A guide to self-insurance

The ongoing challenges of the current market have made insurance quite a hot topic of conversation. Throughout many discussions, one type holds a particular fascination: self-insurance. The increased interest in self-insurance is quite understandable and generally leads clients to ask if they should be considering this option. To answer those queries, this guide discusses the benefits, potential downsides, and a few critical considerations so you can make an informed decision. What is self-insurance? To better understand self-insurance, it’s helpful to understand the difference between risk transfer and risk retention. Purchasing insurance is the most common form of risk transfer. This allows a third party to assume the risk by paying premiums to an entity such as an insurance carrier. One form of risk retention is also known as self-insurance. In this case, an individual chooses to assume the responsibility for a certain level of risk or losses. There are two ways of self-insuring: taking on a higher deductible, thus sharing a greater portion of the risk, or deciding to fully self-insure where you are assuming all of the risk. While self-insurance is an intriguing possibility, it is important to understand the financial exposure you are taking on in the event of a potentially catastrophic loss. That said there is an inherent shift in the mindset around risk management from being primarily reactive — something goes wrong, client submits a claim, carrier reimburses — to focusing on prevention — incorporating risk mitigation techniques such as implementing the latest technologies, materials, and recommendations to avoid a loss. The increase in both the severity and frequency of catastrophic losses has led to an advancement in technology and products to prevent losses. These advancements include sophisticated monitoring systems, protective landscaping, element-resistant materials, and construction and evacuation plans. As such, some people are calculating whether it makes more sense to accept higher deductibles and assume a greater portion of the risk or to fully self-insure and redirect the money into proactively protecting their property. The advantages and disadvantages of self-insuring The upside of redirecting your insurance money is that funds spent on premiums for a policy that covers a high-net-worth home could be placed towards cost-effective protective measures. For example, a home in California’s wildfire region could likely redirect funds to purchase a fire break system, flame-retardant roof, drought-resistant landscaping, or even access to a private firefighting company, therefore mitigating the risk of a major loss. As enticing as having no premiums to pay may sound, it is important to understand that there are disadvantages to self-insuring. First and foremost, the financial obligation associated with a catastrophic loss could be substantial. Additionally, if you choose to self-insure your home, carriers may be less inclined to insure you for other risks, such as an auto policy or significant liability coverage. Moreover, you will no longer have resources such as a dedicated claims team, pre-storm guidance, or priority access to high-caliber contractors that could be available after widespread devastation. Additionally, canceling a policy with an admitted carrier makes it challenging to re-secure a new policy should you change your mind or circumstances change. In this case, you will likely have to leverage a non-admitted carrier which comes at a higher cost. Moreover, you will need to sign a “no-loss letter,” promising not to report any losses that occurred during the period in which you were uninsured. It is important to note that there are several precluding factors for self-insuring. For example, except in very rare instances, a mortgage company will require you to purchase fire insurance to cover the cost of your loan. Similarly, there are coverages required by law whether you self-insure other assets or not, such as workers’ compensation. Leveraging your team of experts before your decision Before you decide to utilize risk retention, it’s critical to consult with your insurance advisor. In this conversation, we will give you an honest evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the strategy, for you, as well as a range of creative alternatives. It is best to include tax, wealth, and legal advisors in the decision as they will be best situated to determine if your finances and personal standing could absorb a major loss. We can also provide further guidance on modeling for your portfolio of properties and calculate your probable maximum loss.    We understand the growing movement towards self-insurance and are happy to guide you in a discussion about whether this might be an appropriate choice to explore. Our experience has shown that an educated analysis with a knowledgeable risk management team is crucial to helping you make the right decision about this and every strategic risk management decision. ...

