--- title: "Benchmark Insurance Company Review [Updated 2026]" description: "Benchmark Insurance Company operates as a multi-line admitted carrier in 49 states with an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, specializing in workers' compensation, property and casualty, and accident and health insurance through program partnerships." canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/benchmark-insurance-review" last-updated: "2026-08-13" --- # Benchmark Insurance Company Review [Updated 2026] Benchmark Insurance Company operates as a multi-line admitted carrier that serves the specialty insurance market through program partnerships rather than direct consumer sales. The company holds an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best with a stable outlook [(AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=11205&AltNum=94511205), and writes business in 49 states plus the District of Columbia [(Trean Insurance Group, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.trean.com/about-us.html). Unlike traditional insurers that market directly to consumers, Benchmark functions primarily as a fronting carrier and issuing company for managing general agents, third-party administrators, and program managers. The carrier is domiciled in Kansas and commercially domiciled in California [Ibid.](https://www.trean.com/about-us.html). As a subsidiary of Trean Insurance Group, which private equity firm Altaris acquired in 2024 [(Reinsurance News, "Trean Insurance Group news", 2024)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/tag/trean-insurance-group/), Benchmark specializes in workers' compensation insurance, property and casualty products, and accident and health coverage. This business model means most consumers will not purchase policies directly from Benchmark but rather through program partners who use Benchmark's admitted paper to write specialty business. ## Company Background and Corporate Structure Benchmark Insurance Company was founded in 1964 and maintains its headquarters in Wayzata, Minnesota [(Insurance Journal, "Benchmark Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/directories/companycard.php?compid=4255). The company operates as part of Trean Insurance Group, which also includes 7710 Insurance Company, American Liberty Insurance Company, and Benchmark Administrators, LLC [(Trean Insurance Group, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.trean.com/about-us.html). A.M. Best has provided ratings and analysis on Benchmark since 1995 [(AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=11205&AltNum=94511205). The carrier received its Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) on January 10, 2025 [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Best's Credit Rating Center", 2025)](https://8588529.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/8588529/Producer%20Resources/Benchmark%20Insurance%20Company%20-%20Company%20Profile%20-%20Bests%20Credit%20Rating%20Center%20@9-11-25.pdf), reflecting what A.M. Best describes as "an excellent ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations" [(AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=11205&AltNum=94511205). Trean Insurance Group went public through an initial public offering in July 2020, raising over $160 million at $15.00 per share with listing on Nasdaq under the symbol 'TIG' [(The Insurer, "Trean launches new E&S carrier Benchmark Specialty", 2025)](https://www.theinsurer.com/e-and-s/news/trean-launches-new-es-carrier-benchmark-specialty/). The company later went private when Altaris completed its acquisition for $6.15 per share in cash approximately five months after the December 2023 merger agreement [(Reinsurance News, "Trean Insurance Group news", 2024)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/tag/trean-insurance-group/). In 2021, Trean formed a new excess and surplus lines subsidiary, Benchmark Specialty Insurance Company, an Arkansas domestic surplus lines carrier seeking regulatory approval to conduct business throughout the United States [(The Insurer, "Trean launches new E&S carrier Benchmark Specialty", 2025)](https://www.theinsurer.com/e-and-s/news/trean-launches-new-es-carrier-benchmark-specialty/). Benchmark Specialty attained its own A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best in 2022 due to a 100% quota share reinsurance contract with Benchmark Insurance Company [(GlobeNewswire, "Benchmark Specialty Insurance Company Attains 'A' Ratings From AM Best", 2022)](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/02/15/2385172/0/en/Benchmark-Specialty-Insurance-Company-Attains-A-Ratings-From-AM-Best.html). ## What Types of Insurance Does Benchmark Insurance Offer? Benchmark Insurance Company focuses on three main product categories: property and casualty insurance, workers' compensation, and accident and health coverage. The company does not sell traditional [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance), [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance), or [renters insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/renters-insurance) directly to consumers. ### Property and Casualty Insurance Benchmark operates as a fronting company that delivers property and casualty solutions through program partners [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Property & Casualty Insurance Solutions", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/property-casualty-insurance.html). The carrier offers several fronting program structures: - Fronting only - Fronting plus excess of loss coverage - Fronting plus excess of loss and aggregate coverage - Reinsurance only options - Claims management services with third-party administrators These programs allow managing general agents and program managers to write specialty casualty business on Benchmark's admitted paper across 49 states and the District of Columbia [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Admitted Insurance Carrier", 2024)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/index.html). ### Workers' Compensation Insurance Workers' compensation represents a core product line for Benchmark. The company partners with entities that need fronting facilities for customized workers' compensation programs [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/workers-compensation-insurance.html). According to court documents, Benchmark is licensed to write