10/07/2026
Do you know when a risk is best suited to a surplus market? This is a common question agents run into, and knowing the answer can be tough.
So, to help you out, we wanted to share a few common cases where a non-admitted, or excess and surplus (E&S) market, can be a good fit:
✅ The risk doesn't fit the filed forms - Unique operations, unusual locations, mixed occupancies, or contract requirements call for accommodations beyond standard forms.
✅ The exposure is genuinely non-standard - Emerging industries, new product lines, atypical revenue streams, or a business model that doesn't map neatly to an admitted underwriting template could be better suited for a surplus market.
✅ Loss history tells a complicated story - Frequency issues, severity spikes, prior non-renewals, and cancellations can indicate that a non-admitted market could be a good fit.
✅ Capacity is the constraint - Higher limits, layered placements, catastrophe-exposed property, or schedules where admitted capacity is thin can often fit better in an E&S market.
✅ The market is moving faster than filings can - When a coverage need is evolving quickly, the E&S market's ability to adjust terms and pricing can be the difference between "no" and a workable "yes."
So, if you have an account that you think may be best supported in a surplus market but aren't sure, feel free to send it over. We're happy to take a quick look, confirm direction, and help you place the risk quickly.