Attachment Point
The loss amount at which an excess or reinsurance policy begins to respond above the primary layer.
What It Is
Attachment Point refers to the loss amount at which an excess or reinsurance policy begins to respond above the primary layer. In the insurance brokerage context, this concept plays a critical role in ensuring that coverage is properly structured, documented, and managed throughout the policy lifecycle.
Brokers who understand attachment point can more effectively advocate for clients during the underwriting process, prepare stronger submissions, and negotiate better terms with carriers.
Why It Matters for Brokers
Brokers who understand attachment point are better equipped to navigate the underwriting process and secure competitive terms, especially in hard market conditions. Underwriting literacy helps brokers prepare stronger submissions and enables more productive conversations with underwriters and more accurate client expectations.
Real-World Example
A broker preparing a complex submission leverages her understanding of attachment point to anticipate underwriter concerns. She addresses them proactively in the submission narrative, receiving quotes from two of three markets within a week instead of the typical three.
Common Mistakes
- 1Submitting incomplete information that forces underwriters to request additional data.
- 2Not understanding carrier appetite and guidelines, resulting in declined submissions.
- 3Failing to communicate underwriting requirements clearly to clients.
How brokerageaudit.com Handles This
BrokerageAudit's Submission Intake organizes and validates underwriting information, ensuring submissions are complete and carrier-ready. Policy Checker verifies issued policies match quoted terms.