The Center for Risk and Insurance Research (CRIR) was created to provide unbiased, reliable information about insurance, disaster risk, and resilience.
The need became especially clear after Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Katrina (2005), which caused major disruption in Alabama’s coastal insurance markets. Insurance costs rose sharply, some insurers reduced coverage or left the market entirely, and thousands of homeowners were affected.
But hurricanes are only part of Alabama’s risk landscape. The state regularly faces tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and wildfires — creating challenges for property owners, businesses, insurers, and policymakers alike.
As state leaders evaluated potential solutions, they encountered competing proposals supported by conflicting evidence. Because insurance and risk issues are both highly complex and critically important to Alabama’s economy, state leaders recognized the need for a trusted, independent source of research and insight.
In 2013, Governor Robert Bentley created the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research by executive order. Today, the organization is known as the Center for Risk and Insurance Research (CRIR).
We conduct research and educational initiatives focused on insurance markets, catastrophe risk, mitigation, and resilience. The Center studies issues affecting individuals, businesses, communities, and governments — with a growing emphasis on helping reduce losses before disasters occur.
Today, CRIR serves as a trusted source of insight for researchers, policymakers, legislators, industry leaders, agencies, media organizations, and communities across the United States. Our work helps inform better decisions about resilience, preparedness, insurance markets, and economic recovery.
The Center for Risk and Insurance Research identifies problems and informs solutions related to insurance, risk, and resilience through research and education. Our mission is to provide highly credible information and research for the benefit of various stakeholders who contribute to the economic development of Alabama. These include consumers, policymakers, insurance companies, intermediaries, trade groups, and others who need insight and information in the areas of risk management.
