Pen-Ex: A Villanova Insurance Partners Company

What Pen-Ex: A Villanova Insurance Partners Company does

Pen-Ex (legal entity: Peninsula Excess Insurance Brokers, Inc.) is an independent insurance agency founded in 1983 and headquartered at 1016 W 8th Avenue, Suite A in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, with a second office in Berwyn, PA. The firm operates nationwide as a subsidiary of Villanova Insurance Partners following a July 1, 2019 partnership. Pen-Ex specializes in commercial insurance and risk management services for six underserved professional verticals: home stagers / real estate stagers, interior designers, professional organizers, architects, professional engineers, and home healthcare providers. Core product lines bundle general liability, professional liability / errors and omissions (E&O), property, workers compensation, business auto, umbrella, cyber liability, and HIPAA-related coverages, with vertical-specific policy wording and endorsements (A/E endorsements for engineer and architect policies).

Name

Pen-Ex: A Villanova Insurance Partners Company

Legal name

Peninsula Excess Insurance Brokers, Inc

Website

https://pen-ex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pen-Ex is an independent insurance agency founded in 1983 that provides specialized commercial liability, E&O, and risk management coverage to home stagers, interior designers, professional organizers, architects, engineers, and home healthcare providers nationwide through association partnerships and multi-carrier representation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Insurance Brokerage

NAICS

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

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Insurance Brokerage (Marine, Aviation, Cyber, Professional Lines) (FSAEADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mid-Market Commercial Package (Package Policies) (FSAJAFAB)

Keywords

• Commercial insurance brokerage
• Professional liability insurance
• Home staging insurance
• Architect engineer insurance
• Risk management services

Headquarters

HQ city

King Of Prussia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Insurance Commission Revenue: Pen-Ex operates as an independent insurance agency earning commissions from insurance carriers for placing business. They represent multiple insurance companies and earn commissions on policies sold to customers in their target verticals.
2. Risk Management Subscription Services: Annual subscription-based risk management services providing access to attorney Joseph Denneler's team, claims assistance hotline, contract templates, subcontractor agreements, and ongoing claims management. Fee-based subscription model with tiered pricing for association members vs. standard rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Pen-Ex (Peninsula Excess Insurance Brokers, Inc) is an independent insurance agency that places specialized commercial insurance coverage for niche professional verticals including home stagers, interior designers, professional organizers, architects, engineers, and home healthcare providers. As an independent agent, Pen-Ex represents multiple insurance carriers and earns commissions on policies placed, while also offering subscription-based risk management services (state-specific contracts, attorney access, claims hotline) through branded programs like SDOPro, RESASURE, DSAinsure, and CSP Pro.

Product overview

Pen-Ex: A Villanova Insurance Partners Company operates as an independent insurance agency offering a portfolio of specialized commercial insurance products and risk management services. The core offerings include six specialized insurance lines (Home Staging, Interior Designer, Professional Organizer, Professional Engineer, Architect, and Home Healthcare insurance) that provide general liability, professional liability (E&O), property, workers compensation, and other coverages. These are distributed through sub-branded membership programs (SDOPro, RESASURE, DSAInsure, CSP Pro) that offer risk management services including state-specific service agreements, subcontractor agreements, and attorney support. The SRM Staging Policy provides per-location risk assessment add-on coverage. A Policy Service Center enables digital policy management, billing, and claims processing. The company functions as an independent agent representing multiple insurance carriers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SDOPro: National insurance and risk management program specifically designed for real estate professionals including home stagers, interior designers, and home organizers.
• RESASURE
• DSAinsure
• CSP Pro

