Arch Insurance (Bermuda) have started the new year with a flourish.

Now ensconced in their new offices in Victoria Hall next to Monte Carlo restaurant, the company has made six new appointments and announced an increase in capacity.

Last week the company secured reinsurance support to increase its maximum limit of excess liability insurance to $40 million..

Terry L. Pimentel head of the excess casualty department said that this was a major achievement: "Capacity is so tough in this market."

In addition, their US division, Arch Insurance Group, have announced an increase to their Directors and Officers capacity to $65 million per account. Between Bermuda and the US, Arch now has overall capacity of $90 million per account in this area which covers directors in case they get sued in their personal capacity.

Arch Insurance (Bermuda) announced three new vice presidents: Dwayne Hunt in property; Anthony Bonfa in casualty and Robyn Semos in professional lines as well as a new support team of Alison Hirschi, Roseann Simons and Denise Simons.

This brings the total staff to 15 people, two thirds of whom are Bermudian.

Chief executive Jim Ansaldi said that he had deliberately taken his time to build the team. For the underwriting team, he wanted experienced hands with at least ten years' experience.

Mr. Ansaldi said that this was partly because the company focused on big league clients: "Insurance Fortune 1000 companies is no walk in the park."

What's more, the company only covers claims of high levels - $50 million upwards.

Tony Hay, head of professional lines, says that Bermuda is typically attracting this type of business with high attachment levels.

It has become one of the three major market places, if not the main market place.

"It used to be just XL and ACE, but these days there are six or seven major direct insurers based in Bermuda," said Mr. Hay

Asked to explain the different types of direct insurance that Arch Insurance (Bermuda) provides, Mr. Ansaldi picked the example of an explosion in a major corporation.

"Our property team would cover the building. But if it takes out the neighbourhood and everyone sues the company, that would be our general insurance section. If it's found that malpractice on the part of the directors caused the explosion, for example following recommendations of a health and safety inspection, that would be covered by directors and officers liability."

Although they are in the same group as Arch Reinsurance, Mr. Ansaldi explained the two companies have to maintain a certain degree of separation in order to avoid any conflicts of interest. Hence two different buildings - Paul Ingrey and the Arch Reinsurance team are down the road in Wessex House.