World Insurance Associates Acquires Fillmore Insurance Agency

World Insurance Associates LLC has announced the acquisition of Fillmore Insurance Agency, a leading commercial lines agency in Brooklyn, New York, effective March 1, 2026. The details of the transaction remain confidential, adding intrigue to this strategic deal.

Established in 1970, Fillmore Insurance Agency has built a robust presence in real estate, construction, and retail sectors, offering personal insurance services as well. Led by John Sluyk, James Sluyk, Patrick Sluyk, and Stephen Van Sluyk, Fillmore enters this new phase with enthusiasm. James Sluyk Jr., the agency's owner, emphasized that partnering with World Insurance Associates will expand their service offerings, signaling an exciting progression for Fillmore.

Fillmore's specialization in construction and real estate situates it within a complex segment of the commercial insurance market, especially in New York. This is largely due to New York's Labor Law Sections 240 and 241, known as the Scaffold Law, which imposes strict liability on property owners and contractors for construction-related injuries, irrespective of worker negligence. Unlike other states, New York does not allow a comparative negligence defense, impacting regulatory compliance requirements.

This legal framework significantly affects financial strategies for insurance brokers and agencies. According to Chubb, the general liability claims frequency in New York is markedly higher, with one claim per $2.74 million in construction payroll, contrasting with the national average of one per $37 million. As a result, New York contractors often endure insurance premiums four to six times higher than those in neighboring states. Brokers typically recommend robust coverage limits for construction projects in this high-risk market.

The increased risk has led some carriers to exit the New York construction insurance sector, increasing dependence on niche insurers and brokers well-versed in these legal challenges. For Fillmore, this expertise enhances its attractiveness to large brokerages like World Insurance Associates, which aims to bolster its technical proficiency via acquisitions.

The acquisition of Fillmore aligns with World Insurance's strategic focus on purchasing independent agencies with specialized industry knowledge. In 2025, World Insurance was among the most active acquirers in the U.S., as OPTIS Partners' M&A data highlighted an uptick in deals despite a general market slowdown.

Contrasting with a decline in U.S. brokerage M&A activity in 2025, World Insurance's acquisition strategy reflects its robust growth amid fewer overall transactions. Notable legal guidance for the Fillmore deal came from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla for World Insurance, while Fillmore was represented by Satin and Lee Law P.C., supported by Sica Fletcher. Additional advisors have not been publicly disclosed.