From an insurance buyer’s perspective, it can sometimes feel as if premium prices change on a whim. But the truth is that the commercial insurance market is cyclical in nature, fluctuating between soft and hard markets:
- Soft markets—A soft market, which is sometimes called a buyer’s market, is characterized by stable premiums, broader terms of coverage, increased capacity, higher available limits and competition among insurance carriers for new business.
- Hard markets—A hard market, which is sometimes called a seller’s market, is characterized by increased premiums, diminished underwriting appetite and capacity, restricted coverage and less competition among insurance carriers for new business.
While many insurance buyers, including small businesses, have enjoyed a soft market for years, the market is hardening. As a result, business leaders now face tough choices regarding their insurance, making it all the more important for them to understand what to expect in a hardening commercial insurance market and how to respond effectively.
Factors Contributing to a Hardening Market
In what was one of the longest soft markets in recent years, businesses across several lines of insurance enjoyed stable premiums and expanded coverage for decades. However, after years of gradual changes, the market is firming, leading to increased premiums and reduced capacity.
A number of different factors affect insurance pricing, but the following are common contributors to the hardening market:
- Catastrophic losses—Floods, hurricanes, wildfires and similar disasters are increasingly common and devastating. Years of costly disasters like these have compounded losses for insurers, driving up the cost of coverage overall.
- Claims costs—Claims are increasing in both frequency and severity year over year. One reason for this is that settlement verdicts for bodily injury claims are steadily rising. Attorneys are more inclined to take claims to trial. This extends litigation and significantly raises the cost to defend a claim. Additionally, advances in health care have made treatment more effective, and people are living longer, fuller lives even after a serious accident. While this is a positive trend, it has had an impact on compensatory damages and benefits.
- Underwriting standards—Insurers are struggling to overcome underwriting losses, especially given how low interest rates have remained in recent times. This has made carriers more cautious, and many are restricting the classes of businesses and lines of insurance they are willing to underwrite.
- Investment returns—Nearly every insurance carrier uses the funds it receives from premiums to invest in other markets. However, reduced interest rates have negatively impacted profitability, and carriers have reduced their appetite for risk as a result.
- Reinsurance—Reinsurance is coverage for insurance companies. Carriers often buy reinsurance for risks they can’t or don’t wish to retain fully. However, reinsurance is becoming more expensive to obtain, which is causing carriers to increase their rates.
What to Expect During a Hard Commercial Market and How to Respond
Even the most prepared organizations will have to adapt to the hard market, and businesses can expect to face:
- Higher premiums
- Increased scrutiny when it comes to underwriting (e.g., underwriters asking for more information regarding a business’s risk and characteristics)
- Coverage restrictions (e.g., increased retentions) or exclusions
- Conditional or nonrenewal notices
Put simply, during a hard market, insurance buyers may face difficult decisions regarding their insurance coverage. Thankfully, however, businesses are not without recourse in the face of a hard market. The following are some strategies to consider to help navigate shifts in the market:
- Review your insurance program. Above all, check that your policies account for your business’s greatest exposures. An understanding of your coverage ensures you’re not overlooking any exclusions and will help you secure the right policy for your operations. During a hardening market, it may be necessary to make adjustments to your policies. However, those adjustments shouldn’t come at the expense of the coverage you need.
- Bolster your risk management efforts where possible. Doing so makes your business more attractive to insurers. Your broker can also help you review existing policies and procedures, and make suggestions on ways to secure favorable quotes.
- Know your loss history. In a hard market, underwriters will be especially critical when reviewing loss trends. Be prepared to explain the factors contributing to a specific loss and the steps you’ve taken to mitigate future losses.
- Budget wisely and plan ahead. In some cases, premium increases are unavoidable, and organizations should be prepared. Businesses should budget accordingly and take insurance costs into account alongside their other normal expenses.
- Work with the right insurance agent. During a hard insurance market, it’s vital to have a competent insurance professional advising your business. Be sure to partner with an agent that has strong carrier relationships and knowledge of your industry.
- Communicate with your agent early and often to determine how the hard market will affect your business. Starting the renewal process early can give your broker more time to secure the best coverage for your business.
Business owners who proactively address risk, control losses, and manage exposures will be better prepared for a hardening insurance market than those who do not. Contact an insurance agent or broker to get started.
