What Lloyd's is
Lloyd's is a marketplace where syndicates managed by managing agents underwrite risks brought by brokers. Its history began in Edward Lloyd's coffee shop by the Thames in the 1680s. Policies are issued by syndicates, which share the market's central resources.
What is insured
The market writes specialty and large commercial risks such as property, casualty, marine, aviation, energy, cyber and professional lines, plus reinsurance. Lloyd's wrote 34.7 billion pounds of gross written premium for the first half of 2026.
United States
Lloyd's is one of the largest surplus lines insurers in the US and a significant provider of reinsurance capacity. Lloyd's America, Inc. is at 280 Park Avenue, New York. US buyers usually reach Lloyd's through a licensed surplus lines broker or a coverholder; see our cyber insurance guide for one common example.
Financial strength and contact
A single market rating applies to all Lloyd's syndicates. Lloyd's building: One Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA, +44 20 7327 1000.