Best Decennial Liability Insurance Firms in USA
Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Decennial Liability Insurance Firms in USA
Published: December 31, 2025 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Kapital-løsninger by WTW (Willis Towers Watson) scored highest due to Best for ENR contractors and developers executing international builds who want latent defects addressed within coordinated project/portfolio placements. WTW lists latent defects in its construction scope [1](https://www.wtwco.com/en-us/solutions/products/construction-contractors-whole-account), highlights IDI opportunities across global markets [2](https://www.wtwco.com/en-us/news/2024/09/growth-in-construction-insurance-market-capacity-promises-stable-pricing-and-enhanced-terms), and aligns programs to decennial‑style obligations abroad [3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decennial_liability)..
Content Verification
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | #1 Kapital-løsninger (WTW (Willis Towers Watson)) | #2 Industry-Specific Risk Solutions (Marsh) | #3 Insurance Brokerage Services (Lockton) | #4 Property & Casualty Reinsurance (Swiss Re) | #5 Reinsurance (AXA XL Reinsurance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best for ENR contractors and developers executing international builds who want latent defects addressed within coordinated project/portfolio placements. WTW lists latent defects in its construction scope [1], highlights IDI opportunities across global markets [2], and aligns programs to decennial‑style obligations abroad [3]. | Best for U.S.-based developers and contractors delivering projects in jurisdictions with decennial/IDI regimes or lender-led LDI requirements. Offers 10, 12‑year first‑party cover for inherent structural defects [1], aligns to decennial concepts used globally [2], and integrates with technical inspection workflows common to warranty/decennial programs [3]. | Best for U.S. A&E and design‑build firms taking work in civil‑law markets where decennial liability applies. Lockton signals Decennial Liability within its A&E services [1], while decennial regimes impose strict, 10‑year liability [2] and often require dedicated insurance distinct from standard PI [3]. | Best for insurers and large sponsors needing technically underpinned, long‑tail decennial capacity. Swiss Re outlines IDI’s 10‑year structural defect coverage and market development [1], consistent with decennial principles [2], and complements inspection‑driven warranty practices [3]. | Best for carriers and large insureds needing robust market capacity behind decennial/IDI programs. AXA XL explicitly lists IDI/Decennial in its treaty appetite [1], aligning with IDI’s 10‑year defect cover [2] and technical inspection‑linked warranty models [3]. |
| Coverage Duration | Coverage spans project pre-construction through practical completion and beyond. (wtwco.com) Latent defect policies incept at practical completion; water ingress has a 12‑month waiting period. (wtwco.com) M&E latent defect elements are often written for up to 10 years. (wtwco.com) | Typically 10, 12 years from the date of issue of the final certificate of practical completion (Latent Defects Insurance). (marsh.com) | Typical durations: PII annual (claims-made); SPPI multi-year, occasionally up to 20 years; Latent Defects/Decennial cover typically 10, 12 years post‑completion. (global.lockton.com) | Typically 10 years post-completion (IDI/decennial warranty). (swissre.com) Some programs note 10, 12 years, depending on jurisdiction/program design. (swissre.com) | Treaty cover is written on losses occurring or risks attaching bases for the treaty period; it supports decennial/IDI programs that run 10 years post-completion. (axaxl.com) |
| Global Reach and Support | Global, integrated support via 500+ construction specialists placing over $3bn of premium worldwide; trusted on projects exceeding $1T over the past decade. WTW assists contractors around the world with tailored annual or project-specific programs, providing full project lifecycle services from bid through construction and operation. (wtwco.com) | Global network spanning 130+ countries, 600+ owned/controlled offices in 80+ countries, supported by 45, 000+ colleagues and 40+ correspondents. Dedicated multinational advisors provide local market, regulatory, and claims support for industry‑specific needs; service availability varies by location. (marsh.com) | Lockton delivers multinational placements through the Lockton Global Partnership, operating via six regional hubs with owned operations in 30+ countries and partner firms extending service to 100+ more. It supports clients in 155+ countries with consistent service, claims advocacy and risk management across markets. (global.lockton.com) (global.lockton.com) | Global reach: 69 offices in 27 countries deliver local expertise. P&C Re is supported by 2, 500+ specialists across five continents, providing in‑region client support beyond pure risk transfer. Presence spans the Americas, EMEA and APAC. (swissre.com) | Global reach: Serves clients in 200+ countries/regions; AXA XL lists 94 office locations worldwide. (axaxl.com) Support: Regional claims contacts across the U.S., Canada, EMEA and APAC; reinsurance underwriting hubs in Dublin, Dubai, London, Zurich, Le Mans and U.S. offices provide worldwide capacity. (axaxl.com) |
