• An alternative market is a term commonly used in risk finance to refer to one of a number of risk financing methods (eg self-insurance, captive) or vehicles (eg ACE, XL) that provide coverage or services beyond what is provided. most traditional property casualty (P&C) insurers. The alternative market may be used by large corporations, for example, to provide high coverage limits for a Large Self-Insured Retention (SIR) or by smaller entities participating in a Risk Retention Group (RRG) or Captive Group program. Please note that the distinction between traditional and alternative markets tends to blur over time as many traditional insurers expand their product offerings to cover alternative financing methods and vice versa. In addition, retrospective rating plans, especially indemnity plans, are sometimes identified with an alternative market.