--- title: "Kinsale Insurance Review [Updated 2026]" description: "Kinsale Insurance serves the excess and surplus lines market with specialty coverage for complex and high-risk accounts. Strong financial ratings meet mixed customer reviews." canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/kinsale-insurance-review" last-updated: "2026-08-13" --- # Kinsale Insurance Review [Updated 2026] Kinsale Insurance Company operates in the specialized excess and surplus (E&S) lines market, where it targets property, casualty, and professional liability accounts that standard insurers typically decline. Founded in 2009 and based in Richmond, Virginia, the company uses proprietary technology and contrarian underwriting to serve hard-to-place risks across all fifty states [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Who We Are", 2024)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/about/who-we-are/). The parent company, Kinsale Capital Group, trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker KNSL and focuses exclusively on the E&S market in the United States [(Kinsale Capital Group, "Investor Relations", 2026)](https://ir.kinsalecapitalgroup.com/overview/default.aspx). This review examines Kinsale's product portfolio, financial strength, customer service, and market position based on 2026 data. ## Company Background and Business Model Michael P. Kehoe established Kinsale Insurance Company on July 28, 2009, bringing experience from senior roles at Colony Insurance Company and James River Insurance Company [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Who We Are", 2024)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/about/who-we-are/). The company launched during the post-2008 financial crisis period, when traditional insurers tightened underwriting standards and reduced capacity across multiple lines. Kinsale operates through a broker-only distribution model and does not sell directly to consumers. The company uses a proprietary technology platform called Transit to process submissions and deliver quotes within 24 hours [Ibid.](https://www.kinsaleins.com/about/who-we-are/). This contrarian approach accepts risks other carriers decline while maintaining strict underwriting discipline. By the end of 2025, stockholders' equity reached $2.0 billion compared to $1.5 billion in 2024, with book value per share rising to $84.66 from $63.75 [(Morningstar via Business Wire, "Kinsale Capital Group Reports 2025 Fourth Quarter", 2026)](https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20260212699738/kinsale-capital-group-inc-reports-2025-fourth-quarter-and-year-end-results). The company exceeded $3.6 billion in gross written premiums during 2024 [(PortersFiveForce.com, "How Does Kinsale Capital Group Work?", 2025)](https://portersfiveforce.com/blogs/how-it-works/kinsalecapitalgroup). ## What Kinds of Insurance Does Kinsale Offer? Kinsale concentrates on [excess and surplus lines insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) for accounts that fail to qualify for standard market coverage. The company organizes its offerings into several major categories rather than personal lines products like traditional [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) or [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance). | Coverage Category | Primary Products | State Availability | |------------------|------------------|-------------------| | Property | Commercial Property, Small Property, Agribusiness Property | All 50 states + DC | | Casualty | General Casualty, Excess Casualty | All 50 states + DC | | Professional Lines | Professional Liability, Allied Health, Excess Professional | All 50 states + DC | | Specialty Casualty | Product Liability, Product Recall, Entertainment | All 50 states + DC | | Transportation | Inland Marine | All 50 states + DC | | Personal Lines | High Value Homeowners | 29 states | The company maintains specific appetite guides for different risk classes and industries [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Products", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/products/). Kinsale writes coverage for cannabis operations, warehousing, public entities, and other specialized sectors that face capacity constraints in the admitted market [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Industries - Cannabis", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/industries/cannabis/). ## Does Kinsale Offer High Value Homeowners Insurance? Kinsale provides [high value homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) through its Personal Lines division, available in 29 states [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "High Value Homeowners", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/products/personal-lines/high-value-homeowners/). This product targets properties that exceed standard market limits or present unique characteristics. The program excludes personal dwellings classified through standard channels, which the company refers to other specialized divisions [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Agribusiness Property", 2025)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/products/agribusiness/agribusiness-property/). Coverage availability expanded across additional states in 2025 [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "High Value Coverage in 29 States", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/high-value-coverage-in-29-states/). Standard features typically include dwelling coverage, personal property protection, liability limits, and additional living expenses. Kinsale positions this product for residences with replacement costs or unique features that push them beyond conventional underwriting parameters. Brokers submit applications through the company's online portal for evaluation. ## How Does Kinsale Insurance Work? Kinsale operates exclusively through licensed insurance brokers. Consumers cannot purchase policies directly from the company. The process starts when a broker identifies a risk that standard carriers decline or cannot adequately cover. The broker then submits the account to Kinsale for consideration. Once Kinsale accepts a risk and issues a quote, the broker presents the terms to the client. If the client accepts, the broker binds coverage and processes payment through established channels. Policy documents, endorsements, and certificates of insurance flow through the broker rather than directly to the insured. Policyholders contact their broker for service requests, coverage changes, or claim initiation. The broker then coordinates with Kinsale's underwriting or claims departments as needed. This broker-centric model differs from direct-to-consumer insurers but aligns with E&S market conventions. ## Pros and Cons
### Pros **Strong Financial Position**: AM Best affirms an A (Excellent) financial strength rating with positive outlook as of 2025 (AM Best via Business Wire, "AM Best Revises Outlooks to Positive", 2024). The company maintained a 75.9% combined ratio for full year 2025 (Insurance Business Magazine, "Kinsale profit jumps", 2026). **Coverage for Difficult Risks**: The company accepts accounts that other insurers decline, including cannabis operations, entertainment risks, and complex professional liability exposures (Kinsale Insurance Company, "Industries - Cannabis", 2026). **Consistent Profitability**: Operating return on equity reached 26.4% for 2025, demonstrating sustained underwriting discipline (Morningstar via Business Wire, "Kinsale Capital Group Reports 2025 Fourth Quarter", 2026).
