Why might a consumer choose a surplus lines policy?

A consumer might choose a surplus lines policy primarily for coverage of non-standard risks. Surplus lines insurance is specifically designed to cover situations and types of risks that are not typically available in the standard insurance market. This could include unique or hard-to-place risks such as specialty businesses, high-risk industries, or unique properties that do not meet the underwriting criteria of traditional insurers.

The surplus lines market is flexible and can provide customized coverage options tailored to the specific needs of the insured, which is essential when standard policies are inadequate or do not provide the required coverage for a particular risk. This characteristic is what makes surplus lines policies particularly attractive to consumers who find that their specific insurance needs are not being met by conventional insurance offerings.