10

 

 

 

51,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents the balances before commissions and fees at the end of each month.

Working Capital Restrictions and Other Limitations on Payment of Dividends

We are not subject to working capital restrictions or other limitations on the payment of dividends. Our insurance subsidiaries, however, are subject to restrictions on the dividends they may pay. Those restrictions could impact HCI’s ability to pay future dividends.

Under Florida law, a domestic insurer may not pay any dividend or distribute cash or other property to its stockholder except out of that part of its available and accumulated capital and surplus funds which is derived from realized net operating profits on its business and net realized capital gains. Additionally, a Florida domestic insurer may not make dividend payments or distributions to its stockholder without prior approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation if the dividend or distribution would exceed the larger of (1) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of its capital surplus or (b) net income, not including realized capital gains, plus a two year carry forward, (2) 10.0% of capital surplus with dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains or (3) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of capital surplus or (b) net investment income plus a three year carry forward with dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains.

62


 

Alternatively, a Florida domestic insurer may pay a dividend or distribution without the prior written approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (1) if the dividend is equal to or less than the greater of (a) 10.0% of the insurer’s capital surplus as regards policyholders derived from realized net operating profits on its business and net realized capital gains or (b) the insurer’s entire net operating profits and realized net capital gains derived during the immediately preceding calendar year, (2) the insurer will have policy holder capital surplus equal to or exceeding 115.0% of the minimum required statutory capital surplus after the dividend or distribution, (3) the insurer files a notice of the dividend or distribution with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation at least ten business days prior to the dividend payment or distribution and (4) the notice includes a certification by an officer of the insurer attesting that, after the payment of the dividend or distribution, the insurer will have at least 115% of required statutory capital surplus as to policyholders. Except as provided above, a Florida domiciled insurer may only pay a dividend or make a distribution (1) subject to prior approval by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation or (2) 30 days after the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has received notice of such dividend or distribution and has not disapproved it within such time.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, our insurance subsidiaries paid dividends of $15,500,000 to HCI.

ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

63


 

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this report:  

 

EXHIBIT

 

 

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

  3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation, with amendments.  Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2013.

 

 

 

  3.1.1

 

Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation designating the rights, preferences and limitations of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K filed October 18, 2013.

 

 

 

  3.2

 

Bylaws, with amendments.  Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 8-Q filed September 13, 2019.

 

 

 

  4.1

 

Form of common stock certificate.  Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2013.

 

 

 

  4.8

 

Indenture, dated December 11, 2013, between HCI Group, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (including Global Note).  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 8-K filed December 12, 2013.

 

 

 

  4.9

 

See Exhibits 3.1, 3.1.1 and 3.2 of this report for provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and our Bylaws, as amended, defining certain rights of security holders.

 

 

 

  4.10

 

Indenture, dated March 3, 2017, between HCI Group, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form 8-K filed March 3, 2017.

 

 

 

  4.11

 

Form of Global 4.25% Convertible Senior Note due 2037 (included in Exhibit 4.1).  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form 8-K filed March 3, 2017.

 

 

 

10.5**

 

Restated HCI Group, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K filed March 23, 2017.

 

 

 

10.6**

 

HCI Group, Inc. (formerly known as Homeowners Choice, Inc.) 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 29, 2008.

 

 

 

10.7**

 

Executive Employment Agreement dated November 23, 2016 between Mark Harmsworth and HCI Group, Inc.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 3, 2017.

 

 

 

10.8

 

Working Layer Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2016, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. by subscribing reinsurers (National Fire).  Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 3, 2016.

 

 

 

10.9

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For First Excess Cat) (Arch), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

64


 

EXHIBIT

 

 

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

10.10

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (Chubb), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.11

 

Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.12

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For First Excess Cat), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.13

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For Working Layer Cat), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.14

 

Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.15

 

Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract (Endurance), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.16

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (Fidelis), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.17

 

Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.18

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For First Excess Cat) (Hiscox), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.19

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For Cat Excess) (Hiscox), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

65


 

EXHIBIT

 

 

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

10.20

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For Working Layer Cat) (Hiscox), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.21

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (Horseshoe), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.22

 

Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract (Munich), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.23

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For First Excess Cat), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.24

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.25

 

Top Layer Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.26

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (Transatlantic), effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.27

 

Endorsement No. 1 to the Flood Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: July 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by National Liability and Fire Insurance Company. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.28

 

Working Layer Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective: June 1, 2020, issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

 

 

10.29

 

Reimbursement Contract effective June 1, 2020 between Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company and the State Board of Administration which administers the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

 

 

 

10.30

 

Reimbursement Contract effective June 1, 2020 between TypTap Insurance Company and the State Board of Administration which administers the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

 

 

 

66


 

EXHIBIT

 

 

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

10.31

 

Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.32

 

Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.33

 

Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.40

 

Top Layer Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.41

 

Working Layer Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.42

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.43

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For Excess Cat U8GR000D) effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.44

 

Reinstatement Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract (For Excess Cat U8GR0008) effective June 1, 2019 issued to Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and TypTap Insurance Company by subscribing reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

 

 

 

10.45

 

Reimbursement Contract effective June 1, 2019 between Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company and the State Board of Administration which administers the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2019.

67


 

EXHIBIT

 

 

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.46**

 

Written Description of Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangement adopted September 9, 2019 establishing compensation of our non-employee directors.

 

 

 

10.47

 

Policy Replacement Agreement, dated February 12, 2020, by and between Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and Anchor Property & Casualty Insurance Company together with Anchor Insurance Managers, Inc.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K filed February 14, 2020.

 

 

 

10.57

 

Form of executive restricted stock award contract. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 filed May 1, 2014.

 

 

 

10.58

 

Purchase Agreement, dated February 28, 2017, by and between HCI Group, Inc. and JMP Securities LLC and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., as representatives of the several initial purchasers named therein.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed February 28, 2017.

 

 

 

10.59

 

Prepaid Forward Contract, dated February 28, 2017 and effective as of March 3, 2017, between HCI Group, Inc. and Societe Generale.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed March 3, 2017.

 

 

 

10.60

 

Credit Agreement, Promissory Note, Security and Pledge Agreement, dated December 5, 2018, between HCI Group, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 99.1, 99.2, and 99.3 of our Form 8-K filed December 6, 2018.

 

 

 

10.88**

 

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated January 7, 2017.  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to our Form 8-K filed January 11, 2017.

 

 

 

10.89**

 

Employment Agreement between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated December 30, 2016.  Incorporated by reference to the exhibit numbered 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed December 30, 2016.

 

 

 

10.99**

 

Restricted Stock Award Contract between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated January 7, 2017.  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed January 11, 2017.

 

 

 

10.100**

 

Restricted Stock Award Contract between Mark Harmsworth and HCI Group, Inc. dated December 5, 2016.  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 3, 2017.

 

 

 

10.101**

 

Restricted Stock Award Contract between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated February 8, 2018.  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed February 14, 2018.

 

 

 

10.102**

 

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated February 8, 2018.  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to our Form 8-K filed February 14, 2018.

 

 

 

10.103**

 

Restricted Stock Award Contract between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated January 15, 2019.  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed January 22, 2019.

 

 

 

10.104**

 

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated January 15, 2019.  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to our Form 8-K filed January 22, 2019.

68


 

EXHIBIT

 

 

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.105**

 

Restricted Stock Award Contract between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated January 16, 2020.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed January 23, 2020.

 

 

 

10.106**

 

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between Paresh Patel and HCI Group, Inc. dated January 16, 2020.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Form 8-K filed January 23, 2020.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

32.1

 

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.ss.1350

 

 

 

32.2

 

Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.ss.1350

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Definition Linkbase.

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

 

 

**

Management contract or compensatory plan.

69


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, who has signed this report on behalf of the Company.

 

 

 

HCI GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

August 7, 2020

 

By:

/s/ Paresh Patel

 

 

 

Paresh Patel

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

August 7, 2020

 

By:

/s/ James Mark Harmsworth

 

 

 

James Mark Harmsworth

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

A signed original of this document has been provided to HCI Group, Inc. and will be retained by HCI Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

70

EXHIBIT 10.9

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (ARCH)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (ARCH)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

 

1

1

 

Business Covered

 

3

2

 

Coverage

 

4

3

 

Term

 

4

4

 

Special Termination

 

4

5

 

Territory

 

5

6

 

Exclusions

 

5

7

 

Premium

 

6

8

 

Definitions

 

6

9

 

Original Conditions

 

6

10

 

No Third Party Rights

 

7

11

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

7

12

 

Late Payments

 

7

13

 

Offset

 

8

14

 

Currency

 

9

15

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

9

16

 

Taxes

 

11

17

 

Access to Records

 

11

18

 

Confidentiality

 

12

19

 

Errors and Omissions

 

13

20

 

Insolvency

 

13

21

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

14

22

 

Arbitration

 

16

23

 

Expedited Arbitration

 

17

24

 

Service of Suit

 

17

25

 

Governing Law

 

18

26

 

Entire Agreement

 

18

27

 

Non-Waiver

 

18

28

 

Agency

 

19

29

 

Intermediary

 

19

30

 

Mode of Execution

 

19

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

21

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

22

 

 

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (ARCH)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

 

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

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ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

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5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

 

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

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ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract.

 

B.

The premium in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

C.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

 

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

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ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times.

 

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2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

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E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

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2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

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B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

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3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

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B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

 

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities

Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of, in
the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (ARCH)

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

and on this                    day of                                     , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (ARCH)

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

DOC: July 10, 2020

U8GR000L (Arch)

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EXHIBIT 10.9

 

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

 

 

Effective: June 1, 2020

 

DOC: July 10, 2020

U8GR000L (Arch)

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EXHIBIT 10.10

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(CHUBB)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(CHUBB)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

 

Page

 

 

Preamble

 

3

1

 

Business Covered

 

3

2

 

Coverage

 

3

3

 

Term

 

3

4

 

Special Termination

 

4

5

 

Territory

 

5

6

 

Exclusions

 

5

7

 

Premium

 

5

8

 

Definitions

 

6

9

 

Original Conditions

 

7

10

 

No Third Party Rights

 

7

11

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

7

12

 

Late Payments

 

8

13

 

Offset

 

9

14

 

Currency

 

9

15

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

9

16

 

Taxes

 

11

17

 

Access to Records

 

12

18

 

Confidentiality

 

13

19

 

Errors and Omissions

 

14

20

 

Insolvency

 

14

21

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

15

22

 

Arbitration

 

16

23

 

Expedited Arbitration

 

17

24

 

Service of Suit

 

17

25

 

Governing Law

 

18

26

 

Entire Agreement

 

19

27

 

Non-Waiver

 

19

28

 

Agency

 

19

29

 

Intermediary

 

19

30

 

Mode of Execution

 

20

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

23

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(CHUBB)

(the “Contract”) issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”) by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED

IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)

ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, Document Number: U8GR0001 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

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ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

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9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The premium for this Contract shall be based on the Layers of the Original Contract. The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The adjusted premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated as the Rate on Line set out below multiplied by the Final Premium for that Layer:

 

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Rate on Line

Deposit
Premium

Third Layer

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

 

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B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Third Layer

****

****

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

****

****

 

 

C.

By April 1, 2021, the Company shall calculate and report the Final Premium in accordance with paragraph A above. If the Final Premium for a Layer is less than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the fourth quarterly deposit premium installment shall be waived, and any amount in excess of the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report. If the Final Premium is less than the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments, the Reinsurer shall remit the difference to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Final Premium for a Layer is greater than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer the difference between the Final Premium and the full deposit premium within 45 days after the expiration of this Contract.

 

D.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company for each Layer under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Final Premium” means the total reinsurance premium except for Reinstatement Premium.

 

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

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ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

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ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

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D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

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D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

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H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

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ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

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3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

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F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

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C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

E.Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

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ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

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ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of                              , in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

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and on this                    day of                                 , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(CHUBB)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

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2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.11

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE

CONTRACT

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

1 of 41


 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

 

4

1

 

Business Covered

 

4

2

 

Retention and Limit

 

4

3

 

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

 

5

4

 

Term

 

5

5

 

Special Termination

 

6

6

 

Territory

 

7

7

 

Exclusions

 

8

8

 

Special Acceptance

 

9

9

 

Premium

 

10

10

 

Reinstatement

 

10

11

 

Definitions

 

11

12

 

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

 

14

13

 

Net Retained Liability

 

15

14

 

Other Reinsurance

 

15

15

 

Original Conditions

 

15

16

 

No Third Party Rights

 

15

17

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

16

18

 

Late Payments

 

16

19

 

Offset

 

17

20

 

Currency

 

18

21

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

18

22

 

Taxes

 

20

23

 

Access to Records

 

21

24

 

Confidentiality

 

22

25

 

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

 

23

26

 

Insolvency

 

23

27

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

24

28

 

Arbitration

 

26

29

 

Expedited Arbitration

 

27

30

 

Service of Suit

 

27

31

 

Governing Law

 

28

32

 

Entire Agreement

 

29

33

 

Non-Waiver

 

29

34

 

Agency

 

29

35

 

Mode of Execution

 

30

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

32

 

 

 

2 of 41


 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Attachments

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

 

33

 

 

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage – Reinsurance - U.S.A.

 

36

 

 

Terrorism Exclusion

 

38

 

 

Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance)

 

39

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

40

 

 

3 of 41


 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE

INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO

AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained.

ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

A.

The Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss of **** each Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer of **** each Loss Occurrence, and subject further to a limit of liability of **** for all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract.

B.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be calculated using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

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ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

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9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

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ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

A.

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

 

3.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

4.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

 

5.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

6.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

7.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

8.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

9.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

 

10.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

 

11.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

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12.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

13.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

14.

Losses excluded by the attached Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance).

B.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(7), A(8), A(9) and A(12) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

C.

Except as respects exclusions A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

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ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a Deposit Premium of **** for the term of this Contract, payable on June 1, 2020.

B.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final Total Insured Value. This final Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by a rate of ****. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the Deposit Premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of **** of the Deposit Premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the Deposit Premium, subject to a Minimum Premium for the Contract of ****.

C.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s aggregate wind exposures on September 30, 2020 for business covered hereunder.

D.

The estimated Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715.

E.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 10

REINSTATEMENT

A.

Loss payments under this Contract shall reduce the limit of coverage afforded by the amounts paid, but the limit of coverage shall be reinstated from the time of the occurrence of the loss, and for each amount so reinstated, the Company agrees to pay, simultaneously with the Reinsurer’s loss payment, an additional premium calculated at pro rata of the Reinsurer’s premium for the term of this Contract, being pro rata only as to the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability hereunder (i.e., the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability for each Loss Occurrence as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article) so reinstated. Nevertheless, the Reinsurer’s liability shall not exceed such limit(s) in respect of any one Loss Occurrence, nor the applicable limit(s) in respect of all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article.

B.

If at the time of a loss settlement hereon the reinsurance premium, as calculated in accordance with the Premium Article, is unknown, the above calculation of reinstatement premium shall be based upon the Deposit Premium, subject to adjustment when the reinsurance premium is finally established.

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ARTICLE 11

DEFINITIONS

A.

1.“Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

 

3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

 

4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

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8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

C.

1. “Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company arising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges with a “Named Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end 72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

 

b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

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d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

 

2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

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D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 12

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

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ARTICLE 13

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 14

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 15

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 16

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

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ARTICLE 17

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 18

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the payment due date, the partyto whom payment is due may, by written notification, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received.

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B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 19

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 20

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 21

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having

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jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

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H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 22

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 23

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 24

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other

legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the

Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 25

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

 

2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

ARTICLE 26

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose,

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at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

ARTICLE 27

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

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5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

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ARTICLE 28

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

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ARTICLE 29

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 30

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

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C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 31

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

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ARTICLE 32

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 33

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 34

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

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ARTICLE 35

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities

Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of            , in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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and on this                           day of                                     , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS CLAUSE

Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants

Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or

Aviation Risks

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

 

b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

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c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

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However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE

REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

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5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57

NMA 1119

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

“Reassured” shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

“Agreement” shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

“Reinsurers” shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

 

a.

involves violence against one or more persons; or

 

b.

involves damage to property; or

 

c.

endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

 

d.

creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

 

e.

is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EXCLUSION (PROPERTY REINSURANCE)

A.

This Contract excludes any loss, damage, liability, claim, cost or expense of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with a Communicable Disease or the fear or threat (whether actual or perceived) of a Communicable Disease regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence thereto.

B.

As used herein, a Communicable Disease means any disease which can be transmitted by means of any substance or agent from any organism to another organism where:

 

1.

the substance or agent includes, but is not limited to, a virus, bacterium, parasite or other organism or any variation thereof, whether deemed living or not, and

 

2.

the method of transmission, whether direct or indirect, includes but is not limited to, airborne transmission, bodily fluid transmission, transmission from or to any surface or object, solid, liquid or gas or between organisms, and

 

3.

the disease, substance or agent can cause or threaten damage to human health or human welfare or can cause or threaten damage to, deterioration of, loss of value of, marketability of or loss of use of property.

C.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, losses directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with any otherwise covered peril under subject Policies and not otherwise excluded under this Contract shall be covered.

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding

obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

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B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.12

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

 

1 of 22

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Article

 

Preamble  

Page

 

1

 

3

 

2

 

Business Covered  

3

 

3

 

Coverage  

3

 

4

 

Term  

4

 

5

 

Special Termination  

4

 

6

 

Territory  

5

 

7

 

Exclusions  

5

 

8

 

Premium  

5

 

9

 

Definitions  

6

 

10

 

Original Conditions  

6

 

11

 

No Third Party Rights  

6

 

12

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements  

7

 

13

 

Late Payments  

7

 

14

 

Offset  

8

 

15

 

Currency  

9

 

16

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance  

9

 

17

 

Taxes  

11

 

18

 

Access to Records  

11

 

19

 

Confidentiality  

12

 

20

 

Errors and Omissions  

13

 

21

 

Insolvency  

13

 

22

 

Run-Off Reinsurer  

14

 

23

 

Arbitration  

15

 

24

 

Expedited Arbitration  

16

 

25

 

Service of Suit  

17

 

26

 

Governing Law  

18

 

27

 

Entire Agreement  

18

 

28

 

Non-Waiver  

19

 

29

 

Agency  

19

 

1

 

Mode of Execution  

19

 

 

 

Company Signing Block  

20

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause  

22

 

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting

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Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract, payable on June 1, 2020.

C.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

C.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

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B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by providing written notification, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received.

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30

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days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as

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required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall

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promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

1.Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

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ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim.

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Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

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G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States

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District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as

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limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of, in
the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

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and on thisday of, in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding

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insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.13

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

Page

 

Preamble

 

3

1

Business Covered

 

3

2

Coverage

 

3

3

Term

 

4

4

Special Termination

 

4

5

Territory

 

5

6

Exclusions

 

5

7

Premium

 

5

8

Definitions

 

6

9

Original Conditions

 

6

10

No Third Party Rights

 

6

11

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

6

12

Late Payments

 

7

13

Offset

 

8

14

Currency

 

8

15

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

8

16

Taxes

 

10

17

Access to Records

 

11

18

Confidentiality

 

12

19

Errors and Omissions

 

13

20

Insolvency

 

13

21

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

13

22

Arbitration

 

15

23

Expedited Arbitration

 

16

24

Service of Suit

 

16

25

Governing Law

 

17

26

Entire Agreement

 

17

27

Non-Waiver

 

18

28

Agency

 

18

29

Mode of Execution

 

18

 

Company Signing Block

 

19

Attachments

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

21

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT)

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED

IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)

ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Working Layer Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

 

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ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

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8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract, payable on June 1, 2020.

B.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

 

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

C.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

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C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by providing written notice\, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received.

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall

 

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request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining

 

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the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period. E.The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

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H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

 

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the

 

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Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

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3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the

 

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laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

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1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be

 

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persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the

 

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arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any

 

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beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

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1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of _____, in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT)

 

 

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and on this _____ day of _____, in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT)

 

 

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.14

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Preamble

4

1

Business Covered

4

2

Retention and Limit

4

3

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

5

4

Term

6

5

Special Termination

6

6

Territory

8

7

Exclusions

8

8

Special Acceptance

9

9

Premium

10

10

Reinstatement

11

11

Definitions

11

12

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

14

13

Net Retained Liability

15

14

Other Reinsurance

15

15

Original Conditions

16

16

No Third Party Rights

16

17

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

16

18

Late Payments

16

19

Offset

18

20

Currency

18

21

Unauthorized Reinsurance

18

22

Taxes

20

23

Access to Records

21

24

Confidentiality

22

25

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

23

26

Insolvency

23

27

Run-Off Reinsurer

24

28

Arbitration

25

29

Expedited Arbitration

26

30

Service of Suit

27

31

Governing Law

28

32

Entire Agreement

28

33

Non-Waiver

28

34

Agency

29

35

Intermediary

29

36

Mode of Execution

29

 

Company Signing Block

30

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Attachments

Page

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

32

 

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage - Reinsurance - U.S.A.

35

 

Terrorism Exclusion

38

 

Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance)

38

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

39

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE

INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO

AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained.

ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

A.

For each Layer of reinsurance provided hereunder, the Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss retention as set forth in the schedule below for the Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer for each such Loss Occurrence, and subject further to a limit of

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liability for all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth below:

 

RETENTION AND LIMIT SCHEDULE

Layer

Company’s

Retention

Reinsurer’s Limit of Liability

 

Ultimate Net

Loss in respect

of each Loss

Occurrence

Ultimate Net Loss in

respect of each Loss

Occurrence

Ultimate Net Loss in

respect of all Loss

Occurrences during the

term of this Contract

Third Layer

****

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

****

 

B.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be calculated

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using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

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5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

A.

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

 

3.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

4.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

 

5.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

6.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

7.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

8.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

9.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

 

10.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

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11.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

 

12.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

13.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

14.

Losses excluded by the attached Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance).

B.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

C.

Except as respects exclusions A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

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ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

A.

As respects each Layer, the Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The Final Adjusted Premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated at the rates set out below multiplied by the Company’s final Total Insured Value, subject to the applicable minimum premium stated below:

 

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Final Adjusted

Premium Rate

Deposit

Premium

Minimum

Premium

Third Layer

****

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

****

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Third

Layer

****

****

****

****

Fourth

Layer

****

****

****

****

Fifth

Layer

****

****

****

****

 

C.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final Total Insured Value. This final Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by the rate for each Layer as stated in paragraph A above. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the Deposit Premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of **** of the Deposit Premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the Deposit Premium, subject to the Minimum Premium as set forth above.

D.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s aggregate wind exposures on September 30, 2020 for business covered hereunder.

E.

The estimated Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715.

F.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 10

REINSTATEMENT

A.

Loss payments under any Layer of this Contract shall reduce the limit of coverage afforded by the amounts paid, but the limit of coverage shall be reinstated from the time of the occurrence of the loss, and for each amount so reinstated, the Company agrees to pay, simultaneously with the Reinsurer’s loss payment, an additional premium calculated at pro rata of the Reinsurer’s premium for the applicable layer(s) for the term of this Contract, being pro rata only as to the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability hereunder (i.e., the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability for each Loss Occurrence as set forth for the Layer in the Retention and Limit Article) so reinstated. Nevertheless, the Reinsurer’s liability under the applicable layer(s) shall not exceed such limit(s) in respect of any one Loss Occurrence, nor the applicable limit(s) in respect of all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article.

B.

If at the time of a loss settlement hereon the reinsurance premium, as calculated in accordance with the Premium Article, is unknown, the above calculation of reinstatement premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when the reinsurance premium is finally established.

ARTICLE 11

DEFINITIONS

A.

1.

“Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

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B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

 

3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

 

4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

 

8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

C.

1.

“Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company arising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges with a “Named Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end

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72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

 

b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

 

d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

 

2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

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b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 12

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

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D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

ARTICLE 13

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 14

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 15

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

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ARTICLE 16

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 17

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 18

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

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2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 19

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 20

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 21

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having

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jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s

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Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 22

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 23

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the

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Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 24

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

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2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 25

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

 

2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

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C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

ARTICLE 26

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by

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Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

ARTICLE 27

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

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2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 28

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is

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otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 29

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the

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arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 30

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby

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designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 31

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 32

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 33

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 34

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 35

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the

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Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 36

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of__________, in
the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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and on this ________ day of __________________ , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS CLAUSE

Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants

Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or

Aviation Risks

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

 

b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

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c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not

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specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE -
REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

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6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57
NMA 1119

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Reassured”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Agreement”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurers”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

 

a.

involves violence against one or more persons; or

 

b.

involves damage to property; or

 

c.

endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

 

d.

creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

 

e.

is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EXCLUSION (PROPERTY REINSURANCE)

A.

This Contract excludes any loss, damage, liability, claim, cost or expense of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with a Communicable Disease or the fear or threat (whether actual or perceived) of a Communicable Disease regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence thereto.

B.

As used herein, a Communicable Disease means any disease which can be transmitted by means of any substance or agent from any organism to another organism where:

 

1.

the substance or agent includes, but is not limited to, a virus, bacterium, parasite or other organism or any variation thereof, whether deemed living or not, and

 

2.

the method of transmission, whether direct or indirect, includes but is not limited to, airborne transmission, bodily fluid transmission, transmission from or to any surface or object, solid, liquid or gas or between organisms, and

 

3.

the disease, substance or agent can cause or threaten damage to human health or human welfare or can cause or threaten damage to, deterioration of, loss of value of, marketability of or loss of use of property.

C.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, losses directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with any otherwise covered peril under subject Policies and not otherwise excluded under this Contract shall be covered.

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding

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insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.15

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(ENDURANCE)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

 

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(ENDURANCE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

 

4

1

 

Business Covered

 

4

2

 

Retention and Limit

 

5

3

 

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

 

5

4

 

Term

 

6

5

 

Special Termination

 

6

6

 

Territory

 

8

7

 

Exclusions

 

8

8

 

Special Acceptance

 

9

9

 

Premium

 

10

10

 

Reinstatement

 

11

11

 

Definitions

 

11

12

 

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

 

14

13

 

Net Retained Liability

 

15

14

 

Other Reinsurance

 

15

15

 

Original Conditions

 

15

16

 

No Third Party Rights

 

16

17

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

16

18

 

Late Payments

 

16

19

 

Offset

 

17

20

 

Currency

 

18

21

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

18

22

 

Taxes

 

20

23

 

Access to Records

 

20

24

 

Confidentiality

 

21

25

 

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

 

22

26

 

Insolvency

 

23

27

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

24

28

 

Arbitration

 

25

29

 

Expedited Arbitration

 

26

30

 

Service of Suit

 

26

31

 

Governing Law

 

27

32

 

Entire Agreement

 

28

33

 

Non-Waiver

 

28

34

 

Agency

 

28

35

 

Intermediary

 

28

36

 

Mode of Execution

 

29

 

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(ENDURANCE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Articles

 

 

 

Page

(Cont’d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

 

32

 

 

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage – Reinsurance - U.S.A.

 

35

 

 

Terrorism Exclusion

 

37

 

 

Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance)

 

38

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

38

 

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(ENDURANCE)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE
INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO
AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained.

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ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

 

A.

For each Layer of reinsurance provided hereunder, the Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss retention as set forth in the schedule below for the Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer for each such Loss Occurrence, and subject further to a limit of liability for all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth below:

 

RETENTION AND LIMIT SCHEDULE

Layer

Company’s

Retention

Reinsurer’s Limit of Liability

 

Ultimate Net

Loss in respect

of each Loss

Occurrence

Ultimate Net Loss in

respect of each Loss

Occurrence

Ultimate Net Loss in

respect of all Loss

Occurrences during the

term of this Contract

First Layer

****

****

****

Third Layer

****

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

 

 

B.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

 

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be

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calculated using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

 

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

 

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

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6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

 

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

 

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

 

A.

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

 

3.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

4.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

 

5.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

6.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

7.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

8.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

9.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

 

10.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

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11.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

 

12.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

13.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

14.

Losses excluded by the attached Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance).

 

B.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

 

C.

Except as respects exclusions A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

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ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

 

A.

As respects each Layer, the Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The Final Adjusted Premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated at the rates set out below multiplied by the Company’s final Total Insured Value, subject to the applicable minimum premium stated below:

 

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Final Adjusted

Premium Rate

Deposit

Premium

Minimum

Premium

First Layer

****

****

****

Third Layer

****

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

 

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

First

Layer

****

****

****

****

Third

Layer

****

****

****

****

Fourth

Layer

****

****

****

****

 

 

C.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final Total Insured Value. This final Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by the rate for each Layer as stated in paragraph A above. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the Deposit Premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of **** of the Deposit Premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the Deposit Premium, subject to the Minimum Premium as set forth above.

 

D.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s aggregate wind exposures on September 30, 2020 for business covered hereunder.

 

E.

The estimated Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715.

 

F.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 10

REINSTATEMENT

 

A.

Loss payments under any Layer of this Contract shall reduce the limit of coverage afforded by the amounts paid, but the limit of coverage shall be reinstated from the time of the occurrence of the loss, and for each amount so reinstated, the Company agrees to pay, simultaneously with the Reinsurer’s loss payment, an additional premium calculated at pro rata of the percentage of the Reinsurer’s premium for the applicable layer(s) as noted in the table below, for the term of this Contract, being pro rata only as to the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability hereunder (i.e., the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability for each Loss Occurrence as set forth for the Layer in the Retention and Limit Article) so reinstated. Nevertheless, the Reinsurer’s liability under the applicable layer(s) shall not exceed such limit(s) in respect of any one Loss Occurrence, nor the applicable limit(s) in respect of all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article.

 

Layer

Percentage of
Premium for
Reinstatement

First Layer

****

Third Layer

****

Fourth Layer

****

 

 

B.

If at the time of a loss settlement hereon the reinsurance premium, as calculated in accordance with the Premium Article, is unknown, the above calculation of reinstatement premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when the reinsurance premium is finally established.

ARTICLE 11

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

1. “Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

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4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

 

B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

 

3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

 

4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

 

8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

 

C.

1. “Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Companyarising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges with a “Named

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Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end 72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

 

b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

 

d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

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2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

 

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 12

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

 

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

 

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

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C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

 

D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

 

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

 

F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

 

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

ARTICLE 13

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

 

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

 

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 14

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 15

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

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ARTICLE 16

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 17

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 18

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

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3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 19

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 20

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 21

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

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E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust

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account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 22

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 23

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

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C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 24

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

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Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 25

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

 

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

 

2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

 

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and

liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

 

C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

 

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 26

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

 

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

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ARTICLE 27

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

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3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 28

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

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F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 29

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 30

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

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C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 31

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

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ARTICLE 32

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 33

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 34

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 35

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

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ARTICLE 36

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this             day of                        , in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(ENDURANCE)

 

 

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and on this                    day of                                          , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(ENDURANCE)

 

 

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS CLAUSE

Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

 

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants

Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or

Aviation Risks

 

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

 

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

 

b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

 

c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

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Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

 

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

 

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

 

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

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However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

 

NOTES:Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

 

 

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE -
REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

 

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

 

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

 

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

 

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

 

5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

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6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

 

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57
NMA 1119

 

NOTES:Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Reassured”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Agreement”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurers”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

 

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

 

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

a.involves violence against one or more persons; or

b.involves damage to property; or

c.endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

d.creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

e.is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

 

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

 

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EXCLUSION (PROPERTY REINSURANCE)

 

A.

This Contract excludes any loss, damage, liability, claim, cost or expense of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with a Communicable Disease or the fear or threat (whether actual or perceived) of a Communicable Disease regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence thereto.

 

B.

As used herein, a Communicable Disease means any disease which can be transmitted by means of any substance or agent from any organism to another organism where:

 

1.

the substance or agent includes, but is not limited to, a virus, bacterium, parasite or other organism or any variation thereof, whether deemed living or not, and

 

2.

the method of transmission, whether direct or indirect, includes but is not limited to, airborne transmission, bodily fluid transmission, transmission from or to any surface or object, solid, liquid or gas or between organisms, and

 

3.

the disease, substance or agent can cause or threaten damage to human health or human welfare or can cause or threaten damage to, deterioration of, loss of value of, marketability of or loss of use of property.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, losses directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with any otherwise covered peril under subject Policies and not otherwise excluded under this Contract shall be covered.

TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

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5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.16

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FIDELIS)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FIDELIS)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

 

3

1

Business Covered

 

3

2

Coverage

 

4

3

Term

 

4

4

Special Termination

 

4

5

Territory

 

5

6

Exclusions

 

5

7

Premium

 

6

8

Definitions

 

7

9

Original Conditions

 

7

10

No Third Party Rights

 

7

11

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

7

12

Late Payments

 

8

13

Offset

 

9

14

Currency

 

9

15

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

9

16

Taxes

 

11

17

Access to Records

 

12

18

Confidentiality

 

13

19

Errors and Omissions

 

14

20

Insolvency

 

14

21

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

15

22

Arbitration

 

16

23

Expedited Arbitration

 

17

24

Service of Suit

 

18

25

Governing Law

 

19

26

Entire Agreement

 

19

27

Non-Waiver

 

19

28

Agency

 

19

29

Intermediary

 

19

30

Mode of Execution

 

20

 

Company Signing Block

 

21

 

 

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

23

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FIDELIS)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”) by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, Document Number: U8GR0001 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

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6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

A.

The premium for this Contract shall be based on the Layers of the Original Contract. The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The adjusted premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated as the Rate on Line set out below multiplied by the Final Premium for that Layer:

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Rate on Line

Deposit
Premium

Third Layer

****

****

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Third

Layer

****

****

****

****

 

C.

By April 1, 2021, the Company shall calculate and report the Final Premium in accordance with paragraph A above. If the Final Premium for a Layer is less than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the fourth quarterly deposit premium installment shall be waived, and any amount in excess of the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report. If the Final Premium is less than the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments, the Reinsurer shall remit the difference to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Final Premium for a Layer is greater than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer the difference between the Final Premium and the full deposit premium within 45 days after the expiration of this Contract.

D.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company for each Layer under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

C.

“Final Premium” means the total reinsurance premium except for Reinstatement Premium.

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

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B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

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C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

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C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

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G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

 

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

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ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

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3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

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E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

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ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

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ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

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ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of                                  , in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FIDELIS)

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and on this                      day of                                   , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FIDELIS)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE

CONTRACT

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Preamble

4

1

Business Covered

4

2

Retention and Limit

4

3

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

5

4

Term

6

5

Special Termination

6

6

Territory

8

7

Exclusions

8

8

Special Acceptance

9

9

Premium

10

10

Reinstatement

10

11

Definitions

11

12

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

14

13

Net Retained Liability

15

14

Other Reinsurance

15

15

Original Conditions

15

16

No Third Party Rights

16

17

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

16

18

Late Payments

16

19

Offset

18

20

Currency

18

21

Unauthorized Reinsurance

18

22

Taxes

20

23

Access to Records

21

24

Confidentiality

22

25

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

23

26

Insolvency

23

27

Run-Off Reinsurer

24

28

Arbitration

26

29

Expedited Arbitration

27

30

Service of Suit

27

31

Governing Law

28

32

Entire Agreement

28

33

Non-Waiver

29

34

Agency

29

35

Intermediary

29

36

Mode of Execution

29

 

Company Signing Block

31

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Attachments

 

Page

 

 

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

 

32

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage – Reinsurance - U.S.A.

 

35

Terrorism Exclusion

 

37

Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance)

 

38

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

39

 

 

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE
INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO
AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained.

ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

 

A.

The Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss of **** each Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer of **** each Loss Occurrence, and subject further to a limit of liability of **** for all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract.

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B.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

 

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be calculated using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

 

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

 

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

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ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

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7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

 

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

 

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

 

A.

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

 

3.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

4.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

 

5.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

6.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

7.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

8.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

9.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

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10.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

 

11.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

 

12.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

13.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

14.

Losses excluded by the attached Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance).

 

B.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(7), A(8), A(9) and A(12) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

 

C.

Except as respects exclusions A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

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ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

 

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a Deposit Premium of **** for the term of this Contract.

 

B.

The premium in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

C.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final Total Insured Value. This final Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by a rate of ****. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the Deposit Premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of ****of the Deposit Premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the Deposit Premium, subject to a Minimum Premium for the Contract of ****.

 

D.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s aggregate wind exposures on September 30, 2020 for business covered hereunder.

 

E.

The estimated Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715.

 

F.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 10

REINSTATEMENT

 

A.

Loss payments under this Contract shall reduce the limit of coverage afforded by the amounts paid, but the limit of coverage shall be reinstated from the time of the occurrence of the loss, and for each amount so reinstated, the Company agrees to pay, simultaneously with the Reinsurer’s loss payment, an additional premium calculated at pro rata of the Reinsurer’s premium for the term of this Contract, being pro rata only as to the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability hereunder (i.e., the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability for each Loss Occurrence as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article) so reinstated. Nevertheless, the Reinsurer’s liability shall not exceed such limit(s) in respect of any one Loss Occurrence, nor the applicable limit(s) in respect of all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article.

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B.

If at the time of a loss settlement hereon the reinsurance premium, as calculated in accordance with the Premium Article, is unknown, the above calculation of reinstatement premium shall be based upon the Deposit Premium, subject to adjustment when the reinsurance premium is finally established.

ARTICLE 11

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

 

1.

“Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

 

B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

 

3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

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4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

 

8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

 

C.

 

1.

“Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company arising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges with a “Named Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end 72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological

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agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

 

b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

 

d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

 

2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

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b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

 

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 12

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

 

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

 

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

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C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

 

D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

 

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

 

F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

 

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

ARTICLE 13

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

 

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

 

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 14

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 15

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

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ARTICLE 16

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 17

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 18

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

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Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

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ARTICLE 19

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 20

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 21

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

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C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

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G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 22

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

 

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 23

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 24

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 25

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

 

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

 

2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

 

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

 

C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

 

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

ARTICLE 26

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in

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the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

 

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

ARTICLE 27

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute

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a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 28

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to

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appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

 

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 29

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only

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those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 30

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

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The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 31

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 32

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 33

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 34

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 35

INTERMEDIARY

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Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 36

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of _____, in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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and on this                day of                             , in the year 2020

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS CLAUSE Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

 

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants
Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or
Aviation Risks

 

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

 

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

 

b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

 

c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

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Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

 

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

 

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

 

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

 

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

 

 

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“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

 

 

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

 

 

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

 

 

 

 

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE - REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

 

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

 

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

 

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

 

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

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5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

 

6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

 

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57
NMA 1119

 

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Reassured”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

 

 

 

“Agreement”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

 

 

 

“Reinsurers”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

 

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

 

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

a.involves violence against one or more persons; or

b.involves damage to property; or

c.endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

d.creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

e.is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

 

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

 

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EXCLUSION (PROPERTY REINSURANCE)

 

A.

This Contract excludes any loss, damage, liability, claim, cost or expense of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with a Communicable Disease or the fear or threat (whether actual or perceived) of a Communicable Disease regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence thereto.

 

B.

As used herein, a Communicable Disease means any disease which can be transmitted by means of any substance or agent from any organism to another organism where:

 

1.

the substance or agent includes, but is not limited to, a virus, bacterium, parasite or other organism or any variation thereof, whether deemed living or not, and

 

2.

the method of transmission, whether direct or indirect, includes but is not limited to, airborne transmission, bodily fluid transmission, transmission from or to any surface or object, solid, liquid or gas or between organisms, and

 

3.

the disease, substance or agent can cause or threaten damage to human health or human welfare or can cause or threaten damage to, deterioration of, loss of value of, marketability of or loss of use of property.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, losses directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with any otherwise covered peril under subject Policies and not otherwise excluded under this Contract shall be covered.

 

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.18

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (HISCOX)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (HISCOX)

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

 

3

1

 

Business Covered

 

3

2

 

Coverage

 

4

3

 

Term

 

4

4

 

Special Termination

 

4

5

 

Territory

 

5

6

 

Exclusions

 

5

7

 

Premium

 

6

8

 

Definitions

 

6

9

 

Original Conditions

 

6

10

 

No Third Party Rights

 

7

11

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

7

12

 

Late Payments

 

7

13

 

Offset

 

8

14

 

Currency

 

9

15

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

9

16

 

Taxes

 

11

17

 

Access to Records

 

12

18

 

Confidentiality

 

13

19

 

Errors and Omissions

 

14

20

 

Insolvency

 

14

21

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

15

22

 

Arbitration

 

16

23

 

Expedited Arbitration

 

17

24

 

Service of Suit

 

17

25

 

Governing Law

 

18

26

 

Entire Agreement

 

19

27

 

Non-Waiver

 

19

28

 

Agency

 

19

29

 

Intermediary

 

19

30

 

Mode of Execution

 

20

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

22

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

23

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (HISCOX)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

 

 

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ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

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6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract.

 

B.

The premium in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

C.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

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ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

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Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

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E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

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H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1.       Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

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ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

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3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

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F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

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C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters

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referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

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ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of, in
the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (HISCOX)

 

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and on this                day of                        , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT) (HISCOX)

 

 

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.19

 

 

m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR CAT EXCESS) (HISCOX)

 

 

 

issued to

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR CAT EXCESS) (HISCOX)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

3

1

 

Business Covered

3

2

 

Coverage

4

3

 

Term

4

4

 

Special Termination

4

5

 

Territory

5

6

 

Exclusions

5

7

 

Premium

6

8

 

Definitions

7

9

 

Original Conditions

7

10

 

No Third Party Rights

7

11

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

8

12

 

Late Payments

8

13

 

Offset

9

14

 

Currency

9

15

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

10

16

 

Taxes

11

17

 

Access to Records

12

18

 

Confidentiality

13

19

 

Errors and Omissions

14

20

 

Insolvency

14

21

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

15

22

 

Arbitration

16

23

 

Expedited Arbitration

17

24

 

Service of Suit

17

25

 

Governing Law

18

26

 

Entire Agreement

18

27

 

Non-Waiver

18

28

 

Agency

19

29

 

Intermediary

19

30

 

Mode of Execution

19

 

 

Company Signing Block

20

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

22

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR CAT EXCESS) (HISCOX)

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

 

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

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7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

A.

The premium for this Contract shall be based on the Layers of the Original Contract. The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The adjusted premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated as the Rate on Line set out below multiplied by the Final Premium for that Layer:

 

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Rate on Line

Deposit
Premium

Fifth Layer

****

****

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Fifth

Layer

****

****

****

****

 

C.

By April 1, 2021, the Company shall calculate and report the Final Premium in accordance with paragraph A above. If the Final Premium for a Layer is less than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the fourth quarterly deposit premium installment shall be waived, and any amount in excess of the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report. If the Final Premium is less than the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments, the Reinsurer shall remit the difference to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Final Premium for a Layer is greater than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer the difference between the Final Premium and the full deposit premium within 45 days after the expiration of this Contract.

D.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company for each Layer under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

C.

“Final Premium” means the total reinsurance premium except for Reinstatement Premium.

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

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ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

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B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

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ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

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4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

2. In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

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ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

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ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

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ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

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ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company

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for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

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G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court

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jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

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ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of_____, in the year of 2020.

 

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR CAT EXCESS) (HISCOX)

 

 

 

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and on this _____ day of _____, in the year 2020.

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR CAT EXCESS) (HISCOX)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.20

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT) (HISCOX)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT) (HISCOX)

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble

 

3

1

 

Business Covered

 

3

2

 

Coverage

 

3

3

 

Term

 

4

4

 

Special Termination

 

4

5

 

Territory

 

5

6

 

Exclusions

 

5

7

 

Premium

 

5

8

 

Definitions

 

6

9

 

Original Conditions

 

6

10

 

No Third Party Rights

 

6

11

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

6

12

 

Late Payments

 

7

13

 

Offset

 

8

14

 

Currency

 

8

15

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

8

16

 

Taxes

 

10

17

 

Access to Records

 

10

18

 

Confidentiality

 

11

19

 

Errors and Omissions

 

12

20

 

Insolvency

 

12

21

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

13

22

 

Arbitration

 

14

23

 

Expedited Arbitration

 

15

24

 

Service of Suit

 

16

25

 

Governing Law

 

17

26

 

Entire Agreement

 

17

27

 

Non-Waiver

 

17

28

 

Agency

 

17

29

 

Intermediary

 

18

30

 

Mode of Execution

 

18

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

20

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

21

 

 

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT) (HISCOX)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Working Layer Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

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8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract.

 

B.

The premium in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

C.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

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C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

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C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

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C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

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H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

 

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the

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Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

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B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

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B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

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B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

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C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

 

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

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C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

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E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums,

17 of 22

 


 

return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of _____, in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT) (HISCOX)

 

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and on this _____ day of _____, in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR WORKING LAYER CAT) (HISCOX)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.21

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(HORSESHOE)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(HORSESHOE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

Page

 

Preamble

 

3

1

Business Covered

 

3

2

Coverage

 

4

3

Term

 

4

4

Special Termination

 

4

5

Territory

 

5

6

Exclusions

 

5

7

Premium

 

6

8

Definitions

 

7

9

Original Conditions

 

7

10

No Third Party Rights

 

7

11

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

8

12

Late Payments

 

8

13

Offset

 

9

14

Currency

 

9

15

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

10

16

Taxes

 

12

17

Access to Records

 

12

18

Confidentiality

 

13

19

Errors and Omissions

 

14

20

Insolvency

 

14

21

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

15

22

Arbitration

 

16

23

Expedited Arbitration

 

17

24

Service of Suit

 

18

25

Governing Law

 

19

26

Entire Agreement

 

19

27

Non-Waiver

 

19

28

Agency

 

20

29

Intermediary

 

20

30

Mode of Execution

 

20

 

Company Signing Block

 

21

Attachments

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

23

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(HORSESHOE)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)
by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, Document Number: U8GR0001 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

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This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The premium for this Contract shall be based on the Layers of the Original Contract. The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The adjusted premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated as the Rate on Line set out below multiplied by the Final Premium for that Layer:

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Rate on Line

Deposit
Premium

Third Layer

****

****

 

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

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Third Layer

****

****

****

****

 

 

C.

By April 1, 2021, the Company shall calculate and report the Final Premium in accordance with paragraph A above. If the Final Premium for a Layer is less than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the fourth quarterly deposit premium installment shall be waived, and any amount in excess of the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report. If the Final Premium is less than the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments, the Reinsurer shall remit the difference to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Final Premium for a Layer is greater than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer the difference between the Final Premium and the full deposit premium within 45 days after the expiration of this Contract.

 

D.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company for each Layer under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Final Premium” means the total reinsurance premium except for Reinstatement Premium.

 

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

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NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

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1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

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A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

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F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

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ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

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1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

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B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to

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the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its  arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons

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knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

 

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

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SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

 

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

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This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

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2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities

Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of, in
the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(HORSESHOE)

 

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and on thisday of, in the year 2020.

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(HORSESHOE)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

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4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(MUNICH)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(MUNICH)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Preamble

4

1

Business Covered

4

2

Retention and Limit

4

3

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

5

4

Term

5

5

Special Termination

6

6

Territory

7

7

Exclusions

7

8

Special Acceptance

9

9

Premium

9

10

Reinstatement

10

11

Definitions

10

12

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

13

13

Net Retained Liability

14

14

Other Reinsurance

14

15

Original Conditions

14

16

No Third Party Rights

14

17

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

15

18

Late Payments

15

19

Offset

16

20

Currency

16

21

Unauthorized Reinsurance

17

22

Taxes

18

23

Access to Records

19

24

Confidentiality

20

25

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

21

26

Insolvency

21

27

Run-Off Reinsurer

22

28

Arbitration

23

29

Expedited Arbitration

24

30

Service of Suit

25

31

Governing Law

26

32

Entire Agreement

26

33

Non-Waiver

26

34

Agency

26

35

Intermediary

27

36

Mode of Execution

27

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(MUNICH)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Articles

(Cont’d)

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Company Signing Block

 

28

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

 

29

 

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage – Reinsurance - U.S.A.

 

32

 

Terrorism Exclusion

 

34

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

35

 

 

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PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(MUNICH)

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE
INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO
AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained.

ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

 

A.

For each Layer of reinsurance provided hereunder, the Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss retention as set forth in the schedule below for the Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer for each such Loss Occurrence, and subject further to a limit of liability for all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth below:

 

RETENTION AND LIMIT SCHEDULE

Layer

Company’s
Retention

Reinsurer’s Limit of Liability

 

Ultimate Net
Loss in respect
of each Loss
Occurrence

Ultimate Net Loss in
respect of each Loss
Occurrence

Ultimate Net Loss in
respect of all Loss
Occurrences during the
term of this Contract

Third Layer

****

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

****

 

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B.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

 

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be calculated using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

 

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

 

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

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ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

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10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

 

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

 

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

 

A.

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

 

3.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

4.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

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5.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

6.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

7.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

8.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

9.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

 

10.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

 

11.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

 

12.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

13.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

B.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

 

C.

Except as respects exclusions A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

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ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

 

A.

As respects each Layer, the Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The Final Adjusted Premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated at the rates set out below multiplied by the Company’s final Total Insured Value, subject to the applicable minimum premium stated below:

 

 

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Final Adjusted
Premium Rate

Deposit
Premium

Minimum
Premium

Third Layer

****

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

****

 

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Third
Layer

****

****

****

****

Fifth
Layer

****

****

****

****

 

 

C.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final Total Insured Value. This final Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by the rate for each Layer as stated in paragraph A above. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the Deposit Premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of **** of the Deposit Premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the Deposit Premium, subject to the Minimum Premium as set forth above.

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D.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s aggregate wind exposures on September 30, 2020 for business covered hereunder.

 

E.

The estimated Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715.

 

F.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 10

REINSTATEMENT

 

A.

Loss payments under any Layer of this Contract shall reduce the limit of coverage afforded by the amounts paid, but the limit of coverage shall be reinstated from the time of the occurrence of the loss, and for each amount so reinstated, the Company agrees to pay, simultaneously with the Reinsurer’s loss payment, an additional premium calculated at pro rata of the Reinsurer’s premium for the applicable layer(s) for the term of this Contract, being pro rata only as to the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability hereunder (i.e., the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability for each Loss Occurrence as set forth for the Layer in the Retention and Limit Article) so reinstated. Nevertheless, the Reinsurer’s liability under the applicable layer(s) shall not exceed such limit(s) in respect of any one Loss Occurrence, nor the applicable limit(s) in respect of all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article.

 

B.

If at the time of a loss settlement hereon the reinsurance premium, as calculated in accordance with the Premium Article, is unknown, the above calculation of reinstatement premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when the reinsurance premium is finally established.

ARTICLE 11

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

1.

“Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

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4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

 

B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

 

3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

 

4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

 

8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

 

C.

1.

“Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company arising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges with a “Named Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end 72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such

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tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

 

b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

 

d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

 

2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

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3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

 

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 12

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

 

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

 

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

 

C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

 

D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

 

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

 

F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

 

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

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ARTICLE 13

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

 

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

 

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 14

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 15

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 16

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 17

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

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B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 18

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

 

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

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C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 19

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 20

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 21

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

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B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

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3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

 

ARTICLE 22

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

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B.

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 23

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 24

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CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

 

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 25

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

 

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

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2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

 

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

 

C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

 

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

ARTICLE 26

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

 

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator,

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receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

ARTICLE 27

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals,

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of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 28

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

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F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 29

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 30

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to

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remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 31

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 32

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 33

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 34

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 35

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 36

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

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B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of_____, in the year of 2020.

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(MUNICH)

 

 

and on this _____day of_____, in the year 2020.

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(MUNICH)

 

 

 

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS CLAUSE

Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

 

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants

Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or

Aviation Risks

 

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

 

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

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b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

 

c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

 

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

 

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

 

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

 

 

 

NOTES:Wherever used herein the terms:

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“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

 

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE -
REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

 

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

 

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

 

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

 

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

 

5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

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6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

 

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57

NMA 1119

 

NOTES:Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Reassured”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Agreement”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurers”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

 

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

 

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

 

a.

involves violence against one or more persons; or

 

b.

involves damage to property; or

 

c.

endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

 

d.

creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

 

e.

is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

 

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

 

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

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C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

Preamble

Page

 

 

 

3

1

 

 

Business Covered

3

2

 

 

Coverage

3

3

 

 

Term

4

4

 

 

Special Termination

4

5

 

 

Territory

5

6

 

 

Exclusions

5

7

 

 

Premium

6

8

 

 

Definitions

6

9

 

 

Original Conditions

6

10

 

 

No Third Party Rights

7

11

 

 

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

7

12

 

 

Late Payments

7

13

 

 

Offset

8

14

 

 

Currency

8

15

 

 

Unauthorized Reinsurance

9

16

 

 

Taxes

11

17

 

 

Access to Records

11

18

 

 

Confidentiality

12

19

 

 

Errors and Omissions

13

20

 

 

Insolvency

13

21

 

 

Run-Off Reinsurer

14

22

 

 

Arbitration

15

23

 

 

Expedited Arbitration

16

24

 

 

Service of Suit

16

25

 

 

Governing Law

17

26

 

 

Entire Agreement

18

27

 

 

Non-Waiver

18

28

 

 

Agency

18

29

 

 

Intermediary

18

30

 

 

Mode of Execution

19

 

 

 

Company Signing Block

20

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

22

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

(the “Contract”)
issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED
IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)
ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT
(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe First Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s)not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

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7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract.

 

B.

The premium in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

C.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

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ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

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B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

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ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

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3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

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ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or

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its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

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ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

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ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

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3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

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F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

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C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

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ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

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ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this            day of          , in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

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and on this            day of            , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(FOR FIRST EXCESS CAT)

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

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4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.24

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

 

Page

 

Preamble

 

3

1

Business Covered

 

3

2

Coverage

 

3

3

Term

 

4

4

Special Termination

 

4

5

Territory

 

5

6

Exclusions

 

5

7

Premium

 

6

8

Definitions

 

7

9

Original Conditions

 

7

10

No Third Party Rights

 

7

11

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

 

8

12

Late Payments

 

8

13

Offset

 

9

14

Currency

 

9

15

Unauthorized Reinsurance

 

10

16

Taxes

 

12

17

Access to Records

 

12

18

Confidentiality

 

13

19

Errors and Omissions

 

14

20

Insolvency

 

14

21

Run-Off Reinsurer

 

15

22

Arbitration

 

16

23

Expedited Arbitration

 

17

24

Service of Suit

 

18

25

Governing Law

 

19

26

Entire Agreement

 

19

27

Non-Waiver

 

19

28

Agency

 

19

29

Intermediary

 

19

30

Mode of Execution

 

20

 

Company Signing Block

 

22

Attachments

 

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

 

24

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED

IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)

ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, Document Number: U8GR0001 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

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This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

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8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

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ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

A.

The premium for this Contract shall be based on the Layers of the Original Contract. The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The adjusted premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated as the Rate on Line set out below multiplied by the Final Premium for that Layer:

PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Rate on Line

Deposit
Premium

Third Layer

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Third Layer

****

****

****

****

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

****

Fifth Layer

****

****

****

****

 

C.

By April 1, 2021, the Company shall calculate and report the Final Premium in accordance with paragraph A above. If the Final Premium for a Layer is less than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the fourth quarterly deposit premium installment shall be waived, and any amount in excess of the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report. If the Final Premium is less than the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments, the Reinsurer shall remit the difference to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Final Premium for a Layer is greater than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer the difference between the Final Premium and the full deposit premium within 45 days after the expiration of this Contract.

D.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

Effective:

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company for each Layer under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

C.

“Final Premium” means the total reinsurance premium except for Reinstatement Premium.

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

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ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

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2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currenciesother than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

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A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which isdue under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

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4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

 

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ARTICLE 16

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

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2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business. Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at

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least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

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C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

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2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

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D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in disputehereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

 

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ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

1. as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

2. as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States thatmakes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

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ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

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ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of_____, in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

and on this                     day of                         , in the year 2020.

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TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.25

 

TOP LAYER PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS

REINSURANCE CONTRACT

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

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TOP LAYER PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
REINSURANCE CONTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article

Preamble

Page

 

4

1

Business Covered

4

2

Retention and Limit

5

3

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

5

4

Term

6

5

Special Termination

6

6

Territory

8

7

Exclusions

8

8

Special Acceptance

10

9

Premium

11

10

Definitions

12

11

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

15

12

Net Retained Liability

16

13

Other Reinsurance

16

14

Original Conditions

16

15

No Third Party Rights

16

16

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

17

17

Late Payments

17

18

Offset

18

19

Currency

19

20

Unauthorized Reinsurance

19

21

Taxes

21

22

Access to Records

21

23

Confidentiality

22

24

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

23

25

Insolvency

24

26

Run-Off Reinsurer

25

27

Arbitration

26

28

Expedited Arbitration

27

29

Service of Suit

28

30

Governing Law

29

31

Entire Agreement

29

32

Non-Waiver

29

33

Agency

29

34

Intermediary

29

35

Mode of Execution

30

 

Company Signing Block

31

 

 

TOP LAYER PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS

REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Attachments

Page

 

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

33

 

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage - Reinsurance - U.S.A.

36

 

Terrorism Exclusion

38

 

Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance)

39

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

40

 

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TOP LAYER PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS

REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE

INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO

AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the coverage afforded under Section A of the Retention and Limit Article shall apply to business further classified as standalone Flood Zone A or V, including Policies designated as Flood Zone A or V and subsequently reclassified as Flood Zone X until the next anniversary of such Policies.

ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

 

A.

Section A: Standalone Flood Business

As respects losses arising from standalone Flood business, the Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate

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Net Loss of the Flood Retention for each Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer of **** each Loss Occurrence.

“Flood Retention” is defined as **** of the Florida Flood Total Insured Value as established on the first day of each calendar quarter. The Flood Retention is subject to a minimum, any Loss Occurrence, of ****.

 

B.

Section B: All Business Except Standalone Flood Business

The Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss of **** each Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer of **** each Loss Occurrence.

 

C.

The liability of the Reinsurer hereunder as respects all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract shall not exceed ****.

 

D.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

 

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be calculated using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate

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Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

 

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

 

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

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6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

 

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

 

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

A.

As respects Sections A and B:

 

1.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

 

2.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

3.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

4.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

5.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

6.

Losses excluded by the attached Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance).

 

B.

As respects Section A:

 

1.

All reinsurance assumed by the Company; provided that quota share reinsurance between the reinsured companies shall not be excluded.

 

2.

Insurance policies classified by the Company as Accident and Health, Fidelity and Surety, Boiler and Machinery, Workers' Compensation, and Credit business.

 

3.

Homeowners or any other property insurance policies written on an all risk basis and/or wind only basis.

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4.

Loss or liability from any Pool, Association or Syndicate and any assessment or similar demand for payment related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory assessment.

 

5.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to the limit of Company's property loss under the applicable original policy.

 

6.

Loss, damage, cost or expense arising out of an act of terrorism involving the use of any biological, chemical, nuclear or radioactive agent, material, device or weapon.

 

7.

All liability arising out of mold, spores and/or fungus, but this exclusion shall not apply to those losses which follow as a direct result of a loss caused by a peril otherwise covered hereunder.

 

C.

As respects Section B:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

3.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

 

4.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

5.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

 

6.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

 

7.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

 

8.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

D.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(4), A(5), B(3), B(5) and B(6) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the

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Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

 

E.

Except as respects exclusions A(4), A(5), A(6), and C(5), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

 

A.

Section A - Standalone Flood Business

As premium for the reinsurance provided under Section A, the Company shall pay the Reinsurer a flat premium of ****, payable in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

B.

Section B – All Business Except Standalone Flood Business

Premium for the reinsurance provided under Section B shall be determined as follows:

 

1.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a minimum and deposit premium of **** for the term of this Contract. The Final Adjusted Premium to be paid to the Reinsurer shall be calculated at a rate of **** multiplied by the Company’s final wind Total Insured Value.

 

2.

The deposit premium in subparagraph B.1 above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

3.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final wind Total Insured Value. This final wind Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by the rate as stated in subparagraph

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B.1 above. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the deposit premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the deposit premium paid in accordance with subparagraph B.1 above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of **** of the deposit premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the deposit premium paid in accordance with subparagraph B.1 of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the deposit premium. .

 

4.

The estimated wind Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715. The final Total Insured Value will be based on exposures inforce on September 30, 2020.

 

C.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 10

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

1.

“Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

 

B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

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3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

 

4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

 

8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

 

C.

As respects Section A – Peril of Flood, “Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all related individual losses caused by a flood in accordance with subject Policies, arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” as respects Section A shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 504 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event, subject to the following:

 

1.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of 504 consecutive hours commences. Only one period of 504 consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event.

 

2.

If more than one event occurs during the above period of 504 consecutive hours, each event shall be considered a separate Loss Occurrence.

D.

1.

As respects Section B – Perils Other Than Flood, “Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company arising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges

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with a “Named Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end 72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

 

b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

 

d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

 

2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

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b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

 

E.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

 

F.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s total inforce policy limits.

ARTICLE 11

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

 

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

 

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

 

C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

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D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

 

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

 

F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

 

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

ARTICLE 12

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

 

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

 

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 13

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 14

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

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ARTICLE 15

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 16

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

 

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 17

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

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2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 18

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 19

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 20

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year

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from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement).

If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement,

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secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 21

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

1.

Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 22

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party

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actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 23

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

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2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 24

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

 

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

 

2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

 

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

 

C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

 

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

ARTICLE 25

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article

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and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

 

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

 

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

ARTICLE 26

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

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2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

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ARTICLE 27

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

 

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

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ARTICLE 28

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

 

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 29

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

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D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 30

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 31

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 32

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

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ARTICLE 33

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 34

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 35

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of, in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

TOP LAYER PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS

REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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and on this _________ day of _________________ , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

TOP LAYER PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS

REINSURANCE CONTRACT

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS

CLAUSE Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

 

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants

Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or

Aviation Risks

 

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

 

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

 

b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

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c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

 

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

 

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

 

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

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NOTES:Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE –

REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

 

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

 

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

 

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

 

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

 

5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

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6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

 

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57

NMA 1119

 

NOTES:Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Reassured”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Agreement”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurers”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

 

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

 

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

 

a.

involves violence against one or more persons; or

 

b.

involves damage to property; or

 

c.

endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

 

d.

creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

 

e.

is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

 

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

 

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EXCLUSION (PROPERTY REINSURANCE)

 

A.

This Contract excludes any loss, damage, liability, claim, cost or expense of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with a Communicable Disease or the fear or threat (whether actual or perceived) of a Communicable Disease regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence thereto.

 

B.

As used herein, a Communicable Disease means any disease which can be transmitted by means of any substance or agent from any organism to another organism where:

 

1.

the substance or agent includes, but is not limited to, a virus, bacterium, parasite or other organism or any variation thereof, whether deemed living or not, and

 

2.

the method of transmission, whether direct or indirect, includes but is not limited to, airborne transmission, bodily fluid transmission, transmission from or to any surface or object, solid, liquid or gas or between organisms, and

 

3.

the disease, substance or agent can cause or threaten damage to human health or human welfare or can cause or threaten damage to, deterioration of, loss of value of, marketability of or loss of use of property.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, losses directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with any otherwise covered peril under subject Policies and not otherwise excluded under this Contract shall be covered.

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee

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upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.26

 

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(TRANSATLANTIC)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

 

 

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(TRANSATLANTIC)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

Preamble

Page

 

3

1

Business Covered

3

2

Coverage

4

3

Term

4

4

Special Termination

4

5

Territory

5

6

Exclusions

5

7

Premium

6

8

Definitions

7

9

Original Conditions

7

10

No Third Party Rights

7

11

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

8

12

Late Payments

8

13

Offset

9

14

Currency

9

15

Unauthorized Reinsurance

10

16

Taxes

12

17

Access to Records

12

18

Confidentiality

13

19

Errors and Omissions

14

20

Insolvency

14

21

Run-Off Reinsurer

15

22

Arbitration

16

23

Expedited Arbitration

17

24

Service of Suit

18

25

Governing Law

19

26

Entire Agreement

19

27

Non-Waiver

19

28

Agency

20

29

Intermediary

20

30

Mode of Execution

20

 

Company Signing Block

21

Attachments

 

 

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

23

 

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REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(TRANSATLANTIC)

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED

IN THE INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S)

ATTACHED TO AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of the liability that may accrue to the Company as a result of Reinstatement Premium the Company may become liable to pay under the reinstatement provisions of the Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020 and expiring 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, Document Number: U8GR0001 (the “Original Contract”), subject to the terms and conditions herein contained. The Original Contract covers losses under Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, in force at the inception of this Contract, or issued or renewed during the term of this Contract. A copy of the Original Contract is attached to and forms part of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 2

COVERAGE

The Reinsurer shall be liable to pay the Reinstatement Premium obligations under the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

ARTICLE 4

SPECIAL TERMINATION

 

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

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7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

 

B.

The Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Reinstatement Premium arising from Loss Occurrences commencing after termination. The premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess premium received.