### Cons **Limited Direct Consumer Access**: Kinsale requires consumers to work through licensed brokers, which adds a layer between the insured and the carrier (Kinsale Insurance Company, "Who We Are", 2024). **Not BBB Accredited**: The company does not hold Better Business Bureau accreditation (Better Business Bureau, "Kinsale Insurance Company Profile", 2026). **Restricted Homeowners Availability**: High value homeowners coverage operates in only 29 states compared to the company's broader E&S lines reach (Kinsale Insurance Company, "High Value Homeowners", 2026).
## Ratings and Customer Feedback Kinsale Insurance Company receives strong marks for financial stability but faces challenges with customer satisfaction metrics. The following table summarizes ratings from multiple sources: | Rating Source | Score/Rating | Date | Notes | |--------------|-------------|------|-------| | AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) | February 2026 | Positive outlook [(AM Best, "Best's Credit Rating Center", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/companyprofile.aspx?ambnum=14027&URatingId=0&bl=64&AltSrc=3&PPP=&AltNum=176714027&Ext_User=&Ext_Misc=&Portal=0) | | BBB | Not Accredited | 2026 | Active complaints on file [(Better Business Bureau, "Kinsale Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/va/richmond/profile/insurance-companies/kinsale-insurance-company-0603-63405196) | | Combined Ratio | 75.9% | 2025 | Full year performance [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Kinsale profit jumps", 2026)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/kinsale-profit-jumps-as-specialty-margins-hold-property-book-shrinks-565421.aspx) | AM Best revised its outlook to positive from stable in August 2024, citing expectations that the company will maintain balance sheet strength in the very strong range with favorable operating performance compared to industry peers [(AM Best via Business Wire, "AM Best Revises Outlooks to Positive", 2024)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240802356770/en/AM-Best-Revises-Issuer-Credit-Rating-Outlooks-to-Positive-for-Kinsale-Insurance-Company-and-Kinsale-Capital-Group-Inc.). ## Real Customer Reviews

2 ★

Anonymous Review, 2023

Claims handling has improved in recent years according to some brokers, but complaints about premium audits and policy terms persist across multiple review platforms.