Products and services

• Home Staging Insurance Comprehensive insurance coverage for home staging businesses including general liability, professional liability, staging inventory protection, workers compensation, and hired physical damage coverage. Targeted at real estate stagers who prepare properties for sale.
• Interior Designer Insurance Insurance coverage for interior designers and decorators bundling Business Owner Policy (BOP), Errors and Omissions (E&O), general liability, workers compensation, business auto, and cyber liability. Addresses claims from design mistakes, budget overruns, and missed deadlines.
• Professional Organizer Insurance Tailored insurance for professional organizers covering professional liability (E&O), general liability, commercial property, inland marine, and Business Owner Policy (BOP). Addresses accidental damage during organizing and dissatisfied client claims.
• Professional Engineer Insurance
• Architect Liability Insurance Customized liability insurance for architects including general liability, professional liability E&O, business personal property, business auto, workers compensation, third-party crimes, and umbrella coverage. Founded as Pen-Ex's original specialization in 1983.
• Home Healthcare Insurance Comprehensive home healthcare liability insurance covering professional liability, general liability, property, commercial auto, umbrella, workers compensation, cyber liability, HIPAA defense, EPLI, and fidelity bonds for home healthcare agencies, caregivers, hospice providers, and DME providers.
• SDOPro Risk Management Program National insurance and risk management subscription program for real estate stagers, interior designers, and home organizers. Provides state-specific service agreements, subcontractor agreements, claims hotline, and attorney support through Attorney Joseph Denneler's team. Standard subscription $140/year.
• RESASURE Program Specialized insurance program exclusively for RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) members providing discounted risk management fees ($95/year vs. $140 standard), attorney Joe Denneler access, claims hotline, and contract review services.
• DSAinsure Program Custom insurance program designed exclusively for DSA (Designer Society of America) members offering discounts, contract review, podcast content, and preferred pricing on risk management services at $95/year vs. $140 standard rate.
• CSP Pro Program Insurance and risk management program for Certified Staging Professional (CSP) members providing underwriting credits, state-specific contracts, subcontractor agreements, and claims hotline access.
• SRM Staging Policy Per-location risk management coverage for real estate stagers providing on-site risk assessments for each staging location, mitigation recommendations, and flexible payment options.
• Policy Service Center Online portal for policyholders to access online billing and payments, report claims, request certificates of insurance, request policy changes, and schedule annual insurance reviews.

Quantifiable outcome

• Coverage available in under 48 hours for home staging business insurance
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and regional.