Why young adults need their own insurance

For parents, the worrying never stops, even after their grown children leave the nest. But if that worrying leads to you to keeping those newly independent adults on your insurance program, unfortunately, they will not be properly protected. It is in everybody’s best interest that children secure their own policies once they are living independently. Please do not fret if you are still insuring your children post-college; you are not alone. It is a long-held belief that parents should be responsible for covering their young adults. But it is a belief we work diligently to correct, even as we know that emotional and financial ties can remain quite strong well into adulthood. Because that powerful connection — which recent studies suggest is stronger than ever between parents and grown children — will be much better served by separating insurance policies. This action better protects your family’s assets, and thus the legacy you are building and will eventually leave to your children. It also assures that your child has protection should unforeseen scenarios in liability or auto incidents occur. Convinced? Here’s how to help your grown children make the transition to their own insurance. When should young adults transition to their own insurance? Children need their own policies as soon as they begin to live independently. We understand that “independence” can be a somewhat gray concept, clouded by ongoing familial financial support, additional schooling, and the like. That said, we believe it’s best to err on the side of too soon because you don’t want to wait until it’s too late. Once a child has graduated from school and moved to a permanent address that is not their parents’ they can no longer be considered a dependent. This is true whether they are working, part-time or full-time, or working and attending graduate school. Only if they go straight to graduate school, living in your house during breaks, might they still be covered by their parents’ policies. Even in that case, though, it’s best to confirm their eligibility with your insurance advisor. Why individual insurance is crucial for young adults. Ours is a litigious society, with too many people looking for reasons to sue anyone with means — or anyone who has parents with means. So, your child should have their own liability coverage when they are no longer protected by yours. Liability suits are complicated and potentially costly, whether the case has merit or not. Even if a suit has no cause, and assuming the claim falls within the boundaries afforded by your policy, your child will need legal representation to argue for it to be dismissed. The policies we recommend pay those fees. Similarly, they will redress damages should your child be found negligent. This will be useful to them regardless of how much — or how little — they earn. In fact, though it may seem reasonable to conclude that young adults with no significant assets can do without a holistic insurance program, that is not a prudent calculation. In some cases, judgements can be made that one cannot immediately pay placing wages and other assets at risk. Keep in mind that we are talking about a time of life that is full of unique exposures. Simply put, young adults are most likely to find themselves in risky situations. To take just one example, they are more likely to fall prey to cyber scams because they spend so much time online or on social media platforms. How to equip your young adult with the right insurance.       1. Renters or homeowner’s insurance Of course, if your child has purchased the home they are inhabiting — or you have purchased it for them — they will have to get homeowner’s insurance. Renting may seem a less straightforward proposition, but it’s quite simple: Regardless of the cost or contents of their residence, a renter’s insurance policy is critical because it provides access to personal liability coverage. Think of it not to replace a roomful of furniture, but rather coverage that will protect you and your assets if you’re held responsible for another person’s injuries or damage to their personal property. Young renters should also be aware that everyone sharing an apartment must carry their own policy. Coverage extends only to relatives. (Note: cohabiting partners are not family in the eyes of carriers until they are married.)      2. Automobile coverage The tendency to keep children on the family automobile policy is a problematic one, as coverage extends to them only when they are driving a family vehicle. If you have bought or gifted a car to your child, it is best to retitle it in their name and have them purchase their own policy to limit your exposure should your child get sued after an accident. For young adults who don't own or regularly use a car, we recommend a non-owned auto policy, which provides coverage for when they drive a friend’s car or are hit by a car as a pedestrian.      3. Umbrella policy This additional layer of liability above the renter’s (or home) and auto coverage ensures that your child will be properly protected against lawsuits of all kinds. We recommend a minimum of $1 million regardless of their current total assets.      4. Valuables / Collectible policy Does your child own an expensive watch or piece of jewelry? Whether they bought it themselves, received it as a gift, or have been passed it, like a family heirloom, a lost or stolen piece will not be covered once they move out of your house. Therefore, your child should procure a collections policy to properly cover these items. Just as the separation of parent and child is a healthy inevitability, the separation of their insurance policies is a financial necessity. If you are wondering about how best to approach this important transferal of responsibility, or more generally, to educate your children about risk management, your account executive is ready with the next steps. And if your newly independent child needs help securing coverage, we are here for them too. ...