| Integration with Other Insurance | Integrated multiline construction programs: latent defects combined with CAR/EAR, third‑party liability, professional indemnity, property, marine cargo, DSU/BI, existing structures, environmental, legal indemnities, and motor/employers’ liability, delivered as coordinated, non‑cancellable whole‑account or project‑specific placements. (wtwco.com) | First‑party cover that complements property insurance by addressing structural/waterproofing defects typically excluded; often required by funders/tenants. UK changes to statutory home warranties are expected to dovetail with latent defects insurance and PI policies, indicating how LDI integrates with related covers. (marsh.com) | Integrates A&E coverage with related lines (Cyber, Management Liability, Employers/Public Liability, Office/Contents, Decennial) and can structure Single Project PI placements. Uses a global network to coordinate local-admitted policies and compliance for multinational programs. (global.lockton.com) | Integrates with primary insurers via Guidewire, embedding Swiss Re models and insights into underwriting and claims workflows and streamlining data sharing for risk transfer. (businesswire.com) Impact+ provides APIs to integrate portfolio data with 200+ external sources into insurer applications. (swissre.com) SwiftRe offers an end‑to‑end B2B platform for submit‑quote‑bind and claims/accounting. (swissre.com) | Supports integration with primary construction insurance: offers reinsurance for CAR/EAR with associated third‑party liability and includes Inherent Defect/Decennial Insurance, enabling combined programs. (axaxl.com) Also offers multi-line and “whole account” specialty treaties, facilitating cross-line integration with other insurance portfolios. (axaxl.com) |
Kapital-løsninger
WTW (Willis Towers Watson)Company Information
Description
Sammen utvider vi deres horisont og skjerper deres fokus. WTW leverer tjenester innen områdene risiko, mellommenn og kapital for å forbedre ytelsen til kunder over hele verden. De skaper strategier for å administrere risiko, frigjøre kapital og investere optimalt.
What They Do
Provide services across risk management, employee benefits, capital management, and investment strategies.
Who They Serve
Large organizations seeking to optimize their workforce, manage risk effectively, and enhance their capital efficiency.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Navigation Links
Summary
WTW’s construction practice structures whole‑account and project‑specific programs that can include latent defects coverage alongside CAR/EAR, liability, and professional lines. Global construction specialists support complex delivery models and cross‑border projects.
Key Features
- Avansert analyser og modelleringer
- Bransjeinnsikt og kunnskap
- Banebrytende investeringspraksis
- Teknikker for modellering av aktiva/gjeld
Key Benefits
- Optimalisering av forholdet mellom risiko og avkastning
- Frigjøring av kapital
- Optimalisering av investeringer
- Støtte ved gjennomføring av transaksjoner
- Tilgang til avansert analyse og modellering
- Innovative løsninger for verdiskaping
Who Is It For
- Forsikringsselskaper
- Investorer
Kapital
Vi jobber tett sammen med forsikringsselskaper og investorer for å optimalisere forholdet mellom risiko og avkastning. Hos oss er innovasjon i sentrum, og vi hjelper kundene våre med å finne nye måter å frigjøre kapital, optimalisere investeringer optimalt og gjennomføre transaksjoner. Ved å kombinere avansert analyser og modelleringer med vår kunnskap og innsikt, finner vi nye muligheter for å skape verdier. Vår investeringspraksis har vært banebrytende for mange av teknikkene for modellering av aktiva / gjeld som brukes i dag.
Kapital Solutions
Oversikt over sentrale kapital-løsninger som tilbys av WTW.
- Captive- og captiveløsninger
- Kreditt-, politisk risiko- og terrorismeforsikring
- Cyberforsikring
- Forsikringsrådgivning og teknologi
- Investments
- Fusjoner og oppkjøp (M&A)
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Duration
Global Reach and Support
Integration with Other Insurance
MarshCompany Information
Marsh is a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, bringing global, national, and industry-specific solutions to a wide range of clients.
