American Modern

Carrier appetite summary

American Modern is a specialty residential and recreational carrier accessed primarily through appointed agents using AMsuite/modernLINK. Detailed underwriting manuals are behind login, but producer‑facing marketing and training content plus publicly exposed AMsuite help and FAQs give usable operational guidance. HOME (OWNER‑OCCUPIED / SPECIALTY RESIDENTIAL) Preferred / target business - Owner‑occupied homes that don’t fit standard markets (nonstandard construction, older homes, unique or higher‑risk characteristics). Agents site positions American Modern as a specialty home market used when traditional carriers are unwilling or non‑competitive. - Manufactured / mobile homes and other specialty residential structures are a core focus; American modern Home Insurance Company is the flagship specialty residential entity. ([agents.amig.com](https://agents.amig.com/?utm_source=openai)) Restricted / higher‑scrutiny classes (inferred from field experience and inspection practices) - Older homes: routine interior and exterior inspections or photo surveys are common on older dwellings. Expect inspection requirements, especially for homes ~40+ years old or with prior loss history. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/1ead7v9?utm_source=openai)) - Non‑standard occupancies (short‑term rental, off‑grid, manufactured homes, prior non‑standard carriers): American Modern is frequently used as the market of last resort for these risks, but underwriting may impose conditions, coverage limitations, or surcharges. Agents report use for off‑grid and manufactured homes and for risks declined or non‑renewed elsewhere. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/airbnb_hosts/comments/1g6278e?utm_source=openai)) Common decline / non‑renewal drivers (operational clues) - Payment problems / chronic late pay: producer reports indicate non‑renewal when insureds are late on payments, even without major losses. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/1l8h58v?utm_source=openai)) - Adverse loss history / vandalism & malicious mischief claims and other higher‑severity losses can make placement or renewal more difficult and push the risk to residual markets. Geographic notes - Operates nationally as a specialty market; appetite and availability differ by state. Some wholesale bulletins note shifts in appetite for specific residential programs (e.g., exiting certain tenant/condo programs in some territories), so always confirm state‑specific eligibility in AMsuite before binding. ([arlingtonroe.com](https://arlingtonroe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Personal-Lines-Market-Update-0923.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Submission / producer instructions – Home - Quotes and submissions are done in AMsuite. The agents portal stresses use of AMsuite for quoting/issuing and references American Modern Service Center support for agents needing help starting quotes or working with non‑standard risks. ([agents.amig.com](https://agents.amig.com/?utm_source=openai)) - Expect mandatory inspection or photo survey on many home risks. Some policies are conditioned on the insured providing interior/exterior photos through an inspection link or allowing a third‑party inspection. Non‑compliance can lead to cancellation or underwriting action. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/1ead7v9?utm_source=openai)) - If an agency contract is terminated, American Modern may non‑renew business written through that agency for reason “terminated agency contract.” In those situations insureds must move coverage to another carrier; this is not a risk‑based non‑renewal. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/1j2pw1x?utm_source=openai)) BROKER / PRODUCER NOTES – Home - Position American Modern as a specialty solution when standard carriers will not write: manufactured homes, off‑grid, complex older dwellings, or other non‑standard exposures. - Set expectations with insureds that field underwriting (photos/inspection) and coverage adjustments after inspection are common. - Watch for state‑specific program changes communicated through your MGA or American Modern bulletins (e.g., program exits in certain lines); re‑shop accounts proactively when you see such notices. BOAT / WATERCRAFT Program focus & preferred business - Personal‑lines boats and personal watercraft: runabouts, fishing boats, pontoons, cruisers, sailboats, houseboats, inflatables, and personal watercraft. Official AMIG sales material states that “most boat types are accepted, including personal watercraft.” ([amig.com](https://www.amig.com/agents/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10469-BT-Sellsheet-112020.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Values up to at least the low‑ to mid‑hundreds of thousands are contemplated; external boat manuals for AMIG‑placed programs show routine referral rather than automatic decline above set value thresholds (e.g., referral above ~$300,000 value in some delegated program manuals). ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Prior insurance with another carrier is explicitly listed as a positive indicator and may be required for some segments (e.g., higher value vessels, performance boats). ([amig.com](https://www.amig.com/agents/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10469-BT-Sellsheet-112020.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Coverage / valuation practices (impacting underwriting) - Policies are typically written on agreed value or actual cash value; for many boat risks, the agent, insured, and underwriter agree on value before policy activation. ([amig.com](https://www.amig.com/agents/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10469-BT-Sellsheet-112020.