With Richmond, Va., continually growing as an excess and surplus lines insurance hub, the newest E&S carrier to set up shop there will distinguish itself with a "contrarian underwriting strategy," the company's chief executive says.

Think of real-time technology processing--the ability to access carrier information through an agency management system immediately--as a recently planted lawn with lots of young grass, but also some patches of brown.

With an eye toward servicing $1,500 surplus lines accounts rather than $200,000 accounts, the newest managing general agency in Connecticut aims to grow by capturing the small, hard-to-place business of each retail agent customer.

Businesses often overlook the need to buy extra or excess liability insurance limits, but these prudent coverage purchases are an essential safeguard, protecting against asset depletion from unforeseen risks.