A reinsurance contract specifies its period of effect: date of inception and date of termination. But the period during which the treaty produces its effects is not to be confused with the period of coverage. The period of coverage determines the period during which the Reinsurer will be responsible for the claim arising from policies or risks ceded during the period of effect of the treaty. This period of coverage might be loss occurring, risk attaching or accounting year.
“Risk attaching” treaty means that the Reinsurer only pays the Ceding party for losses resulting from policies that are issued (new or renewed) or in force with the reinsurance contract period, regardless of the date of occurrence of the losses.
So, let’s take an example:
With a risk attaching clause, the Reinsurer is then responsible until all policies covered by the reinsurance contract for the concerned underwriting year have expired and all losses have been fully settled.