Terrorism & Political Violence Insurance

Terrorism and political violence insurance protects against political, religious and ideological acts and includes cover for sabotage, damage to premises, business interruption, prevention or restriction of access to premises and utilities, as well as loss of income, including rental income.

Features of political violence insurance

Our innovative terrorism and political violence product for businesses includes the following key features:

  • Coverage includes damage to your premises as well as loss of income and extra expenses due to business interruption.
  • Ideological acts of political, religious motivation covered
  • 125% day one uplift
  • No 'non-selection' rule - ability to insure single or multiple locations under one policy
  • Clear definitions of 'Acts of Terrorism' and 'Acts of Political Violence'
  • Follow form wording covering key extensions offered by the underlying property policy
  • Underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s

Why do you need terrorism and political violence insurance?

While security forces work extremely hard to make the world safe, a host of tragic events have proven how terrorists can hurt innocent people anywhere in the world.

Terrorism is an increasing threat to people, property and commerce. The potential liability is enormous with The Institute of Economics and Peace estimating the direct cost of terrorism to the global economy at $52.9Bn in 2014; a ten-fold increase since 2000.

Acts of terrorism and political violence are incredibly difficult to predict and no longer the preserve of militant political activists or aligned with specific religious groups. An independent, DIY approach has come to the fore, with the weapons of choice becoming more basic; knives and motor vehicles are now as likely as guns or bombs.

The current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is severe, while levels for Northern Ireland-related threats are identified as severe in Northern Ireland and substantial in Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). This type of terrorism is well-publicised but risks can also come from otherwise peaceful everyday protests if they end up being marred by violence and anti-social behaviour.

Terrorism isn’t a risk that can be transferred but many of the commercial consequences can. The effects of these attacks can cause property damage, loss of income, bodily injury and death, denial of access, loss of attraction, loss of reputation, loss of key personnel and more.

However, often terrorism would not be covered as standard under your usual portfolio of insurances. In response to this emerging insurance need, Towergate offers a policy that provides broad cover, a simple application process and competitive pricing. 

Terrorism insurance from Towergate

Many property policies leave a grey area around acts of terrorism and political violence. Yet the need for insuring against terrorism and political violence risks under a standalone policy has never been greater. The financial effect on businesses who do not carry the appropriate cover, often unknowingly, can be devastating. 

Pool Re, the Government scheme designed to transfer the consequences of terrorism, does an excellent job but is limited in the scope of cover it provides and in its definition of what constitutes an Act of Terrorism i.e. “acts of persons acting on behalf of, or in connection with, any organisation which carries out activities directed towards the overthrowing or influencing, by force or violence, of Her Majesty’s government in the United Kingdom.”

By contrast, the policy we offer provides broad and flexible coverage specific to an individual client’s exposure to these threats and their business needs, with a clear and concise policy trigger, in addition to a broader definition around political violence and ideological attacks, as per list below:

Terrorism and political violence covers available

  • Terrorism
  • Ideological attacks
  • Sabotage
  • Malicious Damage
  • Lone Wolf
  • Full Value cover
  • Selective Portfolio
  • Market driven pricing
  • UK Cover
  • International Cover
  • Day one Uplift
  • Bespoke Wordings
  • Non-damage Denial of Access (DoA) - (on request)
  • Looting post loss
  • Suppliers BI extension
  • Negotiable commission
  • Alternative Accommodation
  • Brand Rehabilitation
  • Loss of Attraction (LoA) - (on request)
  • Non-damage Chemical attack Denial of Access (DoA) - (on request)
  • Threat or Hoax - (on request)
  • Event Cancellation - (on request)
  • No Business Interruption waiting period on DoA, LoA
  • Nuclear, Chemical, Biological, and Radioactive (NCBR)

Limits, deductibles and premiums

  • No limit for total insured values
  • Nil deductible as standard

Service 

The policy is backed up by a top-level service offering featuring: 

  • Same day or 24 hour quotations provided as standard
  • Most policies issued within 24 hours of binding 

Get a terrorism and political violence insurance quote

For more information or to obtain a quote, contact Robin Gleeson, Business Director at Towergate Insurance Brokers in Hemel Hempstead:

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