Insurance market insights from Alliant Private Client leaders

The insurance market continues to evolve, making it a fitting time to address the challenges our clients may be facing. Over the years, we have found knowledge is the best way to help clients navigate uncertainty. As such, two of our senior leadership team members have come together to share their perspectives and insights on the current state of the market and what the future may bring. Challenges in the current market What worries you the most right now? Cindy Zobian, EVP, Managing Director: While the challenging market was once contained to homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance and liability, rates are now also affected. We know this has all been very difficult for our clients. It’s understandably frustrating to see rates rise and hear about carriers leaving states. Mostly, I am always thinking about ways we can guide our clients through this market as seamlessly as possible. Alliant’s response to the market challenges So, how is Alliant meeting the moment? CZ: We’ve gotten more creative, taking an even more holistic view of our insurance programs. We’re helping clients use deductibles and co-insurance to offset the hesitance in the market; high deductibles are more attractive to insurance carriers. We’re also getting multiple carriers to share the risk, minimizing the burden of any individual carrier. The role of self-insurance There’s more talk about self-insurance these days. What do you think about this option? Mark Recht, SVP:  Some clients are inquiring about this option, in which they will take on the financial risk of a possible loss instead of purchasing insurance from a carrier. We are always happy to discuss this as an approach as part of the broader risk management strategy and sometimes it is the right choice. However, ultimately most people choose to have some insurance protection because it can be difficult to reenter the insurance market once you’ve opted out. CZ: Yes, we are always going to walk clients through the good and the bad of self-insurance; in the end, we want them to be able to make the decision that is best for them. The future of the insurance market Do you see any bright spots in today’s market? CZ: We know that insurance is not the most exciting topic however, the market conditions are providing us the opportunity to have more frequent and substantive conversations with clients to develop customized programs that meet their unique needs. Clients want to understand their insurance program better, so they are better equipped to make strategic choices. And that’s a win for everyone because it leads to better overall risk management. MR: We continue to collaborate with wealth advisors and other professionals to discuss risk management because they want to ensure that their clients have risk management programs that best meet their lifestyle and unique set of needs. Understanding the complexities of the insurance market Which aspect of the market is most difficult for clients to understand? MR: The market challenges are not just impacting specific regions anymore. The current situation started in 2018 in California, after the wildfires, and then impacted Florida because of the storms. This impact is now being felt nationally, if not globally. That said, clients outside of catastrophic-prone areas are now feeling the impact of these weather-related events like ice storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Conversely, those who reside in catastrophic-prone areas do have the additional concern of carriers leaving the state, in part because some state regulations don’t allow carriers to set mutually beneficial rates. Looking ahead: The future of the insurance market What does the future look like? MR: We’re optimistic. As more reinsurance capital becomes available and insurance carriers continue to seek innovative solutions, we are finding creative ways to tackle the challenges.                 CZ: Yes, we’re going to continue to learn and evolve. Almost every day, we find additional ways to offset these challenges. As Cindy and Mark shared, now more than ever, the proper insurance strategy is essential, both for property protection and wealth management purposes. As you review your goals and priorities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance advisor for guidance on your portfolio. ...

