Captive Insurance

Dickinson Wright’s Captive Insurance Practice helps companies take greater control over the cost and structure of their insurance programs. Recognized as a leading captive insurance law firm—including being named Law Firm of the Year by both the Captive International U.S. Awards and the U.S. Captive Review Awards, and consistently honored among the industry’s top firms—our team advises organizations across a wide range of industries seeking alternatives to traditional insurance. We work with businesses facing rising premiums despite favorable claims experience, limited coverage options, or insurance programs that fail to reflect strong risk management practices.

We advise clients throughout the full lifecycle of a captive program, from feasibility analysis and formation to licensing, governance, regulatory compliance, and ongoing operations. Our work often involves:

• Evaluating whether a captive is a good fit based on a company’s risk profile, claims history, and business objectives.
• Designing captive structures that address business needs while complying with insurance, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• Advising on fronting arrangements for regulated lines such as commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and general liability coverage.
• Assisting with collateral negotiations, actuarial pricing, premium allocation, and capitalization.
• Coordinating claims administration, accounting, investment, governance, and operational considerations associated with captive insurance companies.

Captive insurance arrangements must satisfy established legal and regulatory standards, including requirements related to insurance risk transfer, risk distribution, and economic substance. We help clients develop programs that are built around legitimate business objectives and supported by thoughtful planning and thorough documentation.

Our approach is practical, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s business. We begin by reviewing key company information and working closely with leadership, finance, and risk management personnel to understand how risk is identified, managed, and financed. We then prepare a comprehensive assessment of the organization’s risk profile, existing insurance program, and opportunities for alternative risk financing. From there, we guide clients through every stage of implementation, helping establish and operate captive insurance companies that align with their long-term business and risk management strategies.