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What an admitted carrier is, and what a non-admitted carrier is

An admitted carrier is an insurance company authorized to do business in California. That is the definition of an admitted company in the California Department of Insurance glossary. A non-admitted carrier is not authorized to transact insurance business in this state. Surplus line insurance is coverage a licensed surplus line broker places with a nonadmitted insurer under the surplus line chapter, when the placement follows that chapter.

CDI's surplus line insurers page says Insurance Code sections 1765.1 and 1765.2 set two categories. LASLI carriers are preapproved carriers that have met section 1765.2. Eligible carriers have met section 1765.1 and the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act, and CDI does not preapprove that second group. The Surplus Line Association of California says LASLI means List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers, that the list is optional, and that a nonadmitted insurer does not have to appear on it if the surplus line broker determines the insurer meets section 1765.1. The association says the list is on the CDI website and on the association lookup.

Nothing here is a premium, a carrier name, or a promise that a claim will be paid. A certificate that names a nonadmitted insurer is still not the policy. See the certificate of insurance page and Insurance Code section 384.

Updated October 14, 2026. Insurance City Agency, LLC · CA License #6003045. Reviewed by Santo Militello, California-licensed Property & Casualty agent (CA License #1737723). Our licensed team brings more than 70 years of combined insurance experience. Phone: (209) 670-1556. Office: 956 W Robinhood Dr, Stockton, CA 95207.

Questions

What does admitted mean?

The California Department of Insurance glossary defines an admitted company as an insurance company authorized to do business in California.

What is LASLI?

LASLI means List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers. CDI says section 1765.2 carriers on that list are preapproved. The Surplus Line Association of California says the list is optional and is posted on the CDI site and the association site.

Does every non-admitted insurer have to be on LASLI?

No. The Surplus Line Association of California says a nonadmitted insurer does not have to be on LASLI if the surplus line broker determines the insurer meets Insurance Code section 1765.1. CDI does not preapprove that eligible-carrier group.

Is this a quote?

No. This page does not name a carrier and does not promise a claim will be paid. The phone is (209) 670-1556.

Sources

CDI glossary (insurance.ca.gov, checked October 14, 2026). Admitted company: an insurance company authorized to do business in California.
CDI, Surplus Line Insurers. Sections 1765.1 and 1765.2. LASLI carriers are preapproved under 1765.2. Eligible carriers under 1765.1 are not preapproved by CDI.
Surplus Line Association of California, insurer FAQ. LASLI is optional. A copy is on the CDI site and the association site. Lookup: LASLI insurer lookup.
Insurance Code section 384. A certificate used as evidence of insurance is not the policy. Subsection (b) excepts a surplus line broker certificate under section 48.