Our underwriting team ensures the financial stability and success of our self-insured group. CRMBC’s underwriting services help members maintain control over their workers’ compensation costs by focusing on thorough risk assessment and fair premium setting. Underwriting services are delivered by our Administrator, The PATH Alliance, with strategic guidance from Scott Gaffner, Chief Underwriting Officer, and operational oversight from Zac Laval, Vice President of Operations.
Here’s what sets our underwriting approach apart:
Our underwriting team evaluates each member’s risk profile, considering current operations and historical data. This ensures that premiums are set accurately, reflecting the true risk and helping members avoid unnecessary costs.
We understand that each business is unique. Our underwriters take the time to understand each member's needs and challenges, providing customized solutions that align with their operational realities and financial goals.
Our underwriting philosophy is centered on sustainability and long-term success. We focus on the Total Cost of Insurance rather than competing on upfront prices, ensuring that our members benefit from stable and predictable costs over time.
Underwriting Leaders
CRMBC’s underwriting services are guided by a team of experienced professionals who understand the complexities of restaurant operations and workers’ compensation.
Chief Underwriting Officer
Scott is a distinguished leader in the insurance and risk management field, boasting over 27 years of experience in the workers’ compensation industry. As the head of PATH’s underwriting department, he develops policies and guidelines that ensure high-quality candidates for group membership are approved and accurately priced. Currently, Scott serves as President of Comprehensive Risk Services and has previously held the position of President at US Specialty Underwriters. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Insurance from Ferris State University and holds the professional designations of Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).
Vice President, Operations
Zac has been at the helm of PATH’s corporate operations for over four years, expertly coordinating and integrating various components to ensure outstanding service for our clients. He plays a key role in underwriting prospective new members across our groups and provides vital support to our broker network. Zac holds a Property and Casualty Broker license from the California Department of Insurance. Prior to joining PATH, he gained valuable international experience in marketing and public relations, collaborating with top executives and business founders to create impactful brand messaging and targeted marketing strategies. Zac graduated summa cum laude from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in Economics and a B.S.C. in Finance.
CRMBC is a California Self-Insured Group (SIG) formed BY restaurant owners FOR restaurant owners. Choosing to opt out of commercial insurance that uses premiums to boost their substantial profits and overhead, CRMBC is a group of business-savvy restaurant owners who joined forces to self-insure their work comp for sustainable cost savings.
