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Introducing York Underwriting: Built for Brokers, Backed by Experience

Craig Elliott

A new kind of underwriting agency has arrived in the Australian market. One designed from the ground up to work at the pace of today’s brokers, deliver clarity from the first conversation, and support you with deep sector expertise when it matters most.

York Underwriting exists for one reason: to make placing complex liability risks easier, faster and more collaborative. Backed by Lloyd’s and led by expert underwriters with decades of experience, we are here to change what you expect from an underwriting partner.

Why York? Listening First, Then Acting

Over the years, we have spoken to countless brokers about their day-to-day challenges. We heard a common theme. Too often, underwriting feels like a hurdle rather than a help. Turnaround times can be slow, processes rigid and conversations hard to come by.

We believe there is a better way.

York was created by people who have experience on both sides of the fence in broking and underwriting. We know the pressure you are under to deliver timely, competitive solutions to your clients. We also know that having direct access to decision-makers and sector-specific knowledge makes all the difference.

We started York because we had seen too many brokers slowed down by rigid processes and a lack of real conversation. We wanted to bring consistency, confidence and genuine collaboration back into underwriting." – Craig Elliott, Managing Director, York Underwriting.

Our approach is straightforward:

  • Fast decisions backed by real-world judgement
  • Direct conversations with expert underwriters from day one
  • Tailored solutions that reflect the unique risks of your clients

Consistent support from quote through to claim

Our Sectors of Focus

At launch, we are concentrating on a few select industries with bespoke support and in-depth knowledge. These are sectors where the risks are complex, the timelines are tight, and specialised insight matters.

  • Construction and Trades – Navigating complex contracts, variable risk profiles, and the realities of project deadlines.
  • Sports and Leisure Organisations – Understanding cover requirements for participants, volunteers, and facilities, from grassroots clubs to professional associations.
  • Manufacturing and Supply Chains – Addressing different product liability risks, technology advances, and cross-border exposures.
  • Mining and Industrial Services – Supporting operations in high-risk, high-compliance environments where technical expertise is critical.

By keeping our focus sharp, we can go deeper into each sector. That means offering underwriting that is informed, precise and relevant to the challenges you face.

What Makes York Different

We believe underwriting works best when it starts with people. That is why we have built York on principles that keep you at the centre of every decision:

  • Expert Underwriters Only – Every conversation you have with York is with an experienced decision-maker.
  • Phone-First Service – We pick up the phone, get to the point, and keep things moving.
  • Tailored Liability Solutions – We treat every submission on its merits and customise coverage where it matters.
  • Sector-Specific Insight – We bring practical knowledge from the industries we insure.

End-to-End Support – We stay involved throughout the lifecycle of the policy, from quoting to claims support.

"Underwriting should not be a handoff. It should be a hands-on partnership that helps brokers move fast and deliver better outcomes for their clients through the lifecycle of the policy." – Craig Elliott, Managing Director, York Underwriting.

How We Work With You

Working with York means having an underwriting partner that moves at your pace and adapts to your process. We have designed our way of working to be straightforward and flexible:

  1. Speed to quote – Every submission is reviewed quickly. If we need more details, we ask right away.
  2. Flexible submissions – Use our templates or your own, whichever helps you move faster.
  3. Clear communication – We will always be transparent about what is possible and what is not.
  4. Real advice, not just underwriting – If we are not the right fit, we will tell you, and recommend other avenues if it helps you win.

For us, success is not just binding a policy. It is making sure the policy works when your client needs it most.

Investing in Relationships, Not Red Tape

While much of the market is pushing for automation, we are taking a balanced approach. We are using smart systems where they make sense, freeing up more of our time to speak directly with brokers and focus on the nuanced work of risk assessment.

That human connection means we can problem-solve in real time, pressure-test your options, and find solutions that fit, even if that means recommending a different market. That kind of transparency builds the trust that keeps you coming back.

Going Beyond the Policy

Our role does not stop once a policy is placed. In construction, for example, we share practical resources such as safety process templates and toolbox talk checklists that help manage risk and potentially reduce premiums. In sports, we can advise on nuances of volunteer coverage. In manufacturing, we understand the operational realities that influence exposure.

By helping you and your clients manage risk more effectively, we deliver not only a policy but also value that lasts throughout the policy lifecycle.

Why Now

The pace of business is not slowing, and neither are client expectations. Brokers need partners who can make decisions quickly, communicate effectively, and provide genuine insight into complex risks.

York was built to meet that need today and to grow alongside you tomorrow. We are starting with liability because depth matters, but we are building for the long term with better tools, new products, expanded capacity, and more ways to help you deliver for your clients.

Backed by Security You Can Trust, Built for Brokers

When you work with York, you are not just getting a responsive service and a knowledgeable underwriter. You are backed by the financial strength, global recognition, and security of our capacity partners. It is the best of both worlds. Personal, responsive service with the assurance of some of the most respected names in insurance.

Let’s Build Something Better, Together

This is more than the launch of a new underwriting agency. It is the start of a different way of working with brokers in Australia.

We have listened to what slows the process down, what breaks trust, and what makes your job harder. Now, we are bringing a solution that puts experience, speed, and collaboration at the forefront.

If you have a complex risk to place, a client you need to move faster for, or just want to see how York works, give us a call. No forms, no pressure. Just a conversation with someone who gets your world.

We are here to help you win more business, deliver better outcomes, and raise the standard of what underwriting support can be.

Experience it for yourself. Let’s talk!

York Underwriting. Built for brokers, backed by experience, and ready to work with you.

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Craig Elliott
CEO,
York Underwriting

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