Keywords
Description
Marsh is a global professional services firm that specializes in insurance brokerage and risk management. The firm helps clients navigate complex risks and embrace their opportunities.
What They Do
Marsh provides insurance brokerage and risk management services to clients across various industries worldwide.
Who They Serve
They serve a wide range of clients including businesses, governments, and organizations across multiple sectors.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Navigation Links
Summary
Marsh’s Latent Defects Insurance provides first‑party protection for structural or waterproofing defects that emerge post‑completion, typically for 10, 12 years. It’s designed for owners, developers, funders and occupiers seeking balance‑sheet protection and improved leaseability/saleability of assets.
Key Features
- Industry-focused risk management and insurance solutions.
- Consulting and advisory services tailored to sector-specific challenges.
- Global reach with local support and knowledge.
- Service availability varies by location.
Key Benefits
- Access to industry-specific expertise and intellectual capital.
- Global experience and resources tailored to local needs.
- Solutions designed to address the unique risks of each industry.
- Support in quantifying, managing, and mitigating risk.
Who Is It For
- Organizations and businesses across a broad spectrum of industries seeking specialized risk management and insurance solutions.
Industries
We bring an unmatched combination of industry specific expertise, deep intellectual capital, and global experience to the range of risks you face. Explore our global expertise below. Please note that service availability varies by location. Contact a Marsh advisor for support in your region.
- Industry-specific expertise
- Deep intellectual capital
- Global experience
- Service availability varies by location
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Duration
Global Reach and Support
Integration with Other Insurance
LocktonCompany Information
Description
Lockton is the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage providing customized solutions to meet your organization's risk, benefits and retirement needs.
What They Do
Provides customized insurance solutions to meet risk, benefits, and retirement needs.
Who They Serve
Businesses in various industries including aerospace, telecommunications, and healthcare.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
Lockton’s A&E offering addresses professional, management, and project risks for design and construction firms and indicates capability for Decennial Liability solutions in applicable markets. As a major U.S. broker, Lockton coordinates multinational placements through its global network.
Key Benefits
- Access to a wide range of insurance products and services
- Expertise in local and global insurance markets
- Regional specialization for tailored solutions
- Support for complex and industry-specific risks
Who Is It For
- Businesses of all sizes
- Organizations with global or regional insurance needs
- Industry-specific clients seeking tailored risk solutions
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Duration
Global Reach and Support
Integration with Other Insurance
Swiss ReCompany Information
Description
The Swiss Re Group is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients.
What They Do
Swiss Re Group provides reinsurance, insurance, and risk transfer solutions across various sectors.
Who They Serve
Swiss Re serves insurers, corporations, and governments globally, helping them navigate risks and seize opportunities.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
Swiss Re partners with insurers to develop IDI/decennial programs that protect building owners for structural defects typically over 10 years. Its engineering expertise and PUMA framework help evaluate heterogeneous project risks and manage portfolios long‑term.
Key Features
- Coverage for property, specialty, and casualty risks
- Expertise in natural catastrophes, liability, and specialty lines
- Support for risk understanding, quantification, and management
- Access to reports and insights on global (re)insurance topics
Key Benefits
- Access to risk expertise across a wide range of property and casualty risks
- Reinsurance capacity to support portfolio management
- Technology solutions for risk quantification and management
- Innovative solutions tailored to client needs
- Financial stability and trusted partnership
Who Is It For
- Insurers and reinsurers with property and casualty portfolios
- Companies seeking risk transfer and management solutions for property, specialty, and casualty risks
- Organizations exposed to natural catastrophes, liability, and specialty risks
Property & Casualty risks
We cover a wide range of risks via our property, specialty and casualty teams. We have the risk expertise, reinsurance capacity and technology solutions to help you understand, quantify and manage the risks in your portfolio.
Trusted partner
Swiss Re's Property & Casualty Reinsurance business is more than just a risk transfer provider. We are a trusted partner for our clients and partners, offering them risk expertise, innovative solutions, and financial stability. Whether it's natural catastrophes, specialty lines, or liability, we have the experience and the technology to help you manage your risks and grow your business.
Risks we cover
Swiss Re covers a broad spectrum of risks including property, liability, agriculture, aviation, credit, surety, political, cyber, engineering, renewable energy, and marine risks.
