Explore Munich Re Group

Get to know our Group companies, branches and subsidiaries worldwide.

How can public entities mitigate risk?
It's not as simple as buying an insurance product anymore
How can public entities mitigate risk?
© Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
    alt txt

    properties.trackTitle

    properties.trackSubtitle

    Gia Snape of Insurance Business America sat down with Lauren Tredinnick, president of public entity risk solutions at Munich Re Specialty, to discuss the impact of legal system abuse and litigious environments on public entities and how insurers are adapting to the trend.

    Public entities, including government agencies, municipalities, and educational institutions, face an ever-growing wave of liability risks.

    The rise of legal system abuse (also known as social inflation) and the increasing costs associated with litigation stemming from larger jury awards leave public entities vulnerable due to their visibility, and unlike private corporations, they often operate with significantly fewer financial resources.

    As jury awards escalate, public entities must grapple with tighter insurance coverage terms or increased premiums for liability coverage, exacerbating their financial burden.

    "It's a really interesting time for public entities," said Lauren Tredinnick, president of public entity risk solutions at Munich Re Specialty. "The challenges that public entities face today are some of the same we've seen; they've just gotten worse.”

    Public entities must look for new ways to address these worsening challenges.

    Curbing escalating liability risks in "judicial hellholes"

    Location plays a crucial role in a public entity’s exposure, with so-called "judicial hellholes" experiencing higher claims severity.

    "Settlements that in the past would have been under $500,000 are now $3 million or $4 million," according to Tredinnick. "If you are an account located in one of those higher litigious areas, that's going to drive your claim values up.”

    It's a grim reality check for entities contending with mounting liabilities and shrinking budgets.

    Rising litigation costs, including legal fees and settlement payments, strain public entities' financial resources and divert funds from essential services and infrastructure projects. Moreover, prolonged legal battles can erode public trust in government institutions, affecting their credibility and reputation.

    While tort caps and immunities can help mitigate risks, the overall environment still poses a concern for insurers and public entities.

    Forming partnerships vital to building resilience to liability risks

    Amidst the challenges, Tredinnick stressed that public entities can thrive with a proactive approach to risk management that includes documentation, staff training, and standards enforcement.

    "Public entities have to have the fundamentals buttoned up," she said, highlighting the value of robust risk management programs and strategic partnerships.

    Picking the right legal counsel and insurance providers is essential, given organizations’ limited resources.

    “Public entities often have to get board approval for funds and have strict rules to follow while operating within limited budgets,” Tredinnick said. “As unique exposures come up, public entities must be creative and flexible with their options and coverage opportunities to fit the constraints they are working within.

    “That goes both ways; it's also on their broker and insurance partners to provide flexible options so that public entities can react when exposures come up.”

    Understanding their exposure and regulatory environment

    Public entities must stay abreast of evolving laws and statutes, such as qualified immunity laws for law enforcement and statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims, to stay compliant in a dynamic regulatory environment.

    “A municipality needs to understand what their law enforcement can and cannot do, and what their policies and procedures need to be updated to in the context of today's legal reform,” said Tredinnick.

    “Schools or similar public entities need to understand their exposure to sexual abuse claims. They need to be aware of reviver statutes and statutes of limitations, and how these should impact their documentation, hiring, and claims practices.”

    Choosing the right insurance solution

    Finally, Tredinnick touched on collaboration with insurers and brokers. Choosing the right insurance product is paramount in mitigating risks. Still, comprehensive, tailored coverage and add-on services will go a long way in positioning public entities to weather the tides of legal and regulatory changes.
    Lauren Tredinnick
    It's not a simple insurance product for public entities anymore. You want to look for additional services in the form of education, whether it's webinars, in-person conferences, training, white papers, or access to loss control services.
    Lauren Tredinnick
    President, Public Entity Risk Solutions
    Munich Re Specialty – North America

    “A good risk management program needs partnerships to help you navigate some of the more challenging risks.”

    This article was produced in partnership between Insurance Business America and Munich Re Specialty.

    Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers are urged to seek professional or legal advice from appropriate parties on all matters mentioned herein.
    Contact our expert
    Lauren Tredinnick
    Lauren Tredinnick
    President, Public Entity Risk Solutions
    Munich Re Specialty
    About Munich Re Specialty Munich Re Specialty – North America products and services are offered by and provided through insurance companies and producers/surplus lines brokers that are eligible or licensed in accordance with the laws and regulations of individual jurisdictions. Products and services are not available in every, and may vary by, jurisdiction. The information provided on this site is intended as general information only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase insurance or non-insurance products and services. Please be aware that the insurance policy and not any information provided on this site will form the contract between the parties thereto, and will govern in all cases. Munich Re Specialty – North America’s insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are underwritten and provided by or through one or more of the insurers, producers/surplus lines brokers that are members of the Munich Re Group identified below. Each company is financially responsible only for insurance policies it has issued. For more information on Munich Re Specialty, including licensing, regulatory-required, and other information on the operating companies, please click here.

    Newsletter

    Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive insights and industry updates! Subscribe to our Munich Re Insights Newsletter for a front-row seat to the latest trends in risk management, expert analyses and assessments, market insights, and innovations in the insurance industry. Join our community of forward-thinkers at Munich Re and empower your journey towards a more resilient future.