‘Rolling crisis’ of active assailant attacks demands specialist cover

The doubling of mass shootings in the US in recent years has highlighted the growing need for active assailant cover.

Published on March 2, 2026

By Andrew Umphress and Debbie Larkin

Originally published by Intelligent Insurer, 27 February 2026:
‘Rolling crisis’ of active assailant attacks demands specialist cover, says Markel | Intelligent Insurer

5-minute read

Mass shootings – defined as four or more victims injured or killed – have nearly doubled from 332 in 2015 to 659 in 2023, while gun-related deaths rose from 13,777 to 19,135 over the same period, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The trend is not confined to the US. In England and Wales, knife offences have risen to near pre-pandemic levels, with 54,587 offences recorded in 2024. This underscores what Markel describes as a “pressing need to protect businesses and advise clients, yet gaps in insurance coverage remain a concern”.

Active assailant incidents are increasing across both the US and the UK, affecting schools, workplaces, healthcare, religious institutions, event venues and residential areas. “These are often soft targets due to high foot traffic and limited security,” said Debbie Larkin, claims manager – energy, liability and terrorism, and Andrew Umphress, head of terrorism, North America at Markel International.

“Traditional insurance policies – including general liability, property, and workers’ compensation – often provide only limited protection,” they noted. “They typically do not cover the broader, specialised support required in mass-violence events or attacks involving vehicles.”

They added that terrorism cover is designed to respond to specific events classified as terrorist activity and is typically focused on property damage. “This type of policy is also unlikely to cover many events that are part of an active assailant policy because terrorism policies are more asset-focused and only respond when an event is designated as terrorism by a state or government.”

Unlike traditional terrorism, which is typically driven by political, religious or ideological motives, active-assailant incidents “are often motivated by personal grievances against institutions, individuals or groups”.

A well-structured policy is designed to protect the organisation on multiple fronts — from legal claims by the public and direct support for victims to financial recovery for the business itself.

Policy wording is critical. The term “active shooter” was once narrowly defined, but cover has evolved to include any type of handheld weapon, as well as vehicles, which are increasingly being used to carry out attacks, Larkin and Umphress said.

Preventative measures may include installing surveillance alarms, improving access controls, enhancing communication systems for rapid alerts and providing personnel training. “Prevention starts with leadership,” they argued, noting that visible commitment to preparedness shapes organisational culture and encourages situational awareness. “It results in employees being encouraged to stay alert, while understanding their role in recognising and responding to potential threats.”

Beyond internal preparedness measures, such as regular reporting, drills and testing of communications and crisis plans, coordination with external law enforcement is important.

In the event of an incident, policyholders can access crisis management support, with insurers working alongside service providers to help minimise liability and manage reputational impact. “A well-structured policy is designed to protect the organisation on multiple fronts – from legal claims by the public and direct support for victims to financial recovery for the business itself,” they said.

Markel executives stressed that understanding policy detail is essential. “The details in the policy could make the difference between a business continuing operations or having to close permanently.”

Rising workplace violence and weapon-related incidents point to what Markel described as a “rolling crisis”, requiring insurers, brokers and clients to work together to cultivate a resilient culture built on trust.