Excess and Surplus (E&S) wholesale broker and managing general agency Risk Placement Services (RPS) has announced the launch of a new Artisan Contractors insurance product with Markel, a global specialty insurance provider.

Available to quote-bind-issue online in just two minutes through RPS' small business platform, the product offers General Liability coverage for qualified small artisan contractors. These skilled workers include a wide variety of occupations from roofers and painters to tree pruners and excavators, and perform services as commercial and residential contractors and remodelers, as well as subcontracted work in a wide array of classes.

"Valued for their unique skills, artisan contractors are in constant demand by commercial and residential clients," said Laura Allen, vice president, RPS. "Therefore, it's vital these skilled workers are adequately insured for their unique exposures to help protect their small business, as lawsuits can easily result in bankruptcy. This new RPS insurance product helps agents and brokers come through for their clients."

"Efficiency is key in the small business space and speed-to-quote has never been more important than it is today," said Brendan Hanley, director, Binding P&C Product Line Leadership, Markel. "This platform will offer a streamlined solution for insureds to obtain the coverage needed in the artisan contractor space."

About Risk Placement Services

Risk Placement Services (RPS) is one of the nation's largest specialty insurance products distributors, offering valuable solutions in wholesale brokerage, binding authority, programs, and standard lines, plus specialized auto through its Pronto Insurance brand. Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, RPS has more than 80 offices nationwide.

Follow RPS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Markel

Markel is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Markel® is a registered trademark of the Markel Corporation.

Products and services are provided through various non-admitted insurance companies of Markel and are offered through licensed surplus lines brokers or through Markel West, Inc. dba Markel West Insurance Services, California license # 0D95581. Insurance and coverage are subject to availability and qualifications and may not be available in all states.