A new underwriting agency offering cover for small businesses will launch in the Australian market next month after securing backing from Liberty Specialty Markets.

Artisan Underwriting says it will specialise in financial lines and casualty coverage for start-ups, micro-businesses and SMEs, and aims to deliver “a lightning-speed response” for brokers and their clients. 

“Artisan is perfectly positioned for small professional businesses and miscellaneous professions including IT consultants, marketing and graphic designers, management consultants, multimedia professionals and more,” MD Lewis Patton said.  

“We can bring affordable cover tailored to their specific industry, with a very fast response time.”

The agency will receive capacity from Liberty, which has struck a three-year binding agreement to be a delegated underwriting authority.

“As a small and privately owned Australian business, we’re excited about giving other small businesses a fast and fair deal on insurance,” Mr Patton said.

“Some insurers avoid these businesses, as the premiums are small and they struggle with efficiencies. That’s where Artisan can offer value and really meet their needs.”  

Liberty Asia-Pacific casualty and professional and financial risks head Marcus Thomas says the partnership “brings a new way for small businesses to access Liberty’s underwriting expertise, and also our highly regarded local claims service”.