Self Insured Retention

The paper states that "Self-insured retention (SIR) represents the portion of a loss that is payable by the policyholder."

To me, it feels like this is the definition of a deductible. Are they the same thing? If not, what's different?

Thanks.

Comments

  • I guess you can think of it as a deductible with different terminologies. But there are some small differences.

    Let's say an insured has a $100K SIR/Deductible and a 1M liability policy.

    Under a SIR:

    • If a claim is $80,000, the insured pays the full amount, and the insurer does nothing.
    • If a claim is $250,000, the insured pays $100,000 (SIR), and the insurer covers $150,000.

    Under a deductible:

    • If a claim is $50,000, the insurer pays $50,000 to the claimant, then bills the insured for $50,000.
    • If a claim is $500,000, the insurer pays $500,000, then collects $10,000 from the insured.

    Under a SIR, the insurer only becomes involved once the retention is breached but with a deductible, the insurer is involved even if the loss amount is below the deductible.

    Under a SIR, claims below the deductible are paid first by the insured while with a deductible, the insurer always pays first.

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