Insurance and terrorism – how much was the Taj insured for?

03 December 2008

The material cost of the terror attacks on Mumbai's Taj and Trident Oberoi hotels has been a mystery till now. Insurance value, costs, and losses are all guesstimates, with different figures trying to explain exactly how much the damage will cost to repair.

Even as appraisers try and quantify the losses at the Taj and Trident-Oberoi, terror insurance is now on the mind of many a business entity. Coverage under terror insurance can be accorded for loss of or damage to property, and also for losses on account of consequential business interruption.

The General Insurance Company (GIC) has a pool of Rs1,200 crore to manage, mandated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).

The India Market Terrorism Pool (IMTP) was set up in 2002 with Rs200 crore after the attacks on the World Trade Centre (WTC) in New York. Residual amounts left with the general insurance companies operating in India is deposited into this pool, which covers companies and institutions for a liability of Rs750 crore, including material or property loss or damage and also business interruption losses.

Larger companies needed more coverage head to the international market to insure their property though a competitive bidding process.

Media reports suggest that the the Taj Hotel was insured for over Rs1,000 crore, being one of 2.5 lakh companies or institutions covered by terror insurance from the pool. They also suggested that till now, claims totalled just around Rs15 crore. Terror insurance coverage is usually on the re-insurer's terms and premiums, which vary according to an analysis and perception of the proposed risk.