LAU was founded in 1980 by Michael E. Charlesworth as a surplus lines wholesale agency. Dale Bennett and his team managed the day-to-day operations in Seattle while Michael remained at his syndicate at Lloyd’s of London, providing capacity to the program.

In 1983, LAU began underwriting on an admitted basis. Over the next several years the company expanded its operations by writing risks in all states through select Producers.

LAU started by writing risks and Alaska and in the Pacific Northwest and continues to do so. LAU now handles general aviation risks to individuals and companies in all 50 states.