XL Group Introduces Up+Running, Equipment Breakdown Insurance; Adds Underwriting and Engineering Expertise to Meet Demand

CHICAGO, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- To keep businesses' equipment and operations running smoothly, XL Group's North America Property group has developed an enhanced Equipment Breakdown Insurance Policy, called Up+Running, and is adding new members to the equipment breakdown team.

"Most of us don't conduct every aspect of our business with our bare hands," says Brian Strain, Senior Vice President and Head of Equipment Breakdown business for XL Group, "We rely on equipment to communicate, transact, produce and deliver. Large manufacturing companies have sophisticated and expensive equipment they rely on to produce products. Smaller non-manufacturing businesses are vulnerable to losses resulting from the breakdown of anything from heating, air conditioning, and computers to basic electrical service."

Up+Running coverage provides protection against financial losses that result from the breakdown of equipment and result in business interruption, equipment repair, or replacement costs.  Available coverage enhancements include protection against extra expenses and perishable goods loss due to spoilage or refrigerant damage.  Risk control and equipment inspection services including maintenance and reliability assessments, infrared inspections, oil analysis, vibration monitoring, ultrasound inspections and other custom designed inspection and safety programs are available to clients as well.

To meet clients' increased demand for equipment breakdown protection, XL Group has enlisted Christopher Lee, as Vice President, Product Underwriting who joins from Zurich Insurance where he managed a profitable book of equipment breakdown business throughout the Northeast.  XL also gains more than 30 years of engineering experience with the addition of Tom Gallagher as Engineering Leader.  Tom will provide guidance to improve clients' critical equipment reliability and design engineering service plans to meet customers' needs.

"Whatever the size, when equipment fails, a business can find itself at a standstill. Operations are interrupted and hefty repair costs are a real possibility," said Mr. Strain. "Our coverage provides the financial resources an insured needs to identify and quantify a claim and return equipment and business to an operational status. Also, to minimize the possibility unplanned outages, we work with our clients to increase the reliability of their equipment."

With liability limits up to $300 million, Up+Running is available on a primary or excess basis, assuming 100% of the risk or as a quota share participant on the program.  Coverage is provided by XL Group insurance companies on an admitted basis.

About XL Group plc's Insurance Operations

XL Group plc's insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional and specialty insurance products globally. Businesses that are moving the world forward choose XL as their partner. To learn more, visit xlgroup.com/insurance

About XL Group plc

XL Group plc (NYSE: XL), through its subsidiaries, is a global insurance and reinsurance company providing property, casualty and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world.   XL is the company clients look to for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. To learn more, visit xlgroup.com

XL Group is the global brand used by XL Group plc's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries.

SOURCE XL Group