workers' compensation policies in 49 states plus the District of Columbia [(8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, "Benchmark Insurance Company v. Sunz Insurance Solutions, LLC", 2022)](https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-8th-circuit/2174412.html). The carrier provides access to various reinsurance structures and supports fronting arrangements through what it describes as superior underwriting and claim management with strong actuarial support [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/workers-compensation-insurance.html). ### Accident and Health Insurance Benchmark operates as an admitted accident and health carrier in 49 states (excluding New York) and the District of Columbia [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Accident & Health Insurance", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/accident-and-health-insurance.html). The company positions itself as a premier fronting insurance company for accident and health products, partnering with managing general agents, managing general underwriters, third-party administrators, and agencies. Benchmark offers what it calls 'A' paper to program partners without overlap of multiple managing general agents writing on the same paper [Ibid.](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/accident-and-health-insurance.html). This exclusive approach distinguishes it from carriers that may have multiple program managers competing on the same platform. ## Specific Coverage Details and Availability | Product Category | States Available | Key Features | Distribution Method | |-----------------|------------------|--------------|---------------------| | Property & Casualty | 49 states + DC | Multiple fronting program options, reinsurance structures | Program partners only | | Workers' Compensation | 49 states + DC | Customized programs, actuarial support, claim management | MGAs and TPAs | | Accident & Health | 49 states (excluding NY) + DC | Exclusive 'A' paper, no MGA overlap | MGAs, MGUs, TPAs, agencies | Benchmark does not offer traditional personal lines insurance products such as homeowners, auto, or renters policies that consumers can purchase directly. The company's admitted carrier status across 49 jurisdictions [(Ibid., "Admitted Insurance Carrier", 2024)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/index.html) allows program partners to write business broadly, but end consumers interact with the program managers rather than Benchmark directly. ## How Does Benchmark Insurance Work? Benchmark Insurance Company operates through a business-to-business model rather than selling policies directly to consumers. The company provides admitted insurance capacity to managing general agents, third-party administrators, and program managers who then market, underwrite, and service policies under Benchmark's paper. ### Distribution Through Program Partners Program partners use Benchmark's A (Excellent) rating and multi-state licensing to write specialty business that might otherwise require non-admitted or surplus lines coverage. This allows the partners to offer admitted coverage, which often provides broader consumer protections and may be required for certain risks or by certain lenders. Benchmark provides what it calls "cost-effective P&C solutions" [(Ibid., "Property & Casualty Insurance Solutions", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/property-casualty-insurance.html) by allowing program partners to access its balance sheet strength and operating performance without building their own insurance company infrastructure. ### Underwriting and Risk Management The company supports fronting arrangements through underwriting expertise and claims management [(Ibid., "Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/workers-compensation-insurance.html). Most risk typically transfers to reinsurers through various structures, including quota share arrangements, excess of loss treaties, and aggregate coverage options. For example, Benchmark Specialty Insurance Company operates with a 100% quota share reinsurance contract from Benchmark Insurance Company [(GlobeNewswire, "Benchmark Specialty Insurance Company Attains 'A' Ratings From AM Best", 2022)](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/02/15/2385172/0/en/Benchmark-Specialty-Insurance-Company-Attains-A-Ratings-From-AM-Best.html), which means all written premiums and losses flow back to the parent company. ### Claims Administration Benchmark partners with third-party administrators for claims services. Policyholders must report claims to the office indicated on their policy documents [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Insurance Claims", 2024)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/insurance-claims.html). This decentralized approach means claims experience can vary depending on which program partner issued the policy and which third-party administrator handles claims. ## Pricing Structure and Cost Factors Benchmark Insurance Company does not publish rate information or pricing guidelines because it operates as a fronting carrier rather than a direct writer. Pricing for policies written on Benchmark paper is determined by the program partners who underwrite and market the coverage. ### Rate Development Process Program partners develop their own rating algorithms and pricing models, subject to regulatory approval in each state where they write business. These partners then use Benchmark's admitted carrier status to issue policies at the rates they have filed with state insurance departments. Benchmark increased its surplus by completing a private offering of $50 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Surplus Notes due August 2042 [(Reinsurance News, "Trean Insurance Group news", 2024)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/tag/trean-insurance-group/). This capital injection supports the company's ability to write additional premium volume and expand program partnerships. ### Payment Options Payment methods and billing options vary by program partner. Consumers should contact the managing general agent or third-party administrator shown on their policy documents for information about payment plans, billing schedules, and accepted payment methods. ## Customer Service and Support Benchmark Insurance Company provides customer service through its program partners rather than operating a direct consumer support