fronting

Fronting refers to the use of a licensed, admitted insurer to issue an insurance policy on behalf of a self-insured organization or captive insurer without the intention of transferring any of the risk.

The risk of loss is retained by the self-insured or captive insurer with an indemnity or reinsurance agreement. However, the fronting company (insurer) assumes a credit risk since it would be required to honor the obligations imposed by the policy if the self-insurer or captive failed to indemnify it. Fronting companies charge a fee for this service, generally between 5 and 10 percent of the premium being written. Fronting arrangements allow captives and self-insurers to comply with financial responsibility laws imposed by many states that require evidence of coverage written by an admitted insurer, such as for automobile liability and workers compensation insurance. Fronting arrangements may also be used in business contracts with other organizations, such as leases and construction contracts, where evidence of coverage through an admitted insurer is also required.