Class A partners with Accelerant to begin underwriting aviation coverages

By Chris Munro

April 30 - (The Insurer) - Class A Insurance has partnered with Accelerant to enable its underwriting of a suite of aviation coverages including turbine-powered aircraft, aviation product liability, unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UAV) and precision agricultural drone operations.

Altai Ventures-backed Class A was launched earlier this year, and the Mark Haidar-led company said the partnership with the Accelerant Risk Exchange will enable the company “to underwrite a comprehensive range of aviation risks."

The Accelerant Risk Exchange was launched in 2023 and connects specialty underwriters with a hand-selected cadre of capacity providers.

“(Accelerant’s) data-driven approach perfectly complements our vision of leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance risk management and deliver an exceptional, client-centric experience,” said founder and CEO Haidar.

Startup MGA Class A has brought together what it calls “a team of seasoned industry and technology experts” to help “redefine the future of aviation insurance."

Working alongside tech entrepreneur Haidar are former Allianz Global Risks executives Joshua Ray and Robin Graham, who serve the insurtech as chief underwriting officer and head of underwriting, respectively.

Also at Class A are chief technology officer Shayne O’Sullivan and chief aviation officer Steve Nicoll.

“At Class A, we’re building a company that puts safety at the epicenter of everything we do,” said Haidar in a launch statement earlier this year.

“We don’t see our customers as just numbers on a form. We’re blending decades of experience with the power of progress to reimagine aviation insurance,” he added.