The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.9% year over year in December 2024, up from 2.7% in November. This figure matched economist expectations and was likely impacted by seasonal factors, including gas, food and vehicle prices. The “core” CPI, which strips out the unpredictable food and energy...
Theft and vandalism pose significant risks to small businesses across all industries. These incidents can lead to financial losses, property damage and operational disruptions. Given these potential consequences, business leaders must take steps to safeguard their organizations. Theft and vandalism can affect a small business’s finances and operations, so business leaders should take steps to...
With years of double-digit rate increases now in the past for many buyers, the U.S. commercial property market has improved and shows signs of stability even amid obstacles, according to a new report from the Insurance Information Institute (III). Growth in the U.S. commercial property market has been primarily rate-driven for the last several years,...
Former President Donald Trump has won a second presidential term. Employers can expect a number of changes to employee benefits under the Trump administration. Although the specific policy objectives that are enacted remain to be seen, employers may look to the campaign policies that President-elect Trump ran as well as the initiatives that Trump took...
Vacant construction sites face the risks of theft, trespassing, fires and other hazards. Potential losses might include the value of damaged or stolen materials, the liability of an individual being injured on the property, and the costs of organizational disruptions if an essential piece of equipment is vandalized or taken. The insurance risks and liabilities...
Health care costs in the United States are likely to increase by 7%-8% in 2025, marking multiple years of compounding costs. As 2025 begins, many employers remain curious about what is driving these increases. Here are key factors that will impact rising health care costs: GLP-1 Drugs Although initially approved as Type 2 diabetes treatments,...
Insurance experts often examine how outside trends, reforms and movements in the larger economy affect the insurance marketplace, and businesses should follow suit to determine the factors that may impact their coverage. For 2025, there are a host of sweeping market developments to consider. Extreme Weather Events Extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms and...
On Dec. 4, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice that announced changes to its Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP), responded to comments and outlined the steps for implementation. The FMCSA decided to change the list of existing crash types to those proposed in the April 13, 2023, notice to encompass...
Online shopping has made it easier than ever to peruse the wares of various businesses and vendors from the comfort of your own home as you search for the perfect gifts this holiday season. However, conducting transactions over the internet always involves inherent risks, as cybercriminals may be lying in wait. As you check friends...