ARTICLE 5

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 6

EXCLUSIONS

This Contract shall follow the exclusions set forth in the Original Contract.

ARTICLE 7

PREMIUM

 

A.

The premium for this Contract shall be based on the Layers of the Original Contract. The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a deposit premium in accordance with the schedule set forth below. The adjusted premium to be paid to the Reinsurer for the reinsurance provided under each Layer shall be calculated as the Rate on Line set out below multiplied by the Final Premium for that Layer:

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PREMIUM SCHEDULE

Layer

Rate on Line

Deposit

Premium

Fourth Layer

****

****

 

 

B.

The deposit premiums set forth in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in installments as follows:

 

DEPOSIT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

Layer

June 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

January 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

Fourth Layer

****

****

****

****

 

 

C.

By April 1, 2021, the Company shall calculate and report the Final Premium in accordance with paragraph A above. If the Final Premium for a Layer is less than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the fourth quarterly deposit premium installment shall be waived, and any amount in excess of the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report. If the Final Premium is less than the sum of the previously paid three deposit premium installments, the Reinsurer shall remit the difference to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Final Premium for a Layer is greater than the deposit premium payable hereunder (including the fourth deposit premium installment), the Company shall remit to the Reinsurer the difference between the Final Premium and the full deposit premium within 45 days after the expiration of this Contract.

 

D.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

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ARTICLE 8

DEFINITIONS

 

A.

“Reinstatement Premium” means premium paid by the Company for each Layer under the provisions of the Reinstatement Article of the Original Contract. Reinstatement Premium shall be calculated at pro rata of the original reinsurance premium, being pro rata only for the amount being reinstated. If, at the time of a loss settlement under the Original Contract, the reinsurance premium thereunder is not yet known, Reinstatement Premium shall be based upon the deposit premium, subject to adjustment when said reinsurance premium is finally established. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that amounts are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s final Reinstatement Premium has been ascertained. All recoveries received subsequent to reimbursement hereunder shall be applied as if received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

B.

“Loss Occurrence” shall follow the definition set forth in the Original Contract.

 

C.

“Final Premium” means the total reinsurance premium except for Reinstatement Premium.

 

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the Original Contract. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 10

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

ARTICLE 11

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

 

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly of all losses that, in the opinion of the Company, may result in a claim hereunder and of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

 

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

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C.

As respects losses subject to the Original Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the positive difference, if any, of the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or becomes liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any such positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 12

LATE PAYMENTS

 

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

 

B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement Premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such Reinstatement Premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

 

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request

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from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

 

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

 

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 13

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

ARTICLE 14

CURRENCY

 

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

 

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives or pays amounts in currencies other than United States Dollars, such amounts shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these amounts are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 15

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

 

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of business falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as any amounts due the Company under this Contract, as set up on the Company’s books.

 

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the

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method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

 

D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

 

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

 

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

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G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

 

H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 16

TAXES

 

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

 

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 17

ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files

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(“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

 

B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

 

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 18

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

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2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

 

B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

 

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

 

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 19

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

ARTICLE 20

INSOLVENCY

 

A.

If more than one company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

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B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this coverage (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

 

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

ARTICLE 21

RUN-OFF REINSURER

 

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

 

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

 

3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

 

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 22

ARBITRATION

 

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

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B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

 

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

 

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

 

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

 

F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 23

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

 

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS).

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B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

 

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 24

SERVICE OF SUIT

 

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

 

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

 

C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

 

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

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The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

 

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 25

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

ARTICLE 26

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 27

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

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ARTICLE 28

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 29

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

ARTICLE 30

MODE OF EXECUTION

 

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

 

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of, in the year of 2020.

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(TRANSATLANTIC)

 

 

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and on this                        day of                          , in the year 2020.

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

REINSTATEMENT PREMIUM PROTECTION REINSURANCE CONTRACT
(TRANSATLANTIC)

 

 

 

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

 

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

 

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

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4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

 

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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Exhibit 10.27

 

Endorsement No. 1

to the

FLOOD CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

(hereinafter called the “Contract”)

EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2020

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

TAMPA, FLORIDA

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

OCALA, FLORIDA

(hereinafter called the “Reinsured”)

by

NATIONAL LIABILITY AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

(hereinafter called, with other participants, the “Reinsurers”)

Effective July 1, 2020, the Contract has been amended as follows:

1.Article 4 – TERM, shall now read as follows:

The original Contract was set to expire at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, July 1, 2020. The Reinsured and Reinsurer have mutually decided to extend the term for one additional year. The original Contract shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, July 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract.

2.Article 9 – PREMIUM, shall now read as follows:

Effective 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, July 1, 2020. Within 30 days of the commencement of each quarter, the Reinsured shall pay the Reinsurer a premium equal to **** of the Reinsured’s in force premium associated with the applicable (net of inuring reinsurance) quarterly all States in force flood TIV. However, the maximum Premium each quarter shall not exceed **** of the Occurrence Limit for the same quarter. Premium payment shall be made within 30 days of the beginning of each quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

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3.Article 30 – RATE ADEQUACY, shall now read as follows:

As consideration for the Contract extension from July 1, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time to July 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, the Reinsured will file an expedited rate increase with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation of **** by August 15, 2020. If the rate increase is not approved and implemented by September 30, 2020, then the Reinsured will pay to Reinsurer additional premium equivalent to the additional amount that would be due if the requested rate increase had been approved and implemented. Such additional premium will accrue beginning October 1, 2020, and will be calculated and paid for the remainder of the Contract extension in accordance with Article 9, above. Except as permitted under Article 5 (Special Termination), neither party may terminate this Agreement prior to its ordinary expiration date.

All other Terms and Conditions remain unchanged.

Signed in                    , on this ____ day of ______ , 2020

 

NATIONAL LIABILITY AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

By:

 

TITLE:

 

 

Signed in   Tampa, FL, on this _30_ day of __June__, 2020

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

OCALA, FLORIDA

 

By:

 

TITLE:

 

 

AND

Signed in   Tampa, FL, on this _30_ day of __June__, 2020

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

TAMPA, FLORIDA

 

By:

 

TITLE:

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORKING LAYER CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

 

issued to

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WORKING LAYER CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Preamble

4

1

Business Covered

4

2

Retention and Limit

4

3

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

5

4

Term

6

5

Special Termination

6

6

Territory

7

7

Exclusions

7

8

Special Acceptance

9

9

Premium

9

10

Reinstatement

10

11

Definitions

10

12

Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits

13

13

Net Retained Liability

14

14

Other Reinsurance

14

15

Original Conditions

14

16

No Third Party Rights

14

17

Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements

15

18

Late Payments

15

19

Offset

16

20

Currency

17

21

Unauthorized Reinsurance

17

22

Taxes

19

23

Access to Records

19

24

Confidentiality

20

25

Indemnification and Errors and Omissions

21

26

Insolvency

22

27

Run-Off Reinsurer

23

28

Arbitration

24

29

Expedited Arbitration

25

30

Service of Suit

25

31

Governing Law

26

32

Entire Agreement

27

33

Non-Waiver

27

34

Agency

27

35

Intermediary

27

36

Mode of Execution

28

 

 

 

 

WORKING LAYER CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE CONTRACT

2 of 38

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Articles

(Cont’d)

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Company Signing Block

29

 

Attachments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pools, Associations & Syndicates Exclusions Clause

30

 

Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage – Reinsurance - U.S.A.

33

 

Terrorism Exclusion

35

 

Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance)

36

 

Trust Agreement Requirements Clause

37

 

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WORKING LAYER CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

(the “Contract”)

issued to

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY

INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Tampa, Florida

and

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
Ocala, Florida

(collectively, the “Company”)

by

THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURER(S) IDENTIFIED IN THE
INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES AGREEMENT(S) ATTACHED TO
AND FORMING PART OF THIS CONTRACT

(the “Reinsurer”)

ARTICLE 1

BUSINESS COVERED

This Contract is to indemnify the Company in respect of its net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the Term of this Contract under any Policies not covered by the Company’s Flood Tower, in force at the effective date hereof or issued or renewed on or after that date, covering direct and assumed business classified by the Company as the property perils of Business Owners, Homeowners, Condominium Owners, Renters and Dwelling, subject to the terms and conditions herein contained.

ARTICLE 2

RETENTION AND LIMIT

A.

The Reinsurer shall be liable in respect of each Loss Occurrence for the Ultimate Net Loss over and above the initial Ultimate Net Loss of **** each Loss Occurrence, subject to a limit of liability to the Reinsurer of **** each Loss Occurrence, and subject further to a limit of liability of **** for all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract.

B.

No Loss Occurrence shall be covered hereunder unless it involves two or more risks subject to this Contract. The Company shall be the sole judge of what constitutes one risk for purposes of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 3

FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND

A.

As respects Loss Occurrences subject to this Contract, any loss reimbursement recoverable by the Company under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), shall be deducted in determining Ultimate Net Loss under this Contract, subject to the following:

 

1.

The full reimbursement amount due from the FHCF, based on statutory limits of coverage as of June 1, shall be deemed recovered by the Company, whether or not actually received from the FHCF and whether or not reduced because of the FHCF’s inability to pay.

 

2.

For purposes of allocating recoveries from the FHCF with respect to each Loss Occurrence, only amounts recoverable by applying the pay-out and retention multiples for the FHCF prior to any reduction in retention due to multiple Loss Occurrences in the same annual period shall be included in calculating the deduction from Ultimate Net Loss.

 

3.

If the Company’s aggregate limit of FHCF reimbursement coverage is exhausted from Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, and the FHCF does not designate the portion of said limit allocable to each Loss Occurrence, the total FHCF reimbursement received shall be allocated to the each individual Loss Occurrence in the proportion that the Company’s losses in that Loss Occurrence bear to the Company’s total losses arising out of all Loss Occurrences to which the reimbursement applies.

 

4.

For purposes of loss recoveries under this Contract prior to the final determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, FHCF coverage shall be calculated using the Company’s “Projected Payout Multiple” under the FHCF. Upon determination of the Company’s retention and limit under the FHCF, losses will be adjusted, recognizing any adjustment to the “Projected Payout Multiple” caused by a change in the Aggregate Mandatory FHCF Premium but disregarding any change due to a decrease in the statutory limit.

B.

Any FHCF reimbursement premiums paid by the Company for FHCF layers that inure to the benefit of this Contract shall be deemed to be premiums paid for inuring reinsurance.

C.

The Company has opted for a 90% coverage selection from the FHCF.

ARTICLE 4

TERM

This Contract shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2020, and unless terminated prior to that time and date as provided in the Special Termination Article, shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Standard Time, June 1, 2021, applying to Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract. For purposes of this Contract, “Standard Time” shall mean the time as described in the original Policy.

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ARTICLE 5

SPECIAL TERMINATION

A.

The Company may terminate a Subscribing Reinsurer’s percentage share in this Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Subscribing Reinsurer in the event of any of the following circumstances:

 

1.

The Subscribing Reinsurer ceases underwriting operations.

 

2.

A state insurance department or other legal authority orders the Subscribing Reinsurer to cease writing business, or the Subscribing Reinsurer is placed under regulatory supervision.

 

3.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become insolvent or has been placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, or other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations.

 

4.

The Subscribing Reinsurer’s policyholders’ surplus (or the equivalent under the Subscribing Reinsurer’s accounting system) as reported in such financial statements of the Subscribing Reinsurer as designated by the Company, has been reduced by 20% of the amount thereof at any date during the prior 12-month period (including the period prior to the inception of this Contract).

 

5.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has become, or has announced its intention to become, merged with or acquired or controlled by any company, corporation, or individual(s) not controlling the Subscribing Reinsurer’s operations at the inception of this Contract.

 

6.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has retroceded its entire liability under this Contract without the Company’s prior written consent, except for retrocessions to members of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s holding company group.

 

7.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has been assigned an A.M. Best’s rating of less than “A-” and/or an S&P rating of less than “BBB+.” However, as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London, a Lloyd’s Market Rating of less than “A-” by A.M. Best and/or less than “BBB+” by S&P shall apply.

 

8.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has hired an unaffiliated runoff claims manager that is compensated on a contingent basis or is otherwise provided with financial incentives based on the quantum of claims paid.

 

9.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has in any other way assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (8) and (9) of this paragraph.

 

10.

The Subscribing Reinsurer has failed to post or maintain required collateral to secure its obligations as required under this Contract, and has not cured such deficiency within 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company.

B.

Termination shall be effected on a cut-off basis and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall have no liability for Loss Occurrences commencing after the date of termination. The reinsurance premium due the Subscribing Reinsurer hereunder (including any minimum reinsurance premium) shall be prorated based on the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon, and the Subscribing Reinsurer shall immediately return any excess reinsurance premium received. Reinstatement premium, if any, shall be calculated based on the Subscribing Reinsurer’s reinsurance premium earned during the period of the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation hereon.

C.

Additionally, in the event of any of the circumstances listed in paragraph A of this Article, the Company shall have the option to commute the Subscribing Reinsurer’s liability for losses on Policies covered by this Contract. In the event the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such amount and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Subscribing Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Subscribing Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties in respect of liability arising from the Subscribing Reinsurer’s participation under this Contract.

D.

The Company’s option to require commutation under paragraph C above shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.

ARTICLE 6

TERRITORY

The territorial limits of this Contract shall be identical with those of the Company’s Policies.

ARTICLE 7

EXCLUSIONS

A.

This Contract shall not apply to and specifically excludes:

 

1.

Flood when written as such.

 

2.

Earthquake for standalone Policies where earthquake is the only named peril.

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3.

Hail damage to an insured’s growing or standing crops.

 

4.

Reinsurance assumed by the Company under obligatory reinsurance agreements, except intercompany reinsurance between the Company and its affiliates and agency reinsurance where the Policies involved are to be re-underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards of the Company and reissued as Policies of the Company at the next anniversary or expiration date.

 

5.

Pools, Associations & Syndicates, per the attached exclusion.

 

6.

Liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any Insolvency Fund. “Insolvency Fund” includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, that provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, that has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or that is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

 

7.

Loss or damage occasioned by war, invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, military or usurped power, martial law, or confiscation by order of any government or public authority, but not excluding loss or damage that would be covered under a standard form of Policy containing a standard war exclusion clause.

 

8.

Losses excluded by the attached Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause – Physical Damage – Reinsurance – U.S.A.

 

9.

Terrorism as defined in the attached Terrorism Exclusion.

 

10.

Mold unless directly resulting from an otherwise covered peril.

 

11.

Loss and/or damage and/or costs and/or expenses arising from seepage and/or pollution and/or contamination, other than contamination from smoke. Nevertheless, this exclusion does not preclude payment of the cost of removing debris of property damaged by a loss otherwise covered hereunder, subject always to a limit of 25.0% of the Company’s property loss under the applicable original Policy.

 

12.

Financial guarantee and insolvency.

 

13.

Loss or damage to overhead transmission and distribution lines, including supporting structures, of electrical companies, telephone companies, and cable companies. This exclusion shall not apply, however, to transmission and distribution lines and their supporting structures located on the property of any original insured or within 1,000 feet thereof.

 

14.

Losses excluded by the attached Communicable Disease Exclusion (Property Reinsurance).

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B.

With the exception of subparagraphs A(7), A(7), A(9) and A(12) above, should any judicial, regulatory or legislative entity having legal jurisdiction invalidate any exclusion on the Company's Policy, any amount of loss for which the Company is liable because of such invalidation will not be excluded hereunder.

C.

Except as respects exclusions A(7), A(8), A(9), and A(12), if the Company inadvertently issues a Policy falling within the scope of one or more of the exclusions, such Policy shall be covered hereunder, provided that the Company issues, or causes to be issued, the required notice of cancellation within 30 days after a member of the executive or managerial staff at the Company’s home office having underwriting authority in the class of business involved becomes aware that the Policy applies to excluded classes, unless the Company is prevented from canceling said Policy within such period by applicable statute or regulation, in which case such Policy shall be covered hereunder until the earliest date on which the Company may cancel.

ARTICLE 8

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE

Business that is not within the scope of this Contract may be submitted to the Reinsurer for special acceptance hereunder, and such business, if accepted by the Reinsurer shall be covered hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, except as modified by the special acceptance. The Reinsurer shall be deemed to have accepted a risk, if it has not responded within five business days after receiving the underwriting information on such risk. Any renewal of a special acceptance agreed to for a predecessor contract to this Contract, shall automatically be covered hereunder.

ARTICLE 9

PREMIUM

A.

The Company shall pay the Reinsurer a premium of **** for the term of this Contract.

B.

The premium in paragraph A above shall be payable to the Reinsurer by the Company in four equal installments of **** on June 1, 2020, September 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

C.

Within 45 days following the expiration of this Contract, the Company shall provide the Reinsurer with a report showing the Company’s final Total Insured Value. This final Total Insured Value shall be multiplied by a rate of ****. Should this amount be greater than or equal to **** and less than or equal to **** of the Deposit Premium as set forth above, there shall be no additional or return premium due. Should the amount so calculated exceed **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A above, the Company shall immediately pay the Reinsurer the difference in excess of **** of the Deposit Premium. Should the amount so calculated be less than **** of the Deposit Premium paid in accordance with paragraph A of this Article, the Reinsurer shall immediately pay the Company the difference below **** of the Deposit Premium, subject to a Minimum Premium for the Contract of ****.

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D.

“Total Insured Value” means the Company’s aggregate wind exposures on September 30, 2020 for business covered hereunder.

E.

The estimated Total Insured Value is $50,419,672,715.

F.

The Company shall furnish the Reinsurer with such reasonably available information as may be reasonably required by the Reinsurer for completion of the Reinsurer’s financial statements.

ARTICLE 10

REINSTATEMENT

Loss payments under this Contract shall reduce the limit of coverage afforded by the amounts paid, but the limit of coverage shall be reinstated from the time of the occurrence of the loss, and for each amount so reinstated, the Company agrees to pay, simultaneously with the Reinsurer’s loss payment, an additional premium calculated at pro rata of the Reinsurer’s premium for the term of this Contract, being pro rata only as to the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability hereunder (i.e., the fraction of the Reinsurer’s limit of liability for each Loss Occurrence as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article) so reinstated. Nevertheless, the Reinsurer’s liability shall not exceed such limit(s) in respect of any one Loss Occurrence, nor the applicable limit(s) in respect of all Loss Occurrences commencing during the term of this Contract, as set forth in the Retention and Limit Article.

ARTICLE 11

DEFINITIONS

A.

1.“Ultimate Net Loss” means the actual loss paid by the Company or which the Company becomes liable to pay, such loss to include Loss Adjustment Expense, 100% of any Extra Contractual Obligation and 100% of any Loss in Excess of Policy Limits as defined in the Extra Contractual Obligations/Excess of Policy Limits Article. In no event, however, shall more than 25% of “Ultimate Net Loss” for any one Loss Occurrence be comprised of Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits.

 

2.

Salvages and all recoveries (including amounts due from all reinsurances that inure to the benefit of this Contract, whether recovered or not), shall be first deducted from such loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

3.

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to loss settlement hereunder shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement, and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

4.

The Company shall be deemed to be “liable to pay” a loss when a judgment has been rendered that the Company does not plan to appeal, and/or the Company has obtained a release, and/or the Company has accepted a proof of loss, and/or the Company has made a commitment to pay, and/or the Company has scheduled the payment of a loss.

 

5.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed to mean that losses are not recoverable hereunder until the Company’s “Ultimate Net Loss” has been ascertained.

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B.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” means costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the investigation, appraisal, adjustment, settlement, litigation, defense or appeal of a specific claim or loss, or alleged loss, including but not limited to:

 

1.

court costs;

 

2.

costs of supersedeas and appeal bonds;

 

3.

monitoring counsel expenses;

 

4.

legal expenses and costs incurred in connection with coverage questions and legal actions connected thereto, including but not limited to declaratory judgment actions;

 

5.

post-judgment interest;

 

6.

pre-judgment interest, unless included as part of an award or judgment;

 

7.

a pro rata share of salaries and expenses of Company field employees, calculated in accordance with the time occupied in adjusting such loss, and expenses of other Company employees who have been temporarily diverted from their normal and customary duties and assigned to the field adjustment of losses covered by this Contract; and

 

8.

subrogation, salvage and recovery expenses.

“Loss Adjustment Expense” does not include salaries and expenses of the Company’s employees, except as provided in subparagraph (7) above, and office and other overhead expenses.

C.

1. “Loss Occurrence” means the sum of all individual losses directly occasioned by any one disaster, accident or loss or series of disasters, accidents or losses arising out of one event. However, the duration and extent of any one “Loss Occurrence” shall be limited to all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event except that the term “Loss Occurrence” shall be further defined as follows:

 

a.

As regards any “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company arising out of and directly occasioned by such “Named Storm,” without regard to the limitations of duration and extent set forth above. “Named Storm” means any storm or storm system declared by the US National Hurricane Center, US Central Pacific Hurricane Center, US Weather Prediction Center, or their successor organizations, all being divisions of the US National Weather Service to be a tropical storm or hurricane, and any successors thereof. A storm or storm system that merges with a “Named Storm” shall be considered part of that “Named Storm,” once it has merged. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to begin at the effective time and date of the first watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm or hurricane issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies. A “Named Storm” shall be deemed to end 72 hours after the cancellation of the last watch, warning or other official advisory applicable to such tropical storm, hurricane or successor, issued by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies irrespective of the duration of the timing or spacing between such watches, warnings or other official advisories. If two or more storms are assigned different names by the above referenced governmental meteorological agencies, each of those storms shall constitute a separate event for purposes of this definition.

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b.

As regards windstorm, hail, tornado, cyclone, including ensuing collapse and water damage other than “Named Storm,” all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

c.

As regards riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, vandalism and malicious mischief, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 96 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event. The maximum duration of 96 consecutive hours may be extended in respect of individual losses that occur beyond such 96 consecutive hours during the continued occupation of an assured’s premises by strikers, provided such occupation commenced during the aforesaid period.

 

d.

As regards earthquake and fire following directly occasioned by the earthquake, those earthquake losses and individual fire losses that commence during the period of 168 consecutive hours may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence”.

 

e.

As regards any related weather conditions involving snow, sleet, freezing rain, freeze, ice, winter weather, and wind losses related to such conditions, all individual losses sustained by the Company, that occur during any period of 168 consecutive hours arising out of and directly occasioned by the same event.

 

f.

As regards firestorms, brush fires and other fires or series of fires, irrespective of origin (except for fires covered in subparagraphs (c) and (d) above) which spread through trees, grassland or other vegetation, all individual losses sustained by the Company occurring during any period of 168 consecutive hours within a 150-mile radius of any fixed point selected by the Company may be included in the Company’s “Loss Occurrence.” However, an individual loss subject to this subparagraph cannot be included in more than one “Loss Occurrence”.

 

2.

Except as provided in subparagraph (1)(a) above:

 

a.

The Company may choose the date and time when any such period of consecutive hours commences provided that it is not earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

 

b.

Only one period of consecutive hours shall apply with respect to one event, except that, as respects those “Loss Occurrences” referred to in subparagraph (1)(c) above, if the disaster, accident or loss occasioned by the event is of greater duration than 96 consecutive hours, then the Company may divide that disaster, accident or loss into two or more “Loss Occurrences” provided no two periods overlap and no individual loss is included in more than one such period and provided that no period commences earlier than the date and time of the occurrence of the first recorded individual loss sustained by the Company arising out of that disaster, accident or loss.

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3.

Losses arising from a combination of two or more perils as a result of the same event shall be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Furthermore, all losses arising from an event involving a combination of losses described in subparagraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) may be considered as having arisen from one “Loss Occurrence.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hourly limitations as stated above shall not be exceeded as respects the applicable perils, and, except as respects those “Loss Occurrences” involving a “Named Storm” referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) above, no single “Loss Occurrence” shall encompass a time period greater than 168 consecutive hours.

D.

“Policy” means any binder, policy, or contract of insurance or reinsurance issued, accepted or held covered provisionally or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 12

EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS/EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS

A.

This Contract shall cover Extra Contractual Obligations, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Extra Contractual Obligations” shall be defined as those liabilities not covered under any other provision of this Contract and that arise from the handling of any claim on business covered hereunder, such liabilities arising because of, but not limited to, the following: failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

B.

This Contract shall cover Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, as provided in the definition of Ultimate Net Loss. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” shall be defined as Loss in excess of the Policy limit, having been incurred because of, but not limited to, failure by the Company to settle within the Policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in the trial of any action against its insured or reinsured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent upon such action.

C.

An Extra Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be deemed to have occurred on the same date as the loss covered under the Company’s Policy, and shall constitute part of the original loss.

D.

For the purposes of the Loss in Excess of Policy Limits coverage hereunder, the word “Loss” shall mean any amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it not been for the limit of the original Policy.

E.

Loss Adjustment Expense in respect of Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits shall be covered hereunder in the same manner as other Loss Adjustment Expense.

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F.

However, this Article shall not apply where the loss has been incurred due to final legal adjudication of fraud of a member of the Board of Directors or a corporate officer of the Company acting individually or collectively or in collusion with any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the presentation, defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder.

G.

In no event shall coverage be provided to the extent not permitted under law.

ARTICLE 13

NET RETAINED LIABILITY

A.

This Contract applies only to that portion of any loss that the Company retains net for its own account (prior to deduction of any reinsurance that inures solely to the benefit of the Company).

B.

The amount of the Reinsurer’s liability hereunder in respect of any loss or losses shall not be increased by reason of the inability of the Company to collect from any other reinsurer(s), whether specific or general, any amounts that may have become due from such reinsurer(s), whether such inability arises from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 14

OTHER REINSURANCE

The Company shall be permitted to carry in force other reinsurance, recoveries under which shall inure to the benefit of this Contract.

ARTICLE 15

ORIGINAL CONDITIONS

All reinsurance under this Contract shall be subject to the same terms, conditions, waivers and interpretations, and to the same modifications and alterations as the respective Policies of the Company. However, in no event shall this be construed in any way to provide coverage outside the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract.

ARTICLE 16

NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This Contract is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer, and in no instance shall any insured, claimant or other third party have any rights under this Contract except as may be expressly provided otherwise herein.

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ARTICLE 17

NOTICE OF LOSS AND LOSS SETTLEMENTS

A.

The Company shall advise the Reinsurer promptly if paid and estimated Ultimate Net Loss is in excess of 75% of the Company’s retention, or if, in the opinion of the Company, such Ultimate Net Loss may result in a claim hereunder. Thereafter, the Company shall advise the Reinsurer, at least monthly, of all subsequent developments thereto that may materially affect the position of the Reinsurer.

B.

The Company alone and at its full discretion shall adjust, settle or compromise all claims and losses.

C.

As respects losses subject to this Contract, all loss settlements made by the Company, whether under strict Policy terms or by way of compromise, and any Extra Contractual Obligations and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits, shall be binding upon the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer agrees to pay or allow, as the case may be, its share of each such settlement immediately upon receipt of reasonable evidence of the amount paid by the Company or that the Company estimates it will pay within the next 14 days. Within 30 days after receipt of the Reinsurer’s payment, the Company shall report to the Reinsurer the Reinsurer’s payment, minus the Reinsurer’s share of losses subject to this Contract that the Company has paid, or become liable to pay, as of the date of the report. Any positive difference shall be remitted to the Reinsurer with the Company’s report.

ARTICLE 18

LATE PAYMENTS

A.

In the event any payment due either party is not received by the Intermediary by the payment due date, the party to whom payment is due may, by notifying the Intermediary in writing, require the debtor party to pay, and the debtor party agrees to pay, an interest penalty on the amount past due calculated for each such payment on the last business day of each month as follows:

 

1.

The number of full days that have expired since the overdue date or the last monthly calculation, whichever the lesser; times

 

2.

1/365th of the sum of the six-month United States Treasury Bill rate as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month for which the calculation is made, plus 1%; times

 

3.

The amount past due, including accrued interest.

Interest shall accumulate until payment of the original amount due plus interest penalties have been received by the Intermediary.

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B.

The due date shall, for purposes of this Article, be determined as follows:

 

1.

Payments from the Reinsurer to the Company shall be due on the date on which the demand for payment (including delivery of bordereaux or quarterly or monthly reports) is received by the Reinsurer, and shall be overdue 30 days thereafter.

 

2.

Payments from the Company to the Reinsurer shall be due on the dates specified within this Contract. Payments shall be overdue 30 days thereafter except for the first installment of premium, if applicable, which shall be overdue 60 days from inception or 30 days from final line-signing, whichever the later. Reinstatement premium, if applicable, shall have as a due date the date when the Company receives payment for the claim giving rise to such reinstatement premium, and payment shall be overdue 30 days thereafter. In the event a due date is not specifically stated for a given payment, the overdue date shall be 30 days following the date of billing.

C.

If the information contained in the Company’s demand for payment is insufficient or not in accordance with the conditions of this Contract, then within 30 days the Reinsurer shall request from the Company all additional information necessary to validate its claim and the payment due date as defined in paragraph B shall be deemed to be the date upon which the Reinsurer received the requested additional information. This paragraph is only for the purpose of establishing when a payment is overdue, and shall not alter the provisions of the Notice of Loss and Loss Settlements Article or other pertinent contractual stipulations.

D.

In the event arbitration is necessary to settle a dispute, the panel shall have the authority to make a determination awarding interest to the prevailing party. Interest, if any, awarded by the panel shall supersede the interest amounts outlined herein.

E.

Any interest owed pursuant to this Article may be waived by the party to which it is owed. Waiver of such interest, however, shall not affect the waiving party’s rights to other interest amounts due as a result of this Article.

ARTICLE 19

OFFSET

Each party hereto shall have, and may exercise at any time and from time to time, the right to offset any and all balances due from a party to the other arising under this Contract. In the event of the insolvency of a party hereto, offsets shall only be allowed in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law governing offset entitlement.

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ARTICLE 20

CURRENCY

A.

Where the word “Dollars” and/or the sign “$” appear in this Contract, they shall mean United States Dollars, and all payments hereunder shall be in United States Dollars.

B.

For purposes of this Contract, where the Company receives premiums or pays losses in currencies other than United States Dollars, such premiums or losses shall be converted into United States Dollars at the actual rates of exchange at which these premiums or losses are entered in the Company’s books.

ARTICLE 21

UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE

A.

This Article applies only to the extent a Subscribing Reinsurer does not qualify for credit with any insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

B.

The Company agrees, in respect of its Policies or bonds falling within the scope of this Contract, that when it files with its insurance regulatory authority, or sets up on its books liabilities as required by law, it shall forward to the Reinsurer a statement showing the proportion of such liabilities applicable to the Reinsurer. The “Reinsurer’s Obligations” shall be defined as follows:

 

1.

unearned premium (if applicable);

 

2.

known outstanding losses that have been reported to the Reinsurer and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

3.

losses and Loss Adjustment Expense paid by the Company but not recovered from the Reinsurer;

 

4.

losses incurred but not reported and Loss Adjustment Expense relating thereto;

 

5.

all other amounts for which the Company cannot take credit on its financial statements unless funding is provided by the Reinsurer.

C.

The Reinsurer’s Obligations shall be funded by funds withheld, cash advances, Trust Agreement or a Letter of Credit (LOC). The Reinsurer shall have the option of determining the method of funding provided it is acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves.

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D.

When funding by Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement complies with the provisions of the “Trust Agreement Requirements Clause” attached hereto. When funding by an LOC, the Reinsurer agrees to apply for and secure timely delivery to the Company of a clean, irrevocable and unconditional LOC issued by a bank and containing provisions acceptable to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company’s reserves in an amount equal to the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such LOC shall be issued for a period of not less than one year, and shall be automatically extended for one year from its date of expiration or any future expiration date unless 30 days (or such other time period as may be required by insurance regulatory authorities), prior to any expiration date the issuing bank shall notify the Company by certified or registered mail that the issuing bank elects not to consider the LOC extended for any additional period.

E.

The Reinsurer and the Company agree that any funding provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the provisions of this Contract may be drawn upon at any time, notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and be utilized by the Company or any successor, by operation of law, of the Company including, without limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of the Company, for the following purposes, unless otherwise provided for in a separate Trust Agreement:

 

1.

to reimburse the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations, the payment of which is due under the terms of this Contract and that has not been otherwise paid;

 

2.

to make refund of any sum that is in excess of the actual amount required to pay the Reinsurer’s Obligations under this Contract (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement);

 

3.

to fund an account with the Company for the Reinsurer’s Obligations. Such cash deposit shall be held in an interest bearing account separate from the Company’s other assets, and interest thereon not in excess of the prime rate shall accrue to the benefit of the Reinsurer. Any taxes payable on accrued interest shall be paid out of the assets in the account that are in excess of the Reinsurer’s Obligations (or in excess of 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations, if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement). If the assets are inadequate to pay taxes, any taxes due shall be paid or reimbursed by the Reinsurer;

 

4.

to pay the Reinsurer’s share of any other amounts the Company claims are due under this Contract.

