NAIC Testifies in Support of TRIA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners issued the following news release:

Chlora Lindley-Myers, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, testified today on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) at a joint hearing of the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance and the Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, at a hearing entitled "Protecting America: The Reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP)."

Lindley-Myers' testimony outlined state insurance regulators' support of the program, as she urged Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization prior to the December 31, 2020 expiration.

"State insurance regulators urge Congressional action to reauthorize TRIA to ensure a sustained and stable terrorism risk insurance marketplace, that provides American businesses with the essential coverage needed to successfully operate in today's uncertain global environment," testified Lindley-Myers.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) is a federal law enacted in 2002 that provides a federal "backstop" for insurance claims related to acts of terrorism. Since then, it has been extended three times, most recently in 2015. The NAIC supports a reauthorization of 7-10 years.

"TRIP provides insurers with the certainty they need to offer coverage for acts of terrorism," added Lindley-Myers. "Without TRIP, we are concerned that terrorism risk insurance would become unavailable and unaffordable and we could revisit some of the same market disruptions and economic uncertainties the nation faced in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks."

About the NAIC

As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.naic.org.