Celebrating safely: five common holiday-season risks and how to avoid them

The holiday season is a time to come together with family and friends, delight loved ones with beautiful gifts, and make beautiful memories. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, a time of gathering, giving, and joy.  However, as risk managers, we often hear of not-so-festive stories—holiday scams, charitable fraud, dangerous decor, and the like—that can jeopardize these beautiful memories. To ensure everything stays joyful, we asked our experts to identify the most common risks of the holiday season and the precautions you can take to lessen the chance of them happening to you. Beware of charity scams There will always be criminals just waiting to take advantage of your best intentions. They’ll mimic authentic causes online, slightly tweaking names and logos of well-known organizations; pretend to represent legitimate causes on social media or via email; and set up phony fundraising pages in the wake of humanitarian disasters, all as a means to steal your donations. Protect yourself by… becoming more vigilant of the underhanded tactics mentioned above. Before you give, especially if you are planning a significant gift, carefully review the website and board of directors for telling gaps or elisions; check legitimacy and reputation with online databases like CharityNavigator and GuideStar, or ask representatives of the organization itself for information about its programs and fund allocation. Avoid online scams Ne’er-do-wells will also capitalize on your gift-giving generosity, using bogus texts or emails about “delivery issues” and “account problems” to steal your password or gain access to your accounts or identity. Another common scam: shady vendors on established sites like Amazon and Walmart selling inferior and counterfeit goods. Protect yourself by… carefully inspecting all links. Better yet, instead of clicking through, you should directly contact the referenced store, package carrier, or financial institution to see if they sent you the message in the first place. And you should always examine a seller’s pedigree when you purchase on social media or online platforms, to ensure you are not engaging with a subpar drop shipper. Travel with care Though most vacations leave you with only positive memories, we know that expected delights can suddenly turn otherwise. In fact, some can be forever marred by incidents of stolen valuables and travel documents, unexpected illnesses, natural disasters, and threatened or actual kidnappings. Protect yourself by… taking precautions before you take off. Back up important documents. Confirm that your travel and property insurance policies are sufficient to cover your plans and the possessions you will be taking with you. (If circumstances call for it, you may need to secure a kidnapping and ransom policy.) And when you are away, use the hotel vault — not your room safe — to secure valuables, follow local protocols and laws, and don’t post pictures or updates on social media until you are safely back home, so as not to tip off burglars to your empty residence. Minimize risk at festive gatherings Hosting holiday get-togethers is fun, especially when they go off without a hitch. Sometimes, though, the fun is tempered by an injured guest, a damaged piece of art, a drinking and driving incident, or harassment of a high-profile guest. Protect yourself by … setting parameters, literal and otherwise. Seal off areas that need to be off-limits — a perilous staircase or a room that houses a valuable collection, for example. Imagine the potential flow of guests, to ensure that a sculpture isn’t bumped accidentally. Instruct bartenders to stop serving anyone who appears to have had too much to drink, and parking valets to keep car keys out of the hands of the intoxicated. Hire security if there’s even the slightest possibility of attracting paparazzi. And most importantly, confirm that all vendors are properly insured. Protect your home Homes that become uninhabited when you retreat to another residence are more vulnerable to damage, especially as no one will be there to spot small issues before they grow bigger. Similarly, if you’ve festooned your home with candles and, decorative lights, fire, and smoke damage are a possibility. Protect yourself by … hiring a caretaker to check in on your residence to make sure the heat is properly set; water systems are shut off and there are no leaks or other damage that will prevent issues in your absence.  It’s been a stressful year for many of our clients so we are committed to giving everyone the best chance to fully enjoy what should be the most enjoyable part of the season. Whether you are spending time with family, attending galas and parties, traveling to exciting locales, or spending quiet time in your mountain getaway, we want to help you make sure the experience is an invigorating one. If you have any questions or concerns about seasonal risks — or if you want to get a head start on your risk management strategy for 2024, please be in touch. ...

What to do if you are the victim of cyber fraud

Scams existed long before the Internet, but today’s hyper-connectivity has made defrauding innocent victims much more prevalent. In fact, in just one year the FBI reported losses in excess of $10 billion from cybercrimes and that number only accounts for reported fraud. Unfortunately, these swindles can absolutely happen to anyone—and will, as long as the scammers continue to hone their tactics. Fortunately, many carriers have responded to this digital scourge by offering improved insurance options. While first-generation solutions provided only minimal coverage, some carriers now offer reimbursements as high as $1 million or more for losses incurred through extortion, phishing, and other types of fraud. Every policy is unique, and thus, you should speak with your broker to understand your coverage. And of course, if you suspect you are a victim, immediately reach out to your insurance professional for resources and assistance.  Identifying and reacting to the four most common cyber scams The below outlines the first steps you should take after calling your insurance advisor, should you fall prey to the four most common types of cyber fraud. 1. Phishing Scammers gain entry into your accounts after you click on “urgent” email or text requests that appear to come from legitimate organizations (i.e., your bank, FedEx, Amazon). What you should do: Depending upon what was exposed, you may freeze your credit (social security number), change your login information and/or password, and contact your bank. 2. Identity theft Criminals steal your personal information, gain access to your banking information, and open new accounts in your name, securing loans, requesting wires and more. What you should do: Freeze your credit and contact whatever entity was co-opted in the scam, as further investigation into the activity will likely be necessary. Alert applicable financial institutions to ensure no other funds are stolen. 3. Malware and extortion Harmful software is installed on your device after you are lured into visiting spurious websites or engaging with infected downloads or email attachments. With ransomware, one of the most profitable malware iterations is when the criminal encrypts your files, then demands money to free them again. This can also lead to extortion if they uncover compromising information, and demand money to keep it out of the public eye. What you should do: Download and run security software on the affected computer, removing any malware if possible. Consider hiring a crisis management firm to guide a public response should there be a concern about reputational damage related to the fraud. 4. Fake shopping sites You think you are buying a product on Amazon or Instagram but are actually dealing with a dropshipper, a third-party purveyor who sends an inferior product or nothing at all. What you should do: Contact the institution who handled your payment—credit card company, bank, gift card issuer, etc.— to reverse the charges or refund your money. Avoiding cyber fraud going forward Our goal, of course, is to help you make it as hard as possible for anyone to defraud you. To that end, whether or not you’ve already experienced cyber fraud, we recommend the following best practices: Accept two-factor authentication wherever it is offered: After logging on with your name and password, the site sends a unique code to your mobile or email for you to input. Keep your software updated: Immediately install any updates for your computer, mobile, and smart home systems as those updates are often released to fix a discovered vulnerability that could put you and your information at risk. Use a password manager: It’s best not to use a password for more than one login. A password manager will help you create a strong password that is then stored in your encrypted keychain. Establish security protocols for all financial transactions: Create processes with your advisors and institutions that require multiple approvals for any significant transfers or wires. Be wary of links: If you get a notice about any of your accounts or from any of your institutions, carefully confirm the sender before clicking any links as scammers have become quite adept at formatting communications to appear legitimate. When in doubt, don’t click, and contact the institution through their own website or listed phone number. As long as we remain dependent on technology to enrich our lives, there will always be those who seek to take advantage of that dependence. But by familiarizing yourself with their nefarious tactics and taking immediate action should something happen as well as employing all possible precautions, you can effectively navigate the challenges today.   ...