F.

If the amount drawn by the Company is in excess of the actual amount required for E(1) or E(3), or in the case of E(4), the actual amount determined to be due, the Company shall promptly return to the Reinsurer the excess amount so drawn. All of the foregoing shall be applied without diminution because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the Reinsurer.

G.

The issuing bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever in connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the disposition of funds withdrawn, except to ensure that withdrawals are made only upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.

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H.

At annual intervals, or more frequently at the discretion of the Company, but never more frequently than quarterly, the Company shall prepare a specific statement of the Reinsurer’s Obligations for the sole purpose of amending the LOC or other method of funding, in the following manner:

 

1.

If the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations exceed the balance of the LOC as of the statement date, the Reinsurer shall, within 30 days after receipt of the statement, secure delivery to the Company of an amendment to the LOC increasing the amount of credit by the amount of such difference. Should another method of funding be used, the Reinsurer shall, within the time period outlined above, increase such funding by the amount of such difference.

 

2.

If, however, the statement shows that the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the balance of the LOC (or that 102% of the Reinsurer’s Obligations are less than the trust account balance if funding is provided by a Trust Agreement), as of the statement date, the Company shall, within 30 days after receipt of written request from the Reinsurer, release such excess credit by agreeing to secure an amendment to the LOC reducing the amount of credit available by the amount of such excess credit. Should another method of funding be used, the Company shall, within the time period outlined above, decrease such funding by the amount of such excess.

ARTICLE 22

TAXES

A.

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company undertakes not to claim any deduction of the premium hereon when making Canadian tax returns or when making tax returns, other than Income or Profits Tax returns, to any state or territory of the United States of America or to the District of Columbia.

B.

1. Each Subscribing Reinsurer has agreed to allow, for the purpose of paying the Federal Excise Tax, the applicable percentage of the premium payable hereon (as imposed under the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent such premium is subject to Federal Excise Tax.

 

2.

In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereunder, the Subscribing Reinsurer shall deduct the applicable percentage of the premium from the amount of the return, and the Company or its agent should take steps to recover the Tax from the U.S. Government.

ARTICLE 23

ACCESS TO RECORDS

A.

The Reinsurer or its duly authorized representatives shall have the right to visit the offices of the Company to inspect, examine, audit, and verify any of the policy, accounting or claim files (“Records”) relating to business reinsured under this Contract during regular business hours after giving five working days’ prior notice. This right shall be exercisable during the term of this Contract or after the expiration of this Contract. Notwithstanding the above, the Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to the Records of the Company if it is not current in all undisputed payments due the Company.

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B.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company reserves the right to withhold from the Reinsurer any Privileged Documents. However, the Company shall permit and not object to the Reinsurer’s access to Privileged Documents in connection with the underlying claim reinsured hereunder following final settlement or final adjudication of the case or cases involving such claim, with prejudice against all claimants and all parties to such adjudications; the Company may defer release of such Privileged Documents if there are subrogation, contribution, or other third party actions with respect to that claim or case, and the Company’s defense might be jeopardized by release of such Privileged Documents. In the event that the Company seeks to defer release of such Privileged Documents, it shall, in consultation with the Reinsurer, take other steps as reasonably necessary to provide the Reinsurer with the information it reasonably requires to indemnify the Company without causing a loss of such privileges or protections. The Reinsurer shall not have access to Privileged Documents relating to any dispute between the Company and the Reinsurer.

C.

For purposes of this Article:

 

1.

“Privileged Documents” means any documents that are Attorney-Client Privilege Documents and/or Work Product Privilege Documents.

 

2.

“Attorney-Client Privilege Documents” means communications of a confidential nature between (a) the Company, or anyone retained by or at the direction of the Company, or its in-house or outside legal counsel, or anyone in the control of such legal counsel, and (b) any in-house or outside legal counsel, if such communications relate to legal advice being sought by the Company and/or contain legal advice being provided to the Company.

 

3.

“Work Product Privilege Documents” means communications, written materials and tangible things prepared by or for in-house or outside counsel, or prepared by or for the Company, in anticipation of or in connection with litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

ARTICLE 24

CONFIDENTIALITY

A.

The Reinsurer hereby acknowledges that the documents, information and data provided to it by the Company, whether directly or through an authorized agent, in connection with the placement and execution of this Contract (“Confidential Information”) are proprietary and confidential to the Company. Confidential Information shall not include documents, information or data that the Reinsurer can show:

 

1.

are publicly known or have become publicly known through no unauthorized act of the Reinsurer;

 

2.

have been rightfully received from a third person without obligation of confidentiality; or

 

3.

were known by the Reinsurer prior to the placement of this Contract without an obligation of confidentiality.

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B.

Absent the written consent of the Company, the Reinsurer shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third parties, including any affiliated companies (except to the extent necessary to enable affiliated companies or third parties engaged by the Reinsurer to perform services related to this Contract on behalf of the Reinsurer), except:

 

1.

when required by retrocessionaires as respects business ceded to this Contract;

 

2.

when required by regulators performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records and/or financial condition; or

 

3.

when required by external auditors performing an audit of the Reinsurer’s records in the normal course of business.

Further, the Reinsurer agrees not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose not related to the performance of its obligations or enforcement of its rights under this Contract.

C.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Reinsurer is required by court order, other legal process or any regulatory authority to release or disclose any or all of the Confidential Information, the Reinsurer agrees to provide the Company with written notice of same at least 10 days prior to such release or disclosure and to use its best efforts to assist the Company in maintaining the confidentiality provided for in this Article.

D.

The provisions of this Article shall extend to the officers, directors and employees of the Reinsurer and its affiliates, and shall be binding upon their successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 25

INDEMNIFICATION AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

A.

The Reinsurer is reinsuring, subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the obligations of the Company under any Policy. The Company shall be the sole judge as to:

 

1.

what shall constitute a claim or loss covered under any Policy;

 

2.

the Company’s liability thereunder;

 

3.

the amount or amounts that it shall be proper for the Company to pay thereunder.

B.

The Reinsurer shall be bound by the judgment of the Company as to the obligation(s) and liability(ies) of the Company under any Policy.

C.

Any inadvertent error, omission or delay in complying with the terms and conditions of this Contract shall not be held to relieve either party hereto from any liability that would attach to it hereunder if such error, omission or delay had not been made, provided such error, omission or delay is rectified immediately upon discovery.

D.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to override any of the other terms and conditions of this Contract.

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ARTICLE 26

INSOLVENCY

A.

If more than one reinsured company is referenced within the definition of “Company” in the Preamble to this Contract, this Article shall apply severally to each such company. Further, this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state shall apply in the event of the insolvency of any company covered hereunder. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Article and the laws of the domiciliary state of any company covered hereunder, that domiciliary state’s laws shall prevail.

B.

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance (or the portion of any risk or obligation assumed by the Reinsurer, if required by applicable law) shall be payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, either: (1) on the basis of the liability of the Company, or (2) on the basis of claims filed and allowed in the liquidation proceeding, whichever may be required by applicable statute, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim. It is agreed, however, that the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against the Company indicating the Policy or bond reinsured, which claim would involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer within a reasonable time after such claim is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated any defense or defenses that it may deem available to the Company or its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the extent of a pro rata share of the benefit that may accrue to the Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

C.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be apportioned in accordance with the terms of this reinsurance Contract as though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

D.

As to all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this Contract, the reinsurance shall be payable as set forth above by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided by Section 4118(a)(1)(A) of the New York Insurance Law, provided the conditions of 1114(c) of such law have been met, if New York law applies) or except (1) where the Contract specifically provides another payee in the event of the insolvency of the Company, or (2) where the Reinsurer, with the consent of the direct insured or insureds, has assumed such Policy obligations of the Company as direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such Policies and in substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees. Then, and in that event only, the Company, with the prior approval of the certificate of assumption on New York risks by the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York, or with the prior approval of such other regulatory authority as may be applicable, is entirely released from its obligation and the Reinsurer shall pay any loss directly to payees under such Policy.

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ARTICLE 27

RUN-OFF REINSURER

A.

“Run-off Reinsurer” means any Subscribing Reinsurer that:

 

1.

has been ordered by a state insurance department or other legal authority to cease writing business, or has been placed under regulatory supervision or in rehabilitation; or

 

2.

has ceased reinsurance underwriting operations; or

 

3.

has transferred its claims-paying authority to an unaffiliated entity; or

 

4.

engages in a process of Scheme of Arrangement or similar procedure related to this Contract, including but not limited to an insurance business transfer scheme pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (U.K.), as may be amended from time to time; or

 

5.

in any other way has assigned its interests or delegated its obligations under this Contract to an unaffiliated entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreement by a Lloyd’s syndicate to follow claim settlements procedures under Lloyd’s Claims Scheme (Combined) shall not constitute a transfer of its claims-paying authority, for purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

B.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, in the event that a Subscribing Reinsurer becomes a Run-off Reinsurer at any time, the Company may elect, by giving written notice to the Run-off Reinsurer at any time thereafter, that all or any of the following shall apply to the Run-off Reinsurer’s participation hereunder:

 

1.

Should the Run-off Reinsurer fail to pay amounts due hereunder, the interest penalty specified in the Late Payments Article shall be increased by 0.5% for each 30 days that a payment is past due, subject to a maximum increase of 7.0%.

 

2.

The Run-off Reinsurer’s liability for losses for Policies covered by this Contract shall be commuted. In the event the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on the commutation amount of the Run-off Reinsurer’s liability under such Policies, they shall appoint an actuary and/or appraiser to assess such liability and shall share equally any expense of the actuary and/or appraiser. If the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer cannot agree on an actuary and/or appraiser, the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer each shall nominate three individuals, of whom the other shall decline two, and the final appointment shall be made by drawing lots. Payment by the Run-off Reinsurer of the amount of liability ascertained shall constitute a complete and final release of both parties under this Contract.

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3.

The Run-off Reinsurer shall have no right of access to the Records of the Company if the Run-off Reinsurer has denied payment of any claim hereunder or there is a pending arbitration between the Company and the Run-off Reinsurer regarding any claim hereunder. A reservation of rights shall be considered a denial of a claim. Notwithstanding the above, the Run-off Reinsurer shall continue to have access to Records of the Company for any claim for which it has raised a query within 30 days of its receipt of a billing, but any inspection of Records must be completed within 90 days of receipt of billing or access will be deemed waived.

 

4.

The provisions of the Arbitration Article shall not apply.

C.

The Company’s waiver of any rights provided in this Article is not a waiver of that right or other rights at a later date.

ARTICLE 28

ARBITRATION

A.

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this Contract, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

B.

One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators shall then choose an impartial third arbitrator who shall preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days’ prior notice by certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator.

C.

If the two arbitrators do not agree on a third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the third arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting the third arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society – U.S. (ARIAS). The arbitrators shall be persons knowledgeable about insurance and reinsurance who have no personal or financial interest in the result of the arbitration. If a member of the panel dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise unwilling or unable to serve, a substitute shall be selected in the same manner as the departing member was chosen and the arbitration shall continue.

D.

Within 30 days after all arbitrators have been appointed, the panel shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules of hearings.

E.

The panel shall be relieved of all judicial formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure and evidence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, the arbitrators may at their discretion, consider underwriting and placement information provided by the Company to the Reinsurer, as well as any correspondence exchanged by the parties that is related to this Contract. The arbitration shall take place in Tampa, Florida, or at such other place as the parties shall agree. The decision of any two arbitrators shall be in writing and shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

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F.

The panel shall interpret this Contract as an honorable engagement rather than as merely a legal obligation and shall make its decision considering the custom and practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible after the hearings. Judgment upon an award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

G.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly and equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator. The remaining costs of the arbitration shall be allocated by the panel. The panel may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers appropriate, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 29

EXPEDITED ARBITRATION

A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Arbitration Article, in the event an amount in dispute hereunder $1,000,000 or less, the parties will submit to an expedited arbitration process with the use of a single arbitrator. The arbitrator will be chosen in accordance with the procedures for selecting an arbitrator in force on the date the arbitration is demanded, established by the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society - U.S. (ARIAS).

B.

Each party’s case will be submitted to the arbitrator within 100 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator. Discovery will be limited to exchanging only those documents directly relating to the issue in dispute, subject to a limit of two discovery depositions from each party, unless otherwise authorized by the arbitrator upon a showing of good cause.

C.

Within 120 calendar days of the date of determination of the arbitrator, the hearing will be completed and a written award will be issued by the arbitrator. As the parties agree that time is of the essence, the sole arbitrator does not have the authority to lengthen the schedule, absent agreement of both parties. The arbitrator will have all the powers conferred on the arbitration panel as provided in the Arbitration Article, and said Article will apply to all matters not specifically addressed above.

ARTICLE 30

SERVICE OF SUIT

A.

This Article applies only to those Subscribing Reinsurers not domiciled in the United States of America, and/or not authorized in any state, territory and/or district of the United States of America where authorization is required by insurance regulatory authorities.

B.

This Article shall not be read to conflict with or override the obligations of the parties to arbitrate their disputes as provided for in the Arbitration Article. This Article is intended as an aid to compelling arbitration or enforcing such arbitration or arbitral award, not as an alternative to the Arbitration Article for resolving disputes arising out of this Contract.

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C.

In the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to perform its obligations hereunder, the Reinsurer, at the request of the Company, shall submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States. Nothing in this Article constitutes or should be understood to constitute a waiver of the Reinsurer’s rights to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in the United States. The Reinsurer, once the appropriate court is selected, whether such court is the one originally chosen by the Company and accepted by the Reinsurer or is determined by removal, transfer, or otherwise, as provided for above, shall comply with all requirements necessary to give said court jurisdiction and, in any suit instituted against the Reinsurer upon this Contract, shall abide by the final decision of such court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

D.

Service of process in such suit may be made upon:

 

1.

as respects Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London: Lloyd’s America, Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 280 Park Avenue, East Tower, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017;

 

2.

as respects any other Subscribing Reinsurer: Messrs. Mendes and Mount, 750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6829, or another party specifically designated in the Subscribing Reinsurer’s Interests and Liabilities Agreement attached hereto.

The above-named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on behalf of the Reinsurer in any such suit.

E.

Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory or district of the United States that makes provision therefor, the Reinsurer hereby designates the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of Insurance, or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his successor or successors in office, as its true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding instituted by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this Contract, and hereby designates the above-named as the person to whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

ARTICLE 31

GOVERNING LAW

This Contract shall be governed as to performance, administration and interpretation by the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of conflict of law rules. However, with respect to credit for reinsurance, the rules of all applicable states shall apply.

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ARTICLE 32

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract sets forth all of the duties and obligations between the Company and the Reinsurer and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous written agreements with respect to matters referred to in this Contract. This Contract may not be modified or changed except by an amendment to this Contract in writing signed by both parties. However, this Article shall not be construed as limiting the admissibility of evidence regarding the formation, interpretation, purpose or intent of this Contract.

ARTICLE 33

NON-WAIVER

The failure of the Company or the Reinsurer to insist on compliance with this Contract or to exercise any right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any rights contained in this Contract nor prevent either party from thereafter demanding full and complete compliance nor prevent either party from exercising such remedy in the future.

ARTICLE 34

AGENCY

For purposes of sending and receiving notices and payments required by this Contract, the reinsured company that is set forth first in the Preamble to this Contract shall be deemed the agent of all other reinsured companies referenced in the Preamble. In no event, however, shall any reinsured company be deemed the agent of another with respect to the terms of the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 35

INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating this Contract for all business hereunder. All communications (including notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurer through the Intermediary. Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Reinsurer. Payments by the Reinsurer to the Intermediary shall be deemed payment to the Company only to the extent that such payments are actually received by the Company.

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ARTICLE 36

MODE OF EXECUTION

A.

This Contract may be executed by:

 

1.

an original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

2.

an exchange of facsimile copies showing the original written ink signature of paper documents;

 

3.

electronic signature technology employing computer software and a digital signature or digitizer pen pad to capture a person’s handwritten signature in such a manner that the signature is unique to the person signing, is under the sole control of the person signing, is capable of verification to authenticate the signature and is linked to the document signed in such a manner that if the data is changed, such signature is invalidated.

B.

The use of any one or a combination of these methods of execution shall constitute a legally binding and valid signing of this Contract. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when duly executed, shall be deemed an original.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Contract to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s), who also confirms the Company’s review of and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to and forming part of this Contract, this _____ day of_____, in the year of 2020.

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

WORKING LAYER CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

and on this _____day of _____, in the year 2020.

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

WORKING LAYER CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
REINSURANCE CONTRACT

 

 

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POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS & SYNDICATES EXCLUSIONS CLAUSE

Section A:

This Contract excludes:

 

a.

All business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

 

b.

Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring property, whether on a country-wide basis or in respect of designated areas. This exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or other Pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical Damage.

Section B:

1.

This Contract excludes business written by the Company for the same perils, which is known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in, any Pool, Association or Syndicate, whether by way of insurance or reinsurance, formed for the purpose of writing any of the following:

Oil, Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants

Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs and/or

Aviation Risks

2.

The exclusion under paragraph 1 of this Section B does not apply:

 

a.

Where the Total Insured Value over all interests of the risk in question is less than $250,000,000.

 

b.

To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine and/or Stock and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

 

c.

To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool, Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for under subparagraph (a).

Section C:

1.

Nevertheless the Reinsurer specifically agrees that liability accruing to the Company from its participation in Residual Market Mechanisms, including but not limited to the following, for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded herefrom:

 

a.

So-called “Beach and Windstorm Plans” and so-called “Coastal Pools”;

 

b.

All “FAIR Plan” and “Rural Risk Plan” business;

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c.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation;

 

d.

California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”) or any similar entity.

Notwithstanding the above, assessments related to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Florida) shall be excluded hereunder.

2.

However, this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability resulting from:

 

a.

The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market Mechanisms to meet its liability;

 

b.

Any claim against a Residual Market Mechanism or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency fund (as defined in the Exclusions Article);

 

c.

Any assessment or surcharge levied on the policyholder and therefore not a liability of the Company;

 

d.

The Company’s initial capital contribution to the CEA;

 

e.

Any assessments, other than interim and regular assessments, from a Residual Market Mechanism included in subparagraph 1(c) above;

 

f.

Any expenditure to purchase or retire bonds.

3.

The Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss for any Loss Occurrence covered hereunder only the liability attributable to that Loss Occurrence. If the relevant entity does not specify what portion of an assessment is attributable to each Loss Occurrence, the Company may include in Ultimate Net Loss in respect of each Loss Occurrence a percentage of the Company’s assessments from the relevant entity related to the calendar year in which the Loss Occurrence commenced, regardless of when assessed, such percentage to be determined by dividing the relevant entity’s losses arising from the Loss Occurrence by its total losses for the calendar year.

4.

The Company will deduct from Ultimate Net Loss amounts received as recoupment of any assessment that has been included in the Ultimate Net Loss, provided the recoupment is directly allocable to the assessment (“itemized recoupment”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recoup such assessment. Any amount received as an itemized recoupment of any assessment (whether under this Contract or any predecessor contract), and therefore deductible from Ultimate Net Loss, shall not be included in the subject premium of this Contract.

However, if a state levies assessments but does not allow itemized recoupment from policyholders, instead allowing the Company to file an overall increased rate, any such premium increased thereby shall not be deemed to be a recoupment that is deductible from Ultimate Net Loss. Any recoupment received as part of a general premium rate increase, not specifically itemized, shall be included as part of the subject premium of this Contract or a successor contract, as applicable.

 

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

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“Company”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Contract”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement,” “Contract,” “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurer”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurer,” “Reinsurers,” “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

 

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NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE -
REINSURANCE - U.S.A.

1.

This Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or Nuclear Energy risks.

2.

Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of this clause, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

 

I.

Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on the site, or

 

II.

Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor installations, and “critical facilities” as such, or

 

III.

Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for processing substantial quantities of “special nuclear material”, and for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or disposing of “spent” nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

 

IV.

Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2) III above using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products of nuclear fission.

3.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this paragraph (3) shall not operate

 

(a)

where Reassured does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor power plant or nuclear installation, or

 

(b)

where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

4.

Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof, this Reinsurance does not cover any loss or liability by radioactive contamination accruing to the Reassured, directly or indirectly, and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a named hazard specifically insured against.

5.

It is understood and agreed that this clause shall not extend to risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not considered by the Reassured to be the primary hazard.

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6.

The term “special nuclear material” shall have the meaning given it in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

7.

Reassured to be sole judge of what constitutes:

 

(a)

substantial quantities, and

 

(b)

the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, it is understood and agreed that

 

(a)

all policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1957 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

 

(b)

with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the Reassured on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

12/12/57

NMA 1119

 

 

NOTES:

Wherever used herein the terms:

 

“Reassured”

shall be understood to mean “Company”, “Reinsured”, “Reassured” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

 

“Agreement”

shall be understood to mean “Agreement”, “Contract”, “Policy” or whatever other term is used to designate the attached reinsurance document.

 

“Reinsurers”

shall be understood to mean “Reinsurers”, “Underwriters” or whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

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TERRORISM EXCLUSION

A.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary within this Contract or any endorsement thereto, it is agreed that this Contract excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any Act of Terrorism, as defined herein, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

B.

An “Act of Terrorism” includes any act, or preparation in respect of action, or threat of action designed to influence the government de jure or de facto of any nation or any political division thereof, or in pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or similar purposes to intimidate the public or a section of the public of any nation by any person or group(s) of persons whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization(s) or government(s) de jure or de facto, and which:

 

a.

involves violence against one or more persons; or

 

b.

involves damage to property; or

 

c.

endangers life other than that of the person committing the action; or

 

d.

creates a risk to health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

 

e.

is designed to interfere with or to disrupt an electronic system.

C.

This Contract also excludes loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with any action in controlling, preventing, suppressing, retaliating against, or responding to any Act of Terrorism.

D.

Notwithstanding the above and subject otherwise to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Contract, in respect only of personal lines, this Contract shall pay actual loss or damage (but not related cost or expense) caused by any Act of Terrorism, provided such act is not directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of or in connection with biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear pollution or contamination.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EXCLUSION (PROPERTY REINSURANCE)

 

A.

This Contract excludes any loss, damage, liability, claim, cost or expense of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with a Communicable Disease or the fear or threat (whether actual or perceived) of a Communicable Disease regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence thereto.

B.

As used herein, a Communicable Disease means any disease which can be transmitted by means of any substance or agent from any organism to another organism where:

 

1.

the substance or agent includes, but is not limited to, a virus, bacterium, parasite or other organism or any variation thereof, whether deemed living or not, and

 

2.

the method of transmission, whether direct or indirect, includes but is not limited to, airborne transmission, bodily fluid transmission, transmission from or to any surface or object, solid, liquid or gas or between organisms, and

 

3.

the disease, substance or agent can cause or threaten damage to human health or human welfare or can cause or threaten damage to, deterioration of, loss of value of, marketability of or loss of use of property.

C.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, losses directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with any otherwise covered peril under subject Policies and not otherwise excluded under this Contract shall be covered.

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TRUST AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS CLAUSE

A.

Except as provided in paragraph B of this Clause, if the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Requires the Reinsurer to establish a trust account for the benefit of the Company, and specifies what the Trust Agreement is to cover;

 

2.

Stipulates that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), and certificates of deposit (issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender), or any combination of the two, provided that the investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of either the Reinsurer or the Company;

 

3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the Company, or the trustee upon the direction of the Company, may whenever necessary negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity;

 

4.

Requires that all settlements of account between the Company and the Reinsurer be made in cash or its equivalent; and

 

5.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or the Reinsurer.

B.

If a ceding insurer is domiciled in California and the Reinsurer satisfies its funding obligations under the Unauthorized Reinsurance Article by providing a Trust Agreement, the Reinsurer shall ensure that the Trust Agreement:

 

1.

Provides that assets deposited in the trust account shall be valued according to their current fair market value and shall consist only of cash in United States dollars, certificates of deposit issued by a United States financial institution as defined in California Insurance Code Section 922.7(a) and payable in United States dollars, and investments permitted by the California Insurance Code, or any combination of the above.

 

2.

Provides that investments in or issued by an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with either the grantor or the beneficiary of the trust shall not exceed 5% of total investments.

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3.

Requires the Reinsurer, prior to depositing assets with the trustee, to execute assignments or endorsements in blank, or to transfer legal title to the trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in order that the ceding insurer, or the trustee upon the direction of the ceding insurer, may, whenever necessary, negotiate these assets without consent or signature from the Reinsurer or any other entity.

 

4.

Provides that assets in the trust account shall be withdrawn only as permitted in this Contract, without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding insurer or the Reinsurer.

C.

If there are multiple ceding insurers that collectively comprise the Company, “regulatory authorities” as referenced in subparagraph A(2) above, shall mean the individual ceding insurer’s domestic regulator.

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EXHIBIT 10.29

 

 

 

STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION

o     OF FLORIDA

*P1    1801 HERMITAGE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32308

(850) 488-4406

POST OFFICE BOX 13300

32317-3300

 

RON DESANTIS

GOVERNOR

CHAIR

JIMMY PATRON'S

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ASHLEY MOODY
ATTORNEY GENERAL

ASHBEL C. WILLIAMS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR &
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

 

 

 

 

 

REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective: June 1, 2020
("Contract")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

between

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
("Company")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC # 12944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ("SBA")

 

 

 

 

WHICH ADMINISTERS THE FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND ("FHCF")

 

 

 

PREAMBLE

Section 215.555, Florida Statutes creates the FHCF and directs the SBA to administer the FHCF. This Contract, consisting of the principal document entitled Reimbursement Contract, addressing the mandatory FHCF coverage, and Addenda, is subject to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, and to any administrative rule adopted pursuant thereto, and is not intended to be in conflict therewith. All provisions in the principal document are equally applicable to each Addendum unless specifically superseded by one of the Addenda. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I - SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

As a condition precedent to the SBA's obligations under this Contract, the Company shall report to the SBA in a specified format the business it writes which is described in this Contract as Covered Policies. The terms of this Contract shall determine the rights and obligations of the parties. This Contract provides reimbursement to the Company under certain circumstances, as described herein, and does not provide or extend insurance or reinsurance coverage to any person, firm, corporation or other entity. The SBA shall reimburse the Company for its Ultimate Net Loss on Covered Policies, which were in force and in effect at the time of the Covered Event causing the Loss, in excess of the Company's Retention as a result of each Covered Event commencing during the Contract Year, to the extent funds are available, all as hereinafter defined.

ARTICLE II - PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT

This Contract is solely between the Company, an Authorized Insurer or any entity writing Covered Policies under Section 627.351, Florida Statutes, in the State of Florida, and the SBA. In no instance shall any insured of the Company, any claimant against an insured of the Company, or any other third party have any rights under this Contract, except as provided in Article XV. The SBA will disburse funds only to the Company, except as provided for in Article XV. The Company shall not, without the prior approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, sell, assign, or transfer to any third party, in return for a fee or other consideration any sums the FHCF pays under this Contract or the right to receive such sums.

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ARTICLE III - TERM; EXECUTION

(1)

Term

This Contract applies to Losses from Covered Events which commence during the period from 12:00:01 a.m., Eastern Time, June 1, 2020, to 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, May 31, 2021 (the "Contract Year"). The SBA shall not be liable for Losses from Covered Events which commence after the effective time and date of expiration or termination. Should this Contract expire or terminate while a Covered Event is in progress, the SBA shall be responsible for such Covered Event in progress in the same manner and to the same extent it would have been responsible had the Contract expired the day following the conclusion of the Covered Event in progress.

(2)

Mandatory Nature of this Contract

 

(a)

Statutory Requirement

This Contract has been adopted as part of Rule 19-8.010, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), in fulfillment of the statutory requirement that the SBA enter into a Contract with each Company writing Covered Policies in Florida. Under Section 215.555(4)(a), Florida Statutes, the SBA must enter into such a Contract with each such Company, and each such Company must enter into the Contract as a condition of doing business in Florida. Under Section 215.555(16)(c), Florida Statutes, Companies writing Covered Policies must execute the Contract by March 1 of the immediately preceding Contract Year.

 

(b)

Duty to Provide a Fully and Timely Executed Copy of this Contract to the FHCF

Administrator

The Company must provide a fully executed copy of this Contract in electronic form to the Administrator no later than the March 1 statutory deadline for execution, or, in the case of a New Participant, no later than 30 days after the New Participant began writing Covered Policies.

(3)

Contract Deemed Executed Notwithstanding Execution Errors

Except with respect to New Participants, this Contract is deemed to have been executed by the Company as of the March 1 statutory deadline, notwithstanding the fact that the Coverage Level election in Article XX(1)(b) may be invalid, and notwithstanding the fact that the person purporting to execute the Contract on the part of the Company may have lacked the requisite authority. With respect to New Participants, this Contract is deemed to have been executed by the New Participant as of the date on which the New Participant began writing Covered Policies; coverage shall be determined as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d). Execution of this Contract by or on behalf of an entity that does not write Covered Policies is void. If the Company failed to timely submit an executed copy of this Contract, or if the executed Contract includes an invalid Coverage Level election under Article XX, the Company's Coverage Level shall be deemed as follows:

 

(a)

For a Company that is a member of a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) group, the same Coverage Level selected by the other Companies of the same NAIC group shall be deemed. If executed Contracts for none of the members of an NAIC group have been received by the FHCF Administrator, the Coverage Level from the prior Contract Year shall be deemed.

 

(b)

For a Company that is not a member of an NAIC group under which other Companies are active participants in the FHCF, the Coverage Level from the prior Contract Year shall be deemed.

 

(c)

For a New Participant that is a member of an NAIC group, the same Coverage Level selected by the other Companies of the same NAIC group shall be deemed.

 

(d)

For a New Participant that is not a member of an NAIC group under which other Companies are active participants in the FHCF, the 45%, 75% or 90% Coverage Levels may be selected if the FHCF Administrator receives executed Contracts within 30 calendar days after the effective date of the first Covered Policy, otherwise, the 45% Coverage Level shall be deemed to have been selected.

ARTICLE IV - LIABILITY OF THE FHCF

(1)

The SBA shall reimburse the Company with respect to each Covered Event commencing during the Contract Year in the amount of Ultimate Net Loss paid by the Company in excess of the Company's Retention, as adjusted pursuant to the definition of Retention in Article V, multiplied by the applicable Coverage Level, plus 10% of the reimbursed Losses as a Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance, the total of which shall not exceed the Company's Limit.

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(2)

Section 215.555(4)(c)1., Florida Statutes provides that the obligation of the FHCF with respect to all Contracts covering a particular Contract Year shall not exceed the Actual Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF up to a specified dollar limit.

(3)

In order to assure that reimbursements do not exceed the statutory limit on the obligation of the FHCF provided in Section 215.555(4)(c)1., Florida Statutes, the SBA shall, upon the occurrence of a Covered Event, evaluate the potential Losses to the FHCF and the FHCF's capacity at the time of the event. The initial Projected Payout Multiple used to reimburse the Company for its Losses shall not exceed the Projected Payout Multiple as calculated based on the capacity needed to provide the FHCF's coverage. If it appears that the Estimated Claims-Paying Capacity may be exceeded, the SBA shall reduce the projected payout factors or multiples for determining each participating insurer's projected payout uniformly among all insurers to reflect the Estimated Claims-Paying Capacity.

(4)

Reimbursement amounts shall not be reduced by reinsurance paid or payable to the Company from other sources. Once the Company's Limit has been exhausted, the Company will not be entitled to further reimbursements.

ARTICLE V - DEFINITIONS

As used in this Contract, the following words and phrases are defined to mean:

(1)

Actual Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF

This term means the sum of the Balance of the Fund as of December 31 of a Contract Year, plus any reinsurance purchased by the FHCF, plus the amount the SBA is able to raise through the issuance of revenue bonds under Section 215.555(6), Florida Statutes.

(2)

Actuarially Indicated

This term means an amount determined according to principles of actuarial science to be adequate, but not excessive, in the aggregate, to pay current and future obligations and expenses of the fund, including additional amounts if needed to pay debt service on revenue bonds and to provide required debt service coverage in excess of the amounts required to pay actual debt service on revenue bonds, and determined according to principles of actuarial science to reflect each insurer's relative exposure to hurricane losses.

