When shopping for insurance, the terms “admitted carrier” and “excess and surplus (E&S) carrier” may come up. But what do they mean, and how do they impact your coverage?… Check out our guide below.
Questions? Reach out to one of our knowledgeable agents. We’re eager to set you up with the right coverage and rate!

What Are Admitted Carriers?
Admitted carriers are approved by the state’s insurance department. This means they must follow strict regulations and offer policies that are backed by the state’s guaranty fund. If the company becomes insolvent, the guaranty fund protects policyholders.
What Are Excess & Surplus Carriers?
Excess and surplus carriers, on the other hand, are not state-regulated. They specialize in insuring high-risk or unique properties that admitted carriers may not cover. While these policies are more flexible, they are not backed by the state’s guaranty fund.
Key Differences
Admitted Carriers | Excess & Surplus Carriers |
State-regulated | Flexible underwriting |
Backed by guaranty fund | No guaranty fund protection |
Standardized policies | Tailored coverage options |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose admitted carriers if you want peace of mind and standard coverage.
Opt for E&S carriers if you own a unique property or have specialized needs.
At Cornerstone Insurance Agency LLC we work with both types of carriers to ensure you get the coverage you need—no matter your situation.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not act based on this information without first consulting with your insurance agent; if you would like a quote from a Cornerstone Insurance Agency licensed agent, contact us. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken by you based on the contents of this article which is provided “as is.” Cornerstone makes no representation that this content is error-free.