Comments Due Soon on What Goes on WV Surplus Lines Export List

West Virginia stakeholders have until Sept. 11 to submit comments on what should or should not be on the state’s export list of coverages that can be placed with surplus lines insurers.

The Offices of the Insurance Commissioner annually revises the export list, and it’s that time again. In keeping with state law, agents and brokers hoping to place types of coverage that are not on the export list must undertake a diligent search for available coverage in the primary market.

But Insurance coverages and classes included on the list may be placed with surplus lines insurers without completing a search of admitted carriers, the office explained in a bulletin.

The commissioner may consider a number of factors in determining what goes on the list, including: the current marketplace; information from surplus lines licensees; information from admitted and surplus lines insurers doing business in West Virginia; information from other sources, including producers and consumers; and any other information the commissioner deems relevant.

To consider adding or removing a risk, the commissioner needs to see evidence that no adequate market exists in the admitted market.

The current list, in effect since Sept. 16, 2025, includes such risks as drought and animal mortality; all-terrain vehicles; hot-air balloons; crop duster aircraft liability and hull coverage; day care centers, including sexual abuse coverage; firearms sales; hunting clubs, and more. The full list is here.

Comments should be sent via email to Victor.A.Mullins@wv.gov; or by US Mail to Victor Mullins, Associate General Counsel, Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, 900 Pennsylvania Ave., 8th Floor, Charleston, WV 25302.