Property underwriting will begin in Q4 as insurer builds out surplus lines platform
Aviva has formally launched its US specialty insurance business, moving ahead with plans to establish a domestic surplus lines operation after first announcing its expansion into the market earlier this year.
The New York-headquartered platform, called Aviva Specialty, will begin underwriting commercial property risks in the fourth quarter of 2026 through open-market brokers and partnerships with program administrators.
Property will be the initial focus, with Aviva planning to add cyber, specialty and financial lines, and specialty casualty as the business develops.
The launch follows Aviva's earlier announcement that it planned to establish an onshore US surplus lines operation to complement business already written through its London market platform.
At the time, the insurer said the operation would give it greater access to US domestic specialty risks that do not typically flow into London. Aviva had initially targeted the second quarter of 2026 to begin trading, subject to regulatory approvals.
Aviva Specialty will write business on Aviva Insurance Limited paper and has capabilities to serve risks nationwide.
The company said the platform has been built around a partnership-led model combining specialty underwriting with a technology-enabled operating system, with distribution spanning wholesale brokers and program administrators.
Mike Karmilowicz (pictured), president of Aviva Specialty, said the carrier had built the operation from the ground up rather than adapting an existing US platform.
“What differentiates Aviva Specialty is the combination of a seasoned specialty insurance team and the agility of a purpose-built platform,” Karmilowicz said.
“We are building the business from the ground up for today's market, giving our teams the tools and flexibility to deliver responsive underwriting, exceptional service and consistent execution for brokers, clients and program partners.”
Karmilowicz was named to lead the operation when Aviva first announced its US expansion. He has more than three decades of commercial insurance experience, including building and scaling specialty businesses.
While commercial property provides the entry point, Aviva's roadmap suggests a broader push into the domestic specialty market. Cyber, financial and other specialty lines and casualty are planned as subsequent additions, while delegated authority and program business will also form part of the platform's growth strategy.
Aviva said it intends to expand selectively, focusing on classes and partnerships where it believes its underwriting capabilities and capital can support long-term growth.
The US launch forms part of a wider expansion of Aviva's Global Corporate & Specialty business.
The insurer already writes U.S. risks through London, while its North American presence also includes Aviva Canada. Establishing a domestic surplus lines carrier gives the group direct access to a larger pool of business placed within the US.
Aviva has also been expanding its specialty operations elsewhere. Its acquisition of Lloyd's carrier Probitas in 2024 gave the insurer a Lloyd's platform, which was rebranded as Aviva Syndicates in September 2026. The company has subsequently added new specialty lines and capabilities across its global operations.
Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, said the US remains a key growth market for the group.
“The launch of Aviva Specialty represents an important step in Aviva's growth strategy,” Storah said. “As we continue to expand our global specialty capabilities, the US is a market where we see significant opportunities to grow and create value.”
“We are entering the market with a long-term perspective and a commitment to being a trusted specialty insurance partner.”