(3)

Additional Living Expense (ALE)

ALE Losses covered by the FHCF are not to exceed 40 percent of the insured value of a Residential Structure or its contents. Fair rental value, loss of rents, or business interruption losses are not covered by the FHCF.

(4)

Administrator

This term means the entity with which the SBA contracts to perform administrative tasks associated with the operations of the FHCF. The current Administrator is Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., 8200 Tower, 5600 West 83rd Street, Suite 1100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55437. The telephone number is (800) 689-3863, and the facsimile number is (800) 264-0492.

(5)

Authorized Insurer

This term is defined in Section 624.09(1), Florida Statutes.

(6)

Balance of the Fund as of December 31 or Fund Balance

This term means the amount of assets available to pay claims resulting from Covered Events which occurred during the Contract Year, not including any pre-event or post-event bonds, reinsurance, or proceeds from other financing mechanisms.

(7)

Borrowing Capacity

This term means the amount of funds which are able to be raised by the issuance of revenue bonds or through other financing mechanisms, less bond issuance expenses and reserves.

(8)

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens)

This term means Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as created under Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes. For the purposes of the FHCF, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation incorporates two accounts, (a) the coastal account and (b) the personal lines and commercial lines accounts. Each account is treated by the FHCF as if it were a separate participating insurer with its own reportable exposures, Reimbursement Premium, Retention, and Ultimate Net Loss.

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(9)

Covered Event

This term means any one storm declared to be a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center which causes insured losses in Florida. A Covered Event begins when a hurricane causes damage in Florida while it is a hurricane and continues throughout any subsequent downgrades in storm status by the National Hurricane Center regardless of whether the hurricane makes landfall. Any storm, including a tropical storm, which does not become a hurricane is not a Covered Event.

(10)

Coverage Level

This term means the level of reimbursement (90%, 75%, or 45%), as elected by the Company under Article XX or deemed under Article III(3), which is used in determining reimbursement under Article IV.

(11)

Covered Policy

 

(a)

Covered Policy, as defined in Section 215.555(2)(c), Florida Statutes, is further clarified to mean only that portion of a binder, policy or contract of insurance that insures real or personal property located in the State of Florida to the extent such policy insures a Residential Structure or the contents of a Residential Structure, located in the State of Florida.

 

(b)

1.

Covered Policy also includes any collateral protection insurance policy covering personal residences which protects both the borrower's and the lender's financial interest, in an amount at least equal to the coverage for the dwelling in place under the lapsed homeowner's policy, if such policy can be accurately reported as required in Section 215.555(5), Florida Statutes. A Company will be deemed to be able to accurately report data if the company submits the required data as specified in the Data Call adopted under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

 

2.

The SBA finds that the replacement cost value of a dwelling is the functional equivalent of the dwelling coverage amount under the lapsed homeowner's policy and that coverage in the amount of the replacement cost value fulfills the legislative intent that collateral protection policies are to be covered by the FHCF only when they protect the borrower's interest in the dwelling to the same extent as a traditional residential policy. Therefore, for purposes of this definition of Covered Policy, a collateral protection policy is deemed to be written in an amount at least equal to the coverage for the dwelling in place under the lapsed homeowner's policy if the dwelling coverage amount is either:

 

a.

Equal to or greater than the amount of dwelling coverage in place under the "lapsed homeowner's policy," i.e., the last residential policy placed by the borrower; or

 

b.

Equal to or greater than 100% of the replacement cost value of the dwelling, as determined under a methodology approved in advance as required by the Data Call. For the purpose of this determination, "replacement cost value" means the cost to replace the dwelling on the same premises, without deduction for depreciation, with material of like kind and quality and for like use.

 

(c)

Covered Policy does not include any policy or exposure excluded under Article VI.

(12)

Deductible Buy-Back Policy

This term means a specific policy that provides coverage to a policyholder for some portion of the policyholder's deductible under a policy issued by another insurer.

(13)

Estimated Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF

This term means the sum of the projected Balance of the Fund as of December 31 of a Contract Year, plus any reinsurance purchased by the FHCF, plus the most recent estimate of the Borrowing Capacity of the FHCF, determined pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes.

(14)

Excess Policy

This term means, for the purposes of this Contract, a policy that provides insurance protection for large commercial property risks and that provides a layer of coverage above a primary layer (which is insured by a different insurer) that acts much the same as a very large deductible.

(15)

Insurer Group

For purposes of the Coverage Level election in Section 215.555(4)(b), Florida Statutes, Insurer Group means the group designation assigned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for regulatory purposes. A Company is a member of a group as designated by the NAIC until such Company is assigned another group designation or is no longer a member of a group.

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(16)

Limit

This term means the maximum amount that a Company may recover under this Contract, calculated by multiplying the Company's Reimbursement Premium by the Payout Multiple.

(17)

Loss

This term means an incurred loss under a Covered Policy from a Covered Event, including Additional

Living Expenses not to exceed 40 percent of the insured value of a Residential Structure or its contents and amounts paid as fees on behalf of or inuring to the benefit of a policyholder. The term Loss does not include allocated or unallocated loss adjustment expenses or any item for which this Contract does not provide reimbursement pursuant to the exclusions in Article VI.

(18)

Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance

 

(a)

The Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance is equal to 10% of the reimbursed Losses under this Contract as provided in Article IV, pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(b)1., Florida Statutes.

 

(b)

The Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance is included in, and not in addition to, the Limit applicable to a Company.

(19)

New Participant

This term means a Company that begins writing Covered Policies on or after the beginning of the Contract Year. A Company that removes Covered Policies from Citizens pursuant to an assumption agreement effective on or after June 1 and had written no other Covered Policies before June 1 is also considered a New Participant.

(20)

Payout Multiple

This term means the multiple as calculated in accordance with Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes, which is derived by dividing the actual single season Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF by the total aggregate industry Reimbursement Premium for the FHCF for the Contract Year billed as of December 31 of the Contract Year. The final Payout Multiple is determined once Reimbursement Premiums have been billed as of December 31 and the amount of bond proceeds has been determined.

(21)

Premium Formula

This term means the Formula developed pursuant to Section 215.555(5)(b), Florida Statutes, and approved by the SBA Trustees for the purpose of determining the Actuarially Indicated Reimbursement Premium to be paid to the FHCF.

(22)

Projected Payout Multiple

The Projected Payout Multiple is used to calculate a Company's projected payout pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(d)2., Florida Statutes. The Projected Payout Multiple is derived by dividing the estimated single season Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF by the estimated total aggregate industry Reimbursement Premium for the FHCF for the Contract Year. The Company's Reimbursement Premium as paid to the SBA for the Contract Year is multiplied by the Projected Payout Multiple to estimate the Company's coverage from the FHCF for the Contract Year.

(23)

Reimbursement Premium or Premium

These terms mean the amount to be paid by the Company, as determined by multiplying each $1,000 of insured value reported by the Company in accordance with Section 215.555(5)(b), Florida Statutes, by the rate as derived from the Premium Formula, as described in Rule 19-8.028, F.A.C.

(24)

Residential Structure

In general, this term means a unit or building used exclusively or predominantly for dwelling or habitational occupancies, including the primary structure and appurtenant structures insured under the same Covered Policy and any other structures covered under endorsements associated with the Covered Policy covering the Residential Structure.

 

(a)

With respect to a unit or home insured under a personal lines residential policy form, such unit or home is deemed to have a habitational occupancy and to be a Residential Structure regardless of the term of its occupancy.

 

(b)

With respect to a condominium structure or complex insured under a commercial lines policy, such structure is deemed to have a habitational occupancy and to be a Residential Structure, regardless of the term of occupancy of individual units.

 

(c)

A single structure which includes a mix of commercial habitational and commercial non-habitational occupancies, and is insured under a commercial lines policy, is considered a Residential Structure if 50% or more of the total insured value of the structure is used for habitational occupancies.

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(d)

Residential Structures do not include any structures excluded under Article VI.

(25)

Retention

This term means the amount of Losses from a Covered Event which must be incurred by the Company before it is eligible for reimbursement from the FHCF.

 

(a)

When the Company incurs Losses from one or two Covered Events during the Contract Year, the Company's full Retention shall be applied to each of the Covered Events.

 

(b)

When the Company incurs Losses from more than two Covered Events during the Contract Year, the Company's full Retention shall be applied to each of the two Covered Events causing the largest Losses for the Company. For each other Covered Event resulting in Losses, the Company's Retention shall be reduced to one-third of its full Retention.

 

1.

All reimbursement of Losses for each Covered Event shall be based on the Company's full Retention until December 31 of the Contract Year. Adjustments to reflect a reduction to one-third of the full Retention shall be made on or after January 1 of the Contract Year provided the Company reports its Losses as specified in this Contract.

 

2.

Adjustments to the Company's Retention shall be based upon its paid and outstanding Losses as reported on the Company's Proof of Loss Reports, but shall not include incurred but not reported Losses. The Company's Proof of Loss Reports shall be used to determine which Covered Events constitute the Company's two largest Covered Events. After this initial determination, any subsequent adjustments shall be made quarterly by the SBA only if the Proof of Loss Reports reveal that loss development patterns have resulted in a change in the order of Covered Events entitled to the reduction to one-third of the full Retention.

 

(c)

The Company's full Retention is established in accordance with the provisions of Section 215.555(2)(e), Florida Statutes, and shall be determined by multiplying the Retention Multiple by the Company's Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year.

(26)

Retention Multiple

 

(a)

The Retention Multiple is applied to the Company's Reimbursement Premium to determine the Company's Retention. The Retention Multiple for the 2020/2021 Contract Year shall be equal to $4.5 billion, adjusted based upon the reported exposure for the 2018/2019 Contract Year to reflect the percentage growth in exposure to the FHCF since 2004, divided by the estimated total industry Reimbursement Premium at the 90% Coverage Level for the Contract Year as determined by the SBA.

 

(b)

The Retention Multiple shall be adjusted to reflect the Coverage Level elected by the Company under this Contract as follows:

 

1.

If the Company elects the 90% Coverage Level, the adjusted Retention Multiple is 100% of the amount determined under paragraph (a);

 

2.

If the Company elects the 75% Coverage Level, the adjusted Retention Multiple is 120% of the amount determined under paragraph (a); or

 

3.

If the Company elects the 45% Coverage Level, the adjusted Retention Multiple is 200% of the amount determined under paragraph (a).

(27)

Ultimate Net Loss

 

(a)

This term means all Losses under Covered Policies in force at the time of a Covered Event prior to the application of the Company's Retention and Coverage Level, and excluding loss adjustment expense and any exclusions under Article VI.

 

(b)

In calculating the Company's Ultimate Net Loss, the amounts described in paragraph (a) shall be reduced by the deductibles applicable under the policy to the hurricane loss, which must first be applied to the portion of the Loss covered by the FHCF.

 

(c)

Salvages and all other recoveries, excluding reinsurance recoveries, shall be first deducted from such Loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

(d)

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to a Loss settlement under this Contract shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

(e)

The SBA shall be subrogated to the rights of the Company to the extent of its reimbursement of the Company. The Company agrees to assist and cooperate with the SBA in all respects as regards such subrogation. The Company

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further agrees to undertake such actions as may be necessary to enforce its rights of salvage and subrogation, and its rights, if any, against other insurers as respects any claim, loss, or payment arising out of a Covered Event.

ARTICLE VI - EXCLUSIONS

This Contract does not provide reimbursement for:

(1)

Any losses not defined as being within the scope of a Covered Policy, including any loss other than a loss under the first-party property section of a policy pertaining strictly to the structure, its contents, appurtenant structures, or ALE coverage.

(2)

Any policy which excludes wind or hurricane coverage.

(3)

Any Excess Policy or Deductible Buy-Back Policy that requires individual ratemaking, as determined by the FHCF.

(4)

(a)

Any policy for Residential Structures that provides a layer of coverage underneath an Excess Policy issued by a different insurer;

 

(b)

Any policy providing a layer of windstorm or hurricane coverage for a particular structure above or below a layer of windstorm or hurricane coverage under a separate policy issued by a different insurer, or any other circumstance in which two or more insurers provide primary windstorm or hurricane coverage for a single structure using separate policy forms;

 

(c)

Any other policy providing a layer of windstorm or hurricane coverage for a particular structure below a layer of self-insured windstorm or hurricane coverage for the same structure; or

 

(d)

The exclusions in this subsection do not apply to primary quota share policies written by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation under Section 627.351(6)(c)2., Florida Statutes.

(5)

Any liability of the Company attributable to losses for fair rental value, loss of rent or rental income, or business interruption.

(6)

Any collateral protection policy that does not meet the definition of Covered Policy as defined in Article V(11)(b).

(7)

Any reinsurance assumed by the Company.

(8)

Hotels, motels, timeshares, shelters, camps, retreats, or other similar structures. This exclusion does not apply to any policy identified as covering a residential condominium association or to any policy on which the insured is a residential condominium association.

(9)

Retail, office, mercantile, or manufacturing facilities, or other similar structures.

(10)

Any exposure for condominium or homeowner associations if no Residential Structures are insured under the policy.

(11)

Commercial healthcare facilities and nursing homes; however, a nursing home which is an integral part of a retirement community consisting primarily of habitational structures that are not nursing homes will not be subject to this exclusion.

(12)

Any exposure under commercial policies covering only appurtenant structures or structures that do not function as a habitational structure (e.g., a policy covering only the pool of an apartment complex).

(13)

Policies covering only Additional Living Expense.

(14)

Any exposure for barns or barns with apartments or living quarters.

(15)

Any exposure for builders risk coverage or new Residential Structures under construction.

(16)

Any exposure for vehicles, recreational vehicles, golf carts, or boats (including boat related equipment) requiring licensing.

(17)

Any liability of the Company for extra contractual obligations or liabilities in excess of original policy limits. This exclusion includes, but is not limited to, amounts paid as bad faith awards, punitive damages awards, or other court-imposed fines, sanctions, or penalties; or other amounts in excess of the coverage limits under the Covered Policy.

(18)

Any losses paid in excess of a policy's hurricane limit in force at the time of the Covered Event, including individual coverage limits (i.e., building, appurtenant structures, contents, and additional living expense), or other amounts paid as the result of a voluntary expansion of coverage by the insurer, including, but not limited to, a discount on or waiver of an applicable deductible. This exclusion includes overpayments of a specific individual coverage limit even if total payments under the policy are within the aggregate policy limit.

(19)

Any losses paid under a policy for Additional Living Expense, written as a time element coverage, in excess of the Additional Living Expense exposure reported for that policy under the Data Call for the applicable Contract Year (unless policy limits have changed effective after June 30 of the Contract Year).

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(20)

Any losses which the Company's claims files do not adequately support. Claim file support shall be deemed adequate if in compliance with the Records Retention Requirements outlined on the Form FHCF-L1B (Proof of Loss Report) applicable to the Contract Year.

(21)

Any exposure for, or amounts paid to reimburse a policyholder for, condominium association loss assessments or under similar coverages for contractual liabilities.

(22)

Losses in excess of the aggregate limits of liability specified in Article IV and in Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes.

(23)

Any liability assumed by the Company from Pools, Associations, and Syndicates. Exception: Covered Policies assumed from Citizens under the terms and conditions of an executed assumption agreement between the Company and Citizens are covered by this Contract.

(24)

All liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any insolvency fund. "Insolvency fund" includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, which provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, which has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or which is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

(25)

Property losses that are proximately caused by any peril other than a Covered Event, including, but not limited to, fire, theft, flood or rising water, or windstorm that does not constitute a Covered Event, or any liability of the Company for loss or damage caused by or resulting from nuclear reaction, nuclear radiation, or radioactive contamination from any cause, whether direct or indirect, proximate or remote, and regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

(26)

Losses from water damage including flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, storm surge, or spray from any of these, whether or not driven by wind.

(27)

A policy providing personal property coverage separate from coverage of personal property included in a homeowner's, mobile home owner's, condominium unit owner's, or tenant's policy or other policy covering a Residential Structure, or in an endorsement to such a policy. Also excluded is a personal property endorsement to a policy that excludes windstorm or hurricane coverage or to any other type of policy that does not meet the definition of covered policy.

(28)

Endorsements predominantly covering Specialized Fine Arts Risks or collectible types of property meeting the following requirements:

 

(a)

An endorsement predominantly covering Specialized Fine Arts Risks and not covering any Residential Structure if it meets the description in subparagraph 1 and if the conditions in subparagraph 2 are met.

 

1.

For purposes of this exemption, a Specialized Fine Arts Risk endorsement is an endorsement that:

 

a.

Insures works of art, of rarity, or of historic value, such as paintings, works on paper, etchings, art glass windows, pictures, statuary, sculptures, tapestries, antique furniture, antique silver, antique rugs, rare books or manuscripts, jewelry, or other similar items;

 

b.

Charges a minimum premium of $500; and

 

c.

Insures scheduled items valued, in the aggregate, at no less than $100,000.

 

2.

The insurer offers specialized loss prevention services or other collector services designed to prevent or minimize loss, or to value or inventory the Specialized Fine Arts for insurance purposes, such as:

 

a.

Collection risk assessments;

 

b.

Fire and security loss prevention;

 

c.

Warehouse inspections to protect items stored off-site;

 

d.

Assistance with collection inventory management; or

 

e.

Collection valuation reviews.

 

(b)

An endorsement generally used by the Company to cover personal property which could include property of a collectible nature, including fine arts, as further described in this paragraph, either on a scheduled basis or written under a blanket limit, and not covering anything other than personal property. All such endorsements are subject to the exclusion provided in this paragraph when the endorsement limit equals or exceeds $500,000. Generally such collectible property has unusually high values due to its investible, artistic, or unique intrinsic nature. The class of property covered under such an endorsement represents an unusually high exposure value and such

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endorsement is intended to provide coverage for a class or classes of property that is not typical for the contents coverage under residential property insurance policies. In many cases property may be located at various locations either in or outside the state of Florida or the location of the property may change from time to time. The investment nature of such property distinguishes this type of exposure from the typical contents associated with a Covered Policy.

(29)

Any losses under liability coverages.

ARTICLE VII - MANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS AND LOSSES

The Company shall investigate and settle or defend all claims and Losses. All payments' of claims or Losses by the Company within the terms and limits of the appropriate coverage parts of Covered Policies shall be binding on the SBA, subject to the terms of this Contract, including the provisions in Article XIII relating to inspection of records and examinations.

ARTICLE VIII - REIMBURSEMENT ADJUSTMENTS

Section 215.555(4)(d) and (e), Florida Statutes, provides the SBA with the right to seek the return of excess reimbursements which have been paid to the Company along with interest thereon. Excess reimbursements are those payments made to the Company by the SBA that are in excess of the Company's coverage under the Contract Year. Excess reimbursements may result from adjustments to the Projected Payout Multiple or the Payout Multiple, incorrect exposure (Data Call) submissions or resubmissions, incorrect calculation of Reimbursement Premium or Retention, incorrect Proof of Loss Reports, incorrect calculation of reinsurance recoveries, or subsequent readjustment of policyholder claims, including subrogation and salvage, or any combination of the foregoing. The Company will be sent an invoice showing the due date for adjustments along with the interest due thereon through the due date. The applicable interest rate for interest credits, and for interest charges for adjustments beyond the Company's control, will be the average rate earned by the SBA for the FHCF for the first four months of the Contract Year. The applicable interest rate for interest charges on excess reimbursements due to adjustments resulting from incorrect exposure submissions or Proof of Loss Reports will accrue at this rate plus 5%. All interest will continue to accrue if not paid by the due date.

ARTICLE IX - REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM

(1)

The Company shall, in a timely manner, pay the SBA its Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year. The Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year shall be calculated in accordance with Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, with any rules promulgated thereunder, and with Article X(2).

(2)

The Company's Reimbursement Premium is based on its June 30 exposure in accordance with Article X, except as provided for New Participants under Article X, and is not adjusted to reflect an increase or decrease in exposure for Covered Policies effective after June 30 nor is the Reimbursement Premium adjusted when the Company cancels policies or is liquidated or otherwise changes its business status (merger, acquisition, or termination) or stops writing new business (continues in business with its policies in a runoff mode). Similarly, new business written after June 30 will not increase or decrease the Company's FHCF Reimbursement Premium or impact its FHCF coverage. FHCF Reimbursement Premiums are required of all Companies based on their writing Covered Policies in Florida as of June 30, and each Company's FHCF coverage as based on the definition in Section 215.555(2)(m), Florida Statutes, shall exist for the entirety of the Contract Year regardless of exposure changes, except as provided for New Participants under Article X.

(3)

Since the calculation of the Actuarially Indicated Premium assumes that the Companies will pay their Reimbursement Premiums timely, interest charges will accrue under the following circumstances. A Company may choose to estimate its own Reimbursement Premium installments. However, if the Company's estimation is less than the provisional Reimbursement Premium billed, an interest charge will accrue on the difference between the estimated Reimbursement Premium and the final Reimbursement Premium. If a Company estimates its first installment, the Administrator shall bill that estimated Reimbursement Premium as the second installment as well, which will be considered as an estimate by the Company. No interest will accrue regarding any provisional Reimbursement Premium if paid as billed by the FHCF's Administrator, except in the case of an estimated second installment as set forth in this Article. Also, if a Company makes an estimation that is higher than the provisional Reimbursement Premium billed but is less than the final Reimbursement Premium, interest will not accrue. If the Reimbursement Premium payment is not received from a Company when it is due, an interest charge will accrue on a daily basis until the payment is received. Interest will also accrue on Reimbursement Premiums resulting from submissions or resubmissions finalized after December 1 of the Contract Year. An interest credit will be applied for any Reimbursement Premium which is overpaid as either an estimate or as a provisional Reimbursement Premium. Interest shall not be credited past December 1 of the Contract Year. The applicable interest rate for interest credits will be the average rate earned by the SBA for the FHCF for the first four months of the Contract Year. The applicable interest rate for interest charges will accrue at this rate plus 5%.

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ARTICLE X - REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

(1)

Exposures

 

(a)

If the Company writes Covered Policies before June 1 of the Contract Year, the Company shall report to the SBA, unless otherwise provided in Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., no later than the statutorily required date of September 1 of the Contract Year, by ZIP Code or other limited geographical area as specified by the SBA, its insured values under Covered Policies as of June 30 of the Contract Year as outlined in the annual reporting of insured values form, FHCF-D1A (Data Call) adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., and other data or information in the format specified by the SBA.

 

(b)

If the Company first begins writing Covered Policies on or after June 1 but prior to December 1 of the Contract Year, the Company shall report to the SBA, no later than February 1 of the Contract Year, by ZIP Code or other limited geographical area as specified by the SBA, its insured values under Covered Policies as of November 30 of the Contract Year as outlined in the Supplemental Instructions for New Participants section of the Data Call adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., and other data or information in the format specified by the SBA.

 

(c)

If the Company first begins writing Covered Policies on December 1 through and including May 31 of the Contract Year, the Company shall not report its exposure data for the Contract Year to the SBA.

 

(d)

The requirement that a report is due on a certain date means that the report shall be received by the SBA no later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Reports sent to the FHCF Administrator in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will be returned to the sender. Reports not in the physical possession of the SBA by 4 p.m., Eastern Time, on the applicable due date are late.

(2)

Reimbursement Premium

 

(a)

If the Company writes Covered Policies before June 1 of the Contract Year, the Company shall pay the FHCF its Reimbursement Premium in installments due on or before August 1, October 1, and December 1 of the Contract Year in amounts to be determined by the FHCF. However, if the Company's Reimbursement Premium for the prior Contract Year was less than $5,000, the Company's full provisional Reimbursement Premium, in an amount equal to the Reimbursement Premium paid in the prior year, shall be due in full on or before August 1 of the Contract Year. The Company will be invoiced for amounts due, if any, beyond the provisional Reimbursement Premium payment, on or before December 1 of the Contract Year.

 

(b)

If the Company is under administrative supervision, or if any control or oversight of the Company has been transferred through any legal or regulatory action to a state regulator or court appointed receiver or rehabilitator (referred to in the aggregate as "state action"):

 

1.

The full annual provisional Reimbursement Premium as billed and any outstanding balances will be due and payable on August 1, or the date that such State action occurs after August 1 of the Contract Year.

 

2.

Failure by such Company to pay the full annual provisional Reimbursement Premium as specified in subparagraph 1. by the applicable due date shall result in the 45% Coverage Level being deemed for the complete Contract Year regardless of the level selected for the Company through the execution of this Contract and regardless of whether a Covered Event occurred or triggered coverage.

 

3.

Subparagraphs 1. and 2. do not apply if the state regulator, receiver, or rehabilitator provides a letter of assurance to the FHCF stating that the Company will have the resources and will pay the full Reimbursement Premium for the Coverage Level selected through the execution of this Contract.

 

4.

When control or oversight has been transferred, in whole or in part, through a legal or regulatory action, the controlling management of the Company shall specify by August 1 or as soon thereafter as possible (but not to exceed two weeks after any regulatory or legal action) in a letter to the FHCF as to the Company's intentions to either pay the full FHCF Reimbursement Premium as specified in subparagraph 1., to default to the 45% Coverage Level being deemed as specified in subparagraph 2., or to provide the assurances as specified in subparagraph 3.

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(c)

A New Participant that first begins writing Covered Policies on or after June 1 but prior to December 1 of the Contract Year shall pay the FHCF a provisional Reimbursement Premium of $1,000 no later than 30 days from the date the New Participant began writing Covered Policies. The Administrator shall calculate the Company's actual Reimbursement Premium for the period based on its actual exposure as of November 30 of the Contract Year, as reported on or before February 1 of the Contract Year. To recognize that New Participants have limited exposure during this period, the actual Reimbursement Premium as determined by processing the Company's exposure data shall then be divided in half, the provisional Reimbursement Premium shall be credited, and the resulting amount shall be the total Reimbursement Premium due for the Company for the remainder of the Contract Year. However, if that amount is less than $1,000, then the Company shall pay $1,000. The Reimbursement Premium payment is due no later than April 1 of the Contract Year. The Company's Retention and coverage will be determined based on the total Reimbursement Premium due as calculated above.

 

(d)

A New Participant that first begins writing Covered Policies on or after December 1 through and including May 31 of the Contract Year shall pay the FHCF a Reimbursement Premium of $1,000 no later than 30 days from the date the New Participant began writing Covered Policies.

 

(e)

The requirement that the Reimbursement Premium is due on a certain date means that the Reimbursement Premium shall be remitted by wire transfer or ACH and shall have been credited to the FHCF's account, as set out on the invoice sent to the Company, on the due date applicable to the particular installment.

 

(f)

Except as required by Section 215.555(7)(c), Florida Statutes, or as described in the following sentence, Reimbursement Premiums, together with earnings thereon, received in a given Contract Year will be used only to pay for Losses attributable to Covered Events occurring in that Contract Year or for Losses attributable to Covered Events in subsequent Contract Years and will not be used to pay for past Losses or for debt service on post-event revenue bonds issued pursuant to Section 215.555(6)(a)1., Florida Statutes. Reimbursement Premiums and earnings thereon may be used for payments relating to such revenue bonds in the event emergency assessments are insufficient. If Reimbursement Premiums or earnings thereon are used for debt service on post-event revenue bonds, then the amount of the Reimbursement Premiums or earnings thereon so used shall be returned, without interest, to the Fund when emergency assessments or other legally available funds remain available after making payment relating to the post-event revenue bonds and any other purposes for which emergency assessments were levied.

(3)

Losses

 

(a)

In General

Losses resulting from a Covered Event commencing during the Contract Year shall be reported by the Company and reimbursed by the FHCF as provided herein and in accordance with the Statute, this Contract, and any rules adopted pursuant to the Statute. For a Company participating in a quota share primary insurance agreement(s) with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Coastal Account, Citizens and the Company shall report only their respective portion of Losses under the quota share primary insurance agreement(s). Pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes, the SBA is obligated to pay for Losses not to exceed the Actual Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF, up to the limit in accordance with Section 215.555(4)(c)1., Florida Statutes, for any one Contract Year.

 

(b)

Loss Reports

 

1.

At the direction of the SBA, the Company shall report its projected Ultimate Net Loss from each Covered Event to provide information to the SBA in determining any potential liability for possible reimbursable Losses under the Contract on the Interim Loss Report, Form FHCF-L1A, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C. Interim Loss Reports (including subsequent Interim Loss Reports if required by the SBA) will be due in no less than fourteen days from the date of the notice from the SBA that such a report is required.

 

2.

FHCF reimbursements will be issued based on Ultimate Net Loss information reported by the Company on the Proof of Loss Report, Form FHCF-L1B, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

 

a.

To qualify for reimbursement, the Proof of Loss Report must have the electronic signatures of two executive officers authorized by the Company to sign or submit the report.

 

b.

The Company must also submit a Detailed Claims Listing, Form FHCF-DCL, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., at the same time it submits its first Proof of Loss Report for a specific Covered Event that qualifies the Company for reimbursement under that Covered Event, and must be prepared to supply a Detailed Claims Listing for any subsequent Proof of Loss Report upon request.

 

c.

While the Company may submit a Proof of Loss Report requesting reimbursement at any time following a Covered Event, the Company shall submit a mandatory Proof of Loss Report for each Covered Event no later than December 31 of the Contract Year during which the Covered

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Event occurs using the most current data available, regardless of the amount of Ultimate Net Loss or the amount of reimbursements or advances already received.

 

d.

The Company shall submit its Proof of Loss Reports by each quarter-end or year-end using the most current data available, but with an "as of date not more than sixty days prior to the applicable quarter-end or year-end date.

 

e.

For the Proof of Loss Reports due by December 31 of the Contract Year and the required subsequent annual reports required under subparagraph 4., the Company shall include a Detailed Claims Listing if requested by the SBA.

 

3.

Updated Proof of Loss Reports for each Covered Event are due quarterly thereafter until all Losses resulting from a Covered Event are fully discharged including any adjustments to such Losses due to salvage or other recoveries, or the Company has received its full coverage under the Contract Year in which the Covered Event occurred. Guidelines follow:

 

a.

Quarterly Proof of Loss Reports are due by March 31 from a Company whose Losses exceed, or are expected to exceed, 50% of its FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event.

 

b.

Quarterly Proof of Loss Reports are due by June 30 from all Companies regardless of the amount of Ultimate Net Loss or the amount of reimbursements or advances already received.

 

c.

Quarterly Proof of Loss Reports are due by September 30 and quarterly thereafter from a Company whose Losses exceed, or are expected to exceed, its FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event, except as required under subparagraph 4.

If the Company's Retention must be recalculated as the result of an exposure resubmission, and if the recalculated Retention changes the FHCF's reimbursement obligations, then the Company shall submit additional Proof of Loss Reports for recalculation of the FHCF's obligations.

 

4.

The Company shall submit a mandatory Proof of Loss Report for each Covered Event by June 30 and December 31 of each calendar year following the end of the Contract Year, regardless of whether the Company's Losses exceed, or are expected to exceed, its FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event. This Proof of Loss Report filing requirement shall continue until the earlier of the commutation process described in paragraph (3)(d) or until all Losses resulting from the Covered Event are fully discharged including any adjustments to such Losses due to salvage or other recoveries.

 

5.

The SBA, except as noted below, will determine and pay, within 30 days or as soon as practicable after receiving Proof of Loss Reports, the reimbursement amount due based on Losses paid by the Company to date and adjustments to this amount based on subsequent quarterly information. The adjustments to reimbursement amounts shall require the SBA to pay, or the Company to return, amounts reflecting the most recent determination of Losses.

 

a.

The SBA shall have the right to consult with all relevant regulatory agencies to seek all relevant information, and shall consider any other factors deemed relevant, prior to the issuance of reimbursements.

 

b.

The SBA shall require commercial self-insurance funds established under Section 624.462, Florida Statutes, to submit contractor receipts to support paid Losses reported on a Proof of Loss Report, and the SBA may hire an independent consultant to confirm Losses, prior to the issuance of reimbursements.

 

c.

The SBA shall have the right to conduct a claims examination prior to the issuance of any advances or reimbursements requested by Companies that have been placed under regulatory supervision by a State or where control has been transferred through any legal or regulatory proceeding to a state regulator or court appointed receiver or rehabilitator.

 

6.

