Who we Are
Quaker Special Risk (QSR) is an independently-owned Commercial & Personal Lines Wholesaler, MGA, and Program Manager that helps insurance agents & brokers develop specialized insurance coverage solutions for their clients. Since 1960, Quaker has been a pioneer and a leader in the excess and surplus (E&S) lines market by helping insurance agents and brokers throughout the United States craft unique insurance coverage for the specific needs of their clients. All of our offices provide national underwriting capabilities. We are very proud of the fact that we remain independently owned and operated. Consistent with our founding principles and traditions, Quaker prides itself on its dedication to personalized service, which remains the foundation on which our long term partnerships with you, our clients, and highly-rated E&S insurers are built.
Today, Quaker is larger and stronger than ever. We remain committed to providing our agents with superior and knowledgeable service, innovative products in an ever-changing marketplace, and competitive and responsible pricing. We also recognize the need for flexibility in the E&S market. To this end, we provide specific consideration for each individual account, including the use of manuscript forms and endorsements tailored to suit your clients’ needs. In our continued pursuit of excellence, Quaker remains committed to a team-oriented approach that enables us to provide you with immediate access and competent responses to your questions and concerns. Our goal continues to be providing insurance agents and brokers with exceptional insurance solutions for even their most challenging risks. We continue to meet the changing marketplace through product development and access to over 100 markets, a number that has been growing for the last 60 years. We understand that the value of growth can only be measured by the strength of the relationships we form along the way. As a testament to our values and beliefs, QSR is proud of the fact that we still hold many of the same relationships we held five decades ago.
Our experience in the industry has given us the knowledge to turn our forward thinking ideas into successful programs. We have designed special products to meet the needs of our insureds as they deal with the changing trends within their own industries. Along with our continuous innovation, we will always provide the highest quality service to our agents and brokers, and offer superior coverage to your clients on behalf of the “A” rated insurance carriers that we represent.
Why Quaker?
What makes us different?
Quaker Special Risk’s values are the core of our culture. Our clearly-articulated set of standards is
prominently communicated to all employees. We have a deeply authentic vision, shared amongst our staff and baked into our day-to-day operations. This collective belief system is a key component of the strategic direction of our business. Quaker has truly experienced professionals with decades of expertise in specific niches, providing boutique solutions to our clients. We effectively show our strength, not only in number of employees and premium volume, but also in our independence. We are extremely proud to be one of few privately-owned Surplus Lines brokers in the USA.
Mission Statement
Our objective is to provide our agents with the highest quality service and technical proficiency, while building profitable, long-lasting relationships in the process. Our highly trained and experienced underwriters, coupled with our vast binding authority capabilities, enable us to provide specific consideration for each account and to deliver unique coverage tailored to meet the specific needs of insureds.
A History of Success
Quaker Special Risk (QSR) was founded in 1960 by Frank S. Walsh in a small, two-desk office in Newark, New Jersey. In 1981, Karin I. Branscombe opened our Worcester, Massachusetts office.
Today, we have five office locations and 90 employees. Although we are a far cry from our humble beginnings, Quaker is a family-run business that remains committed to our founding principles.
1960 – Frank S. Walsh founded Quaker Special Risk in Newark, NJ
1960 – 1st employee in NJ – Jack Herring
1969 – Frank M. Walsh becomes President
1981 – Karin I. Branscombe opens Worcester, MA office
1981 – 1st employee in MA – Eleanor Collins
1982 – 1st company appointments with
Berkshire Hathaway and American Empire, who we
continue to represent today
1984 – Binding authority relationship with Lloyds’ begins
1985 – Quaker opens Charlotte, NC office
1990 – Quaker opens Palm Beach, FL office
2002 – Quaker MA moves to Whitcomb Hall
2010 – QSR 50th Anniversary
2013 – Quaker opens Quincy, MA office
2019 – Quaker MA moves from historic Whitcomb Hall to
hip new office in downtown Worcester
Community Involvement
To begin, click the state that your Agency is located in.
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120 Front Street, Suite 510 Worcester, MA 01608
Tel: 800 – 252 – 8679 or 508 – 755 – 6210
Fax: 508 – 753 – 0646 -
12 Christopher Way, Suite 201 Eatontown, NJ 07724
Tel: 800 – 447 – 4180 or 732 – 223 – 6666
Fax: 732 – 223 – 907212 -
224 Datura Street, Suite 715 West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tel: 561 – 833 – 6888 or toll free at: 866 – 526 – 1545
Fax: 561 – 833 – 6616 -
1900 Crown Colony Drive Quincy, MA 02169
Tel: 800 – 252 – 8679 or 508 – 755 – 6210
Fax: 508 – 753 – 0646 -
50 Main Street, Suite 1000 White Plains, NY 10601
Tel: 212 – 244 – 5350 or 212 – 244 – 5344
Fax: 212 – 244 – 5371
Tel: 800 – 252 – 8679 or 508 – 755 – 6210
Fax: 508 – 753 – 0646
Tel: 800 – 447 – 4180 or 732 – 223 – 6666
Fax: 732 – 223 – 907212
Tel: 561 – 833 – 6888 or toll free at: 866 – 526 – 1545
Fax: 561 – 833 – 6616
Tel: 800 – 252 – 8679 or 508 – 755 – 6210
Fax: 508 – 753 – 0646
Tel: 212 – 244 – 5350 or 212 – 244 – 5344
Fax: 212 – 244 – 5371
Testimonials
At Quaker Special Risk Insurance, we take pride in offering leading edge insurance coverages while providing dedicated personalized service. See why our clients love working with us:
Wow, that was quick… And, as the saying goes: You are the best and then there’s the rest!
– Ed Fournier, Knight-Dik Ins. Agency, Inc.
