Best Releases Latest Version of Underwriting Guide

A.M. Best Co. announced the release of the “second flow” of its 2004 Underwriting Guide. The publication is aimed at helping insurance underwriters and risk managers gain a better understanding of industrial and commercial risks.

“Published since 1974, Best’s Underwriting Guide offers underwriters and risk managers descriptions of more than 575 risk classifications that describe each risk and quantify the degree of exposure in relevant lines of liability,” said the bulletin. “This guide allows users to quickly become familiar with every aspect of a risk. Best’s Underwriting Guide is now being released to new subscribers exclusively in CD-ROM format. With this electronic guide, users can utilize powerful search features and convenient online help.”

New and revised classifications are released quarterly. Extensively revised classifications released in the second edition of 2004 include:
— Fire Departments
— Fruit Juice Manufacturing
— Manufactured Home Rental Communities
— Municipal Governments
— Ornamental Metalworking
— Sawmills and Planing Mills
— Sheet Metal Work
— Taxidermists
— Waterproofing Contractors

In addition, several classifications have been updated to reflect new information. Updated classifications in the second release of 2004 include:
— Automobile and Truck Dismantlers
— Automatic Sprinkler Systems Contractors
— Elevator Contractors
— Hot Tub Dealers and Installers
— Marine Dealers
— Mason Contractors
— Music Stores
— Siding Contractors
— Tile and Marble Contractors
— Wall and Ceiling Contractors

Best also said a “new article on Online Grocery Stores has also been issued to subscribers.

Classifications in the CD-ROM provide risk descriptions, relevant hazards and safety measures, materials and equipment used, lines of liability to consider, special exposures, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, ISO codes and more. New and recently revised classifications also include North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

Best’s Underwriting Guide is revised four times per year on CD-ROM. For more information, visit www.ambest.com/sales/BUG or call (908) 439-2200, ext. 5742.