Glossary
Admitted carrier
An insurer licensed by the state insurance department and backed by the state guaranty fund. Non-admitted (surplus lines) carriers write risks admitted…
What is admitted carrier?
An insurer licensed by the state insurance department and backed by the state guaranty fund. Non-admitted (surplus lines) carriers write risks admitted markets decline, with more rate and form flexibility but no guaranty-fund backstop.
Why it matters
Admitted status matters most if an insurer ever fails: state guaranty funds backstop admitted carriers’ claims. Surplus-lines carriers are not backed by the fund, but they are often the only market for new ventures or unusual risks — and many are financially stronger than admitted competitors. We tell you which type your quote comes from.