The market for active shooter insurance policies in the US has experienced significant growth, doubling in the last six years to reach annual premiums of $100 million. This surge is largely attributed to an increase in political violence and mass shootings across the country. Initially a niche product, these policies are now gaining traction with a broader range of organizations, including corporations like Brookfield and Blackstone, which have acquired coverage for their real estate assets.
These insurance policies provide coverage for a variety of expenses incurred in the event of an armed attack. This typically includes property damage, legal costs, crisis management expenses, victim compensation, and security services. Clients, on average, pay tens of thousands of dollars for policies that offer $1 million in coverage. UK-based insurance broker Blackthorn, for instance, reported a triple increase in US inquiries for its active assailant coverage over the past year.
The demand for this type of insurance has been particularly high in the wake of recent high-profile incidents, such as the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 and a fatal shooting at Blackstone's New York headquarters. The policies address gaps left by traditional terrorism insurance, making them crucial for organizations grappling with escalating threats against executives, public figures, and employees.