What you should know about non-admitted insurance

In disaster-prone states, insurance carriers are faced with a basic math reality: They cannot net enough in premiums to justify underwriting large and looming risks, particularly in areas of concentrated wealth. At least not the way they had done previously, which is through state-governed channels that largely determined rates and offerings—a type of coverage termed “admitted.” In California, for example, state regulations prevent carriers from modifying contracts or excluding particular coverage—say, for wildfires—from policies. Nor are they allowed to raise rates in riskier zones without the review and approval from the state. This makes it virtually impossible for carriers to offer coverage that makes economic sense. The proliferation of sophisticated mapping and risk-rating software make the precarious situation even more evident to carriers.  As a result, the industry has become more innovative in serving clients in disaster-prone areas, including exploring coverage options that are not governed by the state—a type of coverage termed “non-admitted.” This allows for greater flexibility within the tight margins they face, a strategy we believe will only grow more common in the evolving risk landscape.  To that end, we want to educate you further about these options, and help you understand why non-admitted solutions may be beneficial for your portfolio, starting with a clear explanation of the terms:  Admitted carriers: States regulate the insurance industry, so carriers that are either based or do business in a specific state, must abide by that state’s rules to be “admitted.” These rules and regulations are largely designed to ensure that carriers: Are currently and will remain solvent, or able to pay out claims. Provide fair treatment to all consumers.  In many ways, this arrangement is beneficial to both the carrier and client alike: The state’s imprimatur lends the carrier legitimacy, and that legitimacy puts potential clients at ease. Furthering that sense of trust: the fact that the state will honor claims should the carrier become insolvent, or unable to pay claims. Non-admitted carriers: This describes carriers who opt out of the admission process described above so that they have the freedom to determine their own rates and coverage. These “non-admitted” carriers can still do business in a state; however, they do not earn that states seal of approval, and the state will not reimburse or assist their customers if the carrier is unable to make payouts on claims.  Such carriers offer an important benefit to some consumers: customization. Since they are not beholden to state-controlled standards, non-admitted carriers can more readily offer useful policies to clients whose loss history or location otherwise makes them a coverage risk. For example, consider a client who has had three water losses in as many years and is currently unable to obtain a policy with an admitted carrier. A non-admitted carrier can issue a policy with a high water-loss deductible, offering the client some level of protection while also adhering to the carrier’s business goals and financial health.  To be very clear, non-admitted status is not an indication that a carrier will not be able to pay out claims from losses. In fact, many non-admitted carriers have been previously validated by well-respected private auditing agencies such as A.M. Best. With a little research, consumers and brokers can definitively verify the standing of non-admitted firms. What This Means for You In this challenging market, where our goal is to provide you the best possible protection, we maintain relationships with both admitted and non-admitted insurance providers. Of course, we are sensitive to the concern some clients may have about non-admitted coverage. Rest assured, we are diligent in our selection of partners. It is also helpful to keep in mind that, in the end, non-admitted insurance providers are just as incentivized to satisfy clients as admitted ones are. We want you to be able to rely on us to find the best possible coverage options for you and believe that the agility embedded in non-admitted policies makes them a valuable option for many clients. If your account executive suggests a non-admitted policy, know that they will explain why it is the right option and why you can be comfortable trusting it. ...

