Forest Insurance — Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc.
Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. offers a dedicated Forest Insurance program designed for timber-related operations. The program covers core exposures associated with logging, log road construction, reforestation, chipping operations, and hauling of logs and chips. Available coverages include commercial general liability, commercial auto, and umbrella protection (specific coverages and forms may vary by state).
Overview of the Program From the Company
This program is offered through Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. as a Managing General Underwriter with market access to Chartis. It is positioned for agents who need a market that understands the unique operational, equipment and transportation risks of the forest and timber industry. Underwriting focuses on matching appropriate limits and endorsements to on-site exposures and fleet operations.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Independent loggers and small-to-mid-sized logging contractors
- Companies that build and maintain log roads
- Reforestation contractors and timber stand improvement crews
- Chipping and grinding operations located at yards or landing sites
- Contract haulers of logs and wood chips (dedicated fleets and owner-operators)
Good candidates have documented safety programs, routine equipment maintenance, qualified drivers, and manageable transportation routes. Accounts with chronic loss histories, large-scale aerial logging, or significant unmitigated environmental exposures will require additional underwriting review.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Commercial General Liability tailored for operations with high third-party exposure (road crossings, public land access, bystanders).
- Commercial Auto coverage designed for log and chip hauling fleets, including options for physical damage and hired/non-owned autos.
- Umbrella/excess capacity to provide higher limits over primary liability and auto policies (availability varies by state).
- Underwriting that recognizes common industry controls: flagging/traffic control, roadside signage, haul route restrictions, and seasonal limitations.
- Access to Chartis paper through an MGA experienced in timber and forest exposures.
Underwriting Notes
- Useful submission items: current loss runs, description of operations (harvest method, equipment list), list of drivers and MVRs, safety/maintenance programs, typical haul distances, and details on any subcontracting.
- Important exposure factors include slope/terrain, timber value per acre, proximity to public roads and utilities, and frequency of loaded hauls on public highways.
- Endorsement and limits options vary by state; discuss specific limit needs and any higher-hazard operations up front with the underwriter.
Territories and Availability
Program availability: All Available States. This Forest Insurance program is available in the following jurisdictions:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY
Why Work With Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. on This Business
- Specialized underwriting knowledge of timber and forest operations combined with access to Chartis capacity.
- MGA-level service designed for agents who need flexible solutions for mixed operations (logging + hauling + chipping).
- Practical appetite: emphasis on controllable accounts with demonstrable safety programs and documented fleet controls.
- Clear submission guidance to streamline placement and underwriting response.
Example Client Scenarios
Example 1: You have a family-owned logging contractor that runs two tracked feller-bunchers, a chipper at the landing, and a three-truck fleet hauling to a nearby mill. The program can combine GL and auto coverages and provide umbrella limits to protect the contractor for haul-related exposures.
Example 2: An independent contractor who performs log road construction for multiple timber owners needs coverage for both road construction operations and subsequent hauling by subcontractors. A tailored package of liability and auto coverage with appropriate endorsements may be placed through this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for Victor O. Schinnerer’s Forest Insurance program?
Best fits are logging contractors, log road builders, reforestation crews, chipping operations, and contractors who haul logs and chips—especially those with documented safety programs, maintained equipment, and controlled haul routes.
What coverages are typically available through this program?
Primary coverages include commercial general liability, commercial auto for log and chip haulers, and umbrella/excess liability. Specific forms, endorsements and availability can vary by state.
What submission information will the underwriter need?
Provide recent loss runs, a clear description of operations and equipment, driver rosters and MVRs, details on haul distances and routes, safety and maintenance programs, and any subcontractor arrangements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.