Excessloss Reinsurance
Updated on October 4, 2023
Excess of Loss Reinsurance, often referred to as XL reinsurance, is a vital risk management tool used by insurance companies to protect themselves against catastrophic losses that could otherwise threaten their financial stability. The meaning and related details of this term are given here.
Meaning of Excess of Loss Reinsurance
Excess of Loss Reinsurance is a specialized contract that plays a critical role in the insurance industry. It involves an agreement between an insurer and a reinsurer, with the primary aim of helping the insurer manage its risk exposure more effectively.
The parties involved in the excess of loss reinsurance contract
The Primary Insurer – Entities like LIC and ICICI Lombard in India offer insurance policies and manage risks for policyholders.
The Reinsurer – Reinsurers are entities that offer insurance to insurers, assisting them in managing large claims and spreading the risk.
How does excess of loss reinsurance work?
Excess of Loss Reinsurance is essentially an agreement that defines how claims exceeding a certain threshold are handled. Here’s how it works:
1. Threshold Amount –
The insurer and reinsurer agree upon a specific threshold or “retention limit.” This is the amount up to which the insurer is responsible for covering claims without any reinsurer involvement.
For example, if the threshold is ₹1 crore, the insurer will handle all claims below this amount independently.
2. Reinsurance Coverage
Claims that exceed the retention limit are covered by the reinsurer. The reinsurer agrees to pay all or a portion of the claim amount above the threshold.
In India, where natural disasters like floods and earthquakes can result in high-value claims, excess of loss reinsurance is particularly valuable.
What are the benefits and top concerns of excess of loss reinsurance?
Benefits of Excess of Loss Reinsurance –
Risk management by handling large and unexpected claims.
Enhancing financial stability for insurers.
Expanding market reach by offering more comprehensive policies.
Top Concerns –
Careful evaluation of terms, premium costs, and reinsurer’s financial strength.
Maintaining a balance between the threshold amount and reinsurance cost to avoid undue risk.
