InsCipher Blog

2 min read

What is a Diligent Search?

Diligent search is a specific step in the insurance process. In this article, we discuss what diligent search is and why it is important...

2 min read

What is a Surplus Lines Broker?

If you’re new to the insurance industry, you may wonder what a surplus lines broker is. This article will help you better understand what...

2 min read

What is a Syndicate List?

If you’re in the insurance industry, you’ve likely heard of Lloyd’s of London and syndicate lists. This article will give you a better...

2 min read

What is an Audit Endorsement?

There are plenty of forms to keep track of in the surplus lines industry. This article deep dives into audit endorsements. What is an...

2 min read

What is a Non-admitted Carrier?

Non-admitted insurance carriers provide unique coverage options for hard-to-place risks. In this article, we explore what non-admitted...

4 min read

A Quick Guide to Understanding Surplus Lines Forms

There are plenty of forms to navigate in the surplus lines industry. And keeping track of them can get confusing. That’s why we’ve...

2 min read

What is the Difference Between Agents and Brokers?

Agents and brokers both act as intermediaries between insurance companies and insureds. They both help consumers find coverage. So we are...

2 min read

What is the Difference Between Domestic, Foreign, and Alien Insurers?

At times, the insurance world can feel like an enigma. With so many different types of insurance policies and insurers, it can get a...

3 min read

What You Need to Know When Filing Surplus Lines in California

One tricky thing about surplus lines is that each state regulates them differently. And keeping up with changing tax rates and...

5 min read

Players in the Surplus Lines Industry

What is surplus lines insurance? Surplus Lines insurance is coverage provided to an insured with a unique set of risks and requirements....

3 min read

Top 5 Challenging States for Filing Surplus Lines Taxes

As a surplus lines professional, I'm sure you know that each state has its own process for accepting surplus lines filings and that some...

3 min read

What is a Home State?

In this article, we walk you through how a home state is determined within the insurance industry, and the nuances you need to be aware...

3 min read

Tips From a CPCU: What I've Learned and How it Applies to Surplus Lines

Many insurance professionals have letters behind their names indicating a specific designation. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter...

10 min read

7 Excel Tricks for Faster Surplus Lines Filings

With each state determining its tax filing requirements, all entities and producers must be aware of all surplus lines tax rules and...

4 min read

Understanding Guaranty Fund Disclosures

Did you know that states have Property and Casualty guaranty fund associations and Life and Health guaranty fund associations? State...

5 min read

Insurance Endorsements in the Excess and Surplus Lines Market

Insurance endorsements apply to both the admitted and non-admitted (Excess and Surplus Lines) markets. In the admitted market, the...

3 min read

What is an Export List?

What is an export list? In the insurance world, an export list is a list of coverages that a state has determined to be very difficult or...

3 min read

The Top Skills Needed in a Surplus Lines Employee

At InsCipher, we help agencies file hundreds of thousands of policies each year. We have learned a thing or two about building efficient...

4 min read

How to Build Positive Relationships with State Regulators

I once had a regulator tell me the best relationships she has with brokers and filers are the ones that started with significant...

6 min read

Comparing the Safety of the Admitted vs. Non-Admitted Insurance Markets

Why would anyone in their right mind choose an insurance market with no state guaranty fund protection? What makes the Excess and Surplus...

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