What is a reinsurance captive?
A reinsurance captive reinsures the risks insured by one or more fronting companies. The fronting company is a licensed, admitted insurer that issues insurance policies to the captive's parent company without the intention of assuming all (or any) of the risk. The risk of loss is then transferred to the captive through the reinsurance agreement.
What is the difference between a direct and a captive insurer?
A direct writing insurer issues insurance policies to its insureds. A captive insurer operating as a direct insurer insures the risks of the group and purchases reinsurance on the commercial reinsurance market. This reinsurance is not designed to deal with high-frequency or low-severity loss occurrences.
What are the benefits of a captive insurance company?
The insured in a captive insurance company not only has ownership in and control of the company but also benefits from its profitability. A policyholder in a mutual insurance company is theoretically entitled to receive dividends if the company makes a profit.