Jason Niemela
President
Jason Niemela launched Berkley Aviation in December 2005. Prior to joining Berkley, Jason was the Vice President for a major worldwide insurance company, managing all U.S. domiciled risks. Jason has over 17 years of experience in the aviation insurance industry.
Officers
Jason R. Niemela
President
Alan C. Hair
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Richard S. Huston
Senior Vice President – Underwriting
Gary L. Feramisco
Vice President – Underwriting
Ryan R. Gould
Vice President – Claims
Matt P. Rowley
Vice President – General Aviation
Brian C. Perisho
Assistant Vice President – Aviation
Diane H. Beane
Assistant Vice President Non-Owned Aviation
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Berkley Aviation, LLC
Berkley Aviation is a premier underwriting manager of aviation insurance, offering a wide range of coverage options to insureds both domestically and internationally.
Our Mission
We are committed to strengthening our existing client relationships while seeking new, mutually profitable associations. Our strong security, innovative products and superior underwriting and claims service make both goals very attainable. We pride ourselves not only on our ability to analyze and understand the unique needs of our producers and policyholders, but also on our ability to provide solutions to satisfy those needs.
Company Description
Created in December 2005, Berkley Aviation offers a wide array of programs which include coverage for airlines, helicopters, miscellaneous General Aviation operations, non-owned aircraft, fixed-base operations, control towers, airports, financial institutions, and other specialized ‘niche’ programs. We are pleased to underwrite on behalf of three W. R. Berkley member companies: StarNet Insurance Company on an admitted basis and Gemini Insurance Company on a non-admitted basis for domestic risks, and Berkley Insurance Company on a reinsurance basis for international risks.
How Berkley Aviation is Different
Our competitive advantage lies in two areas. First and foremost, is our commitment to providing the highest level of customer service. Second, is the unique approach we take to meeting the distinctive needs of our clients. Whether through technical innovation or the creation of a specialized coverage, we continually break the mold by offering products that are tailored to fit our clients’ needs. The close relationships that we enjoy with our clients are the result of many years of nurturing by industry-respected professionals with long-term experience, and an excellent service record that our producers and policyholders appreciate and have come to expect from us.
Distribution
Berkley Aviation can write business in every state on either an admitted or a non-admitted basis, and can participate selectively on international risks. Our business is placed through a select group of agents and brokers who specialize in aviation insurance.
About W. R. Berkley Corporation
W. R. Berkley Corporation, founded in 1967, is one of the nation's premier commercial lines property casualty insurance providers. Each of the operating units in the Berkley group participates in a niche market requiring specialized knowledge about a territory or product. Our competitive advantage lies in our long-term strategy of decentralized operations, allowing each of our units to identify and respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and local customer needs. This decentralized structure provides financial accountability and incentives to local management and enables us to attract and retain the highest caliber professionals. We have the expertise and resources to utilize our strengths in the present environment, and the flexibility to anticipate, innovate and respond to whatever opportunities and challenges the future may hold.
Contact Information
Please contact us for any additional information.
Berkley Aviation, LLC
1101 Anacapa Street
Suite 200
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Tel: (805) 898-7640
Fax: (805) 898-7690
www.berkleyaviation.com
www.nonownedaviation.com
Financial Highlights
Berkley Aviation underwrites on behalf of StarNet Insurance Company, Gemini Insurance Company and Berkley Insurance Company
Each carries the following ratings:
A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating
A+ (Superior)
Financial Size Category
XV
Standard & Poor's Financial Strength Rating
A+ (Strong)


