Amwins Expands Inland Marine Capabilities Through New Carrier Relationship with Sentry

Enhanced program offered through Amwins Program Underwriters

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:24pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal toolbox filled with various construction tools arranged neatly against a clean, monochromatic background, conveying the importance of contractors' equipment to their operations.A premium toolbox filled with the essential equipment contractors rely on to keep their businesses running smoothly.Charlotte Today

Amwins Program Underwriters (APU), part of Amwins' Underwriting division, announced a new carrier partnership with Sentry Insurance to support its Inland Marine Contractors' Equipment Program. This collaboration enhances APU's ability to provide comprehensive, competitive insurance solutions tailored to the needs of contractors across the U.S.

Why it matters

The new Inland Marine program from APU provides critical coverage for contractors' equipment, including cranes, riggers, concrete pumpers, and millwright tools. This helps protect contractors' bottom lines when their essential equipment is at risk.

The details

APU's Inland Marine program offers coverage for owned, rented, and borrowed equipment used by contractors. The program is backed by Sentry Insurance's A+ rated paper and complements APU's broader suite of construction-related offerings, including its crane & rigging general liability program. The partnership allows APU to deliver smarter solutions to the market and provide the coverage contractors truly need.

  • The new carrier partnership was announced on April 17, 2026.

The players

Amwins Program Underwriters (APU)

An in-house managing general agent (MGA) within Amwins, providing brokers with exclusive access to a comprehensive portfolio of specialty programs.

Sentry Insurance

One of the largest and most financially secure mutual insurance groups in the United States, holding a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (superior) from AM Best.

Heather Frain

Senior Vice President and Head of Inland Marine at Amwins Program Underwriters.

Jon Beckham

President of Amwins Program Underwriters.

Heather Schenker

Head of Specialty Insurance at Sentry.

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What they’re saying

“Contractors rely on their equipment to keep business moving, and when that equipment is at risk, so is their bottom line.”

— Heather Frain, Senior Vice President and Head of Inland Marine at Amwins Program Underwriters

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to helping our agents protect the most vital tools of the trade.”

— Jon Beckham, President of Amwins Program Underwriters

“Partnering with Amwins is a natural fit. This relationship aligns with our values of integrity, strength, and service and reflects our shared commitment to helping businesses protect their assets, reduce downtime, and get back to work quickly when the unexpected happens.”

— Heather Schenker, Head of Specialty Insurance at Sentry

The takeaway

This new Inland Marine program from Amwins Program Underwriters and Sentry Insurance provides critical coverage for contractors' essential equipment, helping to protect their businesses and bottom lines when unexpected events occur. The partnership combines underwriting expertise and access to top-rated carriers to deliver tailored, comprehensive insurance solutions for the construction industry.