All Proof of Loss Reports received will be compared with the FHCF's exposure data to establish the facial reasonableness of the reports. The SBA may also review the results of current and prior Contract Year exposure and claims examinations to determine the reasonableness of the reported Losses. Except as noted in subparagraph 5., Companies meeting these tests for reasonableness will be scheduled for reimbursement. Companies not meeting these tests for reasonableness will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be contacted to provide specific information regarding their individual book of business. The discovery of errors in a Company's reported exposure under the Data Call may require a resubmission of the current Contract Year Data Call which, as the Data Call impacts the Company's Reimbursement Premium, Retention, and coverage for the Contract Year, will be required before the Company's request for reimbursement or an advance will be fully processed by the Administrator.

 

(c)

Loss Reimbursement Calculations

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1.

In general, the Company's paid Ultimate Net Losses must exceed its full FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event before any reimbursement is payable from the FHCF for that Covered Event. As described in Article V(25)(b), Retention adjustments will be made on or after January 1 of the Contract Year. No interest is payable on additional payments to the Company due to this type of Retention adjustment. Each Company, including entities created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes, incurring reimbursable Losses will receive the amount of reimbursement due under the individual Company's Contract up to the amount of the Company's payout. If more than one Covered Event occurs in any one Contract Year, any reimbursements due from the FHCF shall take into account the Company's Retention for each Covered Event. However, the Company's reimbursements from the FHCF for all Covered Events occurring during the Contract Year shall not exceed, in aggregate, the Projected Payout Multiple or Payout Multiple, as applicable, times the individual Company's Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year.

 

2.

Reserve established. When a Covered Event occurs in a subsequent Contract Year when reimbursable Losses are still being paid for a Covered Event in a previous Contract Year, the SBA will establish a reserve for the outstanding reimbursable Losses for the previous Contract Year, based on the length of time the Losses have been outstanding, the amount of Losses already paid, the percentage of incurred Losses still unpaid, and any other factors specific to the loss development of the Covered Events involved.

 

(d)

Commutation

 

1.

Except as provided in subparagraph 3., not less than 36 months or more than 60 months after the end of the Contract Year, the Company shall file a final Proof of Loss Report(s), with the exception of Companies having no reportable Losses as described in sub-subparagraph a. Otherwise, the final Proof of Loss Report(s) is required as specified in sub-subparagraph b. The Company and SBA may mutually agree to initiate commutation after 36 months and prior to 60 months after the end of the Contract Year. The commutation negotiations shall begin at the later of 60 months after the end of the Contract Year or upon completion of the FHCF claims examination for the Company and the resolution of all outstanding examination issues.

 

a.

If the Company's most recently submitted Proof of Loss Report(s) indicates that it has no Losses resulting from Covered Events during the Contract Year, the SBA shall after 36 months request that the Company execute a final commutation agreement. The final commutation agreement shall constitute a complete and final release of all obligations of the SBA with respect to Losses. If the Company chooses not to execute a final commutation agreement, the SBA shall be released from all obligations 60 months following the end of the Contract Year if no Proof of Loss Report indicating reimbursable Losses had been filed and the commutation shall be deemed concluded. However, during this time, if the Company determines that it does have Losses to report for FHCF reimbursement, the Company must submit an updated Proof of Loss Report prior to the end of 60 months after the Contract Year and the Company shall be required to follow the commutation provisions and time frames otherwise specified in this section.

 

b.

If the Company has submitted a Proof of Loss Report indicating that it does have Losses resulting from a Covered Event during the Contract Year, the SBA may require the Company to submit within 30 days an updated, current Proof of Loss Report for each Covered Event during the Contract Year. The Proof of Loss Report must include all paid Losses as well as all outstanding Losses and incurred but not reported Losses, which are not finally settled and which may be reimbursable Losses under this Contract, and must be accompanied by supporting documentation (at a minimum an adjuster's summary report or equivalent details) and a copy of a written opinion on the present value of the outstanding Losses and incurred but not reported Losses by the Company's certifying actuary. Failure of the Company to provide an updated current Proof of Loss Report, supporting documentation, and an opinion by the date requested by the SBA may result in referral to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for a violation of the Contract. Increases in reported paid, outstanding, or incurred but not reported Losses on original or corrected Proof of Loss Report filings received later than 60 months after the end of the Contract Year shall not be eligible for reimbursement or commutation.

 

2.

Determining the present value of outstanding Losses.

 

a.

If the Company exceeds or expects to exceed its Retention, the Company and the SBA or their respective representatives shall attempt, by mutual agreement, to agree upon the present value of all outstanding Losses, both reported and incurred but not reported, resulting from Covered Events during the Contract Year. The Loss valuation process under this subparagraph may begin only after all other issues arising

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under this Contract have been resolved, and shall be suspended pending resolution of any such issues that arise during the Loss valuation process. Payment by the SBA of its portion of any amount or amounts so mutually agreed and certified by the Company's certifying actuary shall constitute a complete and final release of the SBA in respect of all Losses, both reported and unreported, under this Contract.

 

b.

If agreement on present value cannot be reached within 90 days of the FHCF's receipt of the final Proof of Loss Report and supporting documentation, the Company and the SBA may mutually appoint an actuary, adjuster, or appraiser to investigate and determine such Losses. If both parties then agree, the SBA shall pay its portion of the amount so determined to be the present value of such Losses.

 

c.

If the parties fail to agree on the valuation of any Losses, then any difference in valuation of the Loss shall be settled by a panel of three actuaries, as provided in this subparagraph. Either the SBA or the Company may initiate the process under this subparagraph by providing written notice to the other party stating that the parties are at an impasse with respect to valuation of Losses and specifying the dollar amounts in dispute.

 

i.

One actuary shall be chosen by each party, and the third actuary shall be chosen by those two actuaries. If either party does not appoint an actuary within 30 days after the initiation of the process, the other party may appoint two actuaries. If the two actuaries fail to agree on the selection of an independent third actuary within 30 days of their appointment, each of them shall name two, of whom the other shall decline one and the decision shall be made by drawing lots.

 

ii.

All of the actuaries shall be regularly engaged in the valuation of property claims and losses and shall be members of the Casualty Actuarial Society and of the American Academy of Actuaries.

 

iii.

None of the actuaries shall be under the control of either party to this Contract.

 

iv.

Each party shall submit a written statement of its case to the panel of actuaries and the opposing party no later than 30 days after the appointment of the third actuary. Within 15 days after receiving the other party's submission, a party may submit its written response to the panel of actuaries and the other party. After the appointment of the third actuary, a party may not communicate with the panel or any member of the panel except in writing simultaneously furnished to all members of the panel and the opposing party. Any member of the panel may present questions to be answered by both parties, which shall be answered in writing and simultaneously furnished to the members of the panel and the opposing party or, at the discretion of the panel, may be provided in a meeting or teleconference attended by both parties and all members of the panel.

 

v.

The written decision of a majority of the panel as to the disagreement over the valuation of losses identified in the written notice of impasse, when filed with the parties hereto, shall be final and binding on both parties.

 

d.

The reasonable and customary expense of the actuaries and of the commutation (as a result
of sub-subparagraphs 2.b. and c.) shall be equally divided between the two parties. Said commutation shall take place in Tallahassee, Florida, unless some other place is mutually agreed upon by the Company and the SBA.

 

3.

The Company and SBA may mutually agree to initiate and complete a commutation for zero dollars without being subject to the 36-month waiting period provided in subparagraph (d)1. Such early commutation, once completed, eliminates the mandatory Proof of Loss Report requirements required under subparagraphs (b)3. and 4. for all reporting periods subsequent to the completion of the commutation.

 

4.

Upon full execution of the commutation agreement and the issuance of the final reimbursement payment, if any, each party, on behalf of its predecessors, successors, assigns, and its past, present and future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, receivers, trustees, attorneys and its legal representatives, unconditionally and completely releases and forever discharges the other party, its predecessors, successors, assigns, and its past, present and future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, receivers, trustees, attorneys, and its legal representatives from any and all past, present, and future rights, liabilities, and obligations including, but not limited to, payments, claims, debts, demands, causes of action, costs, disbursements, fees, attorneys' fees, expenses, damages, injuries, or losses of every kind, whether known or unknown, reported or unreported, or fixed or contingent, relating to or arising out of this Reimbursement Contract.

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(4)

Advances

 

(a)

The SBA may make advances for loss reimbursements as defined herein, at market interest rates, to the Company in accordance with Section 215.555(4)(e), Florida Statutes. An advance is an early reimbursement which allows the Company to continue to pay claims in a timely manner. Advances will be made based on the Company's paid and reported outstanding Losses for Covered Policies (excluding all incurred but not reported Losses) as reported on a Proof of Loss Report, and shall include a Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance as calculated by the FHCF. In order to be eligible for an advance, the Company must submit its exposure data for the Contract Year as required under subsection (1) of this Article. Except as noted below, advances, if approved, will be made as soon as practicable after the SBA receives a written request, signed by two officers of the Company, for an advance of a specific amount and any other information required for the specific type of advance under paragraphs (c) and (d). All reimbursements due to the Company shall be offset against any amount of outstanding advances plus the interest due thereon.

 

(b)

For advances or excess advances, which are advances that are in excess of the amount to which the Company is entitled, the market interest rate shall be the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the Contract Year. This rate will be adjusted annually on the first business day of each subsequent Contract Year, regardless of whether the Company executes subsequent Contracts. In addition to the prime rate, an additional 5% interest charge will apply on excess advances. All interest charged will commence on the date the SBA issues a check for an advance and will cease on the date upon which the FHCF has received the Company's Proof of Loss Report for the Covered Event for which the Company qualifies for reimbursement. If such reimbursement is less than the amount of outstanding advances issued to the Company, interest will continue to accrue on the outstanding balance of the advances until subsequent Proof of Loss Reports qualify the Company for reimbursement under any Covered Event equal to or exceeding the amount of any outstanding advances. Interest shall be billed on a periodic basis. If it is determined that the Company received funds in excess of those to which it was entitled, the interest as to those sums will not cease on the date of the receipt of the Proof of Loss Report but will continue until the Company reimburses the FHCF for the overpayment.

 

(c)

If the Company has an outstanding advance balance as of December 31 of this or any other Contract Year, the Company is required to have an actuary certify outstanding and incurred but not reported Losses as reported on the applicable December Proof of Loss Report.

 

(d)

The specific type of advances enumerated in Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, follow.

 

1.

Advances to Companies to prevent insolvency, as defined under Article XV.

 

a.

Section 215.555(4)(e)1., Florida Statutes, provides that the SBA shall advance to the Company amounts necessary to maintain the solvency of the Company, up to 50 percent of the SBA's estimate of the reimbursement due to the Company.

 

b.

In addition to the requirements outlined in subparagraph (4)(a), the requirements for an advance to a Company to prevent insolvency are that the Company demonstrates it is likely to qualify for reimbursement and that the immediate receipt of moneys from the SBA is likely to prevent the Company from becoming insolvent, and the Company provides the following information:

 

i.

Current assets;

 

ii.

Current liabilities other than liabilities due to the Covered Event;

 

iii.

Current surplus as to policyholders;

 

iv.

Estimate of other expected liabilities not due to the Covered Event; and

 

v.

Amount of reinsurance available to pay claims for the Covered Event under other reinsurance treaties.

 

c.

The SBA's final decision regarding an application for an advance to prevent insolvency shall be based on whether or not, considering the totality of the circumstances, including the SBA's obligations to provide reimbursement for all Covered Events occurring during the Contract Year, granting an advance is essential to allowing the entity to continue to pay additional claims for a Covered Event in a timely manner.

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2.

Advances to entities created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes.

 

a.

Section 215.555(4)(e)2., Florida Statutes, provides that the SBA may advance to an entity created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes, up to 90% of the lesser of the SBA's estimate of the reimbursement due or the entity's share of the actual aggregate Reimbursement Premium for that Contract Year, multiplied by the current available liquid assets of the FHCF.

 

b.

In addition to the requirements outlined in paragraph (4)(a), the requirements for an advance to entities created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes, are that the entity must demonstrate to the SBA that the advance is essential to allow the entity to pay claims for a Covered Event.

 

3.

Advances to limited apportionment companies.

Section 215.555(4)(e)3., Florida Statutes, provides that the SBA may advance the amount of estimated reimbursement payable to limited apportionment companies.

 

(e)

In determining whether or not to grant an advance and the amount of an advance, the SBA:

 

1.

Shall determine whether its assets available for the payment of obligations are sufficient and sufficiently liquid to fulfill its obligations to other Companies prior to granting an advance;

 

2.

Shall review and consider all the information submitted by such Companies;

 

3.

Shall review such Companies' compliance with all requirements of Section 215.555, Florida Statutes;

 

4.

Shall consult with all relevant regulatory agencies to seek all relevant information;

 

5.

Shall review the damage caused by the Covered Event and when that Covered Event occurred;

 

6.

Shall consider whether the Company has substantially exhausted amounts previously advanced;

 

7.

Shall consider any other factors deemed relevant; and

 

8.

Shall require commercial self-insurance funds established under section 624.462, Florida Statutes, to submit a copy of written estimates of expenses in support of the amount of advance requested.

 

(f)

Any amount advanced by the SBA shall be used by the Company only to pay claims of its policyholders for the Covered Event which has precipitated the immediate need to continue to pay additional claims as they become due.

(5)

Inadequate Data Submissions

If exposure data or other information required to be reported by the Company under the terms of this Contract are not received by the FHCF in the format specified by the FHCF or is inadequate to the extent that the FHCF requires resubmission of data, the Company will be required to pay the FHCF a resubmission fee of $1,000 for resubmissions that are not a result of an examination by the SBA. If a resubmission is necessary as a result of an examination report issued by the SBA, the first resubmission fee will be $2,000. If the Company's examination-required resubmission is inadequate and the SBA requires an additional resubmission(s), the resubmission fee for each subsequent resubmission shall be $2,000. A resubmission of exposure data may delay the processing of the Company's request for reimbursement or an advance.

(6)

Confidential Information/Trade Secret Information

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 215.557, Florida Statutes, the reports of insured values under Covered Policies by ZIP Code submitted to the SBA pursuant to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, are confidential and exempt from the provisions of Section 119.07(1), Florida Statutes, and Section 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. If other information submitted by the Company to the FHCF could reasonably be ruled a "trade secret" as defined in Section 812.081, Florida Statutes, such information must be clearly marked "Trade Secret Information."

ARTICLE XI - TAXES

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company agrees to make no deduction in respect of the Reimbursement Premium herein when making premium tax returns to the appropriate authorities. Should any taxes be levied on the Company in respect of the Reimbursement Premium herein, the Company agrees to make no claim upon the SBA for reimbursement in respect of such taxes.

ARTICLE XII - ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent delay, omission, or error on the part of the SBA shall not be held to relieve the Company from any liability which would attach to it hereunder if such delay, omission, or error had not been made.

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ARTICLE XIII - INSPECTION OF RECORDS

The Company shall allow the SBA to inspect, examine, and verify, at reasonable times, all records of the Company relating to the Covered Policies under this Contract, including Company files concerning claims, Losses, or legal proceedings regarding subrogation or claims recoveries which involve this Contract, including premium, loss records and reports involving exposure data or Losses under Covered Policies. This right by the SBA to inspect, examine, and verify shall survive the completion and closure of an exposure examination or claims examination file and the termination of the Contract. The Company shall have no right to re-open an exposure or claims examination once closed and the findings have been accepted by the Company; any re-opening shall be at the sole discretion of the SBA. If the State Board of Administration Finance Corporation has issued revenue bonds and relied upon the exposure and Loss data submitted and certified by the Company as accurate to determine the amount of bonding needed, the SBA may choose not to require, or accept, a resubmission if the resubmission will result in additional reimbursements to the Company. The SBA may require any discovered errors, inadvertent omissions, and typographical errors associated with the data reporting of insured values, discovered prior to the closing of the file and acceptance of the examination findings by the Company, to be corrected to reflect the proper values. The Company shall retain its records in accordance with the requirements for records retention regarding exposure reports and claims reports outlined herein, and in any administrative rules adopted pursuant to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes. Companies writing covered collateral protection policies, as defined in definition (11)(b) of Article V, must be able to provide documentation that the policy covers personal residences, protects both the borrower's and lender's interest, and that the coverage is in an amount at least equal to the coverage for the dwelling in place under the lapsed homeowner's policy or at least equal to the replacement cost value of the dwelling, as provided in Article V(11)(b).

(1)

Purpose of FHCF Examination

The purpose of the examinations conducted by the SBA is to evaluate the accuracy of the FHCF exposure or Loss data reported by the Company. However, due to the limited nature of the examination, it cannot be relied upon as an assurance that a Company's data is reported accurately or in its entirety. The Company should not rely on the FHCF to identify every type of reporting error in its data. In addition, the reporting requirements are subject to change each Contract Year so it is the Company's responsibility to be familiar with the applicable Contract Year requirements and to incorporate any changes into its data for that Contract Year. It is also the Company's responsibility to ensure that its data is reported accurately and to comply with Florida Statutes and any applicable rules when reporting exposure data. The examination report is not intended to provide a legal determination of the Company's compliance.

(2)

Examination Requirements for Exposure Verification

The Company shall retain complete and accurate records, in policy level detail, of all exposure data submitted to the SBA in any Contract Year until the SBA has completed its examination of the Company's exposure submissions. The Company shall also retain complete and accurate records of any completed exposure examination for any Contract Year in which the Company incurred Losses until the completion of the claims examination and commutation for that Contract Year. The records to be retained are outlined in the Data Call adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C. A complete list of records to be retained for the exposure examination is set forth in Form FHCF-EAP1, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

(3)

Examination Requirements for Loss Reports

The Company shall retain complete and accurate records of all reported Losses and/or advances submitted to the SBA until the SBA has completed its examination of the Company's reimbursable Losses and commutation for the Contract Year (if applicable) has been concluded. The records to be retained are set forth as part of the Proof of Loss Report, Form FHCF-L1B and Form FHCF-LAP1, both adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

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(4)

Examination Procedures

 

(a)

The FHCF will send an examination notice letter to the Company providing the commencement date of the examination, the site of the examination, any accommodation requirements of the examiner, and the reports and data which must be assembled by the Company and forwarded to the FHCF. The Company shall be prepared to choose one location in which to be examined, unless otherwise specified by the SBA.

 

(b)

The reports and data are required to be forwarded to the FHCF as set forth in an examination notice letter. The information is then forwarded to the examiner. If the FHCF receives accurate and complete records as requested, the examiner will contact the Company to inform the Company as to what policies or other documentation will be required once the examiner is on site. Any records not required to be provided to the examiner in advance shall be made available at the time the examiner arrives on site. Any records to support reported exposure or Losses which are provided after the examiner has left the work-site will, at the SBA's discretion, result in an additional examination of exposure and/or Loss records or an extension or expansion of the examination already in progress. All costs associated with such additional examination or with the extension or expansion of the original examination shall be borne by the Company.

 

(c)

At the conclusion of the examiner's work and the management review of the examiner's report, findings, recommendations, and work papers, the FHCF will forward an examination report to the Company.

 

(d)

Within 30 days from the date of the letter accompanying the examination report, the Company must provide a written response to the FHCF. The response must indicate whether the Company agrees with the findings and recommendations of the examination report. If the Company disagrees with any examination findings or recommendations, the reason for the disagreement must be outlined in the response and the Company must provide supporting information to support its objection. An extension of 30 days may be granted if the Company can show that the need for additional time is due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Company. No response is required if the examination report does not include any findings or recommendations.

 

(e)

If the Company accepts the examination findings and recommendations, and there is no recommendation for additional information, the examination report will be finalized and the exam file closed.

 

(f)

If the Company disputes the examiner's findings, the areas in dispute will be resolved by a meeting or a conference call between the Company and FHCF management.

 

(g)

1.

If the recommendation of the examiner is to resubmit the Company's exposure data for the Contract Year in question, then the FHCF will send the Company a letter outlining the process for resubmission and including a deadline to resubmit. Once the resubmission is received, the FHCF's Administrator calculates a revised Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year which has been examined. The SBA shall then review the resubmission with respect to the examiner's findings, and accept the resubmission or contact the Company with any questions regarding the resubmission. Once the SBA has accepted the resubmission as a sufficient response to the examiner's findings, the exam is closed.

 

2.

If the recommendation of the examiner is to give the Company the option to either resubmit the exposure data or to pay the estimated Reimbursement Premium difference, then the FHCF will send the Company a letter outlining the process for resubmission or for paying the estimated Reimbursement Premium difference and including a deadline for the resubmission or the payment to be received by the FHCF's Administrator. If the Company chooses to resubmit, the same procedures outlined in Article XIII(4) apply.

 

(h)

If the recommendation of the examiner is to update the Company's Proof of Loss Report(s) for the Contract Year under review, the FHCF will send the Company a letter outlining the process for submitting the Proof of Loss Report(s) and including a deadline to file. Once the Proof of Loss Report(s) is received by the FHCF Administrator, the FHCF's Administrator will calculate a revised reimbursement. The SBA shall then review the submitted Proof of Loss Report(s) with respect to the examiner's findings, and accept the Proof of Loss Report(s) as filed or contact the Company with any questions. Once the SBA has accepted the corrected Proof of Loss Report(s) as a sufficient response to the examiner's findings, the exam is closed.

 

(i)

The examiner's list of errors is made available in the examination report sent to the Company. Given that the examination was based on a sample of the Company's policies or claims rather than the whole universe of the Company's Covered Policies or reported claims, the error list is not intended to provide a complete list of errors but is intended to indicate what information needs to be reviewed and corrected throughout the Company's book of Covered Policy business or claims information to ensure more complete and accurate reporting to the FHCF.

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(5)

Costs of the Examinations

The costs of the examinations shall be borne by the SBA. However, in order to remove any incentive for a Company to delay preparations for an examination, the SBA shall be reimbursed by the Company for any examination expenses incurred in addition to the usual and customary costs, which additional expenses were incurred as a result of the Company's failure, despite proper notice, to be prepared for the examination or as a result of a Company's failure to provide requested information. All requested information must be complete and accurate.

ARTICLE XIV - OFFSETS

The SBA reserves the right to offset amounts payable to the SBA from the Company, including amounts payable under the Reimbursement Contract for any Contract Year and also including the Company's full Reimbursement Premium for the current Contract Year (regardless of installment due dates), against any (1) Reimbursement Premium refunds under any Contract Year, (2) reimbursement or advance amounts, or (3) amounts agreed to in a commutation agreement, which are due and payable to the Company from the SBA as a result of the liability of the SBA.

ARTICLE XV - INSOLVENCY OF THE COMPANY

Company shall notify the FHCF immediately upon becoming insolvent. Except as otherwise provided below, no reimbursements will be made until the FHCF has completed and closed its examination of the insolvent Company's Losses, unless an agreement is entered into by the court appointed receiver specifying that all data and computer systems required for FHCF exposure and claims examinations will be maintained until completion of the Company's exposure and claims examinations. Except as otherwise provided below, in order to account for potential erroneous reporting, the SBA shall hold back 25% of requested reimbursements until the exposure and claims examinations for the Company are completed. Only those Losses supported by the examination will be reimbursed. Pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(g), Florida Statutes, the FHCF is required to pay the "net amount of all reimbursement moneys" due an insolvent insurer to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) for the benefit of Florida policyholders. For the purpose of this Contract, a Company is insolvent when an order of liquidation with a finding of insolvency has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction. In light of the need for an immediate infusion of funds to enable policyholders of insolvent companies to be paid for their claims, the SBA may enter into agreements with FIGA allowing exposure and claims examinations to take place immediately without the usual notice and response time limitations and allowing the FHCF to make reimbursements (net of any amounts payable to the SBA from the Company or FIGA) to FIGA before the examinations are completed and before the response time expires for claims filing by reinsurers and financial institutions, which have a priority interest in those funds pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(g), Florida Statutes. Such agreements must ensure the availability of the necessary records and adequate security must be provided so that if the FHCF determines that it overpaid FIGA on behalf of the Company, or if claims are filed by reinsurers or financial institutions having a priority interest in these funds, that the funds will be repaid to the FHCF by FIGA within a reasonable time.

ARTICLE XVI - TERMINATION

The FHCF and the obligations of both parties under this Contract can be terminated only as may be provided by law or applicable rules.

ARTICLE XVII - VIOLATIONS

(1)

Statutory Provisions

 

(a)

Section 215.555(10), Florida Statutes, provides that any violation of Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, or of rules adopted under that section, constitutes a violation of the Florida Insurance Code. This Contract has been adopted as part of Rule 19-8.010, Florida Administrative Code, under the authority of that section of Florida Statutes.

 

(b)

Section 215.555(11), Florida Statutes, authorizes the SBA to take any action necessary to enforce the rules and the provisions and requirements of this Contract, required by and adopted pursuant to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes.

(2)

Noncompliance

 

(a)

As used in this Article, the term "noncompliance" means the failure of the Company to meet any applicable requirement of Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, or of any rule adopted under the authority of that section of Florida Statutes, including, but not limited to, any failure to meet a deadline for an FHCF payment, Data Call submissions or resubmissions, Loss reporting or commutation documentation, or a deadline related to SBA examination requirements. The Company remains in a state of noncompliance as long as the Company fails to meet the applicable requirement(s).

 

(b)

If the Company is in a state of noncompliance, the SBA reserves the right to withhold any payments or advances due to the Company until the SBA determines that the Company is no longer in a state of noncompliance.

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ARTICLE XVIII - APPLICABLE LAW

This Contract shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Florida in respect of any matter relating to or arising out of this Contract.

ARTICLE XIX - DUE DATES

If any due date provided in this Contract is a Saturday, Sunday or a legal State of Florida or federal holiday, then the actual due date will be the day immediately following the applicable due date which is not a Saturday, Sunday or a legal State of Florida or federal holiday.

ARTICLE XX - REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT ELECTIONS

(1)

Coverage Level

For purposes of determining reimbursement (if any) due the Company under this Contract and in accordance with the Statute, the Company has the option to elect a 45% or 75% or 90% Coverage Level under this Contract. If the Company is a member of an NAIC group, all members must elect the same Coverage Level, and the individual executing this Contract on behalf of the Company, by placing his or her initials in the box under (a) below, affirms that the Company has elected the same Coverage Level as all members of its NAIC group. If the Company is an entity created pursuant to Section 627.351, Florida Statutes, the Company must elect the 90% Coverage Level. The Company shall not be permitted to change its Coverage Level after the March 1 statutory deadline for execution of the Contract. The Company shall be permitted to change its Coverage Level upon timely execution of the Contract for the next Contract Year, but may not reduce its Coverage Level if revenue bonds issued under Section 215.555(6), Florida Statutes, are outstanding.

The Coverage Level elected by the Company for the prior Contract Year effective June 1, 2019 was as follows: Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company - 45%

 

(a)

NAIC Group Affirmation: Initial the following box if the Company is part of an NAIC Group:

 

(b)

Coverage Level Election: The Company hereby elects the following Coverage Level for the Contract Year from 12:00:01 a.m., Eastern Time, June 1, 2020, to 12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, May 31, 2021, (the individual executing this Contract on behalf of the Company shall place his or her initials in the box to the left of the percentage elected for the Company):

 

 

 

45%OR

 

75%OR

90%

 

(2)

Additional Living Expense (ALE) Written as Time Element Coverage

If your Company writes Covered Policies that provide ALE coverage on a time element basis (i.e., coverage is based on a specific period of time as opposed to a stated dollar limit), you must initial the `Yes — Time Element ALE' box below. If your Company does not write time element ALE coverage, initial 'No — Time Element ALE' box below.

 

 

 

OR

 

Yes — Time

 

 

 

No — Time

Element ALE

 

 

 

Element ALE

 

ARTICLE XXI - SIGNATURES

Approved by:

Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., on Behalf of the State Board of Administration of the State of Florida and as Administrator of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

 

By:

/s/ Martin K. Helgested

 

 

03-27-2020

 

 

 

Date

 

 

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Authority to sign on behalf of the Company:

The person signing this Contract on behalf of the Company hereby represents that he or she is an officer of the Company, acting within his or her authority to enter into this Contract on behalf of the Company, with the requisite authority to bind the Company and make the representations on behalf of the Company as set forth in this Contract.

Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company

 

Printed Name and Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

Date

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.30

 

 

 

STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
OF FLORIDA

1801 HERMITAGE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32308

(850) 488-4406

w E         POST OFFICE BOX 13300

32317-3300

RON DESANTIS
GOVERNOR
CHAIR

JIMMY PATRON'S
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ASHLEY MOODY
ATTORNEY GENERAL

ASHBEL C. WILLIAMS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR &
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective: June 1, 2020
("Contract")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

between

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TYPTAP INSURANCE COMPANY
("Company")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC # 15885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

THE STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA ("SBA")
WHICH ADMINISTERS THE FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND ("FHCF")

 

PREAMBLE

Section 215.555, Florida Statutes creates the FHCF and directs the SBA to administer the FHCF. This Contract, consisting of the principal document entitled Reimbursement Contract, addressing the mandatory FHCF coverage, and Addenda, is subject to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, and to any administrative rule adopted pursuant thereto, and is not intended to be in conflict therewith. All provisions in the principal document are equally applicable to each Addendum unless specifically superseded by one of the Addenda. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I - SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

As a condition precedent to the SBA's obligations under this Contract, the Company shall report to the SBA in a specified format the business it writes which is described in this Contract as Covered Policies. The terms of this Contract shall determine the rights and obligations of the parties. This Contract provides reimbursement to the Company under certain circumstances, as described herein, and does not provide or extend insurance or reinsurance coverage to any person, firm, corporation or other entity. The SBA shall reimburse the Company for its Ultimate Net Loss on Covered Policies, which were in force and in effect at the time of the Covered Event causing the Loss, in excess of the Company's Retention as a result of each Covered Event commencing during the Contract Year, to the extent funds are available, all as hereinafter defined.

ARTICLE II - PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT

This Contract is solely between the Company, an Authorized Insurer or any entity writing Covered Policies under Section 627.351, Florida Statutes, in the State of Florida, and the SBA. In no instance shall any insured of the Company, any claimant against an insured of the Company, or any other third party have any rights under this Contract, except as provided in Article XV. The SBA will disburse funds only to the Company, except as provided for in Article XV. The Company shall not, without the prior approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, sell, assign, or transfer to any third party, in return for a fee or other consideration any sums the FHCF pays under this Contract or the right to receive such sums.

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ARTICLE III — TERM; EXECUTION

(1)

Term

This Contract applies to Losses from Covered Events which commence during the period from 12:00:01 a.m., Eastern Time, June 1, 2020, to 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, May 31, 2021 (the "Contract Year"). The SBA shall not be liable for Losses from Covered Events which commence after the effective time and date of expiration or termination. Should this Contract expire or terminate while a Covered Event is in progress, the SBA shall be responsible for such Covered Event in progress in the same manner and to the same extent it would have been responsible had the Contract expired the day following the conclusion of the Covered Event in progress.

(2)

Mandatory Nature of this Contract

 

(a)

Statutory Requirement

This Contract has been adopted as part of Rule 19-8.010, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), in fulfillment of the statutory requirement that the SBA enter into a Contract with each Company writing Covered Policies in Florida. Under Section 215.555(4)(a), Florida Statutes, the SBA must enter into such a Contract with each such Company, and each such Company must enter into the Contract as a condition of doing business in Florida. Under Section 215.555(16)(c), Florida Statutes, Companies writing Covered Policies must execute the Contract by March 1 of the immediately preceding Contract Year.

 

(b)

Duty to Provide a Fully and Timely Executed Copy of this Contract to the FHCF Administrator

The Company must provide a frilly executed copy of this Contract in electronic form to the Administrator no later than the March 1 statutory deadline for execution, or, in the case of a New Participant, no later than 30 days after the New Participant began writing Covered Policies.

(3)

Contract Deemed Executed Notwithstanding Execution Errors

Except with respect to New Participants, this Contract is deemed to have been executed by the Company as of the March 1 statutory deadline, notwithstanding the fact that the Coverage Level election in Article XX(1)(b) may be invalid, and notwithstanding the fact that the person purporting to execute the Contract on the part of the Company may have lacked the requisite authority. With respect to New Participants, this Contract is deemed to have been executed by the New Participant as of the date on which the New Participant began writing Covered Policies; coverage shall be determined as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d). Execution of this Contract by or on behalf of an entity that does not write Covered Policies is void. If the Company failed to timely submit an executed copy of this Contract, or if the executed Contract includes an invalid Coverage Level election under Article XX, the Company's Coverage Level shall be deemed as follows:

 

(a)

For a Company that is a member of a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) group, the same Coverage Level selected by the other Companies of the same NAIC group shall be deemed. If executed Contracts for none of the members of an NAIC group have been received by the FHCF Administrator, the Coverage Level from the prior Contract Year shall be deemed.

