Jefferson Merges With Interstate

Jefferson Insurance Group has merged with Interstate Insurance Group to create one of the top five domestic Excess & Surplus markets in the country with gross premiums expected to top $400 million.

Gary R. Dittman, president and CEO of Interstate, will head up the combined organization. The companies belong to the Allianz Group of Munich, one of the top five international insurers. Interstate, a Chicago-based company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fireman’s Fund, writing professional liability, non-standard personal lines and financial institutions lines of business, in addition to Excess & Surplus lines.

Jefferson, headquartered in Jersey City, N.J., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz of America, a holding company for North American Allianz companies. After the merger, Interstate Insurance Group premium for 2000 is expected to exceed $700 million.