center. The company's headquarters in Wayzata, Minnesota can be reached at (801) 854-1330 [(Insurance Journal, "Benchmark Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/directories/companycard.php?compid=4255), but this line primarily serves producer and program partner inquiries rather than policyholder questions. ### Support Structure | Support Channel | Availability | Best For | |----------------|--------------|----------| | Program Partner Direct | Varies by partner | Policy questions, billing, coverage changes | | Third-Party Administrator | Varies by TPA | Claims filing, claims status | | Benchmark Direct | Business hours | Producer questions, program inquiries | Policyholders should use the contact information listed on their policy declarations page to reach their specific program administrator for policy servicing needs. ## Filing Claims with Benchmark Insurance The claims process for Benchmark Insurance Company policies depends on which third-party administrator handles claims for the specific program under which the policy was written. Benchmark partners with various TPAs for claims services [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Insurance Claims", 2024)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/insurance-claims.html). ### How to File a Claim 1. Locate the claims contact information on your policy declarations page 2. Contact the designated third-party administrator for your program 3. Provide details about the loss or incident 4. Submit required documentation as requested by the TPA 5. Work with the assigned adjuster throughout the claims process The company does not publish average claims resolution timeframes or claims satisfaction statistics. Claims experience depends on the third-party administrator assigned to each program. ### Workers' Compensation Claims For workers' compensation claims, Benchmark provides claims management support through its program structure [(Ibid., "Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/workers-compensation-insurance.html). Injured workers should report workplace injuries to their employer immediately and follow the claims reporting procedures outlined in their state's workers' compensation laws. ## Pros and Cons of Benchmark Insurance
### Pros **Strong Financial Rating**: A.M. Best assigns Benchmark an A (Excellent) rating with stable outlook (AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026), indicating excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. **Broad Geographic Reach**: Licensed to write business in 49 states plus the District of Columbia (Trean Insurance Group, "About Us", 2026), providing program partners with nationwide access. **Multiple Product Lines**: Offers workers' compensation, property and casualty, and accident and health coverage through various program structures. **Experienced Management**: A.M. Best has analyzed the company since 1995 (AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026), demonstrating long-term market presence.
### Cons **No Direct Consumer Sales**: Operates exclusively through program partners, so consumers cannot purchase policies directly from Benchmark. **Limited Transparency**: Does not publish claims statistics, customer satisfaction metrics, or detailed product information on its website. **Not BBB Accredited**: Better Business Bureau lists Benchmark as not accredited (Better Business Bureau, "Benchmark Insurance Company", 2026). **Variable Service Experience**: Claims and customer service quality depends on which third-party administrator or program partner handles each policy. **Complex Corporate Structure**: Multiple subsidiaries and reinsurance arrangements may create confusion about which entity actually covers specific risks.
## Ratings and Financial Strength Benchmark Insurance Company maintains strong financial ratings from A.M. Best, the insurance industry's primary rating agency. The company does not have ratings from consumer review platforms like Trustpilot or extensive Better Business Bureau data because it operates as a program carrier rather than selling directly to consumers. ### Financial Strength Ratings | Rating Agency | Rating | Outlook | Last Updated | |--------------|--------|---------|--------------| | A.M. Best | A (Excellent) | Stable | January 10, 2025 | | BBB | Not Accredited | N/A | 2026 | A.M. Best affirmed Benchmark's Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and maintained its stable outlook in October 2022 [(Business Wire, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Benchmark Insurance Group Members", 2022)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221007005439/en/AM-Best-Affirms-Credit-Ratings-of-Benchmark-Insurance-Group-Members-and-Trean-Insurance-Group-Inc.). The ratings reflect what A.M. Best describes as balance sheet strength assessed as "very strong," strong operating performance, limited business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management [(Business Wire, "AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to 7710 Insurance Company", 2021)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210413005867/en/AM-Best-Assigns-Credit-Ratings-to-7710-Insurance-Company-a-New-Member-of-Benchmark-Insurance-Group). ### Consumer Reviews Benchmark Insurance has minimal consumer review presence because most policyholders interact with program partners rather than Benchmark directly. The Better Business Bureau lists the company as not accredited and does not have sufficient information to issue a rating [(BBB, "Benchmark Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/wayzata/profile/insurance-services-office/benchmark-insurance-company-0704-96100373). The Better Business Bureau shows Benchmark Insurance Company as not accredited, which means the business has not sought BBB accreditation rather than indicating any negative assessment [(Better Business Bureau, "Benchmark Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/wayzata/profile/insurance-services-office/benchmark-insurance-company-0704-96100373). ## Real Customer Reviews Direct consumer reviews of Benchmark Insurance Company are extremely limited because the carrier operates primarily as a fronting company through program partners. Most policyholders interact with managing general agents or third-party administrators rather than Benchmark itself. The following review represents one of the few available consumer testimonials. The scarcity of consumer