5Star Specialty Programs

What 5Star Specialty Programs does

5Star Specialty Programs is a Managing General Agent (MGA) and division of CRC Insurance Services, LLC that underwrites specialized commercial insurance programs for the transportation sector. Founded approximately 30 years ago (1994) and operating as a division of Starwind Specialty Company, the company functions as the underwriting arm for multiple A.M. Best A-rated (or better) carrier partners and distributes its programs exclusively through independent insurance agents and brokers — no direct-to-consumer sales. Annual premiums administered through the platform exceed $400 million, with profitability maintained over the firm's 30-year history.

The product portfolio is organized around five core programs: Non-Trucking Liability (for owner-operators not on dispatch), Public Auto (commercial livery covering limousines, charter/sightseeing/school/transit buses, entertainer coaches, and airport shuttles), Trucking (comprehensive for-hire motor carrier coverage spanning auto liability, physical damage, cargo, occupational accident, and workers' compensation), Motor Truck Cargo / Contingent Cargo, and Workers' Compensation (guaranteed-cost through retention programs, plus excess workers' compensation and buffer layer excess for self-insureds). Supporting these is a Risk Management Services practice delivering loss control, DOT/OSHA/ADA regulatory compliance, driver qualification handbooks, and employee selection resources. Underwriting expertise — 25+ years in public livery and 30+ years in transportation per company disclosures — is the core operating asset rather than proprietary technology; no AI/ML platforms, APIs, or apps are deployed.

The business model is commission-based MGA: 5Star earns revenue as a percentage of premium volume administered, with operating leverage on a relatively small headcount of 11–50 employees across offices in Melbourne FL (operational HQ), Charlotte NC (payment/lockbox), St. Louis MO, San Francisco CA, and Jenkintown PA. Nationwide distribution in the USA (excluding AK, HI, MA) is supported by AAA-member channel and standard independent-agent onboarding. The parent-subsidiary structure under CRC Insurance Services provides licensing and back-office infrastructure, while 5Star itself contributes program underwriting authority, agent relationships, and specialty brand equity.

Name

5Star Specialty Programs

Legal name

CRC Insurance Services, LLC d/b/a 5Star Specialty Programs

Website

https://5starsp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

5Star Specialty Programs is a Managing General Agent (division of CRC Insurance Services) underwriting transportation-insurance programs—trucking, non-trucking, public auto, and workers' compensation—for distribution through independent agents and brokers across the USA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Transportation Insurance

NAICS

Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210), Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (52421), Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Insurance Program Administration & MGA/MGU Services (FSAEADAK)

Keywords

• Managing general agent
• Transportation insurance programs
• Trucking insurance coverage
• Public auto insurance
• Workers compensation insurance

Headquarters

HQ city

Charlotte

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Insurance Premium Administration: 5Star functions as a Managing General Agent that underwrites and administers insurance policies on behalf of carrier partners rated A or better by A.M. Best. The company earns revenue through the administration of insurance premiums across multiple programs including trucking, non-trucking, public auto, and workers' compensation. Annual premiums surpass $400,000,000.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

5Star Specialty Programs operates as a Managing General Agent (MGA) that underwrites and administers specialty insurance programs for the U.S. transportation industry on behalf of A.M. Best A-rated carrier partners. The company delivers Non-Trucking Liability, Public Auto, Trucking, and Workers' Compensation coverage to trucking operators, owner-operators, public livery businesses, and employers nationwide, distributed exclusively through independent insurance agents and brokers. Core products include Motor Truck Cargo/Contingent Cargo and Physical Damage Coverage as part of the trucking program, supplemented by Risk Management Services.