Filing an insurance claim in today’s evolving market

As we continue to navigate this unprecedented insurance landscape alongside you, our consultative approach to handling your potential claim is more important than ever. With insurance carriers continuing to raise premiums or, worse, decline renewals of long-standing policies, we want you to better understand the broader shift around filing even the smallest claims, which can help safeguard your long-term insurability. As such, our recommendation is that you call us first to discuss any loss or possible claim. To state it as clearly as possible, we never want you to file a claim directly with your insurance carrier before speaking with your personal account executive or with our dedicated, 24/7 claims team (800-221-5830). As your risk management advisors, we will look holistically at your insurance program and offer guidance as to what we think is the best approach for your specific situation, and given the market, so that you can make the most informed decision. This discussion will also allow us to best support your choice and advocate on your behalf. To help you prepare for such a conversation, we have outlined the six key considerations we would explore together before you decide whether to file a claim: 1. Was the loss caused by a catastrophic event? When the answer is yes, our team will most likely advise you to file a claim. The industry codes for catastrophic events like wildfires, floods, major storms, and earthquakes, which allows carriers to isolate related losses and means they will likely not hold that claim against you when it comes time to renew your policy. 2. Was a third party involved? If someone is injured or another person’s property is damaged, we will most likely recommend that you file a claim to ensure your assets are protected. With that in mind, we encourage you not to pull out your checkbook at the scene of a crash in the hope of avoiding an insurance claim, nor should you ever volunteer to cover someone’s losses before consulting our claims team or your account executive. 3. If no catastrophic event or third party was involved, what is your tolerance for paying out of pocket? Our claims experts have begun to ask how much clients are willing to cover themselves. If the cost of replacing whatever you lost falls within this amount, they then generally suggest you do not file a claim. 4. How will filing this claim impact your risk management strategy going forward? Someone who files too many run-of-the-mill claims risks being deemed by insurance carriers as “no longer profitable.” In the end, carriers are businesses that need to earn money to ensure that they can pay out claims while being financially successful, and that has become increasingly difficult to achieve as weather-related events have increased in frequency and severity as well as costs of replacement and reinsurance have risen. Additionally, construction (material and labor) and auto repair costs continue to increase. So, when it comes time to renew, they are paying more attention to claims histories, especially for water damage and auto accidents. That’s all the more reason we might recommend you handle whatever you can on your own, thus preserving your insurance for catastrophic losses. 5. Is there any reason for you to choose not to file this claim? No doubt it is frustrating to pay for insurance and then choose not to use it for a covered claim. However, after our discussion, you may decide that it’s not worth filing the claim as it could impact your future insurability and once you lose coverage it is very hard and expensive to get it back. If that’s the case, we will recommend other adjustments that may help lower your premiums, such as increasing deductibles or assessing exposures and coverage to make sure you are paying only for what you need. 6. Can we help you be even more proactive about preventing future losses? As you no doubt know, an ounce of prevention can save you thousands in repairs. This is why we regularly educate our client’s around proper maintenance. It’s crucial for you or your caretaker to do things like caulk around windows, clear drains and gutters of debris and check that the sump pump is operational. Taking the time to walk around your home and find the spots where a small investment will prevent a loss that in turn will save you money and effort in the future. And we are happy to provide further guidance and best practices if there is anything we can do to help in this process. Our primary goal is always to protect you and your family's long-term interests. This is why we will work together to guide and advocate for you throughout the claims process. And it’s why we hope your first step will be a call to our team and not the carrier. We can advise on the steps required to handle your immediate loss and keep you insured long-term, as we have done for clients for more than a century. ...