Terrorism insurance is insurance that covers potential losses and liabilities that might arise as a result of terrorist activities, says Randon Morris. Any losses caused by terrorism is not covered by standard business policy. Before the 9/11 event terrorism coverage was included in a package offered by a private insurance company without any extra charges. But after the event insurance companies globally makes changes to their policy by offering terrorism coverage separately.
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act(TRIA) that was later put into place in 2002 was to ensure that businesses that fall victim to terrorist attacks get enough resources to recover from their loss.
Randon Morris is here to shed more light on terrorism insurance cover for Commercial Businesses.
How Terrorism Insurance Works
Losses are only cover by terrorism insurance policy after an event has been official certified as an act of terrorism by the secretary of the treasury, says Randon Morris. Any loss that doesn’t exceed $5 million or cause damage of about $100 million cannot be certified as an act of terrorism by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Terrorism Coverage For Businesses
The ways by which business losses to terrorism can be covered depending on the nature of the loss. Any damage caused to property like inventory, building, furniture and equipment is cover by terrorism policy.
Workers compensation: the coverage for terrorist acts cannot be omitted from workers compensation policies because that is the only line of insurance that includes coverage for acts of war. Especially for a business that covers employees killed on the job, injured and those killed or injured as an act of terrorism, the workers compensation line of insurance is compulsory and important.
Terrorism coverage: nowadays terrorism coverage is offered separately, which wasn’t so before the 9/11 event. Owners of commercial properties like shopping malls or factories are offered the opportunity to buy terrorism coverage under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act(TRIA) and the attack has to be certified as an act of terrorism by the secretary of the treasury for the coverage to be activated.
Business income coverage or Business interruption insurance: when a firm is forced to suspend its business operation because of damage to its premises or due to prevention from entering the business area by civil authorities after an attack business income coverage covers the financial losses. This coverage usually starts after waiting for about 2 to 3 days and can last for weeks or months.
The following are excluded from terrorism insurance:
Act of war: workers compensation is the only insurance that covers death and injury from an act of war. The damage caused by an act of war cannot be insured.
Nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological events: any damage or loss caused by this man-made event are excluded from this insurance as it cannot be insured.
If you are still wondering whether to buy terrorism insurance or not put the following factors into consideration.
Type of business:
If your business belongs to one of the high-risk industries which can be a target to terrorists, you should consider buying this insurance.
Cost:
The size of your company will determine the price you will be asked to pay for terrorism insurance coverage.
Location of your Business:
Train stations, airports and commercial areas are prone to terrorist attacks compared to residential areas.
Conclusion
For business owners to avoid exposing themselves to a high risk of losses due to terrorist acts they should opt for this insurance, says Randon Morris.
