Avid Insurance has announced a significant new underwriting agreement with Starr, the global insurance and investment group. The partnership will support Avid’s liability products across three highly specialized sectors: groundworks, motorsport, and leisure.
This strategic collaboration will boost Avid’s underwriting capacity in commercial liability. This underscores the company’s growing focus on niche and complex risk markets. Notably, the agreement aims to equip brokers with more tailored solutions for clients operating in high-risk or specialized industries.
A Focused Push into Niche Liability Markets
Under the terms of the agreement, Starr will provide capacity for employers’ liability and public liability in the targeted segments. As part of Avid’s wider growth strategy, this partnership strengthens its footprint in specialist markets. This is where traditional coverage options are often not popular.
With operational hubs in London, Leeds, and Hornchurch, Avid is known for delivering innovative commercial lines. The insurer already has established expertise in both motorsport and leisure, two sectors that are directly supported by this new capacity deal.
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Sector-Specific Expertise Driving Product Innovation
Each sector under the new agreement is being led by experienced underwriters embedded in Avid’s specialist teams:
- Groundworks coverage will be overseen by Dean Surridge, Director of Construction Underwriting at IIGL, a subsidiary of Avid. The product caters to contractors across civil engineering, utilities, drainage, and surfacing projects.
- Motorsport and leisure lines fall under the leadership of Mike Patchett, Avid’s Head of Speciality. The motorsport product targets clubs, teams, venues, and event organizers across both two- and four-wheel formats. Meanwhile, the leisure segment focuses on activity-based businesses, such as adventure parks and zoos, where risk awareness and tailored protection are essential.
Building on Strong Momentum in 2025
John Inwood, Underwriting Director at Avid (pictured above), emphasized the significance of this partnership, especially as the company continues its robust growth trajectory in 2025.
“Each of these three sectors requires dedicated expertise, and we’re proud to be offering brokers targeted products and specialist underwriting,” Inwood stated.
This partnership with Starr follows Avid’s 2021 acquisition of IIGL, which significantly enhanced its underwriting capabilities in the construction sector. With Starr now backing its groundworks liability cover, Avid is doubling down on its mission to become a go-to insurer for high-risk, specialist markets.
Starr Confirms Confidence in the Niche Expertise of Avid Insurance
Carl Jago, Head of Casualty (UK Retail) at Starr Underwriting Agents, expressed strong support for the partnership and Avid’s proven track record.
“Avid’s proven underwriting expertise and strong track record in these areas have impressed us from the outset. We look forward to working closely with John and his team to deliver best-in-class solutions to brokers and customers,” Jago said.
The Bigger Picture: Growth Through Specialisation
Currently, Avid writes more than £40 million in gross written premium (GWP) across both personal and commercial lines. By securing additional capacity from a global player like Starr, Avid reinforces its position as a leading specialist MGA in the UK insurance industry.
Moreover, as demand for tailored liability insurance continues to grow—especially in sectors like motorsport and construction—Avid’s sector-led approach provides brokers with the flexibility and expertise needed to protect their clients.
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Conclusion: A Partnership That Fuels Smart Growth
The Avid Insurance partnership agreement with Starr is more than just an underwriting deal. It’s a clear signal that targeted, expert-led underwriting is becoming a cornerstone of success in the modern insurance market. With capacity from Starr and leadership from seasoned underwriters, Avid is poised to deliver enhanced liability solutions for brokers. Beyond helping brokers, they are here to help clients navigate complex risks.
