MiniCo at 50: The Pioneering History of a Specialty Insurance Powerhouse

Once upon a time in Phoenix, an entrepreneur spotted an opportunity and launched a company that became a leader in specialty insurance program administration.

Space for Innovation

In the early 1970s, the concept of self-storage was relatively new for consumers and the business world. Fewer than 1,000 facilities dotted the U.S. For Hardy Good, an innovative entrepreneur with an eye for the next big thing, self-storage was an opportunity. He joined forces with two partners in 1974 and founded a company that profoundly changed the self-storage industry and set MiniCo on its path to becoming a specialty insurance leader.

The first MiniCo product was a month-to-month contents insurance policy for self-storage tenants. For a small administrative fee, a facility would offer the MiniCo policy to its tenants, which provided both peace of mind to the customer and liability protection for the business. Within a year, the company rolled out the first commercial package insurance policy designed for self-storage businesses. This package policy was the first in the industry to include specialty coverages for these risks, a true innovation for self-storage and the insurance industry.

Over the next several years, MiniCo established its leadership role as the preeminent specialty insurance provider for self-storage risks. The company became known across the self-storage industry for its focus on providing specialty insurance, risk management information and resources, and unmatched coverage flexibility through MiniCo’s exclusive Commercial Self-Storage insurance program.

MiniCo Turns 50: Explore a Timeline of Our History

Prowess in Program Administration

Leaning into its proven strength as a specialty program administrator, in 2010 MiniCo began adding programs under new ownership as a member of Aran Insurance Services Group. Over the next nine years, MiniCo added multiple exclusive programs to its portfolio including Fine Art and Collectibles, Agribusiness, Participant Accident, NY Contractors Liability, Wind/Hail Deductible Buyback, Miscellaneous Professional Liability, Lawyers Professional Liability, Cyber, and Equipment Breakdown. The Commercial Self-Storage program was enhanced with the addition of monoline property and general liability products as well as Workers’ Compensation for self-storage businesses.

Better Together With Jencap

MiniCo’s leadership as a program administrator has continued to develop since its acquisition by Jencap in 2019 and subsequent rebranding as a Jencap company. Shortly after the acquisition, MiniCo added programs for Nonprofit and Social Services, Adult Residential Facilities, Artisan Contractors, and Landscaping. By the end of 2024, MiniCo’s program portfolio expanded again to include Architects and Engineers Professional Liability, Property Owners Associations Liability, Hired and Non-Owned Auto for Food/Cannabis Couriers, and Allied Health.

Focused on the Future

MiniCo’s history is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and adaptability. From its founding and innovative program development in one industry, to its growth as a leader in insurance program management and administration, MiniCo has proven time and again that specialization is built into the company’s DNA. 

Today MiniCo is one of the largest program administrators in the U.S., offering multiple exclusive programs for niche industries and exposures. For insurance agents, partnering with MiniCo means aligning with a company with five decades of experience in program management, underwriting, binding authority, and claims. Our dedicated program teams provide unmatched underwriting prowess and flexibility, industry specialization, and world-class customer service. We invite you to access MiniCo’s growing list of specialized programs and put our expertise to work for your clients.