reviews reflects Benchmark's business model. Unlike traditional insurers that market directly to homeowners or drivers, Benchmark provides insurance capacity to program partners who handle all consumer-facing activities. This means most policyholders may not even realize their coverage is underwritten by Benchmark Insurance Company. Industry sources and trade publications provide more insight into Benchmark's operations than consumer review sites. A.M. Best's rating reports analyze the company's financial strength and operating performance, while Trean Insurance Group's corporate communications describe its strategic positioning and market approach. ## Regulatory Oversight and Compliance Benchmark Insurance Company is subject to regulation in Kansas (its state of domicile), California (where it is commercially domiciled), and Utah [(SEC, "Trean Insurance Group, Inc. IPO Prospectus", 2020)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1801754/000114036120016339/nt10008305x17_424b4.htm). The National Association of Insurance Commissioners and state legislatures have increased focus on risks within insurer's holding company systems that may pose enterprise risk [Ibid.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1801754/000114036120016339/nt10008305x17_424b4.htm). State insurance departments monitor Benchmark's financial condition, market conduct, and compliance with insurance laws. As an admitted carrier, Benchmark participates in state guaranty funds that provide protection to policyholders if an insurance company becomes insolvent. A.M. Best revised outlooks to negative for SteadPoint Insurance Group in December 2025, which operates separately from Benchmark but shares some corporate relationships [(AM Best, "AM Best Revises Outlooks to Negative for SteadPoint Insurance", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/presscontent.aspx?altsrc=3&RefNum=36834&URatingId=-1). This action did not directly affect Benchmark's ratings. ## Get Customer Support or File a Claim Policyholders with coverage written on Benchmark paper should contact the program administrator or third-party administrator listed on their policy documents [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Insurance Claims", 2024)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/insurance-claims.html). Each program partner maintains its own customer service infrastructure and claims handling process. For general inquiries about Benchmark Insurance Company or questions about program partnerships, contact: **Benchmark Insurance Company** 100 Lake Street West Wayzata, MN 55391 Phone: (801) 854-1330 Producer inquiries and program partner questions should be directed to the main office during business hours. Consumer policyholders should use the contact information on their specific policy declarations page rather than contacting Benchmark directly. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can I buy homeowners insurance directly from Benchmark Insurance Company?** No. Benchmark operates as a fronting carrier and program partner rather than selling policies directly to consumers. If you need [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance), you should work with an independent agent who can access multiple carriers. **What is Benchmark's A.M. Best rating?** Benchmark Insurance Company holds an A (Excellent) rating with a stable outlook from A.M. Best [(AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=11205&AltNum=94511205). This rating indicates excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. **Does Benchmark Insurance offer auto insurance?** Benchmark does not market [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) directly to consumers. The company focuses on specialty casualty lines, workers' compensation, and accident and health coverage distributed through program partners. **Who owns Benchmark Insurance Company?** Benchmark Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trean Insurance Group, Inc. [Ibid.](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=11205&AltNum=94511205). Private equity firm Altaris acquired Trean Insurance Group in 2024 [(Reinsurance News, "Trean Insurance Group news", 2024)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/tag/trean-insurance-group/). **How do I file a claim with Benchmark Insurance?** Contact the third-party administrator or program partner listed on your policy declarations page [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Insurance Claims", 2024)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/insurance-claims.html). Benchmark partners with various TPAs for claims services rather than handling claims directly. **In which states does Benchmark Insurance operate?** Benchmark is licensed to write business in 49 states and the District of Columbia [(Trean Insurance Group, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.trean.com/about-us.html). The company is not licensed in New York for accident and health coverage [(Benchmark Insurance Company, "Accident & Health Insurance", 2026)](https://www.benchmarkinsco.com/accident-and-health-insurance.html). **What types of insurance does Benchmark specialize in?** Benchmark focuses on workers' compensation, property and casualty insurance, and accident and health coverage. The company operates as a fronting carrier for specialty programs rather than writing traditional personal lines like homeowners or auto insurance. **Is Benchmark Insurance BBB accredited?** No. The Better Business Bureau lists Benchmark Insurance Company as not accredited [(Better Business Bureau, "Benchmark Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/wayzata/profile/insurance-services-office/benchmark-insurance-company-0704-96100373). Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation. **What is a fronting carrier?** A fronting carrier like Benchmark issues insurance policies on its admitted paper, then typically transfers most or all of the risk to reinsurers. This allows program partners to offer admitted coverage using Benchmark's licensing and financial strength without building their own insurance company. **How long has Benchmark Insurance been in business?** Benchmark Insurance Company was founded in 1964 and A.M. Best has provided ratings and analysis on the company since 1995 [(AM Best, "Benchmark Insurance Company - Company Profile", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=11205&AltNum=94511205).