Surplus Lines: What do they cover?
We can see how Surplus Lines fill the gaps in traditional insurance policies. You might wonder who would need such a policy and why. Here are some examples:
Specialized Property Insurance
High-Value Homes
These can include unique features like specialty add-ons or built-ins not standard to the builder or developer, homes in dangerous areas like in a flood zone or cliffside, or homes that are a historic property that requires it to be left alone or require special permitting for any changes.
Vacant Properties
You might think, “Why would I insure a property that’s not being used?” Vacant properties are at an increased risk for vandalism, fire and damage. If you have an unoccupied property, a surplus line can protect your investment until it’s properly secured or occupied.
Non-Standard Commercial Properties
Commercial properties that run high-risk operations or are located in areas with frequent natural disasters may need additional lines of coverage.
Specialized Liability Insurance
Professional Liability
Professions that don’t fit the normal parameters of working in an office 9-5 often need specialized insurance. This can include tattoo artists, consultants, caterers or private investigators.
Event Liability
Sometimes you need limited coverage for a one-time event like a concert, festival or sports tournament. Instead of carrying insurance year-round, you can get event insurance to protect yourself and the venue for specific dates.
Errors & Omissions (E&O)
Some high-risk industries with unique exposures will require surplus insurance. These can include real estate agents, mortgage brokers or financial consultants.
High-Risk Business Operations
Adventure and Recreational Businesses
Does your business sell an adrenaline rush like sky diving, ziplining, bungee jumping or scuba diving? You should make sure your business has the additional specialized coverage offered through a surplus line.
Nightclubs and Bars
Adding alcohol means increased risk of physical altercations, injuries or accidents meaning increased liability and the need for additional protection through a surplus line of coverage.
Cannabis Businesses
With more and more states making cannabis legal in some form and the complexities of state regulations, surplus lines are often needed for general or additional coverage for cultivators, dispensaries and related businesses.
Disaster or Catastrophic Coverage
Areas that have been hit repeatedly by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or tornados often have a hard time obtaining coverage or result in very high premiums. Surplus lines can help cover these hard-hit areas and include property or benefits not added with your normal homeowner’s policy.
Unique Risks and Emerging Industries
Some jobs come with risks that no one knows how to protect or wants to take the risk to protect. Surplus lines for Cyber Liability, Maritime Risk (including piracy), Kidnap and Ransom Insurance, Drone Liability and Cryptocurrency Insurance are available to cover out-of-the-norm situations. You will pay a hefty premium for these policies, but there are companies that will cover you for these high-risk ventures.
Surplus Lines are having their moment in the insurance spotlight as more unique situations arise. Carriers are adding more lines of coverage every day and we are working to add surplus training to our catalog in the coming year. Stay tuned to our socials for updates!
InsuranceStudy has been providing continuing education for Insurance Professionals and Certified Financial Planners for more than 20 years. Our insurance experts are dedicated to bringing you convenient, affordable, and compliant courses. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for more updates.
