Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies

We carry insurance policies on insurable risks at levels that we believe to be appropriate, including workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability risks. We purchase insurance policies from third-party insurance carriers, which typically incorporate significant deductibles or self-insured retentions. We are responsible for all claims that fall below the retention limits, exceed our coverage limits or are otherwise not covered by our insurance policies. In determining our accrual for self-insured claims, we use historical claims experience to establish both the current year accrual and the underlying provision for future losses. This actuarially determined provision and related accrual include known claims, as well as incurred but not reported claims. We adjust our estimate of accrued self-insured claims when required to reflect changes based on factors such as changes in health care costs, accident frequency and claim severity.

In the normal course of business, we periodically enter into agreements that incorporate indemnification provisions. While the maximum amount to which we may be exposed under such agreements cannot be estimated, we do not expect these guarantees and indemnifications to have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

A reconciliation of beginning and ending accrued self-insured claims, which are included in Accrued liabilities—Self-insured claims and related expenses and Other long-term obligations, primarily self-insured claims on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, net of insurance recoverables, which are included in Prepaid expenses and other assets and Other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, is presented as follows:

	Accrued
	Self-insured
(In millions)	Claims, Net
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	111
Provision for self-insured claims		26
Cash payments		(28)
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	108
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	115
Provision for self-insured claims		23
Cash payments		(26)
Balance as of September 30, 2018	$	112

Termite damage claim accruals in the Terminix business are recorded based on both the historical rates of claims incurred within a contract year and the cost per claim. Termite damage claims can take years to resolve, and timing can be difficult to predict. Current activity could differ causing a change in estimates.

We have certain liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. We accrue for these liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Any resulting adjustments, which could be material, are recorded in the period the adjustments are identified.

We also have certain liabilities with respect to litigated claims arising from alleged termite damage. We have experienced an increase in such asserted claims, principally related to Formosan termite activity in the Mobile, Alabama area. Due to the uncertainties involved, management is unable to predict the number or nature of possible future claims and proceedings or their outcomes. We investigate each claim as it arises and accrue estimates for resolution of legal and other contingencies when losses are probable and estimable. Any resulting adjustments, which could be material, are recorded in the period the adjustments are identified.

On December 16, 2016, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Justice filed a civil complaint in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands related to a fumigation incident in a matter styled Government of the United States Virgin Islands v. The ServiceMaster Company, LLC, The Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, and Terminix International USVI, LLC. The amount and extent of any potential penalties, fines sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may yet impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any additional civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory proceedings resulting from or related to the U.S. Virgin Islands fumigation matter, which could be material, is not currently known, and any such further penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages would not be covered under our general liability insurance policies.

In addition to the matter discussed above, in the ordinary course of conducting business activities, we and our subsidiaries become involved in judicial, administrative and regulatory proceedings involving both private parties and governmental authorities. These proceedings include insured and uninsured matters that are brought on an individual, collective, representative and class action basis, or other proceedings involving regulatory, employment, general and commercial liability, automobile liability, wage and hour, environmental and other matters. We have entered into settlement agreements in certain cases, including with respect to putative collective and class actions, which are subject to court or other approvals, and which require compliance with the terms of the agreements. If one or more of our settlements are not finally approved and implemented, we could have additional or different exposure, which could be material. Subject to the paragraphs above, we do not expect any of these proceedings to have a material effect on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, we can give no assurance that the results of any such proceedings will not materially affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.