For Immediate Release – June 14, 2018 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Rick J. Lindsey, President & CEO of Prime Insurance Company (PRIME), and John Wood, President of the affiliated Worldwide Outfitters and Guides Association (WOGA) have worked tirelessly for over seven years, visiting Congressional and Senatorial representatives from both parties in Washington, D.C. regarding the Outdoor Recreation Enhancement Act, H.R. 2771 and Executive Order 13658.
Lindsey and Wood testified before a Congressional sub-committee on two occasions to get less onerous federal treatment for expert outfitters and guides when traversing over federal lands with their customers. They were seeking exemption from the Executive Order 13658 as it caused unduly financial burdens on the outfitter and guide industry.
WOGA started operations during the 1986 insurance crisis when insurance for most of these businesses was unavailable. The organization aggressively represented outfitters and guides nationwide, pushing back for professionals against a very aggressive plaintiff bar. One of its first successful defenses was Saenz v. Whitewater Voyages, in which a California Supreme Court case upheld release of liability forms, supporting assumption of risks in recreation activities.
CALIFORNIA – SAENZ V. WHITEWATER VOYAGES, INC. The plaintiff had drowned while participating on a guided whitewater rafting trip offered by Whitewater Voyages, Inc. CDA defended Whitewater Voyages, Inc. by arguing that the liability waiver form signed by the plaintiff barred his recovery. The court agreed with CDA (claims management entity of the company) and upheld the liability waiver. That determination was later upheld on appeal, creating new case law in California regarding the effectiveness of signed pre-accident liability waiver forms. Saenz v. Whitewater Voyages, Inc., 226 Cal.App.3d 758, 276 Cal. Rptr. 672 (1990).
Over the years, both Prime and Worldwide Outfitter & Guides (WOGA) have provided a stable marketplace for specialty liability insurance coverage. Prime has steadfastly advocated for the outdoor and recreation industry throughout the United States for decades.
When asked about the efforts and resources that Prime contributed, Mr. Lindsey simply stated, “It’s our job. This is what partners do — which is to help a class of business in distress, whether it’s a legislative issue or their own unique risks, and work with them to support them and find solutions. We not only to help mitigate risk and protect assets, but also assert a partnership approach in every aspect of our business.”
Adds Lindsey, “I’m happy to have played a role in working towards establishing stability and future success of the hardworking business owners in the recreation industry. In this case, our determination and knowledge of the class allowed us to help present the various financial burdens the recreation industry faces day-to-day.
Prime Insurance Company provides specialty customized coverage and has offices in Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Naples, Florida.
For more information contact:
Rick J. Lindsey
801-304-5510
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Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, CEO, President, and Chairman of Prime Insurance Company
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. Prime Insurance also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are Prime Insurance can help.