• villanova Insurance PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2019Pen-Ex joined forces with villaNova Insurance Partners on July 1, 2019. This partnership expanded Pen-Ex's markets, resources, and services including access to multiple insurance markets for competitive pricing, risk management, legal consultation, claims management, and group health and ancillary benefits consulting.
• Liberty Mutual InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor national insurance carrier represented by Pen-Ex. Provides various commercial insurance products including auto, property, and liability coverage options accessible through Pen-Ex's agency.
• MetLife InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational insurance provider whose products are distributed through Pen-Ex independent agency. Offers property, casualty, and employee benefits insurance.
• Nationwide InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor national insurance carrier represented for commercial and business insurance products through Pen-Ex agency services.
• Philadelphia InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty insurance carrier focused on property and casualty coverage for niche markets. Products distributed through Pen-Ex independent agency.
• The HartfordcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational insurance provider whose commercial insurance products are available through Pen-Ex. Known for business insurance and surety solutions.
• Travelers InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor commercial insurance carrier represented by Pen-Ex. Offers business insurance, workers compensation, and commercial property coverage.
• CNAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial insurance specialist providing business insurance solutions distributed through Pen-Ex independent agency.
• Chubb GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal insurance provider offering commercial property and casualty, casualty insurance, and risk management solutions through Pen-Ex.
• AmTrust InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial insurance carrier specializing in small business insurance, workers compensation, and niche market coverages distributed through Pen-Ex.
• Utica National InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional insurance carrier providing commercial and business insurance solutions available through Pen-Ex agency.
• Safeco InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiberty Mutual subsidiary offering business and commercial insurance products distributed through Pen-Ex independent agency.
• United States Liability InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty insurance carrier focused on professional liability and excess liability coverage distributed through Pen-Ex.
• Cumberland MutualregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional insurance carrier serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland markets with commercial insurance products through Pen-Ex.
• Donegal Insurance GroupregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional insurance carrier serving Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic markets with business and commercial coverage available through Pen-Ex.
• EncompassregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance carrier offering commercial and business insurance products available through Pen-Ex independent agency.
• Grange Insurance AssociationregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional insurance carrier serving select Midwestern and Western markets with commercial coverage distributed through Pen-Ex.
• Hanover Insurance GroupregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial insurance provider offering property and casualty coverage available through Pen-Ex independent agency.
• Alliance of Nonprofits for InsuranceregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance carrier providing coverage for nonprofit organizations available through Pen-Ex for qualifying clients.
• Boomtown Internet GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationWebsite design and digital marketing partner with over 15 years of experience growing small businesses online. Provides custom home staging website design, SEO optimization, social media marketing, and digital advertising services. Also handles Pen-Ex's own website design.
• RESA (Real Estate Staging Association)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive partnership providing RESASURE insurance program for RESA members only. RESA members receive $95 annual risk management subscription (vs. $140 standard), attorney access, claims hotline, and enhanced coverage options. Pen-Ex verifies RESA membership during application process.
• DSA (Design & Staging Association)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive partnership providing DSAinsure program for DSA members only. DSA members receive preferred pricing on risk management ($95/year vs $140 standard), access to Attorney Joe Denneler's team, contract review services, and exclusive content and events. Promoted through DSA's member communications and events.
• CSP (Certified Staging Professional)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCSP Pro program provides enhanced insurance and risk management benefits for current CSP members beyond standard SDOpro. Includes underwriting credits for being both CSP member and risk management program participant. Promoted through CSP certification communications.
• SRM Staging PolicycoreTechnology or IntegrationPer-location coverage solution for real estate staging risk management. Provides risk assessment for each staging location, flexible payment options, and personalized coverage recommendations. SDOpro program provides access to SRM Staging Policy for insureds.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hiscox: Specialty insurer and broker focused on professional liability and small commercial coverage for designers, architects, consultants, and other professional service SMBs — directly overlapping Pen-Ex's professional lines target market with a similar product mix (GL, E&O, BOP).
• Berxi (Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance): Specialty professional liability provider for healthcare providers, design professionals, and other small service businesses — directly comparable to Pen-Ex's mix of professional liability and BOP products for niche verticals.
• NSI Insurance Group: Specialty insurance program manager building niche vertical insurance products for healthcare, design, and professional service industries — operates a similar program-broker model with carrier partnerships serving underserved verticals.
• Insurance Canopy: Online specialty broker providing professional liability, E&O, and general liability for small professional service businesses including consultants, designers, and contractors — directly comparable target customer and product mix.

Emerging players

• CoverWallet (an Aon company): Digital small business insurance platform offering professional liability, general liability, and BOPs to SMBs including professional services — comparable in target customer (small professional service firms) but differentiated by technology-led distribution.
• Founder Shield: Specialty insurance broker delivering professional liability, E&O, and BOPs to professional services and technology startups — comparable vertical-specialist model, though focused on tech-enabled startups rather than design/staging/architecture.
• Thimble: Digital micro-insurance platform offering professional liability and general liability to small service businesses and independent professionals — comparable SMB professional liability product, distributed via app rather than agent-led sales.

Broad incumbents

• Burns & Wilcox: Large specialty insurance brokerage and wholesale distributor offering professional, excess, and surplus lines coverage — overlaps with Pen-Ex's professional lines and niche E&S placements but at much larger scale and broader product set.
• RPS (Risk Placement Services): National specialty lines wholesale broker and managing general agent placing professional, E&S, and niche commercial coverage — comparable specialty distribution model but operates at significantly larger scale across many verticals.
• CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services: National insurance brokerage and risk management advisory serving small and mid-market professional services firms — comparable in serving niche professional verticals with bundled risk management and insurance offerings, but at much larger enterprise scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/penexinsurance
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/penex
• Facebookfacebook.com/PenExIns

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Pen-Ex: A Villanova Insurance Partners Company