Product overview

5Star Specialty Programs operates as a Managing General Agent (MGA) offering a portfolio of specialized insurance programs for the transportation industry. The company provides five core insurance programs: Non-Trucking Liability (for owner-operators), Public Auto (for livery risks including buses, limos, and shuttles), Trucking (comprehensive coverage for motor carriers), Motor Truck Cargo/Contingent Cargo (cargo protection), and Workers' Compensation (regional programs plus excess coverage for self-insureds). These programs are supported by Risk Management Services providing loss control and compliance support. All coverage is underwritten through carrier partners rated A or better by A.M. Best, with over 30 years of industry experience and annual premiums exceeding $400 million.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Insurance coverage for owner-operators providing non-trucking liability protection when vehicles are used for personal use rather than commercial hauling. Includes Non-trucking Liability and Physical Damage coverage, distributed through independent agents.
• Public Auto Insurance Program Liability insurance program for commercial public livery operations including limousines, charter/sightseeing/school/transit buses, entertainer coaches, and airport shuttles. Covers Auto Liability, General Liability, and Excess Liability. Underwriters offer 25+ years experience writing public livery risks nationwide.
• Trucking Insurance Program Comprehensive insurance coverage for for-hire trucking entities operating in the U.S., including Auto Liability, Occupational Accident, Motor Truck Cargo/Contingent Cargo, Physical Damage, Workers' Compensation, and Umbrella coverage. Available to small and large fleets covering local, intermediate, and long-haul operations across any radius and commodity type.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance Workers' compensation insurance solutions for employers in multiple U.S. regions, spanning guaranteed cost to retention programs. Includes Excess Workers' Compensation and Buffer Layer Excess coverage for self-insured employers. Operated through the Starwind WC branded program.
• Risk Management Services Loss control and risk management service providing formal loss control programs, regulatory and DOT/OSHA/ADA compliance support, employee selection and retention services, and risk management plan guidance. Supports insurance companies, wholesalers, agencies, and 5Star policyholders.
• AAA Member Assistance Professionals Program Insurance program offered through a partnership with AAA (American Automobile Association), providing insurance products to AAA members via the Member Assistance Professionals Program.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Sophia Lacy (Non-Trucking Contact)OthersNon-Trucking Liability program contact at 709 South Harbor City, Suite 400, Melbourne, FL 32935. Phone: 321.421.6776, Email: [email protected]
• Bob Alkire (Public Auto Contact)OthersPublic Auto program contact covering Limos, Charter/Sightseeing/School/Transit, Buses, Entertainer Coaches & Airport Shuttles. Phone: 321.421.6777, Email: [email protected]
• Keith McDonagh (Risk Management Contact)OthersRisk Management Services contact. Phone: 770.595.1632, Email: [email protected]. Provides Loss Control Services.
• Alek Turko (Trucking Contact)OthersTrucking program contact. Phone: 321.421.6731, Email: [email protected]. Coverage includes Auto Liability, Occupational Accident, Cargo, Workers' Compensation.
• Carrie Shaffer (Workers' Compensation Midwest & Eastern)OthersWorkers' Compensation Midwest & Eastern contact at 906 S. Kirkwood, St. Louis, MO 63122. Phone: 314.717.0036, Email: [email protected]
• Gerry Macchello (Workers' Compensation Western)OthersWorkers' Compensation Western contact at 50 California Street, Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94111. Phone: 415.645.5420, Email: [email protected]
• Jeff Bogacki (Excess Workers' Compensation)OthersExcess Workers' Compensation for Self-Insureds contact at 101 West Avenue, Suite 150, Jenkintown, PA 19046. Phone: 267.289.1776. Coverage includes Excess Workers' Compensation and Buffer Layer Excess.
• CRC Insurance Services, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner5Star Specialty Programs is a division of and operates under the licenses of CRC Insurance Services, LLC. CA Lic No 778135. Parent company relationship providing MGA licensing and operational infrastructure.
• AAA (American Automobile Association)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAAA Member Assistance Professionals Program - 5Star provides insurance products to AAA members through this partnership arrangement.
• A.M. Best Rated Carriers (A or better)coreOthersMultiple carrier partners rated A or better by A.M. Best. These carriers provide the financial backing and claims-paying ability for insurance policies written through 5Star's programs.
• Starwind Specialty CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner5Star is a division of Starwind Specialty Company. The company logo shows 'STW A Starwind Specialty Company'. Used for brokerage agreements and producer documentation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• RLI Corp: Specialty insurance company with a commercial transportation segment covering trucking and public auto through both direct and MGA/program distribution. Comparable specialty underwriting focus and niche commercial transportation exposure.
• National Interstate Insurance Company: Specialty property and casualty insurer focused exclusively on transportation risks, including trucking, public auto/livery, and specialty vehicle lines. Direct competitor in the same niche, with similar target customers (motor carriers, owner-operators, bus operators) and similar product portfolio.
• Great West Casualty Company: One of the largest trucking-focused insurance providers in the U.S., writing auto liability, physical damage, cargo, and workers' comp for motor carriers. Comparable in product mix, customer base (trucking fleets and owner-operators), and specialty underwriting model.
• Canal Insurance Company: Specialty insurer dedicated to the commercial trucking industry, offering auto liability, physical damage, motor truck cargo, and excess coverage. Closely matches 5Star's trucking-focused product set and target customer profile.
• Lancer Insurance Group: Specialty insurer/MGA focused on commercial auto, taxi/livery, and transportation risks, distributed through independent agents and brokers. Highly comparable niche focus on public auto/livery, for-hire transportation, and similar agent-driven distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Northland Insurance Company (a Travelers company): Transportation specialist insurer owned by Travelers, writing trucking, public auto, and commercial auto coverage through independent agents. Overlaps with 5Star's core programs but operates within a much larger, diversified carrier portfolio.
• Progressive Commercial: Large commercial insurance carrier writing trucking, business auto, and commercial lines through both direct and agent channels. Competes for the same trucking and livery customers but is a broad-line incumbent with national brand scale.
• Acuity Insurance: Regional commercial property and casualty insurer with a strong commercial auto and trucking book, distributed through independent agents. Competes with 5Star in commercial transportation but serves a broader commercial P&C market across the Midwest and beyond.
• Berkley Specialty Insurance (W. R. Berkley): Specialty insurance division of W. R. Berkley that writes transportation and commercial auto through both direct and managing general underwriter platforms. Operates in adjacent specialty niches with similar E&S and program distribution model.

Others

• Starwind Specialty Company: Parent specialty platform under which 5Star operates, providing shared underwriting authority, licensing, and infrastructure for multiple transportation-focused programs. Adjacent enabling entity that hosts competing/cooperative programs alongside 5Star.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 5Star Specialty Programs