 

(b)

For a Company that is not a member of an NAIC group under which other Companies are active participants in the FHCF, the Coverage Level from the prior Contract Year shall be deemed.

 

(c)

For a New Participant that is a member of an NAIC group, the same Coverage Level selected by the other Companies of the same NAIC group shall be deemed.

 

(d)

For a New Participant that is not a member of an NAIC group under which other Companies are active participants in the FHCF, the 45%, 75% or 90% Coverage Levels may be selected if the FHCF Administrator receives executed Contracts within 30 calendar days after the effective date of the first Covered Policy, otherwise, the 45% Coverage Level shall be deemed to have been selected.

 

 

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ARTICLE IV - LIABILITY OF THE FHCF

(1)

The SBA shall reimburse the Company with respect to each Covered Event commencing during the Contract Year in the amount of Ultimate Net Loss paid by the Company in excess of the Company's Retention, as adjusted pursuant to the definition of Retention in Article V, multiplied by the applicable Coverage Level, plus 10% of the reimbursed Losses as a Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance, the total of which shall not exceed the Company's Limit.

(2)

Section 215.555(4)(c)1., Florida Statutes provides that the obligation of the FHCF with respect to all Contracts covering a particular Contract Year shall not exceed the Actual Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF up to a specified dollar limit.

(3)

In order to assure that reimbursements do not exceed the statutory limit on the obligation of the FHCF provided in Section 215.555(4)(c)1., Florida Statutes, the SBA shall, upon the occurrence of a Covered Event, evaluate the potential Losses to the FHCF and the FHCF's capacity at the time of the event. The initial Projected Payout Multiple used to reimburse the Company for its Losses shall not exceed the Projected Payout Multiple as calculated based on the capacity needed to provide the FHCF's coverage. If it appears that the Estimated Claims-Paying Capacity may be exceeded, the SBA shall reduce the projected payout factors or multiples for determining each participating insurer's projected payout uniformly among all insurers to reflect the Estimated Claims-Paying Capacity.

(4)

Reimbursement amounts shall not be reduced by reinsurance paid or payable to the Company from other sources. Once the Company's Limit has been exhausted, the Company will not be entitled to further reimbursements.

ARTICLE V - DEFINITIONS

As used in this Contract, the following words and phrases are defined to mean:

(1)

Actual Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF

This term means the sum of the Balance of the Fund as of December 31 of a Contract Year, plus any reinsurance purchased by the FHCF, plus the amount the SBA is able to raise through the issuance of revenue bonds under Section 215.555(6), Florida Statutes.

(2)

Actuarially Indicated

This term means an amount determined according to principles of actuarial science to be adequate, but not excessive, in the aggregate, to pay current and future obligations and expenses of the fund, including additional amounts if needed to pay debt service on revenue bonds and to provide required debt service coverage in excess of the amounts required to pay actual debt service on revenue bonds, and determined according to principles of actuarial science to reflect each insurer's relative exposure to hurricane losses.

(3)

Additional Living Expense (ALE)

ALE Losses covered by the FHCF are not to exceed 40 percent of the insured value of a Residential Structure or its contents. Fair rental value, loss of rents, or business interruption losses are not covered by the FHCF.

(4)

Administrator

This term means the entity with which the SBA contracts to perform administrative tasks associated with the operations of the FHCF. The current Administrator is Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., 8200 Tower, 5600 West 83rd Street, Suite 1100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55437. The telephone number is (800) 689-3863, and the facsimile number is (800) 264-0492.

(5)

Authorized Insurer

This term is defined in Section 624.09(1), Florida Statutes.

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(6)

Balance of the Fund as of December 31 or Fund Balance

This term means the amount of assets available to pay claims resulting from Covered Events which occurred during the Contract Year, not including any pre-event or post-event bonds, reinsurance, or proceeds from other financing mechanisms.

(7)

Borrowing Capacity

This term means the amount of funds which are able to be raised by the issuance of revenue bonds or through other financing mechanisms, less bond issuance expenses and reserves.

(8)

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens)

This term means Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as created under Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes. For the purposes of the FHCF, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation incorporates two accounts, (a) the coastal account and (b) the personal lines and commercial lines accounts. Each account is treated by the FHCF as if it were a separate participating insurer with its own reportable exposures, Reimbursement Premium, Retention, and Ultimate Net Loss.

(9)

Covered Event

This term means any one storm declared to be a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center which causes insured losses in Florida. A Covered Event begins when a hurricane causes damage in Florida while it is a hurricane and continues throughout any subsequent downgrades in storm status by the National Hurricane Center regardless of whether the hurricane makes landfall. Any storm, including a tropical storm, which does not become a hurricane is not a Covered Event.

(10)

Coverage Level

This term means the level of reimbursement (90%, 75%, or 45%), as elected by the Company under Article XX or deemed under Article III(3), which is used in determining reimbursement under Article IV.

(11)

Covered Policy

 

(a)

Covered Policy, as defined in Section 215.555(2)(c), Florida Statutes, is further clarified to mean only that portion of a binder, policy or contract of insurance that insures real or personal property located in the State of Florida to the extent such policy insures a Residential Structure or the contents of a Residential Structure, located in the State of Florida.

(b)

 

1.

 

Covered Policy also includes any collateral protection insurance policy covering personal residences which protects both the borrower's and the lender's financial interest, in an amount at least equal to the coverage for the dwelling in place under the lapsed homeowner's policy, if such policy can be accurately reported as required in Section 215.555(5), Florida Statutes. A Company will be deemed to be able to accurately report data if the company submits the required data as specified in the Data Call adopted under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

 

2.

The SBA finds that the replacement cost value of a dwelling is the functional equivalent of the dwelling coverage amount under the lapsed homeowner's policy and that coverage in the amount of the replacement cost value fulfills the legislative intent that collateral protection policies are to be covered by the FHCF only when they protect the borrower's interest in the dwelling to the same extent as a traditional residential policy. Therefore, for purposes of this definition of Covered Policy, a collateral protection policy is deemed to be written in an amount at least equal to the coverage for the dwelling in place under the lapsed homeowner's policy if the dwelling coverage amount is either:

 

a.

Equal to or greater than the amount of dwelling coverage in place under the "lapsed homeowner's policy," i.e., the last residential policy placed by the borrower; or

 

b.

Equal to or greater than 100% of the replacement cost value of the dwelling, as determined under a methodology approved in advance as required by the Data Call. For the purpose of this determination, "replacement cost value" means the cost to replace the dwelling on the same premises, without deduction for depreciation, with material of like kind and quality and for like use.

 

(c)

Covered Policy does not include any policy or exposure excluded under Article VI.

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(12)

Deductible Buy-Back Policy

This term means a specific policy that provides coverage to a policyholder for some portion of the policyholder's deductible under a policy issued by another insurer.

(13)

Estimated Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF

This term means the sum of the projected Balance of the Fund as of December 31 of a Contract Year, plus any reinsurance purchased by the FHCF, plus the most recent estimate of the Borrowing Capacity of the FHCF, determined pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes.

(14)

Excess Policy

This term means, for the purposes of this Contract, a policy that provides insurance protection for large commercial property risks and that provides a layer of coverage above a primary layer (which is insured by a different insurer) that acts much the same as a very large deductible.

(15)

Insurer Group

For purposes of the Coverage Level election in Section 215.555(4)(b), Florida Statutes, Insurer Group means the group designation assigned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for regulatory purposes. A Company is a member of a group as designated by the NAIC until such Company is assigned another group designation or is no longer a member of a group.

(16)

Limit

This term means the maximum amount that a Company may recover under this Contract, calculated by multiplying the Company's Reimbursement Premium by the Payout Multiple.

(17)

Loss

This term means an incurred loss under a Covered Policy from a Covered Event, including Additional Living Expenses not to exceed 40 percent of the insured value of a Residential Structure or its contents and amounts paid as fees on behalf of or inuring to the benefit of a policyholder. The term Loss does not include allocated or unallocated loss adjustment expenses or any item for which this Contract does not provide reimbursement pursuant to the exclusions in Article VI.

(18)

Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance

 

(a)

The Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance is equal to 10% of the reimbursed Losses under this Contract as provided in Article IV, pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(b)1., Florida Statutes.

 

(b)

The Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance is included in, and not in addition to, the Limit applicable to a Company.

(19)

New Participant

This term means a Company that begins writing Covered Policies on or after the beginning of the Contract Year. A Company that removes Covered Policies from Citizens pursuant to an assumption agreement effective on or after June 1 and had written no other Covered Policies before June 1 is also considered a New Participant.

(20)

Payout Multiple

This term means the multiple as calculated in accordance with Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes, which is derived by dividing the actual single season Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF by the total aggregate industry Reimbursement Premium for the FHCF for the Contract Year billed as of December 31 of the Contract Year. The final Payout Multiple is determined once Reimbursement Premiums have been billed as of December 31 and the amount of bond proceeds has been determined.

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(21)

Premium Formula

This term means the Formula developed pursuant to Section 215.555(5)(b), Florida Statutes, and approved by the SBA Trustees for the purpose of determining the Actuarially Indicated Reimbursement Premium to be paid to the FHCF.

(22)

Projected Payout Multiple

The Projected Payout Multiple is used to calculate a Company's projected payout pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(d)2., Florida Statutes. The Projected Payout Multiple is derived by dividing the estimated single season Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF by the estimated total aggregate industry Reimbursement Premium for the FHCF for the Contract Year. The Company's Reimbursement Premium as paid to the SBA for the Contract Year is multiplied by the Projected Payout Multiple to estimate the Company's coverage from the FHCF for the Contract Year.

(23)

Reimbursement Premium or Premium

These terms mean the amount to be paid by the Company, as determined by multiplying each $1,000 of insured value reported by the Company in accordance with Section 215.555(5)(b), Florida Statutes, by the rate as derived from the Premium Formula, as described in Rule 19-8.028, F.A.C.

(24)

Residential Structure

In general, this term means a unit or building used exclusively or predominantly for dwelling or habitational occupancies, including the primary structure and appurtenant structures insured under the same Covered Policy and any other structures covered under endorsements associated with the Covered Policy covering the Residential Structure.

 

(a)

With respect to a unit or home insured under a personal lines residential policy form, such unit or home is deemed to have a habitational occupancy and to be a Residential Structure regardless of the term of its occupancy.

 

(b)

With respect to a condominium structure or complex insured under a commercial lines policy, such structure is deemed to have a habitational occupancy and to be a Residential Structure, regardless of the term of occupancy of individual units.

 

(c)

A single structure which includes a mix of commercial habitational and commercial non-habitational occupancies, and is insured under a commercial lines policy, is considered a Residential Structure if 50% or more of the total insured value of the structure is used for habitational occupancies.

 

(d)

Residential Structures do not include any structures excluded under Article VI.

(25)

Retention

This term means the amount of Losses from a Covered Event which must be incurred by the Company before it is eligible for reimbursement from the FHCF.

 

(a)

When the Company incurs Losses from one or two Covered Events during the Contract Year, the Company's full Retention shall be applied to each of the Covered Events.

 

(b)

When the Company incurs Losses from more than two Covered Events during the Contract Year, the Company's full Retention shall be applied to each of the two Covered Events causing the largest Losses for the Company. For each other Covered Event resulting in Losses, the Company's Retention shall be reduced to one-third of its full Retention.

 

1.

All reimbursement of Losses for each Covered Event shall be based on the Company's full Retention until December 31 of the Contract Year. Adjustments to reflect a reduction to one-third of the full Retention shall be made on or after January 1 of the Contract Year provided the Company reports its Losses as specified in this Contract.

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2.

Adjustments to the Company's Retention shall be based upon its paid and outstanding Losses as reported on the Company's Proof of Loss Reports, but shall not include incurred but not reported Losses. The Company's Proof of Loss Reports shall be used to determine which Covered Events constitute the Company's two largest Covered Events. After this initial determination, any subsequent adjustments shall be made quarterly by the SBA only if the Proof of Loss Reports reveal that loss development patterns have resulted in a change in the order of Covered Events entitled to the reduction to one-third of the full Retention.

 

(c)

The Company's full Retention is established in accordance with the provisions of Section 215.555(2)(e), Florida Statutes, and shall be determined by multiplying the Retention Multiple by the Company's Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year.

(26)

Retention Multiple

 

(a)

The Retention Multiple is applied to the Company's Reimbursement Premium to determine the Company's Retention. The Retention Multiple for the 2020/2021 Contract Year shall be equal to $4.5 billion, adjusted based upon the reported exposure for the 2018/2019 Contract Year to reflect the percentage growth in exposure to the FHCF since 2004, divided by the estimated total industry Reimbursement Premium at the 90% Coverage Level for the Contract Year as determined by the SBA.

 

(b)

The Retention Multiple shall be adjusted to reflect the Coverage Level elected by the Company under this Contract as follows:

 

1.

If the Company elects the 90% Coverage Level, the adjusted Retention Multiple is 100% of the amount determined under paragraph (a);

 

2.

If the Company elects the 75% Coverage Level, the adjusted Retention Multiple is 120% of the amount determined under paragraph (a); or

 

3.

If the Company elects the 45% Coverage Level, the adjusted Retention Multiple is 200% of the amount determined under paragraph (a).

(27)

Ultimate Net Loss

 

(a)

This term means all Losses under Covered Policies in force at the time of a Covered Event prior to the application of the Company's Retention and Coverage Level, and excluding loss adjustment expense and any exclusions under Article VI.

 

(b)

In calculating the Company's Ultimate Net Loss, the amounts described in paragraph (a) shall be reduced by the deductibles applicable under the policy to the hurricane loss, which must first be applied to the portion of the Loss covered by the FHCF.

 

(c)

Salvages and all other recoveries, excluding reinsurance recoveries, shall be first deducted from such Loss to arrive at the amount of liability attaching hereunder.

 

(d)

All salvages, recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to a Loss settlement under this Contract shall be applied as if recovered or received prior to the aforesaid settlement and all necessary adjustments shall be made by the parties hereto.

 

(e)

The SBA shall be subrogated to the rights of the Company to the extent of its reimbursement of the Company. The Company agrees to assist and cooperate with the SBA in all respects as regards such subrogation. The Company further agrees to undertake such actions as may be necessary to enforce its rights of salvage and subrogation, and its rights, if any, against other insurers as respects any claim, loss, or payment arising out of a Covered Event.

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ARTICLE VI — EXCLUSIONS

This Contract does not provide reimbursement for:

(1)

Any losses not defined as being within the scope of a Covered Policy, including any loss other than a loss under the first-party property section of a policy pertaining strictly to the structure, its contents, appurtenant structures, or ALE coverage.

(2)

Any policy which excludes wind or hurricane coverage.

(3)

Any Excess Policy or Deductible Buy-Back Policy that requires individual ratemaking, as determined by the FHCF.

(4)

 

(a)

 

Any policy for Residential Structures that provides a layer of coverage underneath an Excess Policy issued by a different insurer;

 

(b)

Any policy providing a layer of windstorm or hurricane coverage for a particular structure above or below a layer of windstorm or hurricane coverage under a separate policy issued by a different insurer, or any other circumstance in which two or more insurers provide primary windstorm or hurricane coverage for a single structure using separate policy forms;

 

(c)

Any other policy providing a layer of windstorm or hurricane coverage for a particular structure below a layer of self-insured windstorm or hurricane coverage for the same structure; or

 

(d)

The exclusions in this subsection do not apply to primary quota share policies written by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation under Section 627.351(6)(c)2., Florida Statutes.

(5)

Any liability of the Company attributable to losses for fair rental value, loss of rent or rental income, or business interruption.

(6)

Any collateral protection policy that does not meet the definition of Covered Policy as defined in Article V(11)(b).

(7)

Any reinsurance assumed by the Company.

(8)

Hotels, motels, timeshares, shelters, camps, retreats, or other similar structures. This exclusion does not apply to any policy identified as covering a residential condominium association or to any policy on which the insured is a residential condominium association.

(9)

Retail, office, mercantile, or manufacturing facilities, or other similar structures.

(10)

Any exposure for condominium or homeowner associations if no Residential Structures are insured under the policy.

(11)

Commercial healthcare facilities and nursing homes; however, a nursing home which is an integral part of a retirement community consisting primarily of habitational structures that are not nursing homes will not be subject to this exclusion.

(12)

Any exposure under commercial policies covering only appurtenant structures or structures that do not function as a habitational structure (e.g., a policy covering only the pool of an apartment complex).

(13)

Policies covering only Additional Living Expense.

(14)

Any exposure for barns or barns with apartments or living quarters.

(15)

Any exposure for builders risk coverage or new Residential Structures under construction.

(16)

Any exposure for vehicles, recreational vehicles, golf carts, or boats (including boat related equipment) requiring licensing.

(17)

Any liability of the Company for extra contractual obligations or liabilities in excess of original policy limits. This exclusion includes, but is not limited to, amounts paid as bad faith awards, punitive damages awards, or other court-imposed fines, sanctions, or penalties; or other amounts in excess of the coverage limits under the Covered Policy.

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(18)

Any losses paid in excess of a policy's hurricane limit in force at the time of the Covered Event, including individual coverage limits (i.e., building, appurtenant structures, contents, and additional living expense), or other amounts paid as the result of a voluntary expansion of coverage by the insurer, including, but not limited to, a discount on or waiver of an applicable deductible. This exclusion includes overpayments of a specific individual coverage limit even if total payments under the policy are within the aggregate policy limit.

(19)

Any losses paid under a policy for Additional Living Expense, written as a time element coverage, in excess of the Additional Living Expense exposure reported for that policy under the Data Call for the applicable Contract Year (unless policy limits have changed effective after June 30 of the Contract Year).

(20)

Any losses which the Company's claims files do not adequately support. Claim file support shall be deemed adequate if in compliance with the Records Retention Requirements outlined on the Form FHCF-L1B (Proof of Loss Report) applicable to the Contract Year.

(21)

Any exposure for, or amounts paid to reimburse a policyholder for, condominium association loss assessments or under similar coverages for contractual liabilities.

(22)

Losses in excess of the aggregate limits of liability specified in Article IV and in Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes.

(23)

Any liability assumed by the Company from Pools, Associations, and Syndicates. Exception: Covered Policies assumed from Citizens under the terms and conditions of an executed assumption agreement between the Company and Citizens are covered by this Contract.

(24)

All liability of the Company arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise, from its participation or membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any insolvency fund. "Insolvency fund" includes any guaranty fund, insolvency fund, plan, pool, association, fund or other arrangement, howsoever denominated, established or governed, which provides for any assessment of or payment or assumption by the Company of part or all of any claim, debt, charge, fee, or other obligation of an insurer, or its successors or assigns, which has been declared by any competent authority to be insolvent, or which is otherwise deemed unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, fee or other obligation in whole or in part.

(25)

Property losses that are proximately caused by any peril other than a Covered Event, including, but not limited to, fire, theft, flood or rising water, or windstorm that does not constitute a Covered Event, or any liability of the Company for loss or damage caused by or resulting from nuclear reaction, nuclear radiation, or radioactive contamination from any cause, whether direct or indirect, proximate or remote, and regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to the loss.

(26)

Losses from water damage including flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, storm surge, or spray from any of these, whether or not driven by wind.

(27)

A policy providing personal property coverage separate from coverage of personal property included in a homeowner's, mobile home owner's, condominium unit owner's, or tenant's policy or other policy covering a Residential Structure, or in an endorsement to such a policy. Also excluded is a personal property endorsement to a policy that excludes windstorm or hurricane coverage or to any other type of policy that does not meet the definition of covered policy.

(28)

Endorsements predominantly covering Specialized Fine Arts Risks or collectible types of property meeting the following requirements:

 

(a)

An endorsement predominantly covering Specialized Fine Arts Risks and not covering any Residential Structure if it meets the description in subparagraph 1 and if the conditions in subparagraph 2 are met.

 

1.

For purposes of this exemption, a Specialized Fine Arts Risk endorsement is an endorsement that:

 

a.

Insures works of art, of rarity, or of historic value, such as paintings, works on paper, etchings, art glass windows, pictures, statuary, sculptures, tapestries, antique furniture, antique silver, antique rugs, rare books or manuscripts, jewelry, or other similar items;

 

b.

Charges a minimum premium of $500; and

 

c.

Insures scheduled items valued, in the aggregate, at no less than $100,000.

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2.

The insurer offers specialized loss prevention services or other collector services designed to prevent or minimize loss, or to value or inventory the Specialized Fine Arts for insurance purposes, such as:

 

a.

Collection risk assessments;

 

b.

Fire and security loss prevention;

 

c.

Warehouse inspections to protect items stored off-site;

 

d.

Assistance with collection inventory management; or

 

e.

Collection valuation reviews.

 

(b)

An endorsement generally used by the Company to cover personal property which could include property of a collectible nature, including fine arts, as further described in this paragraph, either on a scheduled basis or written under a blanket limit, and not covering anything other than personal property. All such endorsements are subject to the exclusion provided in this paragraph when the endorsement limit equals or exceeds $500,000. Generally such collectible property has unusually high values due to its investible, artistic, or unique intrinsic nature. The class of property covered under such an endorsement represents an unusually high exposure value and such endorsement is intended to provide coverage for a class or classes of property that is not typical for the contents coverage under residential property insurance policies. In many cases property may be located at various locations either in or outside the state of Florida or the location of the property may change from time to time. The investment nature of such property distinguishes this type of exposure from the typical contents associated with a Covered Policy.

(29)

Any losses under liability coverages.

ARTICLE VII - MANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS AND LOSSES

The Company shall investigate and settle or defend all claims and Losses. All payments of claims or Losses by the Company within the terms and limits of the appropriate coverage parts of Covered Policies shall be binding on the SBA, subject to the terms of this Contract, including the provisions in Article XIII relating to inspection of records and examinations.

ARTICLE VIII —REIMBURSEMENT ADJUSTMENTS

Section 215.555(4)(d) and (e), Florida Statutes, provides the SBA with the right to seek the return of excess reimbursements which have been paid to the Company along with interest thereon. Excess reimbursements are those payments made to the Company by the SBA that are in excess of the Company's coverage under the Contract Year. Excess reimbursements may result from adjustments to the Projected Payout Multiple or the Payout Multiple, incorrect exposure (Data Call) submissions or resubmissions, incorrect calculation of Reimbursement Premium or Retention, incorrect Proof of Loss Reports, incorrect calculation of reinsurance recoveries, or subsequent readjustment of policyholder claims, including subrogation and salvage, or any combination of the foregoing. The Company will be sent an invoice showing the due date for adjustments along with the interest due thereon through the due date. The applicable interest rate for interest credits, and for interest charges for adjustments beyond the Company's control, will be the average rate earned by the SBA for the FHCF for the first four months of the Contract Year. The applicable interest rate for interest charges on excess reimbursements due to adjustments resulting from incorrect exposure submissions or Proof of Loss Reports will accrue at this rate plus 5%. All interest will continue to accrue if not paid by the due date.

ARTICLE IX - REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM

(1)

The Company shall, in a timely manner, pay the SBA its Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year. The Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year shall be calculated in accordance with Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, with any rules promulgated thereunder, and with Article X(2).

(2)

The Company's Reimbursement Premium is based on its June 30 exposure in accordance with Article X, except as provided for New Participants under Article X, and is not adjusted to reflect an increase or decrease in exposure for Covered Policies effective after June 30 nor is the Reimbursement Premium adjusted when the Company cancels policies or is liquidated or otherwise changes its business status (merger, acquisition, or termination) or stops writing new business (continues in business with its policies in a runoff mode). Similarly, new business written after June 30 will not increase or decrease the Company's FHCF Reimbursement Premium or impact its FHCF coverage. FHCF Reimbursement Premiums are required of

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all Companies based on their writing Covered Policies in Florida as of June 30, and each Company's FHCF coverage as based on the definition in Section 215.555(2)(m), Florida Statutes, shall exist for the entirety of the Contract Year regardless of exposure changes, except as provided for New Participants under Article X.

(3)

Since the calculation of the Actuarially Indicated Premium assumes that the Companies will pay their Reimbursement Premiums timely, interest charges will accrue under the following circumstances. A Company may choose to estimate its own Reimbursement Premium installments. However, if the Company's estimation is less than the provisional Reimbursement Premium billed, an interest charge will accrue on the difference between the estimated Reimbursement Premium and the final Reimbursement Premium. If a Company estimates its first installment, the Administrator shall bill that estimated Reimbursement Premium as the second installment as well, which will be considered as an estimate by the Company. No interest will accrue regarding any provisional Reimbursement Premium if paid as billed by the FHCF's Administrator, except in the case of an estimated second installment as set forth in this Article. Also, if a Company makes an estimation that is higher than the provisional Reimbursement Premium billed but is less than the final Reimbursement Premium, interest will not accrue. If the Reimbursement Premium payment is not received from a Company when it is due, an interest charge will accrue on a daily basis until the payment is received. Interest will also accrue on Reimbursement Premiums resulting from submissions or resubmissions finalized after December 1 of the Contract Year. An interest credit will be applied for any Reimbursement Premium which is overpaid as either an estimate or as a provisional Reimbursement Premium. Interest shall not be credited past December 1 of the Contract Year. The applicable interest rate for interest credits will be the average rate earned by the SBA for the FHCF for the first four months of the Contract Year. The applicable interest rate for interest charges will accrue at this rate plus 5%.

ARTICLE X - REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

(1)

Exposures

 

(a)

If the Company writes Covered Policies before June 1 of the Contract Year, the Company shall report to the SBA, unless otherwise provided in Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., no later than the statutorily required date of September 1 of the Contract Year, by ZIP Code or other limited geographical area as specified by the SBA, its insured values under Covered Policies as of June 30 of the Contract Year as outlined in the annual reporting of insured values form, FHCF-D1A (Data Call) adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., and other data or information in the format specified by the SBA.

 

(b)

If the Company first begins writing Covered Policies on or after June 1 but prior to December 1 of the Contract Year, the Company shall report to the SBA, no later than February 1 of the Contract Year, by ZIP Code or other limited geographical area as specified by the SBA, its insured values under Covered Policies as of November 30 of the Contract Year as outlined in the Supplemental Instructions for New Participants section of the Data Call adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., and other data or information in the format specified by the SBA.

 

(c)

If the Company first begins writing Covered Policies on December 1 through and including May 31 of the Contract Year, the Company shall not report its exposure data for the Contract Year to the SBA.

 

(d)

The requirement that a report is due on a certain date means that the report shall be received by the SBA no later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Reports sent to the FHCF Administrator in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will be returned to the sender. Reports not in the physical possession of the SBA by 4 p.m., Eastern Time, on the applicable due date are late.

(2)

Reimbursement Premium

 

(a)

If the Company writes Covered Policies before June 1 of the Contract Year, the Company shall pay the FHCF its Reimbursement Premium in installments due on or before August 1, October 1, and December 1 of the Contract Year in amounts to be determined by the FHCF. However, if the Company's Reimbursement Premium for the prior Contract Year was less than $5,000, the Company's fill provisional Reimbursement Premium, in an amount equal to the Reimbursement Premium paid in the prior year, shall be due in full on or before August 1 of the Contract Year. the Company will be invoiced for amounts due, if any, beyond the provisional Reimbursement Premium payment, on or before December 1 of the Contract Year.

 

(b)

If the Company is under administrative supervision, or if any control or oversight of the Company has been transferred through any legal or regulatory action to a state regulator or court appointed receiver or rehabilitator (referred to in the aggregate as "state action"):

 

1.

The full annual provisional Reimbursement Premium as billed and any outstanding balances will be due and payable on August 1, or the date that such State action occurs after August 1 of the Contract Year.

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2.

Failure by such Company to pay the full annual provisional Reimbursement Premium as specified in subparagraph 1. by the applicable due date shall result in the 45% Coverage Level being deemed for the complete Contract Year regardless of the level selected for the Company through the execution of this Contract and regardless of whether a Covered Event occurred or triggered coverage.

 

3.

Subparagraphs 1. and 2. do not apply if the state regulator, receiver, or rehabilitator provides a letter of assurance to the FHCF stating that the Company will have the resources and will pay the full Reimbursement Premium for the Coverage Level selected through the execution of this Contract.

 

4.

When control or oversight has been transferred, in whole or in part, through a legal or regulatory action, the controlling management of the Company shall specify by August 1 or as soon thereafter as possible (but not to exceed two weeks after any regulatory or legal action) in a letter to the FHCF as to the Company's intentions to either pay the full FHCF Reimbursement Premium as specified in subparagraph 1., to default to the 45% Coverage Level being deemed as specified in subparagraph 2., or to provide the assurances as specified in subparagraph 3.

 

(c)

A New Participant that first begins writing Covered Policies on or after June 1 but prior to December 1 of the Contract Year shall pay the FHCF a provisional Reimbursement Premium of $1,000 no later than 30 days from the date the New Participant began writing Covered Policies. The Administrator shall calculate the Company's actual Reimbursement Premium for the period based on its actual exposure as of November 30 of the Contract Year, as reported on or before February 1 of the Contract Year. To recognize that New Participants have limited exposure during this period, the actual Reimbursement Premium as determined by processing the Company's exposure data shall then be divided in half, the provisional Reimbursement Premium shall be credited, and the resulting amount shall be the total Reimbursement Premium due for the Company for the remainder of the Contract Year. However, if that amount is less than $1,000, then the Company shall pay $1,000. The Reimbursement Premium payment is due no later than April 1 of the Contract Year. The Company's Retention and coverage will be determined based on the total Reimbursement Premium due as calculated above.

 

(d)

A New Participant that first begins writing Covered Policies on or after December 1 through and including May 31 of the Contract Year shall pay the FHCF a Reimbursement Premium of $1,000 no later than 30 days from the date the New Participant began writing Covered Policies.

 

(e)

The requirement that the Reimbursement Premium is due on a certain date means that the Reimbursement Premium shall be remitted by wire transfer or ACH and shall have been credited to the FHCF's account, as set out on the invoice sent to the Company, on the due date applicable to the particular installment.

 

(f)

Except as required by Section 215.555(7)(c), Florida Statutes, or as described in the following sentence, Reimbursement Premiums, together with earnings thereon, received in a given Contract Year will be used only to pay for Losses attributable to Covered Events occurring in that Contract Year or for Losses attributable to Covered Events in subsequent Contract Years and will not be used to pay for past Losses or for debt service on post-event revenue bonds issued pursuant to Section 215.555(6)(a)1., Florida Statutes. Reimbursement Premiums and earnings thereon may be used for payments relating to such revenue bonds in the event emergency assessments are insufficient. If Reimbursement Premiums or earnings thereon are used for debt service on post-event revenue bonds, then the amount of the Reimbursement Premiums or earnings thereon so used shall be returned, without interest, to the Fund when emergency assessments or other legally available funds remain available after making payment relating to the post-event revenue bonds and any other purposes for which emergency assessments were levied.

(3)

Losses

 

(a)

In General

Losses resulting from a Covered Event commencing during the Contract Year shall be reported by the Company and reimbursed by the FHCF as provided herein and in accordance with the Statute, this Contract, and any rules adopted pursuant to the Statute. For a Company participating in a quota share primary insurance agreement(s) with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Coastal Account, Citizens and the Company shall report only their respective portion of Losses under the quota share primary insurance agreement(s). Pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(c), Florida Statutes, the SBA is obligated to pay for Losses not to exceed the Actual Claims-Paying Capacity of the FHCF, up to the limit in accordance with Section 215.555(4)(c)1., Florida Statutes, for any one Contract Year.

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(b)

Loss Reports

 

1.

At the direction of the SBA, the Company shall report its projected Ultimate Net Loss from each Covered Event to provide information to the SBA in determining any potential liability for possible reimbursable Losses under the Contract on the Interim Loss Report, Form FHCF-L1A, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C. Interim Loss Reports (including subsequent Interim Loss Reports if required by the SBA) will be due in no less than fourteen days from the date of the notice from the SBA that such a report is required.

 

2.

FHCF reimbursements will be issued based on Ultimate Net Loss information reported by the Company on the Proof of Loss Report, Form FHCF-L1B, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

 

a.

To qualify for reimbursement, the Proof of Loss Report must have the electronic signatures of two executive officers authorized by the Company to sign or submit the report.

 

b.

The Company must also submit a Detailed Claims Listing, Form FHCF-DCL, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C., at the same time it submits its first Proof of Loss Report for a specific Covered Event that qualifies the Company for reimbursement under that Covered Event, and must be prepared to supply a Detailed Claims Listing for any subsequent Proof of Loss Report upon request.

 

c.