- Property risks
- Liability
- Agriculture risks
- Aviation risks
- Credit, Surety & Political risks
- Cyber risks
- Engineering & project risks
- Renewable Energy risks
- Marine risks
Risk expertise Shifting gears in a changing landscape
Access our latest report which provides a global perspective of motor (re)insurance.
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Duration
Global Reach and Support
Integration with Other Insurance
AXA XL ReinsuranceCompany Information
AXA XL is a leading provider of P&C global commercial insurance offering insurance and reinsurance to enterprises of every kind and size. AXA XL helps you take your business further.
Keywords
Description
AXA XL is the P&C and Specialty division of AXA, providing Re/Insurance to mid-sized and multinational companies, and some high-net-worth individuals.
What They Do
AXA XL provides insurance and reinsurance solutions, risk consulting, and innovative risk management services.
Who They Serve
Mid-sized and multinational companies, as well as high-net-worth individuals.
Key Value Propositions
What Customers Say
"AXA XL demonstrates strong financial stability and service capabilities while investing time to understand us, which are key criteria for us."
— Risk Manager
"They take time to understand our business and needs and generally responsive to those. They do what we need everywhere we need it and do a good job of putting a team behind it."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL is much better than their peers on each of our carrier choice criteria: global scale, flexibility on how we structure programs, strong technical expertise and ability to execute all types of administrative actions."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL stands for partnership and continuity, always willing to be a partner and to provide solutions to ensure business continuity."
— Risk Manager
"Their bench is deep, with lots of talented people, that are not just smart, but people you can enjoy spending time with and for some, even call them friends."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL stands for integrity, financial strength, care about customer, value personal relationship and long-term strategic partner."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL Claims is one of the most professional, courteous, and skilled teams I work with. Thank you!"
— Broker
"AXA XL Claims professionals are always prompt in their responses and understanding in how a large company manages their claims."
— Risk Manager
"From the first call to AXA XL claims, my experience was as positive and as pleasant as it could possibly be in these circumstances. Thank you!"
— Insured
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
AXA XL’s construction/engineering treaty reinsurance includes Inherent Defect Insurance/Decennial Insurance alongside CAR/EAR and related covers. This supports primary insurers writing decennial/IDI programs globally, benefiting large builders via insurer capacity and engineering expertise.
Key Features
- Proportional and non-proportional reinsurance solutions (excess of loss, quota share, surplus treaty)
- Property reinsurance (short-tail, portfolio/treaty, individual/facultative, construction and engineering options)
- Specialty reinsurance (aviation and space treaty, health, marine, energy, whole account, trade credit, surety, political risk)
- Relationship-driven underwriting
- Forward-thinking use of science and data
- Active client management programme
Key Benefits
- Access to one of the world’s largest P&C reinsurers
- Strong financial stability (AA- S&P, A+ AM Best ratings)
- Client-focused engagement with single points of contact
- Science-led risk assessment with in-house scientific expertise
- Decades of underwriting experience across multiple lines and geographies
- Long-term partnership approach and active client management
- Technical expertise trusted by the market for complex risks
Who Is It For
- Mid-sized and multinational companies
- Some high-net-worth individuals
- Clients seeking P&C reinsurance solutions
- Brokers and insurance companies requiring treaty or facultative reinsurance
AXA XL Reinsurance
We are one of the world’s largest P&C reinsurers with a leading position in all major global markets. Our strength comes from our talent, global footprint and ratings. We’re part of AXA Group with a solid capital position and AA- (S&P) and A+ (AM Best) ratings.
Protecting what matters
We have a client-focused mindset and active client management programme with single points of contact and a strategic approach to engagement; addressing challenges and identifying opportunities together.
Underwriting led by science, data and technology
Our science-led approach ensures we are confident of managing a fast-changing set of risks. We are one of a handful of reinsurers with our own team of leading scientists who are experts in hurricane, wildfire and flood risk prediction.
70% of our top 100 clients have been with us for more than a decade. AXA XL’s core operating insurance and reinsurance companies have one or more of the above financial strength ratings. Our teams have decades of experience across multiple lines and geographies.
- 70% of top 100 clients have been with AXA XL for more than a decade
- A.M. Best A+, S&P AA- financial strength ratings
- Decades of experience across multiple lines and geographies
Sharing our insight to help you manage your risk
Learn about our work with renowned academic institutions, access thought leadership reports, webinars and white papers and hear from our experts on a diverse range of topics, including climate and emerging risks.
