Zurich and Go Kahuna enter into strategic alliance to offer risk management benefits for general contractors
Zurich-insured subcontractors benefit from waived application feeSCHAUMBURG, Ill., September 25, 2006 – The Construction business unit of Zurich North America Commercial and Go KahunaTM have entered into an alliance to offer added risk management benefits to Zurich customers. Go Kahuna is an Internet-based firm that services general contractors by verifying and continuously monitoring critical subcontractor information to ensure cost control through risk mitigation.
The strategic alliance will promote the increased use of Go Kahuna's services as a risk management benefit to general contractors and a valued benefit for Zurich-insured subcontractors. The Go Kahuna Web site provides contractors, purchasing managers and contract managers with immediate access to qualified subcontractors by geographic location.
Go Kahuna will provide complimentary third-party verification of Zurich-insured subcontractors' licensing and insurance status. The verification decreases the possibility of a general contractor entering into a business relationship with uninsured, unlicensed or unqualified subcontractors.
"Making the construction industry as safe as possible is a prime concern we work on every day at Zurich," said Seth Hausman, senior vice president with Zurich's Construction business unit. "Contractors want to be certain their subcontractor partners are appropriately qualified, licensed and insured. Go Kahuna is as focused as we are on reaching this mutually beneficial result."
Zurich-insured subcontractors can increase visibility in local and national markets after being certified through Go Kahuna's Gold Seal Service Certification process. Other benefits for Zurich-insured subcontractors that use Go Kahuna would include an elevated status when competing with unlicensed and uninsured subcontractors, a reduced need for bid bonds and a reduction in the need for some pre-qualification statements. The Gold Seal Service Certification is portable and can be used with any contractor in any state in which the business is licensed and insured.
“Zurich is a leader in the insurance industry and is an innovator that continuously looks for new ways to provide value-added services to their customers,” said Don Morgan, CEO of Go Kahuna. “The alliance between Zurich and Go Kahuna is an example of a joint effort to further serve the needs of our customers.”
About Zurich Financial Services
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe, as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle markets, small business, specialties and programs sectors.
