Aviva, the UK’s largest insurance company, is gearing up to grow its presence in the US commercial insurance market by launching a new surplus lines operation in New York City. The company plans to start this new business in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
This move is part of Aviva’s effort to boost its Global Corporate & Specialty division and increase its footprint in the United States. While Aviva already underwrites some US business through the London market, the new operation will focus directly on surplus lines – a segment that covers property, casualty, and specialty risks often handled domestically within the US.
By setting up shop onshore, Aviva hopes to get closer to brokers and clients, making it easier to offer insurance products that fit their needs. The company also aims to bring in more of the risks that are “in-appetite,” meaning those that fit their criteria better than what they currently write via London. The new unit will blend Aviva’s underwriting expertise with a technology-driven approach to improve service for brokers and customers.
Mike Karmilowicz, a seasoned commercial lines expert with over 30 years of experience, has been tapped to lead the new US surplus lines team. Jason Storah, Aviva’s CEO for UK & Ireland General Insurance, called this a major step toward Aviva’s goals of becoming a leader in global specialty insurance. According to Karmilowicz, their priority is to build a modern and digitally enabled operation that stands out in the market.
The US surplus lines sector is known for handling difficult or unusual insurance risks and presents a big chance for growth. If all goes well, Aviva’s New York operation could become a key part of its North American strategy, complementing its well-established business in Canada and the London market.
Aviva stepped away from most US retail insurance in 2013 but has kept a hand in specialty insurance through other channels. Globally, the company serves about 25.2 million customers, mainly in the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
In Canada, Aviva is a major player, providing property and casualty insurance to over 2.4 million clients. The Canadian arm manages more than $3.3 billion in premiums and offers personal, commercial, and specialty insurance products through a strong broker network. They have invested heavily in digital technology and climate resilience efforts in recent years.
With this new US surplus lines platform, Aviva looks ready to grow its US specialty business in a meaningful way, bringing its global experience to one of the world’s most important insurance markets.