MiniCo FAQ
General MiniCo Information
What is MiniCo Insurance?
MiniCo Insurance Agency is one of the largest insurance program administrators in the U.S., providing specialty insurance solutions for the self-storage industry, nonprofit and social services organizations, and multiple other niche markets.
What types of insurance does MiniCo offer?
MiniCo works through retail insurance agents to offer specialty insurance programs for niche industries including self-storage facilities, nonprofit organizations, farm and ranch, artisan contractors, and many others. All of our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of business owners in their specific industries.
How does MiniCo’s Tenant Protection Plan work?
The Self-Storage Tenant Protection Plan is an operator-managed program that allows self-storage facilities to offer protection directly to their tenants for stored belongings. It is not insurance, but a contractual agreement between the self-storage business and the tenant that provides reimbursement for covered losses up to a specified limit.
What makes MiniCo different from other self-storage insurance providers?
MiniCo has been providing specialized insurance solutions to the self-storage industry for over 50 years. Our knowledge and deep expertise of this industry is unmatched. MiniCo offers flexible coverage options through AM Best A-rated carriers with the highest level of customization and service.
Who owns MiniCo Insurance?
MiniCo Insurance Agency is a Jencap company. Jencap is one of the largest wholesale intermediaries in the United States with expertise in wholesale brokerage, binding authority, and program management.
Where is MiniCo headquartered?
MiniCo is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
How do I get a quote from MiniCo?
To request a quote, visit the Get a Quote page on MiniCo.com or contact sales@minico.com.
How do I file a claim with MiniCo?
Claims can be filed online at MiniCo.com or by contacting our claims team. Step-by-step instructions and required documents are available on our Claims page.
Is MiniCo insurance available nationwide?
Yes. MiniCo offers insurance solutions in all 50 states through licensed agents and brokers.
What industries does MiniCo serve?
MiniCo serves the self-storage industry, nonprofit and social services, agribusiness, artisan contractors and landscapers, and many additional niche markets. MiniCo offers exclusive specialty insurance programs for commercial property, general liability, professional liability, inland marine, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and umbrella and excess liability.
Does MiniCo provide insurance for nonprofit organizations?
Yes. MiniCo offers an exclusive specialty insurance program tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Coverage options are designed to protect nonprofits from risks related to property, liability, employees, volunteers, and events.
What kinds of nonprofits does MiniCo serve?
MiniCo provides insurance for a wide range of nonprofit organizations including community outreach programs, arts and cultural organizations, addiction treatment and behavioral health services, service clubs, day care, Head Start, and charter and private schools. Policy coverage is customized to fit the scale, mission, and specific needs of the organization.
How do I contact MiniCo customer service?
You can reach our customer service team by calling 800-528-1056 or by submitting a message to a program-specific contact through the Contact Us page at MiniCo.com.
Category and Product Information
What is tenant protection in self-storage?
Tenant protection is a program offered by self-storage facilities that reimburses tenants for losses due to covered events such as burglary, fire, or water damage. Unlike tenant insurance, it is not underwritten by an insurance company but managed directly by the facility as a contractual agreement.
What does self-storage insurance cover?
Self-storage insurance for tenants typically covers loss or damage to stored property caused by risks like fire, lightning, hail, water damage, vermin, burglary, vandalism, and more.
How does tenant protection differ from tenant insurance?
Tenant protection is a facility-managed program that offers reimbursement for losses through a contractual agreement executed between the business and the customer. Tenant insurance is a traditional insurance policy issued by an insurance company. While both offer protection for tenants against damage or loss of their stored items, the program structure differs.
Why should storage operators offer tenant protection plans?
Tenant protection plans allow self-storage operators to offer added value, generate additional revenue, and streamline integration with management platforms. It also gives operators more control over pricing, mitigates tenant claim activity, and provides a valuable service for customers.
What are the benefits of offering tenant protection plans?
Operators benefit from added revenue, improved customer experience, and simplified claims handling. Tenants receive peace of mind and protection for their stored belongings.
Is tenant protection required by law?
No. Tenant protection is not mandated by law, but many operators choose to offer it to increase customer satisfaction, differentiate their services, and protect their business by reducing tenant claim activity.
How does specialty insurance for self-storage facilities work?
Specialty insurance for self-storage includes customized coverage options that address the unique risks of the industry and the operation as a whole. This can include building coverage, property coverage, customer goods legal liability, sale and disposal liability, business interruption, employee dishonesty, and cyber risks. MiniCo has over 50 years of specialization insuring this class and offers a specialty business owner policy (BOP) and monoline coverages to address the operational realities of self-storage businesses.
What types of organizations can benefit from specialty insurance?
MiniCo provides solutions for a variety of niche sectors including nonprofit organizations, self-storage operations, artisan contractors and landscapers, farm and ranch operations, and other commercial entities with unique insurance needs. These organizations often face risks and exposures that are not adequately addressed by more general commercial policies.
What is the difference between property insurance and tenant protection?
Property insurance protects the business owner’s physical assets, such as buildings, roofs, signage, equipment, gates, fencing, and rollup doors. Tenant protection (and tenant insurance) covers the personal property of tenants stored within a facility. They are designed for different use cases and customer groups.
What is equipment breakdown coverage?
Equipment breakdown coverage helps cover the cost of repair or replacement when essential systems such as HVAC, electrical, or security systems fail due to mechanical or electrical issues. This type of coverage can reduce unexpected expenses and downtime for businesses.
What is cyberliability insurance for self-storage operators and niche businesses?
Cyberliability insurance protects against digital threats like data breaches, ransomware, and cyber extortion. It covers response costs such as legal fees, customer notifications, data restoration, and public relations. As more self-storage facilities and niche businesses move online, cyberliability is becoming an essential part of a comprehensive risk strategy.
What types of insurance do nonprofits typically need?
Nonprofits often need a combination of general liability, property coverage, directors and officers (D&O) liability, professional liability, inland marine coverage, abuse and molestation coverage, and workers’ compensation. MiniCo provides access to these coverages through streamlined programs built for nonprofit operations.
Why do nonprofits need specialty insurance?
Nonprofits face unique exposures, such as volunteer-related risks, fundraising event liability, and board governance issues. Specialty insurance ensures that they are protected from claims that could disrupt their mission or put their organization at risk.
How is nonprofit insurance different from standard business insurance?
While some coverage types may overlap, nonprofit insurance accounts for the distinct structure and operations of mission-based organizations. This includes managing risk for unpaid staff, grant compliance requirements, and protecting board members with D&O coverage.
Employment Topics
What is it like to work at MiniCo?
MiniCo offers a collaborative and innovative environment that values expertise and focuses on delivering specialized insurance solutions. We value integrity, teamwork, and professional growth.
How do I apply for a job at MiniCo?
Visit the Jencap Careers page to explore current openings and submit your application online.
What benefits does MiniCo offer employees?
MiniCo provides competitive compensation, health benefits, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.
What is MiniCo’s company culture?
MiniCo’s culture promotes professionalism, continuous learning, and teamwork in a supportive environment. We strive to provide customer service excellence while providing opportunities for our employees to grow as professionals, team members, and leaders.