Which of the following is NOT typically a factor in determining surplus lines coverage?

In the context of surplus lines coverage, standard underwriting guidelines are typically not a factor in determining whether a policy should be issued. Surplus lines insurance is specifically designed to provide coverage for risks that are either too complex, unique, or high-risk for standard insurance markets.

Traditional insurers have strict underwriting criteria and guidelines that often exclude these types of risks. As a result, when a risk does not fit within these conventional parameters, surplus lines insurers come into play to fill the gap, opting for more flexible underwriting standards. As such, the unique characteristics of the risks presented by the insured and factors like the insurer's risk appetite and market competition are critical in deciding whether to offer surplus lines coverage.

The focus in surplus lines insurance is on understanding the specific exposures and the insurer's willingness to accept those risks, rather than adhering to standard underwriting practices. This flexibility allows surplus lines to accommodate non-standard risks that mainstream insurers would typically shy away from.