Kelly Butler
Cyber Practice Leader, Marsh Specialty
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United Kingdom
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for comprehensive cyber and technology risk insurance has never been more critical. As companies face increasing exposure to cyber events, they require robust coverage and risk transfer solutions. However, obtaining excess coverage can be a complex and challenging journey.
Marsh’s Cyber ECHO facility offers businesses the level of cyber insurance protection and capacity they need, quickly and efficiently. Underwritten by Lloyd’s of London insurers, clients can now access up to US$125 million of capacity to address their most complex cyber and technology risk exposures in any territory licensed by Lloyd’s. As a single facility with only two lead insurers, or three when full capacity is applied, our streamlined placement process and claims mechanism ensure a seamless experience for our clients.
Many companies now perceive the increasing exposure to cyber events and seek to transfer more of their risk. Marsh Cyber ECHO helps companies access additional insurance capacity and coverage certainty, supporting their journey towards cyber resilience.
Cyber ECHO provides peace of mind through comprehensive financial protection and continuous support worldwide. The result is potentially considerable savings for businesses, as well as unique coverage against multiple losses within a given policy year.
If you would like to learn more about Marsh Cyber ECHO, and how we can support you in your journey towards cyber resilience, please get in touch or contact your local Marsh advisor.
A mid-market company purchased a US$10 million cyber/technology errors and omissions (E&O) policy. Soon after, a ransomware event led to a loss of US$10 million. Purchasing ground-up cover post-loss can be challenging — in such instances, insurers may charge a large-loss load or restrict some cover when providing new coverage.
For such situations, Cyber ECHO offers a guaranteed reinstatement option, allowing companies to purchase either a pre-agreed reinstatement or to reinstate their cyber limits post-incident. By allowing companies to reinstate capacity, the Cyber ECHO limit drops down to attach as the primary layer should there be a second loss in the coverage period in excess of the self-insured retention.
The optional reinstatement is offered at pre-agreed rates, providing companies unique protection against a potential separate loss within a given policy year. This can be beneficial when insureds may not yet know all the facts surrounding the first loss and insurers may be cautious about providing a fresh limit in a short timeframe.
A global tech company with annual revenue in the billions of dollars has a relatively high cyber risk exposure. The company was looking to adequately cover its exposure by ensuring access to significant capacity.
Cyber ECHO enables the company to access up to US$100 million of capacity with up to a maximum of two insurers. The company could also purchase another US$25 million layer in addition to the US$100 million. For companies with considerable exposures, this helps ensure they have sufficient financial protection in their overall cyber resilience efforts.
A company with particular concerns regarding pricing and its impact on their balance sheet purchased Cyber ECHO coverage of US$100 million. Following a cyber incident, it was interested in increasing its capacity during renewal.
Cyber ECHO offers an additional US$25 million of excess cyber capacity, with guaranteed pricing at a maximum of 90% increased limit factor (ILF). The additional capacity can be purchased mid-term or during renewal at pre-determinized pricing. Pre-determined pricing can help companies effectively manage costs and reduce financial pressures. The lead insurer has indicated they will always look to be more competitive than this rate.
A multinational company required cyber insurance that was valid globally.
Cyber ECHO is underwritten by Lloyd’s insurers, which are licensed in more than 80 countries. This enables ECHO policyholders to benefit from compliant coverage without the need to secure local policies in those countries in which Lloyd’s is licensed in as an insurer, resulting in a more streamlined claims process.
However, despite Lloyd’s involvement, it cannot settle claims in every country where the multinational operates. Claims can only be paid in countries where Lloyd’s is licensed as an insurer or where non-admitted insurance is permitted or not explicitly prohibited. Otherwise, Lloyd’s will pay the claim monies to the policyholder that may give rise to potential adverse corporate income tax and corporate finance challenges.
A company was considering Cyber ECHO to adequately cover its exposure, but did not want to purchase additional capacity. From a premium saving perspective, they thought it would be better to ventilate the Cyber ECHO layers, meaning insurers would provide coverage at different points rather than as a single block of capacity.
Cyber ECHO can be ventilated if the lead underwriter believes it has deployed maximum capacity. The company could also purchase an additional US$25 million of excess cyber capacity with Cyber ECHO. The insured can also reinstate the first Cyber ECHO layer. Ventilated layers offer the company more control over the structure and cost of their coverage.
As specialists in enterprise risk and in cyber, we can help you take an enterprise-wide approach in building your cyber resilience. Together, we identify your risks, and work with you to develop a program tailored to your circumstances. We inform your approach and decision-making process with our more than 25 years of cyber experience and data-driven insights. By doing so, your path to cyber resilience can be more productive and predictive and your outcomes more efficient and effective.
Cyber Practice Leader, Marsh Specialty
United Kingdom
UK Cyber Placement Leader, Cyber Risk
United Kingdom