While the Company may submit a Proof of Loss Report requesting reimbursement at any time following a Covered Event, the Company shall submit a mandatory Proof of Loss Report for each Covered Event no later than December 31 of the Contract Year during which the Covered Event occurs using the most current data available, regardless of the amount of Ultimate Net Loss or the amount of reimbursements or advances already received.

 

d.

The Company shall submit its Proof of Loss Reports by each quarter-end or year-end using the most current data available, but with an "as of" date not more than sixty days prior to the applicable quarter-end or year-end date.

 

e.

For the Proof of Loss Reports due by December 31 of the Contract Year and the required subsequent annual reports required under subparagraph 4., the Company shall include a Detailed Claims Listing if requested by the SBA.

 

3.

Updated Proof of Loss Reports for each Covered Event are due quarterly thereafter until all Losses resulting from a Covered Event are fully discharged including any adjustments to such Losses due to salvage or other recoveries, or the Company has received its full coverage under the Contract Year in which the Covered Event occurred. Guidelines follow:

 

a.

Quarterly Proof of Loss Reports are due by March 31 from a Company whose Losses exceed, or are expected to exceed, 50% of its FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event.

 

b.

Quarterly Proof of Loss Reports are due by June 30 from all Companies regardless of the amount of Ultimate Net Loss or the amount of reimbursements or advances already received.

 

c.

Quarterly Proof of Loss Reports are due by September 30 and quarterly thereafter from a Company whose Losses exceed, or are expected to exceed, its FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event, except as required under subparagraph 4.

If the Company's Retention must be recalculated as the result of an exposure resubmission, and if the recalculated Retention changes the FHCF's reimbursement obligations, then the Company shall submit additional Proof of Loss Reports for recalculation of the FHCF's obligations.

 

4.

The Company shall submit a mandatory Proof of Loss Report for each Covered Event by June 30 and December 31 of each calendar year following the end of the Contract Year, regardless of whether the Company's Losses exceed, or are expected to exceed, its FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event. This Proof of Loss Report filing requirement shall continue until the earlier of the commutation process described in paragraph (3)(d) or until all Losses resulting from the Covered Event are fully discharged including any adjustments to such Losses due to salvage or other recoveries.

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5.

The SBA, except as noted below, will determine and pay, within 30 days or as soon as practicable after receiving Proof of Loss Reports, the reimbursement amount due based on Losses paid by the Company to date and adjustments to this amount based on subsequent quarterly information. The adjustments to reimbursement amounts shall require the SBA to pay, or the Company to return, amounts reflecting the most recent determination of Losses.

 

a.

The SBA shall have the right to consult with all relevant regulatory agencies to seek all relevant information, and shall consider any other factors deemed relevant, prior to the issuance of reimbursements.

 

b.

The SBA shall require commercial self-insurance funds established under Section 624.462, Florida Statutes, to submit contractor receipts to support paid Losses reported on a Proof of Loss Report, and the SBA may hire an independent consultant to confirm Losses, prior to the issuance of reimbursements.

 

c.

The SBA shall have the right to conduct a claims examination prior to the issuance of any advances or reimbursements requested by Companies that have been placed under regulatory supervision by a State or where control has been transferred through any legal or regulatory proceeding to a state regulator or court appointed receiver or rehabilitator.

 

6.

All Proof of Loss Reports received will be compared with the FHCF's exposure data to establish the facial reasonableness of the reports. The SBA may also review the results of current and prior Contract Year exposure and claims examinations to determine the reasonableness of the reported Losses. Except as noted in subparagraph 5., Companies meeting these tests for reasonableness will be scheduled for reimbursement. Companies not meeting these tests for reasonableness will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be contacted to provide specific information regarding their individual book of business. The discovery of errors in a Company's reported exposure under the Data Call may require a resubmission of the current Contract Year Data Call which, as the Data Call impacts the Company's Reimbursement Premium, Retention, and coverage for the Contract Year, will be required before the Company's request for reimbursement or an advance will be fully processed by the Administrator.

 

(c)

Loss Reimbursement Calculations

 

1.

In general, the Company's paid Ultimate Net Losses must exceed its full FHCF Retention for a specific Covered Event before any reimbursement is payable from the FHCF for that Covered Event. As described in Article V(25)(b), Retention adjustments will be made on or after January 1 of the Contract Year. No interest is payable on additional payments to the Company due to this type of Retention adjustment. Each Company, including entities created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes, incurring reimbursable Losses will receive the amount of reimbursement due under the individual Company's Contract up to the amount of the Company's payout. If more than one Covered Event occurs in any one Contract Year, any reimbursements due from the FHCF shall take into account the Company's Retention for each Covered Event. However, the Company's reimbursements from the FHCF for all Covered Events occurring during the Contract Year shall not exceed, in aggregate, the Projected Payout Multiple or Payout Multiple, as applicable, times the individual Company's Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year.

 

2.

Reserve established. When a Covered Event occurs in a subsequent Contract Year when reimbursable Losses are still being paid for a Covered Event in a previous Contract Year, the SBA will establish a reserve for the outstanding reimbursable Losses for the previous Contract Year, based on the length of time the Losses have been outstanding, the amount of Losses already paid, the percentage of incurred Losses still unpaid, and any other factors specific to the loss development of the Covered Events involved.

 

(d)

Commutation

 

1.

Except as provided in subparagraph 3., not less than 36 months or more than 60 months after the end of the Contract Year, the Company shall file a final Proof of Loss Report(s), with the exception of Companies having no reportable Losses as described in sub-subparagraph a. Otherwise, the final Proof of Loss Report(s) is required as specified in sub-subparagraph b. The Company and SBA may mutually agree to initiate commutation after 36 months and prior to 60 months after the end of the Contract Year. The commutation negotiations shall begin at the later of 60 months after the end of the Contract Year or upon completion of the FHCF claims examination for the Company and the resolution of all outstanding examination issues.

 

a.

If the Company's most recently submitted Proof of Loss Report(s) indicates that it has no Losses resulting from Covered Events during the Contract Year, the SBA shall after 36 months request

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that the Company execute a final commutation agreement. The final commutation agreement shall constitute a complete and final release of all obligations of the SBA with respect to Losses. If the Company chooses not to execute a final commutation agreement, the SBA shall be released from all obligations 60 months following the end of the Contract Year if no Proof of Loss Report indicating reimbursable Losses had been filed and the commutation shall be deemed concluded. However, during this time, if the Company determines that it does have Losses to report for FHCF reimbursement, the Company must submit an updated Proof of Loss Report prior to the end of 60 months after the Contract Year and the Company shall be required to follow the commutation provisions and time frames otherwise specified in this section.

 

b.

If the Company has submitted a Proof of Loss Report indicating that it does have Losses resulting from a Covered Event during the Contract Year, the SBA may require the Company to submit within 30 days an updated, current Proof of Loss Report for each Covered Event during the Contract Year. The Proof of Loss Report must include all paid Losses as well as all outstanding Losses and incurred but not reported Losses, which are not finally settled and which may be reimbursable Losses under this Contract, and must be accompanied by supporting documentation (at a minimum an adjuster's summary report or equivalent details) and a copy of a written opinion on the present value of the outstanding Losses and incurred but not reported Losses by the Company's certifying actuary. Failure of the Company to provide an updated current Proof of Loss Report, supporting documentation, and an opinion by the date requested by the SBA may result in referral to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for a violation of the Contract. Increases in reported paid, outstanding, or incurred but not reported Losses on original or corrected Proof of Loss Report filings received later than 60 months after the end of the Contract Year shall not be eligible for reimbursement or commutation.

 

2.

Determining the present value of outstanding Losses.

 

a.

If the Company exceeds or expects to exceed its Retention, the Company and the SBA or their respective representatives shall attempt, by mutual agreement, to agree upon the present value of all outstanding Losses, both reported and incurred but not reported, resulting from Covered Events during the Contract Year. The Loss valuation process under this subparagraph may begin only after all other issues arising under this Contract have been resolved, and shall be suspended pending resolution of any such issues that arise during the Loss valuation process. Payment by the SBA of its portion of any amount or amounts so mutually agreed and certified by the Company's certifying actuary shall constitute a complete and final release of the SBA in respect of all Losses, both reported and unreported, under this Contract.

 

b.

If agreement on present value cannot be reached within 90 days of the FHCF's receipt of the final Proof of Loss Report and supporting documentation, the Company and the SBA may mutually appoint an actuary, adjuster, or appraiser to investigate and determine such Losses. If both parties then agree, the SBA shall pay its portion of the amount so determined to be the present value of such Losses.

 

c.

If the parties fail to agree on the valuation of any Losses, then any difference in valuation of the Loss shall be settled by a panel of three actuaries, as provided in this subparagraph. Either the SBA or the Company may initiate the process under this subparagraph by providing written notice to the other party stating that the parties are at an impasse with respect to valuation of Losses and specifying the dollar amounts in dispute.

 

i.

One actuary shall be chosen by each party, and the third actuary shall be chosen by those two actuaries. If either party does not appoint an actuary within 30 days after the initiation of the process, the other party may appoint two actuaries. If the two actuaries fail to agree on the selection of an independent third actuary within 30 days of their appointment, each of them shall name two, of whom the other shall decline one and the decision shall be made by drawing lots.

 

ii.

All of the actuaries shall be regularly engaged in the valuation of property claims and losses and shall be members of the Casualty Actuarial Society and of the American Academy of Actuaries.

 

iii.

None of the actuaries shall be under the control of either party to this Contract.

 

iv.

Each party shall submit a written statement of its case to the panel of actuaries and the opposing party no later than 30 days after the appointment of the third actuary. Within 15 days after receiving the other party's submission, a party may submit its written response

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to the panel of actuaries and the other party. After the appointment of the third actuary, a party may not communicate with the panel or any member of the panel except in writing simultaneously furnished to all members of the panel and the opposing party. Any member of the panel may present questions to be answered by both parties, which shall be answered in writing and simultaneously furnished to the members of the panel and the opposing party or, at the discretion of the panel, may be provided in a meeting or teleconference attended by both parties and all members of the panel.

 

v.

The written decision of a majority of the panel as to the disagreement over the valuation of losses identified in the written notice of impasse, when filed with the parties hereto, shall be final and binding on both parties.

 

d.

The reasonable and customary expense of the actuaries and of the commutation (as a result
of sub-subparagraphs 2.b. and c.) shall be equally divided between the two parties. Said commutation shall take place in Tallahassee, Florida, unless some other place is mutually agreed upon by the Company and the SBA.

 

3.

The Company and SBA may mutually agree to initiate and complete a commutation for zero dollars without being subject to the 36-month waiting period provided in subparagraph (d)1. Such early commutation, once completed, eliminates the mandatory Proof of Loss Report requirements required under subparagraphs (b)3. and 4. for all reporting periods subsequent to the completion of the commutation.

 

4.

Upon full execution of the commutation agreement and the issuance of the final reimbursement payment, if any, each party, on behalf of its predecessors, successors, assigns, and its past, present and future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, receivers, trustees, attorneys and its legal representatives, unconditionally and completely releases and forever discharges the other party, its predecessors, successors, assigns, and its past, present and future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, receivers, trustees, attorneys, and its legal representatives from any and all past, present, and future rights, liabilities, and obligations including, but not limited to, payments, claims, debts, demands, causes of action, costs, disbursements, fees, attorneys' fees, expenses, damages, injuries, or losses of every kind, whether known or unknown, reported or unreported, or fixed or contingent, relating to or arising out of this Reimbursement Contract.

(4)

Advances

 

(a)

The SBA may make advances for loss reimbursements as defined herein, at market interest rates, to the Company in accordance with Section 215.555(4)(e), Florida Statutes. An advance is an early reimbursement which allows the Company to continue to pay claims in a timely manner. Advances will be made based on the Company's paid and reported outstanding Losses for Covered Policies (excluding all incurred but not reported Losses) as reported on a Proof of Loss Report, and shall include a Loss Adjustment Expense Allowance as calculated by the FHCF. In order to be eligible for an advance, the Company must submit its exposure data for the Contract Year as required under subsection (1) of this Article. Except as noted below, advances, if approved, will be made as soon as practicable after the SBA receives a written request, signed by two officers of the Company, for an advance of a specific amount and any other information required for the specific type of advance under paragraphs (c) and (d). All reimbursements due to the Company shall be offset against any amount of outstanding advances plus the interest due thereon.

 

(b)

For advances or excess advances, which are advances that are in excess of the amount to which the Company is entitled, the market interest rate shall be the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the Contract Year. This rate will be adjusted annually on the first business day of each subsequent Contract Year, regardless of whether the Company executes subsequent Contracts. In addition to the prime rate, an additional 5% interest charge will apply on excess advances. All interest charged will commence on the date the SBA issues a check for an advance and will cease on the date upon which the FHCF has received the Company's Proof of Loss Report for the Covered Event for which the Company qualifies for reimbursement. If such reimbursement is less than the amount of outstanding advances issued to the Company, interest will continue to accrue on the outstanding balance of the advances until subsequent Proof of Loss Reports qualify the Company for reimbursement under any Covered Event equal to or exceeding the amount of any outstanding advances. Interest shall be billed on a periodic basis. If it is determined that the Company received funds in excess of those to which it was entitled, the interest as

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to those sums will not cease on the date of the receipt of the Proof of Loss Report but will continue until the Company reimburses the FHCF for the overpayment.

 

(c)

If the Company has an outstanding advance balance as of December 31 of this or any other Contract Year, the Company is required to have an actuary certify outstanding and incurred but not reported Losses as reported on the applicable December Proof of Loss Report.

 

(d)

The specific type of advances enumerated in Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, follow.

 

1.

Advances to Companies to prevent insolvency, as defined under Article XV.

 

a.

Section 215.555(4)(e)1., Florida Statutes, provides that the SBA shall advance to the Company amounts necessary to maintain the solvency of the Company, up to 50 percent of the SBA's estimate of the reimbursement due to the Company.

 

b.

In addition to the requirements outlined in subparagraph (4)(a), the requirements for an advance to a Company to prevent insolvency are that the Company demonstrates it is likely to qualify for reimbursement and that the immediate receipt of moneys from the SBA is likely to prevent the Company from becoming insolvent, and the Company provides the following information:

 

i.

Current assets;

 

ii.

Current liabilities other than liabilities due to the Covered Event;

 

iii.

Current surplus as to policyholders;

 

iv.

Estimate of other expected liabilities not due to the Covered Event; and

 

v.

Amount of reinsurance available to pay claims for the Covered Event under other reinsurance treaties.

 

c.

The SBA's final decision regarding an application for an advance to prevent insolvency shall be based on whether or not, considering the totality of the circumstances, including the SBA's obligations to provide reimbursement for all Covered Events occurring during the Contract Year, granting an advance is essential to allowing the entity to continue to pay additional claims for a Covered Event in a timely manner.

 

2.

Advances to entities created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes.

 

a.

Section 215.555(4)(e)2., Florida Statutes, provides that the SBA may advance to an entity created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes, up to 90% of the lesser of the SBA's estimate of the reimbursement due or the entity's share of the actual aggregate Reimbursement Premium for that Contract Year, multiplied by the current available liquid assets of the FHCF.

 

b.

In addition to the requirements outlined in paragraph (4)(a), the requirements for an advance to entities created pursuant to Section 627.351(6), Florida Statutes, are that the entity must demonstrate to the SBA that the advance is essential to allow the entity to pay claims for a Covered Event.

 

3.

Advances to limited apportionment companies.

Section 215.555(4)(e)3., Florida Statutes, provides that the SBA may advance the amount of estimated reimbursement payable to limited apportionment companies.

 

(e)

In determining whether or not to grant an advance and the amount of an advance, the SBA:

 

1.

Shall determine whether its assets available for the payment of obligations are sufficient and sufficiently liquid to fulfill its obligations to other Companies prior to granting an advance;

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2.

Shall review and consider all the information submitted by such Companies;

 

3.

Shall review such Companies' compliance with all requirements of Section 215.555, Florida Statutes;

 

4.

Shall consult with all relevant regulatory agencies to seek all relevant information;

 

5.

Shall review the damage caused by the Covered Event and when that Covered Event occurred;

 

6.

Shall consider whether the Company has substantially exhausted amounts previously advanced;

 

7.

Shall consider any other factors deemed relevant; and

 

8.

Shall require commercial self-insurance funds established under section 624.462, Florida Statutes, to submit a copy of written estimates of expenses in support of the amount of advance requested.

 

(f)

Any amount advanced by the SBA shall be used by the Company only to pay claims of its policyholders for the Covered Event which has precipitated the immediate need to continue to pay additional claims as they become due.

(5)

Inadequate Data Submissions

If exposure data or other information required to be reported by the Company under the terms of this Contract are not received by the FHCF in the format specified by the FHCF or is inadequate to the extent that the FHCF requires resubmission of data, the Company will be required to pay the FHCF a resubmission fee of 51,000 for resubmissions that are not a result of an examination by the SBA. If a resubmission is necessary as a result of an examination report issued by the SBA, the first resubmission fee will be $2,000. If the Company's examination-required resubmission is inadequate and the SBA requires an additional resubmission(s), the resubmission fee for each subsequent resubmission shall be $2,000. A resubmission of exposure data may delay the processing of the Company's request for reimbursement or an advance.

(6)

Confidential Information/Trade Secret Information

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 215.557, Florida Statutes, the reports of insured values under Covered Policies by ZIP Code submitted to the SBA pursuant to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, are confidential and exempt from the provisions of Section 119.07(1), Florida Statutes, and Section 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. If other information submitted by the Company to the FHCF could reasonably be ruled a "trade secret" as defined in Section 812.081, Florida Statutes, such information must be clearly marked "Trade Secret Information."

ARTICLE XI - TAXES

In consideration of the terms under which this Contract is issued, the Company agrees to make no deduction in respect of the Reimbursement Premium herein when making premium tax returns to the appropriate authorities. Should any taxes be levied on the Company in respect of the Reimbursement Premium herein, the Company agrees to make no claim upon the SBA for reimbursement in respect of such taxes.

ARTICLE XII - ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any inadvertent delay, omission, or error on the part of the SBA shall not be held to relieve the Company from any liability which would attach to it hereunder if such delay, omission, or error had not been made.

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ARTICLE XIII - INSPECTION OF RECORDS

The Company shall allow the SBA to inspect, examine, and verify, at reasonable times, all records of the Company relating to the Covered Policies under this Contract, including Company files concerning claims, Losses, or legal proceedings regarding subrogation or claims recoveries which involve this Contract, including premium, loss records and reports involving exposure data or Losses under Covered Policies. This right by the SBA to inspect, examine, and verify shall survive the completion and closure of an exposure examination or claims examination file and the termination of the Contract. The Company shall have no right to re-open an exposure or claims examination once closed and the findings have been accepted by the Company; any re-opening shall be at the sole discretion of the SBA. If the State Board of Administration Finance Corporation has issued revenue bonds and relied upon the exposure and Loss data submitted and certified by the Company as accurate to determine the amount of bonding needed, the SBA may choose not to require, or accept, a resubmission if the resubmission will result in additional reimbursements to the Company. The SBA may require any discovered errors, inadvertent omissions, and typographical errors associated with the data reporting of insured values, discovered prior to the closing of the file and acceptance of the examination findings by the Company, to be corrected to reflect the proper values. The Company shall retain its records in accordance with the requirements for records retention regarding exposure reports and claims reports outlined herein, and in any administrative rules adopted pursuant to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes. Companies writing covered collateral protection policies, as defined in definition (11)(b) of Article V, must be able to provide documentation that the policy covers personal residences, protects both the borrower's and lender's interest, and that the coverage is in an amount at least equal to the coverage for the dwelling in place under the lapsed homeowner's policy or at least equal to the replacement cost value of the dwelling, as provided in Article V(11)(b).

(1)

Purpose of FHCF Examination

The purpose of the examinations conducted by the SBA is to evaluate the accuracy of the FHCF exposure or Loss data reported by the Company. However, due to the limited nature of the examination, it cannot be relied upon as an assurance that a Company's data is reported accurately or in its entirety. The Company should not rely on the FHCF to identify every type of reporting error in its data. In addition, the reporting requirements are subject to change each Contract Year so it is the Company's responsibility to be familiar with the applicable Contract Year requirements and to incorporate any changes into its data for that Contract Year. It is also the Company's responsibility to ensure that its data is reported accurately and to comply with Florida Statutes and any applicable rules when reporting exposure data. The examination report is not intended to provide a legal determination of the Company's compliance.

(2)

Examination Requirements for Exposure Verification

The Company shall retain complete and accurate records, in policy level detail, of all exposure data submitted to the SBA in any Contract Year until the SBA has completed its examination of the Company's exposure submissions. The Company shall also retain complete and accurate records of any completed exposure examination for any Contract Year in which the Company incurred Losses until the completion of the claims examination and commutation for that Contract Year. The records to be retained are outlined in the Data Call adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C. A complete list of records to be retained for the exposure examination is set forth in Form FHCF-EAP1, adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

(3)

Examination Requirements for Loss Reports

The Company shall retain complete and accurate records of all reported Losses and/or advances submitted to the SBA until the SBA has completed its examination of the Company's reimbursable Losses and commutation for the Contract Year (if applicable) has been concluded. The records to be retained are set forth as part of the Proof of Loss Report, Form FHCF-L1B and Form FHCF-LAP1, both adopted for the Contract Year under Rule 19-8.029, F.A.C.

(4)

Examination Procedures

 

(a)

The FHCF will send an examination notice letter to the Company providing the commencement date of the examination, the site of the examination, any accommodation requirements of the examiner, and the reports and data which must be assembled by the Company and forwarded to the FHCF. The Company shall be prepared to choose one location in which to be examined, unless otherwise specified by the SBA.

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(b)

The reports and data are required to be forwarded to the FHCF as set forth in an examination notice letter. The information is then forwarded to the examiner. If the FHCF receives accurate and complete records as requested, the examiner will contact the Company to inform the Company as to what policies or other documentation will be required once the examiner is on site. Any records not required to be provided to the examiner in advance shall be made available at the time the examiner arrives on site. Any records to support reported exposure or Losses which are provided after the examiner has left the work-site will, at the SBA's discretion, result in an additional examination of exposure and/or Loss records or an extension or expansion of the examination already in progress. All costs associated with such additional examination or with the extension or expansion of the original examination shall be borne by the Company.

 

(c)

At the conclusion of the examiner's work and the management review of the examiner's report, findings, recommendations, and work papers, the FHCF will forward an examination report to the Company.

 

(d)

Within 30 days from the date of the letter accompanying the examination report, the Company must provide a written response to the FHCF. The response must indicate whether the Company agrees with the findings and recommendations of the examination report. If the Company disagrees with any examination findings or recommendations, the reason for the disagreement must be outlined in the response and the Company must provide supporting information to support its objection. An extension of 30 days may be granted if the Company can show that the need for additional time is due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Company. No response is required if the examination report does not include any findings or recommendations.

 

(e)

If the Company accepts the examination findings and recommendations, and there is no recommendation for additional information, the examination report will be finalized and the exam file closed.

 

(f)

If the Company disputes the examiner's findings, the areas in dispute will be resolved by a meeting or a conference call between the Company and FHCF management.

(g)

 

1.

 

If the recommendation of the examiner is to resubmit the Company's exposure data for the Contract Year in question, then the FHCF will send the Company a letter outlining the process for resubmission and including a deadline to resubmit. Once the resubmission is received, the FHCF's Administrator calculates a revised Reimbursement Premium for the Contract Year which has been examined. The SBA shall then review the resubmission with respect to the examiner's findings, and accept the resubmission or contact the Company with any questions regarding the resubmission. Once the SBA has accepted the resubmission as a sufficient response to the examiner's findings, the exam is closed.

 

2.

If the recommendation of the examiner is to give the Company the option to either resubmit the exposure data or to pay the estimated Reimbursement Premium difference, then the FHCF will send the Company a letter outlining the process for resubmission or for paying the estimated Reimbursement Premium difference and including a deadline for the resubmission or the payment to be received by the FHCF's Administrator. If the Company chooses to resubmit, the same procedures outlined in Article XIII(4) apply.

 

(h)

If the recommendation of the examiner is to update the Company's Proof of Loss Report(s) for the Contract Year under review, the FHCF will send the Company a letter outlining the process for submitting the Proof of Loss Report(s) and including a deadline to file. Once the Proof of Loss Report(s) is received by the FHCF Administrator, the FHCF's Administrator will calculate a revised reimbursement. The SBA shall then review the submitted Proof of Loss Report(s) with respect to the examiner's findings, and accept the Proof of Loss Report(s) as filed or contact the Company with any questions. Once the SBA has accepted the corrected Proof of Loss Report(s) as a sufficient response to the examiner's findings, the exam is closed.

 

(i)

The examiner's list of errors is made available in the examination report sent to the Company. Given that the examination was based on a sample of the Company's policies or claims rather than the whole universe of the Company's Covered Policies or reported claims, the error list is not intended to provide a complete list of errors but is intended to indicate what information needs to be reviewed and corrected throughout the Company's book of Covered Policy business or claims information to ensure more complete and accurate reporting to the FHCF.

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(5)

Costs of the Examinations

The costs of the examinations shall be borne by the SBA. However, in order to remove any incentive for a Company to delay preparations for an examination, the SBA shall be reimbursed by the Company for any examination expenses incurred in addition to the usual and customary costs, which additional expenses were incurred as a result of the Company's failure, despite proper notice, to be prepared for the examination or as a result of a Company's failure to provide requested information. All requested information must be complete and accurate.

ARTICLE XIV — OFFSETS

The SBA reserves the right to offset amounts payable to the SBA from the Company, including amounts payable under the Reimbursement Contract for any Contract Year and also including the Company's full Reimbursement Premium for the current Contract Year (regardless of installment due dates), against any (1) Reimbursement Premium refunds under any Contract Year, (2) reimbursement or advance amounts, or (3) amounts agreed to in a commutation agreement, which are due and payable to the Company from the SBA as a result of the liability of the SBA.

ARTICLE XV - INSOLVENCY OF THE COMPANY

Company shall notify the FHCF immediately upon becoming insolvent. Except as otherwise provided below, no reimbursements will be made until the FHCF has completed and closed its examination of the insolvent Company's Losses, unless an agreement is entered into by the court appointed receiver specifying that all data and computer systems required for FHCF exposure and claims examinations will be maintained until completion of the Company's exposure and claims examinations. Except as otherwise provided below, in order to account for potential erroneous reporting, the SBA shall hold back 25% of requested reimbursements until the exposure and claims examinations for the Company are completed. Only those Losses supported by the examination will be reimbursed. Pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(g), Florida Statutes, the FHCF is required to pay the "net amount of all reimbursement moneys" due an insolvent insurer to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) for the benefit of Florida policyholders. For the purpose of this Contract, a Company is insolvent when an order of liquidation with a finding of insolvency has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction. In light of the need for an immediate infusion of funds to enable policyholders of insolvent companies to be paid for their claims, the SBA may enter into agreements with FIGA allowing exposure and claims examinations to take place immediately without the usual notice and response time limitations and allowing the FHCF to make reimbursements (net of any amounts payable to the SBA from the Company or FIGA) to FIGA before the examinations are completed and before the response time expires for claims filing by reinsurers and financial institutions, which have a priority interest in those funds pursuant to Section 215.555(4)(g), Florida Statutes. Such agreements must ensure the availability of the necessary records and adequate security must be provided so that if the FHCF determines that it overpaid FIGA on behalf of the Company, or if claims are filed by reinsurers or financial institutions having a priority interest in these funds, that the funds will be repaid to the FHCF by FIGA within a reasonable time.

ARTICLE XVI - TERMINATION

The FHCF and the obligations of both parties under this Contract can be terminated only as may be provided by law or applicable rules.

ARTICLE XVII — VIOLATIONS

(1)

Statutory Provisions

 

(a)

Section 215.555(10), Florida Statutes, provides that any violation of Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, or of rules adopted under that section, constitutes a violation of the Florida Insurance Code. This Contract has been adopted as part of Rule 19-8.010, Florida Administrative Code, under the authority of that section of Florida Statutes.

 

(b)

Section 215.555(11), Florida Statutes, authorizes the SBA to take any action necessary to enforce the rules and the provisions and requirements of this Contract, required by and adopted pursuant to Section 215.555, Florida Statutes.

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(2)

Noncompliance

 

(a)

As used in this Article, the term "noncompliance" means the failure of the Company to meet any applicable requirement of Section 215.555, Florida Statutes, or of any rule adopted under the authority of that section of Florida Statutes, including, but not limited to, any failure to meet a deadline for an FHCF payment, Data Call submissions or resubmissions, Loss reporting or commutation documentation, or a deadline related to SBA examination requirements. The Company remains in a state of noncompliance as long as the Company fails to meet the applicable requirement(s).

 

(b)

If the Company is in a state of noncompliance, the SBA reserves the right to withhold any payments or advances due to the Company until the SBA determines that the Company is no longer in a state of noncompliance.

ARTICLE XVIII - APPLICABLE LAW

This Contract shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Florida in respect of any matter relating to or arising out of this Contract.

ARTICLE XIX — DUE DATES

If any due date provided in this Contract is a Saturday, Sunday or a legal State of Florida or federal holiday, then the actual due date will be the day immediately following the applicable due date which is not a Saturday, Sunday or a legal State of Florida or federal holiday.

ARTICLE XX — REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT ELECTIONS

(1)

Coverage Level

For purposes of determining reimbursement (if any) due the Company under this Contract and in accordance with the Statute, the Company has the option to elect a 45% or 75% or 90% Coverage Level under this Contract. If the Company is a member of an NAIC group, all members must elect the same Coverage Level, and the individual executing this Contract on behalf of the Company, by placing his or her initials in the box under (a) below, affirms that the Company has elected the same Coverage Level as all members of its NAIC group. If the Company is an entity created pursuant to Section 627.351, Florida Statutes, the Company must elect the 90% Coverage Level. The Company shall not be permitted to change its Coverage Level after the March 1 statutory deadline for execution of the Contract. The Company shall be permitted to change its Coverage Level upon timely execution of the Contract for the next Contract Year, but may not reduce its Coverage Level if revenue bonds issued under Section 215.555(6), Florida Statutes, are outstanding.

The Coverage Level elected by the Company for the prior Contract Year effective June 1, 2019 was as follows: Typtap Insurance Company - 45%

 

(a)

NAIC Group Affirmation: Initial the following box if the Company is part of an NAIC Group:

 

 

 

(b)

Coverage Level Election: The Company hereby elects the following Coverage Level for the Contract Year from 12:00:01 a.m., Eastern Time, June 1, 2020, to 12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, May 31, 2021, (the individual executing this Contract on behalf of the Company shall place his or her initials in the box to the left of the percentage elected for the Company):

 

 

X

 

45% OR

75% OR

90%

 

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(2)

Additional Living Expense (ALE) Written as Time Element Coverage

If your Company writes Covered Policies that provide ALE coverage on a time element basis (i.e., coverage is based on a specific period of time as opposed to a stated dollar limit), you must initial the `Yes — Time Element ALE' box below. If your Company does not write time element ALE coverage, initial 'No — Time Element ALE' box below.

 

 

OR

X

Yes — Time

 

No — Time

Element ALE

 

Element ALE

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ARTICLE XXI — SIGNATURES

Approved by:

Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., on Behalf of the State Board of Administration of the State of Florida and as Administrator of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

 

By:

/s/ Martin K. Helgested

 

03-27-2020

 

Signature

 

Date

 

Authority to sign on behalf of the Company:

The person signing this Contract on behalf of the Company hereby represents that he or she is an officer of the Company, acting within his or her authority to enter into this Contract on behalf of the Company, with the requisite authority to bind the Company and make the representations on behalf of the Company as set forth in this Contract.

Typtap Insurance Company

 

 

Printed Name and Title

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

Date

 

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Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Paresh Patel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of HCI Group, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

/s/ Paresh Patel

August 7, 2020

 

Paresh Patel

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

A signed original of this document has been provided to HCI Group, Inc. and will be retained by HCI Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, James Mark Harmsworth, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of HCI Group, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

/s/ James Mark Harmsworth

August 7, 2020

 

James Mark Harmsworth

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

A signed original of this document has been provided to HCI Group, Inc. and will be retained by HCI Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 32.1

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, I, the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of HCI Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 7, 2020 (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Paresh Patel

Paresh Patel

Chief Executive Officer

August 7, 2020

 

A signed original of this document has been provided to HCI Group, Inc. and will be retained by HCI Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 32.2

Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, I, the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of HCI Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 7, 2020 (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ James Mark Harmsworth

James Mark Harmsworth

Chief Financial Officer

August 7, 2020

 

A signed original of this document has been provided to HCI Group, Inc. and will be retained by HCI Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.