XL Winterthur International, the large account risk management business of XL Capital Ltd, announced the establishment of a new excess casualty unit based in New York.

The new unit will offer lead umbrella capacity of up to $25 million for policies in excess of $1 million.

Umbrella capacity is paid only after an underlying policy's coverage is exceeded.

Excess liability following form coverage will also be available subject to maximum capacity of $50 million per account.

The business will be underwritten on an admitted basis in the United States, with policies issued by Winterthur International America Insurance Company, which is rated A+ (Superior) XV by A.M. Best and AA by S&P ratings agencies.

The unit will target risk management accounts with revenues greater than $250 million and all classes of business will be considered with the following exceptions; automotive manufacturers to include critical parts, chemicals, integrated oil companies, truckers for lead umbrella coverage, pharmaceuticals and invasive medical devices and residential contractors.