Risk Location

This section provides guidance on what to consider when identifying the locations of risk for regulatory and tax purposes.

Risk locations determine the territories whose laws, regulations and tax rules apply to an insurance contract. The general principles set out in this guidance should be used in conjunction with country specific information on Crystal.

  • Why is it important to identify the risk location?

    Failure to identify the correct territories for regulatory and tax purposes may lead to:

    • delays in premium processing
    • invalid insurance contracts
    • inaccurate regulatory reporting and funding
    • incorrect tax returns and tax payments
    • insured’s, intermediaries or underwriters subjected to fines
    • damage to Lloyd’s international reputation

    All parties in the placement chain should comply with regulatory and tax obligations

  • Are the territories for regulation and tax always the same?

    No. It is possible for the territories of regulation and tax for a single contract to be different because they derive from different rules.

    For instance, in the EEA the regulatory risk location for moveable property is the territory where the insured is resident but the tax risk location is where the moveable property is normally situated.

    If a Canadian resident insures property outside Canada, this creates a risk location in Canada for regulatory purposes but not for tax.

    Please see the country guidance on Crystal for specific risk location rules.

  • Can there be more than one territory for regulation and tax?

    Yes. There are several reasons why more than one territory’s laws, regulations and tax rules may apply to a contract, including:

    • contradictory and overlapping regulatory and tax rules
    • multiple risks insured
    • multiple insureds 
    • involvement of intermediaries

    If the regulatory rules of more than one territory apply with contradictory effect, a common sense approach is necessary and the underwriter should ensure arrangements provide appropriate protection to the insured.

    If the contract is subject to more than one’s tax regime then taxes should be paid in accordance with each territory’s rules.

  • Further guidance on Crystal

    The Risk Location Guidance should be used in conjunction with the territory specific risk location information on Crystal.

    Crystal search: 
    Step 1 - select the relevant territory
    Step 2 - select ‘Pre-placement considerations’ category
    Step 3 - select ‘Definition of risk location’ sub category
    Step 4 - click on ‘Create a tailored search’ to view the information

    For further information about how to use Crystal please refer to the Crystal Demo and Crystal Assist (market participants will need to log into their lloyds.com account in order to access Crystal assist).

     

 How to establish risk location
 Class of business guidance
 

 

QA Tool - Open Market                     QA Tool - Binding Authority

Risk locator tool

Risk Locator | Establish the location of your risk

Frequently asked questions 

Introduction to Risk Location

What is risk location and why is it important ?

Introduction to risk location

Establishing the risk location

To help establish risk location please consider the questions provided via the link below

How to establish the risk location

Class of business guidance

To help you establish the risk location please consider the class of business

Class of business guidance 

Risk Location Examples

The interaction of different territorial rules can make a given scenario complex. Applying the principles set out will assist market participants in establishing the risk location.

Risk location examples

Contacts

Lloyd's International Trading Advice
(LITA)
Lloyd's Desk,
Ground Floor,
Underwriting Room

t: +44 (0)20 7327 6677
e: LITA@lloyds.com