Do You Need E&S Insurance?
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What is E&S / Surplus Lines Insurance?
Excess and Surplus (E&S) lines insurance covers risks that standard admitted carriers decline or are unable to write under their standard guidelines. Non-admitted E&S carriers operate under different regulatory rules that give them more flexibility to insure unusual, high-risk, or specialized situations.
In New Jersey, E&S placements must be made through a licensed surplus lines producer. Kevin Brown Insurance Agency holds an NJ Resident Producer License (#3003694894) and accesses E&S markets through London Underwriters and Smart Choice, including specialist carriers like Blitz Insurance, Burns & Wilcox, Neptune Insurance, and others.
E&S coverage is not backed by the NJ state insurance guaranty fund — a tradeoff for the broader coverage flexibility they provide. Learn more about E&S in NJ →
NJ Surplus Lines Taxes and Fees — What You Need to Know
E&S insurance in New Jersey costs more than the quoted premium alone. Here is exactly what the law requires and what agents can charge.
What is the NJ surplus lines tax rate?
New Jersey charges a 5% surplus lines tax on the net premium of every non-admitted (E&S) insurance placement, as required by NJSA 17:22-6.45. This is a state tax paid by the policyholder — it is not commission, it is not negotiable, and no licensed surplus lines producer can waive it. On a $5,000 annual E&S premium, the state tax alone adds $250.
Does New Jersey charge a surplus lines stamping fee?
No. New Jersey does not have a surplus lines stamping office and does not impose a stamping fee on E&S placements. States like Texas, California, and Florida charge stamping fees of 0.1–0.2% in addition to their state tax. NJ policyholders only owe the 5% state tax — no stamping fee on top.
What policy fees do E&S carriers charge in NJ?
Most non-admitted E&S carriers charge a flat policy issuance fee of $50–$250 per policy period. This is separate from the premium and separate from the state tax. It is an administrative charge set by the carrier, not the agent. The exact amount appears on your quote before you bind.
Do insurance agents charge additional fees for E&S placements?
Some brokers charge a broker service fee or placement fee for E&S work, in addition to the commission paid by the carrier. These fees are legal in NJ when properly disclosed. Kevin Brown Insurance Agency does not charge a separate service fee for standard E&S placements. The commission — paid by the carrier, not by you — is Kevin's compensation. You receive a full cost breakdown before any binding decision.
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