ST Paul, the US insurance company, is expanding its Irish operation. The company plans to trade under its own name rather than through ARB Underwriting, which has been its Irish partner since 1993.

St Paul currently writes non standard motor insurance policies in Ireland through ARB and will now expand into other niche markets, including property and liability policies for the automotive industry and the health care sector.

It will distribute its products through independent insurance brokers. The Irish operation is part of the St Paul International Insurance Company, a subsidiary of the St Paul Companies, based in Minnesota.