Pool solutions
Pool solutions have proven their worth in numerous disasters. Insurance pools usually cover residential risks against earthquakes and floods. Cover for storm damage is already widespread and provided for through normal fire policies. So there is no need for additional action here.
Swiss Re believes natural disasters are insurable risks in the private market throughout most countries in the world - provided the free market is allowed to work.
Free markets will create a more diversified insurance and reinsurance market that will spread risk widely, increasing capacity and price competition. Additionally, capital market instruments like cat bonds can provide capacity in excess of private insurance market capabilities, if necessary.
Parametric covers
The government purchases parametric cover, say for EUR 1 bn, from the insurance and/or capital markets. The amount is paid out immediately after a triggering event and can be used by the government to provide immediate relief to the affected population and/or to rebuild infrastructure
Swiss Re is not only one of the biggest players in reinsuring natural catastrophes but also the global leader in the provision of parametric covers and the securitisation of insurance risk.