Forwarded by Senior Partner Charlie Perkins from Community Associations Institute Government Affairs:
The 113th Congress has adjourned without extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). While legal authority for the TRIA program expires on December 31, 2014, Congress is not set to reconvene until January 6, 2015.
“CAI will continue to monitor developments on Capitol Hill and at the White House to ensure the 114th Congress takes up an extension of the TRIA program as a first order of business,” said Dawn M. Bauman, CAI’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. “Community associations carrying terrorism insurance coverage should consult their insurance agent to determine if their policy is impacted by Congress’ failure to act.”
The TRIA program was established in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as insurance carriers withdrew from the terrorism insurance market. The TRIA program is a federal government backstop against terrorism-related property and casualty losses. The program has stabilized the market for terrorism insurance coverage, lowering premiums and increasing coverage availability.
CAI’s Bauman said, “As our country tragically knows too well, acts of terrorism are a real and devastating threat. The TRIA program is a proven and effective way for community associations to insure against acts of terror. Our communities require certainty in the terrorism insurance marketplace and TRIA should be extended without further delay.”
A 2013 federal government study demonstrated the effectiveness of the TRIA program, noting a consistent decline in terrorism insurance premiums and increased coverage capacity since 2003. Through the TRIA program, the federal government acts as a reinsurer, allowing private insurance companies to determine maximum losses in the event of a certified act of terrorism against the homeland.