- Aviva has launched Aviva Specialty, a wholly owned US specialty insurance platform headquartered in New York City, with underwriting operations scheduled to begin in Q4 2026.
- The new insurer will initially focus on commercial property risks, distributing coverage through open-market brokers and program administrators using Aviva Insurance Limited paper.
- Aviva Specialty plans to expand into cyber insurance, specialty and financial lines, and specialty casualty as part of Aviva’s longer-term US growth strategy.
Aviva has launched Aviva Specialty, a wholly owned US specialty insurance platform headquartered in New York City, extending the insurer’s operations into the American specialty insurance market.
The business is scheduled to begin underwriting commercial property risks in the fourth quarter of 2026, working with open-market brokers and program administrators. Its initial focus will be commercial property insurance, with plans to expand into cyber, specialty and financial lines, and specialty casualty.
Aviva Specialty will underwrite policies on Aviva Insurance Limited paper, giving brokers, corporate clients and program partners access to the group’s existing financial resources and underwriting capabilities.
The platform has been established around a partnership-based operating model that combines specialist underwriting expertise, faster decision-making and modern technology with the resources of Aviva’s international insurance operations.
The company intends to operate with the flexibility of a newly established specialty insurer while drawing on the capital strength, technical expertise and infrastructure of its parent group.
The launch is the first phase of Aviva’s US specialty insurance strategy. The group plans to expand its presence gradually, concentrating on insurance classes and distribution partnerships where it believes its underwriting experience, capital resources and long-term approach can support profitable development.
Mike Karmilowicz, president of Aviva Specialty, said the business had been designed specifically for the requirements of the US specialty insurance market.
What differentiates Aviva Specialty is the combination of a seasoned specialty insurance team and the agility of a purpose-built platform. 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.
Mike Karmilowicz, president of Aviva Specialty
Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, identified the United States as a market offering opportunities for the group’s specialty insurance business.
“The launch of Aviva Specialty represents an important step in Aviva’s growth strategy. As we continue to expand our global specialty capabilities, the U.S. 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.”
