Excess & Surplus (E&S) Lines insurance policies can only be sold through licensed resident insurance agents and/or non-resident Surplus Line Brokers. John Sullivan of AMERICAN INSURANCE holds an Idaho Surplus Lines License and is authorized to place E&S insurance policies.

AMERICAN INSURANCE maintains marketing relationships with select General Agencies that represent dozens of E&S insurance companies having specialized insurance programs for risks that do not qualify for standard insurance coverage.

RESTRICTIONS: E&S policies cannot be written on risks that are acceptable in the standard "admitted" insurance market. This is because E&S policies are different from "admitted" policies in several key areas: E&S policyholders are not protected by the state guaranty fund, may pay higher premiums including fees and taxes, and are available only when the agent placing the business has a surplus lines license.

PREMIUMS, TAXES & FEES: E&S "non-admitted" policies that are accessed through Surplus Lines Brokers usually contain a broker fee from $100 to $500.  The annual premiums for E&S policies are payable in full before issue and if cancelled early have a 25% fully earned premium. In rare cases, for certain E&S policies, the premium is fully earned at issue and no refund is available for early cancellation. The state Department of Insurance also collects a Surplus Lines Tax and Stamping Fee (varies by state). 

For a list of related E&S questions click: 
What is Excess & Surplus Lines Insurance?