DALLAS --The newly created Texas Green Industry (TGI) purchasing group has exceeded expectations by growing to approximately $1 million in premiums, according to Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the group's underwriting carrier. TGI, which includes growers, landscape contractors, nurseries, and other green industry businesses, provides qualifying members with an alternative for their workers' compensation coverage.
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency Inc. (HIA) set up the group in February and requested that the department of insurance designate the group as an "open" program. Open program groups allow any Texas insurance agent to place a qualifying client into the group.
Many other green industry employers have indicated a desire to be moved to the group at their expiration date, says Texas Mutual account executive Sandra Wyatt.
"The green industry is a $9.6 billion powerhouse in Texas," says Doug Hotchkiss, HIA president. "As a whole, the Texas green industry has an excellent loss ratio which can be directly attributed to the commitment to professionalism and safety exhibited by many of the TGI employers."
Texas Mutual Insurance Company will apply the same premium discount to each Texas Green Industry Group member, regardless of its individual premium size. The safety program will also give group members the opportunity to earn potential group dividends, in addition to any general dividends that their businesses may qualify for individually. Group members may also benefit from expert claim and loss prevention services, including a Texas Mutual safety plan developed specifically for green industry businesses.