The Path to Captive Ownership

Step-by-step guide on establishing your captive insurance entity, from assessment to licensing.

After selecting your team of professionals and choosing a suitable domicile, you're on the path to captive ownership. Here's a general overview of what to expect next:

Formation:

  • An independent third-party risk management company conducts a Risk Assessment of your business.
  • An Underwriting and Actuarial Review is performed, leading to the creation of a Suggested Coverage Summary (including policy pricing), along with a Feasibility Study and Business Plan for your captive.
  • An Application Package is prepared and submitted to the Domicile Regulators.
  • Legal formation takes place in the chosen jurisdiction.
  • Licensure is granted by the Domicile Regulators once capitalization requirements are met.
  • Policies are issued, and premiums are paid to your captive.
  • The typical timeline for the formation process is 2 to 3 months.

Operation:

Captive Manager’s Responsibilities:

  • Bookkeeping and Accounting
  • Regulatory Filings and Compliance
  • Corporate Compliance (board meetings, minute keeping)
  • Claims Management
  • Coordinating Services of Attorney, CPA, Actuary, Underwriter, and Asset Management Advisor

Captive Attorney’s Responsibilities:

  • Drafting forms for all insurance policies issued
  • Corporate Resolutions
  • Federal Tax Compliance
  • CPA’s Responsibilities:
    Annual audit of the financial statements
  • Annual tax return preparation and filing

CPA’s Responsibilities:

  • Annual audit of the financial statements
  • Annual tax return preparation and filing

Actuary & Underwriter’s Responsibilties:

  • Underwrite and price policies annually
  • Certify loss reserves annually

Asset Manager’s Responsibilites:

  • Develop and adhere to an Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
  • Ensure proper allocation of assets to support the captive’s liabilities