Why Strong Carrier Partners Are a Must in a Hard Market

Carrier partnerships critical in hard insurance market

The hard insurance market for many product lines continued throughout 2023, with rate pressure, underwriting scrutiny, and capacity restrictions expected into 2024. A strong partnership with your carriers is essential for agents to navigate this hard market, help clients get the insurance protection they need, retain business, and gain new customers.

Navigating the Hard Market for Reinsurance

Navigating the hard reinsurance market

As 2023 drew near, the reinsurance market entered a challenging phase characterized by significant rate increases and a more cautious approach to risk. Reinsurance is insurance for carriers. And, when reinsurance rates fluctuate, they impact distribution channels on all sides, as seen in robust marketplaces such as the Program Business Storefront Directory. 

Hard Market Rates Continue with Average Premium Renewal Rates Up for Most Major Commercial Lines

Best rankings on net premiums

Year over year, Commercial Auto, BOP, General Liability, Commercial Property and Umbrella experienced increasing average premium renewal rates, while premium renewal rates decreased for Workers’ Compensation.

How to Help Your Clients in the Tough Property Insurance Market

Property insurance market

The commercial property insurance market remains challenging, with several factors contributing to difficult conditions and premium increases. First, the frequency and severity of catastrophic events have caused significant losses globally. Second, reinsurance costs have risen due to catastrophic events, inflation, and selective reinsurance. Third, underinsurance is a concern, with many business owners needing to adjust their policy limits.

Year-Round Wildfire Season Forcing Businesses to Think Ahead

insurers exodus from wildfire regions

Wildfires are becoming a year-round challenge for businesses across the country, but companies can take proactive steps, from scenario planning to site design, to reduce the risks they face, according to experts. Every state except Delaware experienced wildfires last year, and experts predict an above-average season this year as well, according to Richard Standring, a… Continue reading Year-Round Wildfire Season Forcing Businesses to Think Ahead

Low-Income Residents Face Higher Risk of Deadly Fires Like Bronx High-Rise Apartment Blaze

Brick apartment condo building exterior architecture in Fordham Heights center, Bronx, NYC, Manhattan, New York City with fire escapes, windows, ac units in evening

The deadly fire in a Bronx apartment building was the second such tragedy in low-income housing in the United States this month, highlighting the persistent link between poverty and residential fire deaths. “This is not to say that poverty invariably leads to fires,” said Birgitte Messerschmidt, research director at the National Fire Protection Association. “However,… Continue reading Low-Income Residents Face Higher Risk of Deadly Fires Like Bronx High-Rise Apartment Blaze

Colorado Residents, Business Owners Face Challenging Insurance Situation in the Wake of Marshall Fire

Residents and business owners who lost everything in the Marshall Fire face a daunting insurance situation in which skyrocketing property values and supply-chain shortages make it unlikely that many home or business insurance policies will cover the full cost of rebuilding. “Statewide, we’ve had all these increases in property values, and very often the policies… Continue reading Colorado Residents, Business Owners Face Challenging Insurance Situation in the Wake of Marshall Fire