Vanliner Insurance, part of National Interstate, is introducing a minimum premium structure for its commercial general liability program in North Carolina, targeting a niche segment of small independent distributors.

The filing, submitted April 1, 2026, sets a $500 policywriting minimum premium for class codes tied to independent distributor operations, with a requested effective date of May 1, 2026 for new business.

The insurer noted there is no premium impact since it does not currently write general liability business for this segment.

The change reflects a mismatch between existing minimum premiums and the risk profile of these accounts. Independent distributors—often small operations with one to three vehicles—tend to generate very low exposure and premium levels, sometimes around $150, making the standard $1,500 minimum impractical.

Under the revised rule, the $500 minimum will apply specifically to these distributor classes, while all other programs will continue to carry a $1,500 minimum premium.

From a strategy standpoint, the move signals a targeted expansion into smaller commercial risks by aligning minimum premiums with exposure, rather than forcing small accounts into thresholds designed for larger fleet business.