Insurance placed through a specialized market for risks that may not fit standard admitted carriers.

Why it matters

It can be important for hard-to-insure homes.

Example

A wildfire or older-roof risk may need surplus lines.

Common mistake

Assuming surplus lines coverage is always inferior or always better.

Related terms

non-admitted-carrier;fair-plan

Definitions are educational summaries. The policy's definitions and applicable law control a specific claim or coverage question.