Danis Insurance Center

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack resulted in an estimated $32.5 billion in insured losses. Those losses occurred across many types of coverage, including commercial property, business interruption, workers compensation, aviation, life and disability insurance. Future attacks on U.S. soil are also likely to trigger a wide range of insurance coverages, depending on the type of event and whether policyholders have purchased terrorism insurance.

What is covered by Terrorism Insurance
Terrorism insurance provides coverage to individuals and businesses for potential losses due to acts of terrorism.

Prior to 9/11, standard commercial insurance policies included terrorism coverage as part of the package, effectively free of charge. Today, terrorism coverage is generally offered separately at a price that more adequately reflects the current risk.

Insurance losses attributable to terrorist acts under these commercial policies are insured by private insurers and reinsured or “backstopped” by the federal government pursuant to the Terrorism Risk and Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA). Under TRIA, owners of commercial property, such as office buildings, factories, shopping malls and apartment buildings, must be offered the opportunity to purchase terrorism coverage. A June 2004 report found that the proportion of U.S. businesses that purchased terrorism during the first quarter of 2004 rose to its highest level since the enactment of TRIA in November 2002.

Standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for damage to property and personal possessions resulting from acts of terrorism. Terrorism is not specifically referenced in homeowners policies. However, the policy does cover the homeowner for damage due to explosion, fire and smoke—the likely causes of damage in a terrorist attack.

Condominium or co-op owner policies also provide coverage for damage to personal possessions resulting from acts of terrorism. Damage to the common areas of a building like the roof, basement, elevator, boiler and walkways would only be covered if the condo/co-op board has purchased terrorism coverage.

Standard renters policies include coverage for damage to personal possessions due to a terrorist attack. Again, coverage for the apartment complex itself must be purchased by the property owner or landlord.

Auto insurance policies will cover a car that is damaged or destroyed in a terrorist attack only if the policyholder has purchased “comprehensive” coverage. Most people who have loans on their cars or lease are required by lenders and leasing companies to carry this optional form of coverage. People who buy liability coverage only are not covered in the event their vehicle is damaged or destroyed as the result of a terrorist attack.

Life insurance policies do not contain terrorism exclusions. Proceeds will be paid to the beneficiary as designated on the policy.