Aviva, the UK-based insurer, announced it will rebrand Probitas 1492 as “Aviva Syndicates” marking a significant milestone in the integration of its Lloyd’s platform into Aviva’s Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) business.
The rebrand will see the syndicate operate fully under the Aviva brand from the end of September, when brokers and clients will see the “Aviva Syndicates” name and branding across communications, systems and market interactions, the insurer said.
Since acquiring Probitas in 2024, Aviva’s strategy has been to build a market-leading dual-stamp specialty business operating under a single brand. Aviva has also expanded its Lloyd’s offering, launching eight new lines of business since the deal completed.
Teams are now fully integrated and have been trading as a combined business since the start of 2026.
“Bringing Probitas fully under the Aviva brand is the next step in building a truly integrated specialty business,” commented Jason Storah, CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, in a statement.
“We’ve already combined our teams and capabilities and are now seeing the benefits of trading as one platform. Aviva Syndicates will sharpen our presence in the Lloyd’s market and makes it easier for brokers and clients to access the full strength of our underwriting, risk expertise and global reach,” Storah added.
The independent agency channel placed 62% of all property/casualty insurance written in the U.S. in 2025, a slight increase from 2024 when 61.5% of insurance written was placed by independent agents.
According to the 2026 Market Share Report published by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) trade association, independent agents (IAs) wrote 87.7% of commercial lines written premiums in 2025 and 39.5% of personal lines.
The independent insurance agency channel also gained traction in surplus lines, with a 9.9% utilization rate, up from the five-year average of 9.3%. Private flood had a 52.6% utilization rate, up from the 47.4% five-year average.
“The resilience of the independent agency channel is evident in this year’s Market Share Report, painting a clear picture of its stability through the hard market,” says Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO. “As the market has begun to shift, the channel is on firm footing and poised to make the most of these improving conditions.”
According to the study, loss ratios improved to 57.3 in 2025 compared with the five-year average of 63. Combined ratios lowered to 88 in 2025, from 92 the prior year. The average of the last five years is 94.
The annual report compiles and analyzes property & casualty premium data from AM Best and provides insights for agencies and carriers on current market shares by distribution types.