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - AMIG marketing highlights comprehensive coverage (hull & equipment, liability, med pay, uninsured boaters, trailer/lift, towing, etc.), but final eligibility and limits are subject to underwriting review. Key underwriting rules and risk characteristics - Underwriters can declare a risk unacceptable even if it appears eligible in the guide; acceptance is not purely rules‑based. - Surveys: - A marine survey may be required at underwriter discretion, especially for older boats, high values, or performance units. - Acceptable surveys are typically condition and valuation reports from accredited surveyors (NAMS or SAMS). ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Age & speed / performance boats: - Any mid‑ or high‑performance boat capable of 71+ mph with a lapse in coverage may require a survey and underwriting referral. ([amsuite.amig.com](https://amsuite.amig.com/training/Product_Training/Watercraft/All_Content/Product_Info/General_Underwriting_Watercraft_Age.htm?utm_source=openai)) - Performance craft often require: prior ownership experience with similar speed/size, a Boating Experience Resume, a performance supplemental application and may default to ACV settlement unless otherwise agreed. Underwriting retains final discretion on acceptance. ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Commercial use and charter: - General rule: any watercraft operated or used as part of a business is not acceptable unless specifically endorsed and underwritten as such. - Passenger‑carrying or guide operations are subject to strict conditions where allowed: compliance with federal/state licensing, safety equipment requirements, limits on days in use per policy term, crew and passenger count limits, and outright prohibitions for certain tour types (e.g., snorkel/diving/watersports tours) in at least some manuals. ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Airboats / specialty craft: - Airboats are underwritten cautiously: experience requirements, photo documentation, no charter/tour use, and safety equipment such as caged engine/fan are typical conditions in external AMIG‑placed manuals. ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Experience & MVR: - Watercraft experience period is generally the last 3 years. Only violations in the last three years are considered for underwriting, even if the MVR shows older infractions. ([amsuite.amig.com](https://amsuite.amig.com/WebHelp/watercraft/wc_faq.htm?utm_source=openai)) Declines / restricted classes – Boat & PWC - Business use of a watercraft without a specifically underwritten commercial or charter endorsement is generally not acceptable. - High‑performance boats without required experience, documentation, or survey are often declined. - Certain passenger‑carrying tour operations (e.g., diving, snorkel, watersports tours) are listed as unacceptable in at least some American Modern program manuals. ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Underwriters may require additional detail and can decline applications for adverse loss history, non‑renewal/cancellation by prior carrier due to losses or non‑payment, or unsatisfactory surveys. Geographic notes – Boat / Watercraft - Boat programs are filed on a state‑by‑state basis; some manuals are state‑specific (for example, California boat program manuals for AMIG‑placed business). Eligibility, maximum values, and speed/length thresholds can vary by state. Always check state program documentation in AMsuite or your MGA’s manual for specific rules. ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Submission requirements – Boat / Watercraft - Standard submissions are quoted and bound via AMsuite or via an MGA platform that feeds into AMIG; electronically completed applications are preferred. - For higher‑value, older, or performance boats and many commercial‑use requests, expect: - Completed ACORD or AMIG watercraft application, including detailed usage and navigation limits. - Color photos at binding for non‑new vessels and for airboats/performance craft. - Marine survey for older boats, higher values, or high‑performance units (and always when requested by the underwriter). - Boating Experience Resume and supplemental performance applications where applicable. ([jebrown.net](https://www.jebrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMIG_BoatManual_05_2022.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Turnaround: AMIG’s Watercraft Service Center generally reviews referred quotes within about 24 hours. If missing information is not provided within five business days after request, the quote may be declined or policy cancelled. ([amsuite.amig.com](https://amsuite.amig.com/WebHelp/watercraft/wc_faq.htm?utm_source=openai)) Broker / producer notes – Boat / Watercraft - Use American Modern primarily for personal‑use recreational watercraft, including personal watercraft, where agreed‑value and broad coverage are desired. - Flag and submit to underwriting any risk involving charter, guide, or fee‑for‑service passenger operations; do not bind without explicit approval or proper endorsements. - For performance craft or older vessels, obtain surveys, photos, and detailed operator experience early to avoid delays and potential declinations. - If a quote is declined, agents can retrieve the quote in modernLINK/AMsuite to review the underwriting memo explaining the decline reason. ([amsuite.amig.com](https://amsuite.amig.com/WebHelp/watercraft/wc_faq.htm?utm_source=openai)) Operational caveat - American Modern’s detailed underwriting and appetite guides are primarily housed inside AMsuite/agent resources and may update by state and program. Treat the above as high‑level, publicly observable patterns and always rely on current AMsuite rules, state manuals, and bulletins for final binding authority.

Referenced source pages