Reinsurance Products
AXA XL offers a range of reinsurance products across casualty, property, and specialty lines.
- Casualty: Proportional and non-proportional reinsurance solutions on an excess of loss, quota share or surplus treaty basis.
- Property: Primarily short-tail, available on both a portfolio/treaty and an individual/facultative basis, with construction and engineering options.
- Specialty: Aviation and space treaty; health; marine, energy and whole account; trade credit, surety and political risk.
Technical expertise
Our people and our technical expertise are valued by the market and our clients. We are trusted to assess the most complicated of risks and are asked to quote on the majority of opportunities relevant to us.
2024 Earnings
Talk with us
You are contacting AXA XL, the P&C and Specialty division of AXA. We provide Re/Insurance to mid-sized and multinational companies, and some high-net-worth individuals. If your enquiry pertains to personal insurance, please contact AXA.
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Duration
Global Reach and Support
Integration with Other Insurance
Our Ranking Methodology
How we rank these offerings
We ranked these Decennial Liability Insurance Firms in USA using a weighted scoring formula: Coverage Duration (40%), Integration with Other Insurance (35%), Global Reach and Support (25%). N/A values receive 0 points. Kapital-løsninger scored highest with 94 due to strong coverage duration, outstanding integration with other lines, and robust global lifecycle support. Companies with weaker integration or narrower global support had marginally lower scores.
Ranking Criteria Weights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the typical costs and pricing models for Decennial Liability Insurance in the USA?
- Decennial Liability Insurance costs vary based on factors like project size, location, and the insurer’s underwriting criteria. Marsh's Latent Defects Insurance, for example, reflects first-party protection costs for structural defects, typically for 10, 12 years, often structured to enhance the asset's balance-sheet viability. For large-scale, cross-border projects, WTW's construction practice provides tailored pricing that integrates latent defects coverage with CAR/EAR, balancing comprehensive protection and cost-effectiveness. Premiums may also be influenced by the insurer's capacity to manage latent risks and cross-border project complexities, as seen with AXA XL's treaty reinsurance solutions.
- What are the key selection criteria and considerations for choosing a Decennial Liability Insurance provider?
- When selecting a provider for Decennial Liability Insurance, key considerations include the provider's expertise in managing latent defects and their ability to tailor coverage for specific project risks, as demonstrated by WTW's construction practice. The insurer’s capacity to offer multinational placements and manage complex risks, such as Lockton's coordination through their global network, is also crucial. Additionally, evaluating the provider's engineering expertise, like Swiss Re's use of their PUMA framework, which helps in assessing heterogeneous project risks, ensures comprehensive risk management.
- What are the industry standards and compliance requirements for Decennial Liability Insurance in the USA?
- Decennial Liability Insurance in the USA demands compliance with both state-specific regulations and industry standards, which vary significantly across regions. Providers like Marsh and AXA XL bring global standards into local contexts, offering products that meet stringent international guidelines. Compliance often involves adhering to local building codes, ensuring insurer solvency, and addressing cross-border regulatory environments, as highlighted by WTW's work with complex delivery models and cross-border project support.
- What are some common implementation challenges and solutions in Decennial Liability Insurance?
- Implementation challenges in Decennial Liability Insurance include complex risk evaluation, regulatory differences, and project-specific tailoring. Solutions involve leveraging robust engineering expertise and frameworks like Swiss Re’s PUMA, which assist in long-term risk assessment and management. Additionally, close coordination between multinational teams, as provided by Lockton, ensures customized placement services that can overcome jurisdictional hurdles and enhance global project alignment.
- How can businesses measure the ROI and value delivery of Decennial Liability Insurance?
- The ROI and value delivery of Decennial Liability Insurance can be measured through the enhanced marketability and leaseability or saleability of protected assets, as indicated by Marsh's solutions for improving balance-sheet protection. Additionally, the reduction of financial risk exposure over a decade, alongside the ability to undertake complex and international projects as supported by WTW and AXA XL’s comprehensive coverage options, contributes to measurable financial stability and reduced capital reserve requirements.
Our Promise: We promise to deliver the highest quality company and offering data, free from sponsored bias. We compile data from across the internet, to give the most accurate and true rankings, according to our transparent algorithms.