McKinney, Texas-based GDP Advisors, LLC recently announced the launch of an “Active Shooter Insurance Program,” joining the Willis Group and XL Catlin in offering specific “active shooter” policies.
More than 700 people die every year and an average of 13 people are injured every day as a result of violent attacks in the workplace, although the number of workplace homicides have actually fallen over the past 5 years, according to the Department of Labor. An FBI study of active shooter incidents identified 160 active shooter incidents that occurred in the U.S. between 2000 and 2013, accounting for 486 deaths and 557 wounded with an average of 11.4 incidents annually. Shootings occurred in 40 of 50 states and Washington DC, and 70% occurred in either a commerce/business or educational environment.
“With recent events and the continued increase in mass shooting activity during the last several years, learning institutions and businesses are vulnerable to this type of unforeseen incident occurring at their facilities or place of business,” said a release announcing the coverage from GDP Advisors. “Regardless of your opinion on gun-related issues, mindfulness and having an action plan prior to and after any tragic incident should be top priority on your agenda today. GDP Advisors is announcing this ‘Active Shooter Insurance Program’ to reach out and educate the public about preparation for this type of high-risk event.”
Willis Group started selling its Active Shooter Insurance last fall – originally marketing it to universities but quickly expanding it as inquiries poured in from hotels, hospitals and other facilities. Commercial agents with clients or prospects such as shopping mall management companies, school districts, nightclubs, theaters, concert venues – pretty much any place the public gathers – may find interest in this type of coverage.
Such a policy offers additional coverage beyond workers’ compensation, which traditionally covers medical costs of employees who are injured as the result of a shooting.
XL Catlin’s “Active Assailant” coverage was added to its Crisis Management product suite earlier this year to help organizations with the financial impacts of active assailant events ranging from business interruption, denial of access through to medical expenses and business rehabilitation costs.
“Sadly, global terror events and a number of recent, high profile attacks carried out by terrorist groups and individuals has brought into focus the need for such an insurance solution,” said Stephen Ashwell, XL Catlin’s Chief Underwriting Officer for Crisis Management.
GDP says most individuals and organizations think their current insurance policy provides coverage in an Active Shooter situation. “Our analysis of available coverage in most policies shows that coverage is inadequate and many policies do not address this specific type of incident. GDP Advisors Active Shooter Insurance Program provides specifically tailored coverage in planning and reacting to these types of events.”
An Active Shooter situation not only includes firearms but also knives, weapons and certain types of explosives. The program includes risk assessment within 45 days of coverage inception, a training seminar and special crisis management services available 24 hours a day for up to 90 days after an event including counseling and funeral expenses. Up to $20M aggregated policy limits are currently available.
In the United States, we are averaging one active shooting event every week. Educational facilities, churches, sports facilities and other public venues where there is a gathering of people are at risk every day for a life-changing mass shooter incident to occur.
GDP Advisors specializes in strategic risk management consulting, creation and implementation of customized property and casualty insurance programs and exclusive benefits administration programs. For more information visitwww.activeshooterinsurance.com.
