How IGI addressed the changing nature of terrorism risk

How-IGI-addressed-the-changing-nature-of-terrorism-risk

Insurance brokers need to be aware that there are alternatives for terrorism cover outside of Pool Re, says Joanna Cousins, Underwriter, for International General Insurance (IGI)’s Political Violence division. IGI’s Denial of Access product has moved away from a strict definition of a terrorist event and is designed to increase certainty of cover in uncertain times.

How has the nature of terrorism risk changed and how has IGI addressed this?

The UK currently is staring at the next evolution in terrorism risk. The recent attacks near London Bridge in June 2017 demonstrated a fundamental shift in the chosen method of attack for terrorists. In London’s most recent example, Borough Market shut down for 18 days and resulted in local businesses losing £1.4 million in revenue.

However, following the spate of attacks in the UK, Europe and most recently in Toronto, Canada, it is plain to see that the nature of terror attacks is changing. Increasingly, there is less emphasis on large explosives and a greater focus on the use of small arms, bladed weapons and vehicles.

How the insurance industry responds to this is critical. Our job as insurers is to make sure we have the right covers in place to make the aftermath of any terror-related atrocities as efficient as possible, to allow people to get back on their feet and get society running smoothly again.

The main change now is that companies may suffer a business interruption loss without any actual physical damage to property. The UK Government has already announced a change in legislation that will broaden the remit of Pool Re, the UK’s state-backed terrorism reinsurer, in order to cover Denial of Access. However, we had already launched a Denial of Access product last November to protect against financial loss when a business cannot carry out some or all of their business activities following a terrorist incident.

What is Denial of Access and why is it important?

Denial of Access coverage would fall within the remit of a business interruption policy - this protects against financial loss when the insured cannot carry out some or all of its business activities as per usual. Traditionally, a business interruption policy - or specifically Denial of Access coverage - has a physical damage trigger, which means an insurance policy will only cover any interruption to a business as a result of it suffering physical damage.

In fact, BIBA campaigned for Pool Re to extend its scheme in its 2018 Manifesto – particularly in relation to Denial of Access cover. However, while Pool Re plays an important role in providing cover for UK terrorism, it’s important to realise that there are other covers now available to brokers and clients. The main aim is to encourage this type of cover to become more widespread and for more small businesses to be protected.

How can brokers help get the market moving in the right direction?

Small businesses need immediate help in getting the right cover in place. They should not have to worry about the robustness of their insurance, or whether their policy will pay out if they are affected by terrorism.

Brokers have seen growing numbers of enquiries from businesses wanting to know about terrorism risks and protection, but many are not aware that there are bespoke forms of terrorism cover available and being developed. The main aim is to increase awareness to clients that there are credible alternatives to Pool Re for non-damage Denial of Access business interruption.

Can you give a quick overview of the policy highlights?

IGI realised that all forms of terrorist attack needed to be covered – with no grey areas. IGI’s policy is specifically designed for SME businesses within the UK (other than Northern Ireland), which may be unable to trade normally for short periods as a direct result of being officially denied access to their property following a terrorist incident, without the need for physical damage to property.

The key benefit is that IGI will pay for unforeseen interruption to your business caused by an order of any competent police or military authority which is imposed in connection with an officially recognised incident of terrorism within 1,000 metres of an insured property.

If you would like to make contact with Joanna Cousins, CLICK HERE, leave a message and youTalk-insurance will pass your enquiry on

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR
FREE BI-WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

About IGI

Established in 2001, International General Insurance (IGI) is a global privately-owned specialist commercial insurer and reinsurer. Our vision is to be the company of choice for clients and brokers through market-leading service and our reputation for stable management and capital security.

A diverse and highly experienced team of underwriters operates our office in London. We also have offices in Dubai, Amman, Casablanca and Kuala Lumpur.

Our diverse portfolio of specialty lines includes Energy, Property, Construction & Engineering, Ports & Terminals, Financial Institutions, Aviation, Professional Indemnity, Political Violence, Legal Expenses, D&O, Casualty, Forestry and Treaty Reinsurance.

Standard and Poor’s upgraded our financial strength rating to “A- “, with a Stable outlook. A.M. Best rated the company A- (Excellent), with a Positive outlook, stating, “the revised outlook reflects IGI’s consistent record of very strong operating performance and the continuous improvement in its enterprise risk management framework.”

We take pride in providing proactive claims management, coupled with open communication, leading to the efficient handling of claims. We endeavour to act fairly and honourably in our relations with clients and brokers. 

Latest video

IGI’s Group founder and CEO named Jordan’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year

IGI’s group founder named as Jordan’s EY Entrepreneur of the YearWasef Jabsheh, Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer of International General Insurance... click here for more