Industry Veteran David Wash Teams With Demotech’s Joe Petrelli to Create Equalizer Insurance Services, LLC

Longtime insurance entrepreneur/managing underwriter David Wash has stepped out alongside Demotech co-founder and president Joe Petrelli to answer a persistent demand from Demotech-rated carriers. Recently founded Equalizer Insurance Services LLC will facilitate access to companion products and offerings alongside primary offerings sold by Demotech-rated risk takers. The goal is to create a level playing field for Demotech carriers and their agents, while offering new revenue opportunities. Combining the unique abilities of Wash and Petrelli, Equalizer is positioned to leverage the financial stability of the Demotech group, and approach the marketplace with the acumen of a seasoned underwriter and Lloyds Cover holder. Early offerings will include the availability of flood coverage in all zones and personal lines excess written over Demotech-rated risk takers. As 2026 unfolds, Equalizer will look to extend their reach into commercial excess, cyber, and worker compensation.

Equalizer will work directly with markets and Demotech-rated insurers to install products that can be vended through every form of sales force. Qualified, licensed brokers can be appointed to place products and earn commissions while bolstering relationships and protecting themselves against a rising tide of malpractice claims that arise out of coverage deficiencies. Offerings will be limited to established carriers demonstrably committed to a given sector of insurance. It is important that all the insurers recognize and respect the Demotech rating, placing this group on an equal footing as having been viably vetted and approved.

An early 2026 launch for Equalizer is expected, with contracting for first products currently underway. “Access is simple; David is fielding calls to both offer what we have and assess needs in order to develop new opportunities,” Joe Petrelli said. “2026 is just a start; we are looking for Equalizer to be a major force for good within the community of Demotech-rated entities; financially and otherwise as it evolves and grows.”

Joseph Petrelli is the president and a cofounder of Demotech, Inc. Organized in 1985, Demotech Inc. is a Columbus, Ohio-based financial analysis company. In 1989, Demotech became the first to review and rate independent, regional and specialty insurers. In 2022, Demotech was registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) in the class of Insurance Companies.

David Wash brings to Equalizer his many years of experience as an insurance practitioner, working in every facet of the business, culminating with status as a Lloyds Cover holder for over a decade and managing agent for uniquely difficult liability classes as well as excess placements. Simply put, he is a problem solver. He anticipates leveraging his experience and deep bench of qualified associates for the benefit of the Demotech community.

Equalizer Insurance Services, LLC is owner-financed by Petrelli and Wash, and 100 percent independent.

David Wash is a 35-year insurance industry veteran and entrepreneur. He spent 10 years as a commercial retail broker at a top 100 firm, becoming the youngest partner in firm history. Wash went on to found and manage two managing general underwriting concerns specializing in professional lines and complex Casualty, seeing both from startup to acquisition. He has also served as a partner and advisor to a medical stoploss underwriter. In addition to wielding authority for U.S. carriers, Wash has represented various Lloyds syndicates as a cover holder for over a decade.