The majors are AIG, USAIG, Global and Phoenix. Avemco underwrites direct; the others use brokers. U.S. Specialties and a few other have niches.
Each of these insurers have preferences and places they are best. Each has shortcomings. USAIG gets difficult to use with under 500 multi (if your'e insuring a multi), planes over 25 years old become difficult, especially pressurized twins. Once one is over 70, they get difficult unless your'e a long time customer. They will offer 1MM and 2MM smooth coverage to some folks. Policies are excellent; I'm covered in other plane I don't own. Very few exceptions. Excellent settlement record.
AIG; is on a par with USAIG with some policy differences. They are a little easier for me to get on board with on my pressurized twin. 100 hours in type and annual training may get me aboard for 1MM smooth.
Global turned me down last year because I put occasional landing on grass strips on my A-36. They were also higher than the two above firms for substantially similar coverage.
Phoenix has always quoted me higher and I haven't reviewed their policy in detail.
U.S. Specialties has a policy that doesn't cover as much as the top two; easier to get coverage. I was covered with 1MM smooth on the P-baron with an initial school and 10 hours of dual.
Avemco has never been even close for my coverage. 40 to 50% higher with worse coverage. They may be great for some.
I've had different brokers go to the same insurer (perhaps a different underwriter) and get quotes the first broker couldn't. I does come down to relationships. It's not just Falcon--it's who at Falcon. They have top brokers and some that aren't near the top.
Get referrals for someone with your qualifications and type plane. A lot of brokers and insurers have niches. Find the best guy and firm for your plane and training.
Best,
Dave