1. AMERIND will raise sovereign immunity as a defense against paying claims.
False. AMERIND has always respected and protected Tribal sovereignty. In fact, every AMERIND policy provides a limited waiver of AMERIND’s sovereign immunity and includes specific language designed to preserve and respect a Tribe’s sovereign immunity. This policy language confirms that AMERIND will neither invoke nor waive a Tribe’s sovereign immunity unless expressly directed to do so in writing by the Tribe itself. This ensures that all decisions regarding sovereign immunity remain entirely under the Tribe’s control.
The policy language also preserves AMERIND’s duty to defend under the policy regardless of whether sovereign immunity is asserted by a Tribe and clarifies that coverage obligations remain subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, and limits of insurance.
While AMERIND, as a Tribally owned insurance company, possesses sovereign immunity similar to that of Tribal Nations, AMERIND has never asserted sovereign immunity to deny payment of a claim in its 40-year history and would never do so. As the first and only 100% Tribally owned insurance carrier, AMERIND was created to protect Tribal Nations, not to avoid its responsibilities to them. Any assertion otherwise is inaccurate and inconsistent with both AMERIND’s policies and its longstanding commitment to Indian Country.
2. AMERIND is “broke.”
False. AMERIND is rated A (Excellent) for Financial Strength by AM Best. This rating reflects AMERIND’s balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, and enterprise risk management practices.
As an AM Best-rated company, AMERIND is subject to ongoing financial review and monitoring, including quarterly financial reporting and annual evaluations. AM Best continuously evaluates AMERIND’s financial condition to ensure the company maintains the standards required to support its policyholders and obligations.
3. Is Tribal First part of Alliant Specialty Insurance Services, Inc.?
Yes. Tribal First is a registered trademark and specialized program of Alliant Specialty Insurance Services, Inc. (Alliant). Their Tribal Property Insurance Program (TPIP) accesses reinsurance coverage and limits through Alliant’s Public Entity Property Insurance Program (PEPIP).
Tribal First itself is not an insurance company but rather operates as a Managing General Agent (MGA). Tribal First is not admitted and does not maintain its own AM Best Financial Strength Rating.
4. An All-Lines Aggregate policy can offer first dollar (guaranteed cost) coverage.
False. An All-Lines Aggregate policy requires the policyholder to retain a portion of each loss through a Self-Insured Retention (SIR). Claim losses up to the SIR amount (typically $100K or $250K per claim occurrence) are paid by the policyholder, and the insurance policy covers any amount over the SIR.
First-dollar coverage is exactly that: the insurance policy covers all claim losses in exchange for a known (guaranteed cost) premium amount. While the premium for an all-lines aggregate policy is typically less expensive than a first-dollar (guaranteed cost) policy, the policyholder must include the SIR claim losses they are paying under the all-lines aggregate policy to compare the total cost of both coverage options.
5. Shared Limits
AMERIND policyholders are provided with their own coverage limits and do not share limits with other tribes. When coverage is purchased through the TPIP pooled program, coverage limits are shared with multiple tribes within the TPIP pool.
6. Non-Appointed Brokers
AMERIND maintains industry standards by entering into broker appointment agreements with licensed brokers. These agreements provide them with the appropriate access to AMERIND’s products and services to properly provide Tribal Nations with our pricing quotes for insurance coverage(s). The following brokers have not had access to AMERIND since 2012 and will not, in the foreseeable future, have access to any AMERIND coverage or programs.
- Alliant Specialty
- Brown and Brown
- The Mahoney Group
- HUB International
- Pacific AG Insurance Agency (specifically Jimmy Heskett)
- Sullivan Insurance Agency
Have questions or heard additional claims about AMERIND? We believe in transparency, honest communication, and building trust through facts. If you would like clarification or additional information, we encourage you to contact us directly at businessdevelopment@AMERIND.com. We are here to answer your questions and provide the information you need to make informed decisions.
