19 Sep 2013 15:30
Earlier today, Peter J. Beshar, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Marsh & McLennan Companies, testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services on the future of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). Congress is weighing whether to reauthorize TRIA, which is set to expire on December 31, 2014. Marsh & McLennan Companies strongly supports reauthorization and modernization of the Act.
“We consider TRIA to be a model public-private partnership. TRIA restored insurance capacity at a critical time after 9-11 and continues to be the backbone of a healthy terrorism insurance market,” said Mr. Beshar.
In April, Marsh released its 2013 Terrorism Risk Insurance Report, a comprehensive look at the terrorism insurance market. A survey of more than 2,500 Marsh clients demonstrated that demand for terrorism risk insurance remains strong and that the TRIA program plays a major part in the availability and affordability of coverage. According to the report, 62% of Marsh’s clients purchased property terrorism coverage backed by TRIA in 2012. "Our clients across the United States — including real estate developers, media companies, health care organizations and educational institutions — need and want terrorism coverage and would be less likely to get it without TRIA."
“In our judgment, the existence of a private terrorism insurance market, backstopped by TRIA, actually serves to protect the government and taxpayers from absorbing virtually all of the financial loss in the event of a terrorist attack," Mr. Beshar said.
The Company also offered three recommendations for refinement of the program including:
Specific clarification that coverage is provided by TRIA for all forms of terrorism — including nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological events — if coverage is afforded on the primary policy. Modernization of TRIA to reflect new terrorist threats that have emerged — in particular, the risk of cyber terrorism. Establishment of a 90-day time period for determining whether or not an act of terrorism is covered by TRIA.Mr. Beshar’s testimony comes just one day after Marsh & McLennan Companies representatives shared their views on TRIA with the Director of the Federal Insurance Office. At yesterday's meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (FACI), Christopher Flatt, leader of Marsh’s Workers’ Compensation Center of Excellence, and Aaron D. Bueler, managing director and leader of Guy Carpenter’s workers compensation practice and terrorism task force, presented the Company’s views.
After addressing FACI, Mr. Bueler stated: “The continuation of TRIA is essential. Non-renewal or a major change in the program will negatively affect the affordability and availability of commercial lines insurance vital to the economy. Since TRIA’s enactment in 2002, the terrorism reinsurance market has become a critical component of risk management strategy for many insurers. A dramatic change in the federal backstop could lead to a contraction in both the insurance and reinsurance marketplace.”
Mr. Flatt stressed that TRIA affects the state-regulated workers’ compensation market, especially in the areas of pricing and capacity. “The uncertainty in the market is causing some carriers to reduce their available capacity and aggregate exposures in large cities, and workers’ compensation prices on these risks are certainly going up,” he told members of FACI.
The Act has been extended twice since originally enacted in November 2002 as a response to the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Mr. Beshar was invited to share Marsh & McLennan's views on TRIA with the Senate Banking Committee at a hearing that has been scheduled for September 25.
About Marsh & McLennan Companies
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES (NYSE: MMC) is a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. Marsh is a global leader in insurance broking and risk management; Guy Carpenter is a global leader in providing risk and reinsurance intermediary services; Mercer is a global leader in talent, health, retirement, and investment consulting; and Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. Marsh & McLennan Companies’ 54,000 colleagues worldwide provide analysis, advice, and transactional capabilities to clients in more than 100 countries. The Company prides itself on being a responsible corporate citizen and making a positive impact in the communities in which it operates. Visit www.mmc.com for more information.
MEDIA:Laura CoraMarsh & McLennan Companies+1 212 345 2731laura.cora@mmc.comorSally RobertsMarsh+1 303 952 9453sally.roberts@marsh.comorFrances McMorrisGuy Carpenter+1 917 937 3379frances.mcmorris@guycarp.com
Copyright Business Wire 2013