Our business

Our approach to underwriting

The key to the success of Lonham is our ability to respond swiftly, positively and with innovation, to the constantly evolving requirements of our clients.

The Lonham team are all highly-experienced insurance professionals who recognise that underwriting and claims service expertise are vital to remaining at the forefront of the UK cargo and freight liability market.

Lonham is committed to providing the highest standard of service across the company’s insurance activities. This commitment begins with providing prompt responses to underwriting enquiries, continues with the efficient production of policy documentation and finishes, when needed, with delivery of a dedicated first class claims service.

To learn more, please click HERE to download a copy of our overview brochure. 


Our history

Lonham was established in 1983 to manage insurance for an Italian shipping company. In 1989, the business expanded to provide cargo and freight legal liability insurance for third parties for selected groups of underwriters at Lloyd’s of London or other insurance companies.

In 2015, Chaucer purchased the business and Lonham has written business on behalf of Chaucer Syndicate 1084 since then. Through Lloyd's, Chaucer Syndicates 1084 offers clients strong financial security, with every policy having the support of an A (excellent) rating from A.M. Best and an A+ (strong) from Standard & Poor’s. 

Since 2018, Lonham has been able to offer company paper through Chaucer Insurance Company DAC, enabling them to offer brokers and clients the choice of Lloyd's or Company paper depending on client preference.   Chaucer Insurance Company has branches in London, Copenhagen and Bermuda and benefits from the full support of China Re, Chaucer's parent company, and has an A from AM Best and A financial strength rating from Standard & Poor’s. 

In January 2022 Lonham formed a key pillar of the newly formed Marine Specialty business of Chaucer.