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Market Conditions and the Impact on Business Insurance

Written by Koppinger & Associates | Feb 23, 2023 5:48:59 PM

Inflation has affected nearly every aspect of running a business. 

Costs of goods and services have risen sharply and rapidly.  The overall consumer price index peaked at a 40-year high of 9.1% in 2022, while core inflation is at its highest since 1982.

Let's take a look at how how this and other factors impact your insurance premium.

 

Several factors contributing to premium for commercial insurance:

  • Property Replacement Costs
    • 55% increase in the cost of structural steel
    • 35% increase in the price of lumber
    • Material shortages and supply chain disruptions
    • Skilled labor shortage
    • Higher rebuilding costs and longer delays may trigger an increase in business interruption losses
  • Third Party Litigation - the business of litigation
    • Due to high ROI, venture capital dollars are being invested, growing the business of litigation
    • Driving the cost of claims up by 35% 
    • Payment to injured parties has gone down by 21%
  • Severe Weather
    • Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, winter storms frequency and severity
    • Total insured losses globally in 2022 were estimated at $140 billion due to severe weather
  • Reinsurance
    • A contract where an entity (reinsurer) shares a portion of risk with the insurance carrier in return for a portion of the premium
    • Helps spread risk to avoid an unmanageable financial strain on a single entity
    • Property catastrophe reinsurance has had the most significant losses.  Capacity (availability) has been restricted and pricing has increased over 37%, the largest increase since 1992
  • Auto Accident Frequency/Severity
    • Increased risk of litigation
    • More expensive to repair or replace damaged vehicles
    • Increased traffic congestion
    • Unsafe driving behaviors

While most of these factors cannot be controlled, there are several proactive steps that can be taken to minimize your risk, including:

  • Update property valuations to avoid underinsuring
  • Maintain a business continuity plan in case a catastrophe strikes
  • Evaluate business income limit to account for longer recovery timelines
  • Incorporate safety fundamentals throughout your workplace
  • Maintain strong hiring standards and training programs to reduce employee injury

The best method to manage your risk and insurance program is to have a discussion with your insurance advisor who will help anticipate what's on the horizon and the steps you should take to protect your business, reputation, and bottom line.

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