American Insurance Association

What Does American Insurance Association Mean?

The American Insurance Association (AIA) is an organization primarily made up of insurance companies that sell property and casualty insurance policies. As of 2016, it has 350 insurance companies registered as members. The organization advocates for legislation at both the federal and state levels to protect and enhance the insurance industry. Because AIA members are the carriers that write most home and commercial property policies in the country, their lobbying directly affects what consumers see when they shop for top-rated homeowners insurance or compare quotes from major carriers.

Insuranceopedia Explains American Insurance Association

The AIA was founded in 1866 as the National Board of Fire Underwriters. It later merged with the Association of Casualty and Surety Companies to form the present-day AIA. Its headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.

The AIA closely monitors Congress, the judiciary, and insurance regulators to ensure that laws protect its members. It also leverages its resources to lobby for the passage of laws favorable to the industry. Many of the property and casualty insurers represented by the AIA also write coverage for small businesses, so the association’s regulatory positions shape the rules behind common types of business insurance sold today. Additionally, it has a legal department prepared to defend members in legal disputes. Its information resources are also utilized by lawmakers in crafting insurance-related legislation.