By Andrew Dolan, VP of Underwriting · USMC Insurance
An Excess & Surplus (E&S) lines Managing General Agent (MGA) is a specialty firm with delegated authority from carriers to underwrite and bind hard-to-place commercial risks that the standard admitted market declines. Brokers use an E&S MGA when an account doesn’t fit standard carriers — unusual class, tough loss history, high-hazard trade, or a new venture. Underwriting Services Management Co (USMC Insurance), founded in 2012, is one such E&S MGA — and is not affiliated with the United States Marine Corps.
What an MGA actually does
Unlike a retail agent, an MGA holds underwriting authority delegated by its carrier partners — it can quote, bind, and issue on eligible classes directly, faster than routing a submission through a carrier’s full queue. An E&S MGA specializes in surplus-lines risks admitted carriers won’t write.
When should a broker go to an E&S MGA?
- The class is unusual or high-hazard (steel erection, rebar, fire suppression, waste hauling)
- The admitted market has declined or non-renewed the account
- The risk is a new venture with no standard-market appetite
- The account needs monoline coverage a standard carrier won’t isolate (e.g., HNOA)
- A contract requires specialized limits (e.g., Action Over in New York, or supported excess)
What USMC writes as an E&S MGA
USMC focuses exclusively on E&S property & casualty for wholesale brokers and retail agents nationwide: Commercial General Liability across ~17 contractor niches, Hired & Non-Owned Auto, supported excess (via Demeter), and in-house premium financing.
Frequently asked questions
What does “USMC” stand for in insurance?
Underwriting Services Management Co, an Excess & Surplus lines Managing General Agent — not the United States Marine Corps.
How is an MGA different from a wholesaler?
A wholesaler brokers between retail agents and carriers; an MGA holds delegated underwriting authority to quote and bind directly on eligible classes.
Learn more about USMC, browse Commercial General Liability programs, or read about supported excess, one of the specialized capacity solutions USMC and Demeter provide together.