Jodie, thanks for your help fixing my CC error. You and Quaker have gone above and beyond in fixing my mistake.
– Thomas Vocatura, Charles River Insurance
You’re the best; thanks so much! QSR is literally the best Surplus Lines carrier to work with! I love you guys!
– Kimberly Onorato, Gencorp Insurance Group
Dear Phil: First, we wanted to thank you for your help on renewal quotes/new biz, etc.! Often we may not know who in your office to reach out to but you always seem to make this process so much easier. Next, just wanted to ask that you relay to the folks in commercial lines how much I personally appreciate the quick turn around time on renewal quotes, endorsements, etc. We have many brokers, (as you know), but Quaker is truly the fastest and most efficient in my opinion.
– Maggie Mullin, T.S. Peck Insurance
I love working with the QSR Team. Whenever we need something, you always come through for us. That says a lot!”
– Maureen Lashua, W.T. Phelan & Co. Insurance Agency Inc.
I don’t write Surplus Lines policies with any other S/L brokerage. You people have service down to an art! I can’t get this kind of service from any other company.
– Linda M. Bolte, Bellows-Nichols Insurance
Thank you so much for this extra research you are sharing with me! Nobody else I’ve talked to has gone through the extra work like you have – I’m very thankful for the information you have provided. You are awesome!!!”
– Germaine Waltz, J. Edward Knight Insurance
I gotta tell you that I am incredibly pleased with the service you folks have provided me on this risk. Keep up the great work and we will continue to place business with you!”
– Craig Powers, The W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency
I wanted to let you know that Joshua Carrignant went above and beyond to help us with a client.
– Beth Murphy, HUB International New England, LLC
You all are the best!
– Robert S. Reade, William Raveis Insurance
I wanted to let you know what a great job Michelle Abasciano did on a Professional & Cyber Quote for me. She went out to 15 plus markets and found a home for the client with Westchester/Ace. I know this wasn’t an easy one to place either and there wasn’t much time. The insured was thrilled and I am very appreciative because this account could have gone south very fast.
– Aimee Hill, Cross Insurance – Wakefield, MA
I wanted to tell you how happy we are working with Quaker. Great outfit and nice people.
– Andrew P. Wingate, Peter P. Briggs Insurance Agency, Inc.
It’s always a pleasure working with all of you there at Quaker!
– Susan Lougee Thomas, Lougee Insurance Agency
I’ll never leave or stop giving business to Quaker!
– Nancy Z Bender, Bender Hatch Insurance, Inc.
We continue to utilize Quaker as our primary surplus lines market – you guys have been outstanding and have been responsive to any concerns we have encountered. Thank you again for your great service!
– Craig Barry, Royer Camp & Associated Insurance
I just wanted to let you know the exceptional job Michelle Abasciano has been doing for our office. She is a pleasure to work with and she is my go-to for Professional Liability quotes. In this business we usually only hear the negatives and I believe she deserves to be recognized and acknowledged for the excellent job she is doing. She doesn’t stop until the job is done.”
– Vicky Cox, Ironside Insurance Group, LLC
Tony, I just want to say it was awesome working with Tim, he is super responsive and easy to work with, we appreciate all of the effort you put into getting this done for us.
– Cheryl Plawecki, Bouvier Insurance
Once again, thanks for always being so helpful. You’re always my hero with this stuff.
– Jennifer Duprat, Foley Insurance Group
Mary, I cannot tell you how much I love working with you – you and your team are always so creative when quoting policies and really make sure to do what is best for the client. You are my go-to person!!!
– Paige Souza, FB Insure
I want to thank you both SO MUCH for the prompt service and excellent quote you have provided. It’s been extremely crazy busy here and again your attention to this makes things a little easier on this end.
– Christine Duquette, Brown & Brown of NH Inc.
Very helpful, as usual. You guys rock!
– Pam Medeiros, Benson Young & Downs Insurance Agency, Inc.
I just wanted to give a shout out to Austin and Jose for their quick work on a couple of accounts. Quaker has been getting all of my E&S new business lately. Thanks!
– Donnie Hills, HUB International New England
I just want to let you know how helpful Austin Chamberlain has been on my short term rental property risk. I’ve worked with other wholesale brokers (and was one myself) – he is a fantastic communicator and his response time is outstanding. It’s refreshing to work with someone who really wants to find a solution.
– Sarah Scott, FBE Insurance Services, Inc.
I have been working with Joshua for a few months now and I have to say I am super impressed! He replies quickly, takes care of our questions, and most importantly – always gives the best service for us and the client. The quality in his service is just above and beyond what we could have expected. Thanks again for taking the time to hear about your employee who makes our agency look great!
– Ana C. Lemay, Salem Five Insurance
Thanks for getting this done so quickly, I really appreciate it! You made me look really good to my bosses today.
– Ann Summerlin,, Durso & Jankowski Insurance Agency LLC
I wanted to let you know how impressed I am with Amanda Mitchell. She has been a joy (as well as super responsive to my requests) to work with. I don’t know where Quaker finds them but just another super addition to your team.
– Anthony Keegan, Dwight Rudd Insurance
I have been working with Austin and I really need to tell you how “Super” he is. I have always liked working with him in the past and am thrilled to be working with him again. While I have great respect for all the people I have dealt with at Quaker, I really need to give Austin some praise. I have been back and forth with him these last two days trying to expedite an account. It has been a crunch for me and I am not that familiar with all the Excess Market routine. He has answered every question with patience and immediately, There was no wait time for me. I asked, he answered. My e-mail box is full of Austin Chamberlain. Thank you Austin for being so knowledgeable, professional, and just being you.
– Joan M. Carney, Snow & Thomson Insurance Agency
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