National Interstate reports ART success

National Interstate Insurance Co., a provider of captive insurance for the transportation industry, reported significant expansion in its Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) component.

In 2009, the company added 114 companies to its group captive programs, bringing that total to 384 companies at year end. During the year the company also introduced seven new ART programs including: two for fuel distribution and transport, a specialized liability program for shortline and regional railroads, and four large account rental captive programs for clients with $1 million or more in annual insurance premiums.

National Interstate's 27 specialized ART programs represent more than $200 million in premium in 2009 — making up more than one-half of the company's gross written premiums.