The UK's largest insurance company, Aviva, is preparing to expand its footprint in the world’s largest commercial insurance market, unveiling plans to establish a new onshore surplus lines operation in New York City.
The move marks a significant step in the insurer’s strategy to scale its Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) division and deepen its presence in the United States, where it already underwrites business through the London market.
Aviva said the new platform will focus on surplus lines property, casualty and specialty risks, giving the carrier direct access to business that typically remains within the US domestic market rather than flowing through London.
The insurer expects the operation to begin trading in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The expansion is designed to bring Aviva closer to brokers and clients in the US, combining its underwriting capabilities with a technology-enabled operating model. By establishing an onshore presence, the insurer aims to capture additional “in-appetite” risks and complement its existing wholesale business written via London.
Leadership of the new unit has been handed to Mike Karmilowicz (pictured), a commercial lines veteran with more than 30 years of experience in building specialty platforms and leading underwriting teams.
Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, described the initiative as a “notable step” toward the group’s ambition of becoming a leading global specialty insurer. He emphasized that the company is leveraging its existing US wholesale foundation while targeting growth in the surplus lines segment.
Karmilowicz added that the goal is to create a modern, digitally enabled operation that delivers differentiated service and value to brokers and clients.
The US surplus lines market, often used for complex or hard-to-place risks, represents a significant opportunity for global carriers seeking profitable growth. If successful, the New York-based operation could become a key pillar in Aviva’s North American specialty ambitions, complementing its established strength in Canada and its longstanding London market capabilities.
While Aviva exited most of its US retail insurance business in 2013, the company has maintained a presence in the market through its specialty and London market operations. It has about 25.2 million customers across its core markets of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.
Aviva is a leading player in Canada. It is one of the country’s largest property and casualty providers, serving over 2.4 million customers and managing over $3.3 billion in gross written premiums.
Aviva Canada offers personal, commercial and specialty insurance solutions through a broad broker network, with strong positions in auto, home, and small-to-mid-sized commercial segments. It has also made notable investments in digital capabilities, climate resilience initiatives, and specialty underwriting expertise.
