What main factor might lead someone to use a surplus lines policy rather than standard insurance?

Surplus lines policies are primarily designed to address risks that standard insurance markets are unwilling to cover, often because they represent a higher level of risk. This can include various high-risk exposures such as unusual business activities, certain types of property, or specific liability situations that do not fit within the molds of conventional insurance products. As a result, individuals or businesses seeking coverage for these high-risk scenarios turn to surplus lines insurers, who specialize in providing coverage where standard carriers typically will not.

The availability of coverage for high-risk exposures is a key characteristic that distinguishes surplus lines from traditional insurance. While cost, application process, and familiarity with the insurer may play roles in an individual's decision-making process, the urgent need for coverage due to high-risk conditions remains the primary factor driving the use of surplus lines policies.