Solutions for Hard-to-Place Insurance Risks
York Underwriting specialises in complex and non-standard risks, providing practical solutions and clear, timely decisions to help brokers move forward with confidence.
Why Some Risks Don’t Get Placed
When risks fall outside standard categories, the process often breaks down. Brokers can experience:
- No response from markets
- Delays on referrals or approvals
- Quotes that don’t reflect the actual risk
- Limited or unsuitable coverage options.
In many cases, the issue isn’t that the risk can’t be placed, it’s that it hasn’t had the right context or conversation.
How York Approaches Complex Risks
York was built to understand the risk before shaping a solution because complex risks require context, not assumptions. That’s where we stand out.
Decision-ready, experienced underwriters
Quick assessment and clear answers without the usual delays or uncertainty.
Conversations before quotation
We engage early to understand what the broker is trying to solve.
Flexible underwriting mindset
Risks are assessed on context, not forced into rigid categories.
Clarity and transparency
If we can help, we’ll move quickly. If we can’t, we’ll explain why and can often point you in the right direction.
Examples of Hard-to-Place Risks
Some risks don’t fit neatly into standard underwriting categories.
When that happens, York Underwriting can help you navigate it so you’re not left feeling without options.
Hybrid Business Models
A business operating across manufacturing, importing and distribution that requires coverage that reflects multiple exposures.
Construction with Complex Activities
Including cranes, labour hire or multi-trade contracting which often have higher severity claims exposure.
Coverage-Driven Complexity
Risks requiring extensions such as errors and omissions, care, custody and control, and defective workmanship. They are often restricted or excluded by standard markets.
Mining and Industrial Services
Shutdown work, contractor layering and site-specific exposures.
Products and Export Risk
Products exported internationally, particularly to higher-liability jurisdictions like the US.
Supporting Brokers When Options Are Limited
We support brokers when the market isn’t responding, when options are limited or unclear, and when a risk doesn’t fit neatly into a category. We bring clarity and direction when it matters most.
Hard-to-place doesn’t have to mean slow. With the right approach and early engagement, decisions can still be made quickly without compromising on clarity.
What you can expect from York:
- Fast, clear underwriting decisions
- Direct access to experienced underwriters
- Practical solutions for complex risks
- Early engagement to improve outcomes
- Transparent communication throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “hard-to-place” actually mean?
“Hard to place” isn’t a specific industry or risk type. It simply means a broker is having difficulty finding a market for a particular client at a particular time, whether due to claims history, complexity, coverage requirements or limited market appetite.
Are hard-to-place risks always high risk?
Not necessarily. Many hard-to-place risks are not inherently high risk. They usually just don’t fit neatly into standard underwriting categories or they require more context to assess properly.
Do hard-to-place risks take longer to quote?
Not always. At York, we’re structured to make clear decisions quickly and sometimes complex risks just need more context through a conversation. Where additional information or referrals are needed, we communicate that upfront so timelines are clear.
What types of risks are typically hard to place?
Hard-to-place risks can arise in many situations, including:
- Businesses operating across multiple industries
- Construction risks with specialised activities (e.g. cranes, labour hire)
- Risks requiring additional coverage extensions
- Products with international exposure
Clients with complex claims history
Each case is different and assessed on its own merits.
Do you only work within certain industries?
York currently specialise in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing and mining, but we are not limited to them. We regularly assess risks outside standard categories where brokers need a flexible, experienced underwriting approach.
When should I involve York Underwriting in a placement?
The earlier, the better. Early engagement allows us to understand the risk, explore options and help shape the best outcome. But we can and do move at pace, particularly in time sensitive matters.
What information helps you assess a complex risk quickly?
Clear information about what the business does (including all activities), contracting or operational structure, any claims history and any specific coverage requirements. If anything is unclear, we’ll work with you to fill the gaps. Have a look at our Resources page for more information.
Do you customise policy coverage?
Yes. Where appropriate, we tailor coverage to reflect the actual exposures of the business, particularly for hybrid risks or where standard policy structures may not be sufficient.
What happens if York Underwriting can’t place the risk?
We won’t leave you without direction. If a risk falls outside our appetite, we’ll explain why and, where possible, point you towards alternative markets that may be able to assist.