Risk retention

Definition

Risk retention is the practice of deliberately deciding to absorb the financial consequences of a particular risk rather than transferring that risk to another party through insurance or other means. This strategy often involves organizations or individuals accepting responsibility for potential losses and can be a cost-effective approach when the likelihood or severity of a loss is deemed manageable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Risk retention can be a strategic choice for businesses when they believe the costs of transferring risk exceed the potential losses.
2. Organizations may use risk retention in conjunction with other risk management techniques to create a balanced approach to their overall risk strategy.
3. Captive insurance companies often utilize risk retention by insuring their own risks, allowing them to manage and control their own exposure.
4. Effective risk retention requires thorough analysis and understanding of potential risks and their financial implications.
5. Risk retention is commonly used in industries with high loss frequency but low severity, where retaining the risk can be more economical than purchasing insurance.

Review Questions

• How does risk retention relate to the strategies used by captive insurance companies?
  • Captive insurance companies are created to insure the risks of their parent company or related entities, which directly relates to the concept of risk retention. By retaining risks within a captive, companies can gain greater control over their insurance costs and policies, enabling them to absorb risks that might otherwise be transferred to traditional insurers. This allows them to tailor coverage specifically to their needs and can lead to significant cost savings.
• Discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing risk retention as part of an overall risk management strategy.
  • Implementing risk retention can provide benefits such as reduced insurance costs and increased control over financial outcomes from risks. However, challenges include the need for adequate funding to cover potential losses and the possibility of facing greater financial exposure if retained risks materialize. Organizations must carefully assess their risk tolerance and ensure they have strategies in place to address any losses that may occur.
• Evaluate the role of risk retention in enhancing an organization's financial resilience and its impact on decision-making processes.
  • Risk retention plays a critical role in enhancing an organization's financial resilience by allowing it to absorb certain risks while maintaining flexibility in its operations. By choosing which risks to retain, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their risk appetite and financial goals. This approach encourages proactive risk assessment and promotes a culture of awareness and preparedness, ultimately leading to more strategic decision-making that supports long-term sustainability.

Related terms

deductible: The amount an insured must pay out of pocket before an insurance policy begins to cover losses.

self-insurance: A form of risk management where an individual or organization sets aside funds to cover potential losses instead of purchasing an insurance policy.

risk transfer: The process of shifting the financial burden of a risk from one party to another, typically through purchasing insurance.