## Get Customer Support or File a Claim Policyholders must contact their broker to initiate claims or request policy service. Kinsale does not provide direct consumer support channels because all business flows through licensed insurance brokers [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Claims", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/claims/). Brokers can reach Kinsale's claims department through dedicated phone lines and email addresses provided in their broker portal. The company maintains a claims team separate from its underwriting operations. For urgent or after-hours claims, brokers access emergency contact information through their account credentials. The claims department evaluates each loss based on policy terms and applicable endorsements. Processing times vary by claim complexity, coverage type, and the completeness of documentation submitted. For general inquiries or broker questions, Kinsale maintains a contact page on its website with department-specific information [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Contact Us", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/contact/contact-us/). The Richmond, Virginia headquarters serves as the central hub for all operations. ## Financial Strength and Market Position Kinsale Insurance Company demonstrates exceptional financial performance within the E&S sector. AM Best affirmed its A (Excellent) financial strength rating in February 2026, reflecting very strong balance sheet strength and strong operating performance [(AM Best, "Best's Credit Rating Center", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/companyprofile.aspx?ambnum=14027&URatingId=0&bl=64&AltSrc=3&PPP=&AltNum=176714027&Ext_User=&Ext_Misc=&Portal=0). Full year 2025 results showed underwriting income of $389.2 million compared to $325.9 million in 2024 [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Kinsale profit jumps", 2026)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/kinsale-profit-jumps-as-specialty-margins-hold-property-book-shrinks-565421.aspx). The combined ratio improved to 75.9% from 76.4%, demonstrating continued underwriting discipline despite competitive market conditions. Revenue for 2025 reached $1.87 billion, up 18.04% from $1.59 billion in 2024 [(Stock Analysis, "Kinsale Capital Group Stock Price", 2026)](https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/knsl/). Earnings climbed to $503.61 million, a 21.40% increase. The company deployed capital through $50 million in share repurchases during Q4 2025 and announced a new $250 million buyback program [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Kinsale profit jumps", 2026)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/kinsale-profit-jumps-as-specialty-margins-hold-property-book-shrinks-565421.aspx). The board approved a 47.1% quarterly dividend increase to $0.25 per share in early 2026 [Ibid.](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/kinsale-profit-jumps-as-specialty-margins-hold-property-book-shrinks-565421.aspx). This marked the company's commitment to return capital to shareholders while maintaining reserves for growth and unexpected loss development. The broader E&S market expanded from approximately $75 billion in 2022 to over $100 billion in 2024 [(PortersFiveForce.com, "How Does Kinsale Capital Group Work?", 2025)](https://portersfiveforce.com/blogs/how-it-works/kinsalecapitalgroup). Kinsale captured market share through this expansion period with premium growth exceeding 30% annually between 2021 and 2024. Net investment income exceeded $250 million in 2024, contributing to overall profitability beyond underwriting results. Analysts maintain a "Buy" rating on Kinsale Capital Group stock with a 12-month price target of $455.40 based on consensus from 10 analysts [(Stock Analysis, "Kinsale Capital Group Stock Price", 2026)](https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/knsl/). The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker KNSL. ## Recent Leadership Transitions President and Chief Operating Officer Brian D. Haney announced his retirement effective March 2, 2026, after 15 years with the company [(Insurance Business America, "Kinsale president Haney to retire", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/kinsales-coo-brian-haney-to-retire-in-2026-554337.aspx). The board promoted James Winston to Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer to assume expanded responsibilities. Winston brought more than 20 years of underwriting experience to his new role, with over 15 years at Kinsale [Ibid.](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/kinsales-coo-brian-haney-to-retire-in-2026-554337.aspx). The leadership transition occurred as the E&S market continued to grow amid capacity constraints in the admitted market. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Does Kinsale sell insurance directly to consumers?** No. Kinsale operates exclusively through licensed insurance brokers and does not offer direct-to-consumer sales [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "Who We Are", 2024)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/about/who-we-are/). Consumers must work with a broker to obtain quotes and purchase policies. **What states does Kinsale operate in?** Kinsale writes E&S business in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. High value homeowners coverage is available in 29 states [(Ibid., "High Value Homeowners", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/products/personal-lines/high-value-homeowners/). **How long does it take to get a quote from Kinsale?** Complex or unusual risks may require additional review time. **What is Kinsale's AM Best rating?** AM Best assigns Kinsale Insurance Company an A (Excellent) financial strength rating with a positive outlook as of February 2026 [(AM Best, "Best's Credit Rating Center", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/companyprofile.aspx?ambnum=14027&URatingId=0&bl=64&AltSrc=3&PPP=&AltNum=176714027&Ext_User=&Ext_Misc=&Portal=0). **Does Kinsale offer standard homeowners insurance?** No. Kinsale focuses on high value homeowners insurance for properties that exceed standard market limits or present unique characteristics [(Kinsale Insurance Company, "High Value Homeowners", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/products/personal-lines/high-value-homeowners/). The company refers standard homeowners risks to other insurers. **What types of businesses does Kinsale insure?** Kinsale writes coverage for cannabis operations, entertainment risks, warehousing, public entities, agribusiness, professional services, and other specialized sectors [(Ibid., "Industries - Cannabis", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/industries/cannabis/). The company focuses on accounts that standard insurers decline or cannot adequately cover. **How do I file a claim with Kinsale?** Policyholders must contact their broker to initiate claims. The broker then coordinates with Kinsale's claims department [(Ibid., "Claims", 2026)](https://www.kinsaleins.com/claims/). Kinsale does not accept claims directly from consumers. **Is Kinsale BBB accredited?** No. Kinsale Insurance Company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau [(Better Business Bureau, "Kinsale Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/va/richmond/profile/insurance-companies/kinsale-insurance-company-0603-63405196).