As the leader in specialty insurance distribution, we work with retail insurance agents, brokers and consultants to provide solutions to their commercial property and casualty risk placement challenges.
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Through our relationships with more than 800 E&S and specialty markets, our P&C business has grown to be the largest wholesale insurance broker in the U.S., placing $8.9 billion in property, casualty and professional lines premium annually.
Our dedicated national practice groups, our brokers and underwriters have the collective knowledge and relationships of the firm at their fingertips. They can handle nearly any placement challenge – from highly complex, layered accounts to small binding authority business.
We also have underwriting authority for more than 30 niche insurance programs to meet the unique needs of specific classes, and access to a leading London broker through our international division.
05/11/18
The Public Entity market is seeing unique trends for both Property and Casualty. In Property, the mid-market has seen firming while larger placements have seen carriers, both domestic and in London, attempt to hold the line on pricing. In Casualty, there are underwriting concerns around several key issues including attachment point sensitivity, capacity management, and difficult public exposures such as water utilities and law enforcement.
05/17/18
In both primary and excess liability, accounts are seeing some increases, but the worst may be behind us. As is typical in the transportation sector, troubled accounts are facing higher costs and placement challenges. In an ever changing marketplace, claims, safety and technology are at the forefront and buyers can no longer simply consider price.
05/17/18
Catastrophic event property deductibles (“CAT deductibles”) differ from traditional property insurance deductibles in that they result in significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses for the policyholder for specific perils. Policy wording is crucial to determine the potential financial impact of these high deductibles. This article discusses the three most popular forms of CAT deductibles and how you can protect your clients from substantial financial burden in the event of a CAT claim.
04/24/18
When a storm event occurs, multiple perils often intersect, creating a very challenging environment for a policyholder to prove their loss. Whether these perils are insured by an insurance policy, and if so to what extent, depends on the terms, conditions, definitions and exclusions in the policy. This article discusses the difference between wind-driven rain and rising water, the broad impact of using wind-driven water verbiage, and the importance of clear policy wording concerning water perils.
03/22/18
The state of the casualty market for real estate and habitational risks differs by the type of exposure. While desirable risks are seeing rate reductions, crime-related losses have caused many carriers to tighten acceptability guidelines, and shrinking profit margins have caused carriers in the habitational market to exit the space. Learn more in our State of the Real Estate Market report.
03/22/18
The Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California's history, subsequently led to a mudslide on January 9, 2018, which caused a massive amount of damage in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The California Insurance Commissioner has issued a formal notice reminding carriers to pay for damage, citing the "efficient proximate cause doctrine." This article takes a closer look at the doctrine and how it has been challenged in court over the years.
02/22/18
A professional services exclusion is found in most private company D&O policies, as well as in D&O policies issued to publicly traded companies that provide professional services, such as banks and financial advisory firms. Seemingly minor differences in the wording of the exclusion's policy terms have caused numerous claim denials. Learn what you can do to protect against insureds being caught by surprise by a carrier's denial based on an expansive reading of an exclusion.
02/22/18
Although market-hardening predictions have not materialized, a repeat of last year’s catastrophic losses could shake the property sector in 2018.
02/22/18
Differing conditions exist across the professional liability market, with indications of hard market pricing appearing in certain segments.
02/22/18
The new year brings insight into what the 2018 market will look like for retailers and insureds. Entering 2018, the question on many brokers’ minds was how much market experience across all of P&C, not just liability lines, would drive pricing and capacity trends in casualty.
01/11/18
Ordinance or Law insurance coverage provides limited protection for costs associated with repairing, rebuilding, or constructing a structure when physical damage to the structure by a covered cause of loss triggers an ordinance or law. Compliance with ordinances and laws after a loss can add 50% or more to the cost of a claim. This article will help you educate your insureds on exclusions and limitations and help them take a proactive approach to their insurance program.
01/11/18
In 2017, the issue of sexual harassment – especially in the workplace – gained greater awareness as accusations of harassment by high-profile individuals were constantly in the news. In many cases, sexual harassment lawsuits seriously impacted businesses and their respective insurers. Employment Practices Liability Insurance not only provides protection against employee lawsuits, but can also help your clients mitigate their sexual harassment risks.
12/14/17
The healthcare market remains ultra-competitive, despite economic forces and political uncertainty that would typically unnerve underwriters. However, while declining premiums and extra coverage may appeal to customers, not all capacity is created equal. Partnering with a wholesaler that is an expert in healthcare is essential for brokers seeking to expand their presence in this market.
11/30/17
Cyber risks are continually evolving and AmWINS Professional Lines practice is dedicated to helping you understand the risk and find insurance solutions to mitigate those risks.
11/10/17
A one-two-three punch of hurricanes to the U.S., combined with global property catastrophes, have plunged the property market into a period of uncertainty. Vital market access and capacity will be key to success in the coming months.
11/14/17
Each year we produce our State of the Specialty Market, digging deeply into key segments of the marketplace. Our goal is to put information at your fingertips that you can use to more effectively target markets and grow your business. While the state of the property market is in flux, the Professional Lines space is less impacted by the recent catastrophic events and we are pleased to present our recap of this unique business segment.
11/14/17
In early 2017, the American Institute of Architects (“AIA”) introduced updates to its form construction contract documents, including a new exhibit that addresses insurance requirements between the owner and contractor. Since these forms are considered construction industry standards, it is important for those handling insurance and risk matters for the construction industry to be aware of these changes to insurance requirements.
10/31/17
Due to the Doctrine of Negligent Entrustment, the consequences of allowing an employee with a poor driving record to operate any motor vehicle for work purposes extend beyond a possible traffic violation or accident. These seven tips will help you to proactively manage your drivers and maintain your CDL files as part of your fleet safety program.
10/31/17
The False Claims Act (FCA) is a law that imposes liability on persons or companies who have defrauded government programs and is the primary litigation tool used in combating fraud against the government. These tips and trends will help you navigate the changing healthcare landscape under the FCA.
09/21/17
The number of food contamination recalls continues to grow at a record-setting pace. In large part, the exponential increase in food recalls is a result of government regulatory bodies’ growing use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to identify the source of the contaminants. This article discusses the revolutionary impact of WGS on the food production industry.