Old Republic forms accident & health subsidiary

Old Republic International Corporation (ORI) has announced the creation of a new underwriting subsidiary offering accident and health insurance products.

The new company, called Old Republic Accident & Health, Inc., is set to focus on specialty coverage, including stop-loss insurance for employers. It will be led by Gary Nidd as president.

Nidds is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and has over 33 years of industry experience. His underwriting background in accident and health products includes previous executive roles at Crum & Forster, Swiss Re, and Munich Re.

ORI president and CEO Craig R. Smiddy expressed enthusiasm about the new accident and health subsidiary and said the move was intended to expand Old Republic’s risk expertise and appetite for a new segment ” which is consistent with our special approach and focus on underwriting excellence.”

“We look forward to leveraging Gary’s experience and leadership of the Old Republic brand, resources and financial strength,” added Smiddy.

Old Republic Accident & Health is the sixth new company launched in the shareholder-owned insurance business in the past eight years, further expanding the expertise and talent of the Old Republic General Insurance Group.

Old Republic International Corporation is located in Chicago and holds a place in the Fortune 500 list of the largest companies in America. Its subsidiaries actively sell, underwrite, and provide a wide range of risk management services, with a primary focus on the general and title insurance sectors.

The company’s general insurance business ranks among the 50 largest in the country, while its title insurance division is recognized as the third largest in its industry.

Founded in 1923, Old Republic celebrated its 100th anniversary on August 22 by ringing the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

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