CIWA Offers Students Real-World Experience in the E&S Insurance Sector
The California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA) has launched its inaugural internship program, aimed at providing college students with practical learning opportunities in the excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurance sector. The program, which follows up on discussions from CIWA’s annual meeting this past January, seeks to involve emerging professionals in industry events and provide them with valuable experience.
This program is designed to offer students essential professional development, networking prospects, and exposure to the day-to-day operations of the insurance industry through participation in CIWA events, according to the association. CIWA notes its program will complement existing internship efforts within the insurance industry, including those managed by the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) and the Surplus Line Association (SLA) of California.
The pilot phase of the program took place at CIWA’s Annual Meeting, where two students from the USC Marshall Arkley Institute for Risk Management assisted with event registration and setup, while also connecting with established industry professionals.
CIWA president Yana Connors, pictured above, said the program reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting the next generation of insurance professionals. Furthermore, CIWA announced plans to expand the program further throughout 2025, broadening its reach and impact.
Surplus Lines Market Continues Growth
The data indicates an ongoing expansion of the US surplus lines insurance market. Recent figures from the US Surplus Lines Service and Stamping Offices show that premiums exceeded $81 billion in 2024. This represents a notable 12.1% increase compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the surplus lines market hit a significant milestone, surpassing the $100 billion premium threshold for the first time. Specifically, direct premiums written (DPW) reached $115.6 billion, a 17.4% increase from 2022. S&P’s analysis highlights that this marks the sixth consecutive year of double-digit growth. The market’s share of total US property and casualty (P&C) premiums has grown from 5.2% in 2018 to 9.2% in 2023.
States with high exposure to natural catastrophes have seen considerable increases in surplus lines activity. For instance, in 2023, surplus lines premiums accounted for approximately 14% of California’s total property premiums, 21% in Florida, and 23% in Louisiana. This underscores the crucial role of surplus lines in providing insurance coverage in high-risk areas.
