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Sinclair-Dwyer is a California-based MGA and Surplus Lines brokerage that helps agents place hard-to-place and unique commercial property and casualty risks across the state. We provide dedicated access to Century Surety Insurance, a longstanding non-admitted Surplus Lines carrier with deep appetite for niche and specialty classes since 1978. If you need flexibility outside admitted markets, Sinclair-Dwyer can be your go-to market. Target Classes and Market Appetite We maintain a broad appetite for main-street businesses and specialty operations that commonly fall outside admitted market thresholds. This program is built for agents and brokers seeking placement options for clients in challenging or non-standard industries. Typical classes we target include, but are not limited to: Apartments Auto Dismantlers Bakeries Barber Shops and Beauty Salons Bars and Taverns Bazaars Bed and Breakfasts Billiard and Pool Halls Bingo Halls Car Washes Condominiums Convenience Stores (with or without gas) Day Care Centers Garage Liability Health Clubs Homeowners Associations Hotels Hunting Clubs Janitorial Services (excluding handyman work) Laundromats Nightclubs Pawnshops Recycling Centers Resorts Restaurants Retail Stores Security Guards Strip Centers Tanning Salons Vacant Land Video Stores Mini Warehouses Coverage Features and Risk Solutions Through Century Surety Insurance, the program addresses core commercial exposures—commercial property, general liability—and industry-specific enhancements where appropriate. We focus on practical, marketable solutions that help you place accounts with prior claims, unique operations, or higher inherent risk profiles. Endorsements and coverage options are tailored to the class of business and specific exposures. Example scenarios agents frequently bring to us: A restaurant that operates live entertainment and sells liquor needing combined general liability and property protection with liquor liability considerations. A mini-warehouse owner seeking coverage despite limited occupancy or an older building construction. Underwriting Considerations This is a non-admitted Surplus Lines program underwritten by Century Surety Insurance, which provides broader flexibility than admitted markets when evaluating unusual or marginal risks. Submissions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis; while minimum premiums may apply depending on class and exposures, we strive to provide competitive terms for qualified accounts. Provide full details on operations, loss history, and risk control measures to accelerate underwriting decisions. Availability The California MGA and Surplus Lines Brokerage program is available exclusively for risks located in California. Agents and brokers licensed in California can access this market through Sinclair-Dwyer to place commercial accounts across the state's diverse industries. Why Work With Sinclair-Dwyer? Sinclair-Dwyer combines hands-on California non-admitted market expertise with direct access to Century Surety Insurance. We offer responsive underwriting, pragmatic risk solutions, and support for hard-to-place accounts—helping you keep business on your books when admitted carriers decline. Our team works collaboratively with brokers to package submissions, recommend loss control improvements, and speed placement where possible. Frequently Asked Questions What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?Main-street and specialty businesses in California—such as bars, restaurants, salons, daycares, pawnshops, mini-warehouses, and similar classes that may not qualify for admitted markets—are a strong fit. Is this program available outside of California?No. This program is currently available only for risks located in California. What lines of coverage are typically offered?Typical offerings include commercial property, general liability, and industry-specific endorsements or enhancements depending on the class and exposures. Can you write risks with prior claims?Yes. We consider accounts with prior losses, evaluating each submission individually to determine insurability and appropriate pricing. Who is the carrier for this program?The program is written through Century Surety Insurance, a non-admitted Surplus Lines carrier with experience insuring niche markets. Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.