What is an inherent characteristic of risk retention?

Risk retention involves a situation where an individual or organization acknowledges the potential for loss and decides to accept that risk, rather than transferring it to an insurance provider or other entity. When an entity retains risk, it effectively chooses to cover any losses internally, which might involve using its own resources to handle the financial impact of any adverse events. This characteristic is fundamental to risk retention as it emphasizes the acceptance of unmitigated risks and the recognition that some risks must be managed without external support.

Although there are considerations regarding costs and potential financial exposure when it comes to risk retention, the defining element remains that it results in the acceptance of losses internally. This choice can come with both benefits, such as potentially lower insurance premiums, and drawbacks, such as exposing the organization to larger financial risks if losses occur.