Hard market conditions will continue through 2024 for both commercial and personal lines, but begin to ease in 2025, according to the latest sigma report from Swiss Re. “The insurance industry has reached a new equilibrium after the challenges of recent years. The global economy has surprised on the upside, which should drive more demand...
On July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an unofficial version of the proposed standard to protect workers from heat injury and illness. If finalized, the new standard would apply to all employers conducting indoor and outdoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agricultural...
The commercial property insurance segment has been characterized by ongoing premium increases for much of the past decade. According to industry data, such rate jumps reached record-setting levels in 2023, surging by an average of 20.4% in the first quarter alone and only slightly falling to 18.3% in the latter half of the year. These...
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless and odorless poisonous gas that is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of carbon-containing material. It can quickly accumulate in areas where employees work, even if the space appears well-ventilated. Exposure to CO can cause serious health problems and even fatalities, so business owners must take steps to...
Following last year’s historically challenging property insurance market, 2024 is proving to be “a more stable and capitalized market,” USI Insurance Services reported in its latest Commercial Property & Casualty Market Outlook Mid-Year Addendum. “Large rate increases from 2023 have mostly subsided for the broader market,” the New York-based insurance brokerage firm said in the report....
The spring of 2024 marks a turning point in the commercial property insurance market. After six years of challenging conditions, the market has transitioned and many buyers are now in a more favorable position. As with previous market spikes, this last hard market cycle saw limited capacity as carriers struggled to generate consistent returns on...
The start of 2024 brought a host of changes that could impact property claims, including updates to major codes and guidelines that affect residential and commercial policyholders dealing with new construction, renovations, and replacement HVAC equipment. Adjusters should be aware of new sections in the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) as well as amendments to...
When properties are left idle or vacant, the risk of fire-related incidents increases. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive fire prevention strategy is crucial. This article explores essential fire prevention measures for idle and vacant properties to ensure the safety of the premises and minimize the risk of destructive fires. Fire Prevention Measures Businesses should consider the...
This year’s January reinsurance renewals were described by brokers as “stable,” “predictable,” “orderly,” “calmer,” “disciplined,” with “increased appetites” and a return to supply/demand balance. What a difference in tone from last year’s grueling January renewals. “In a marked change on a year ago, the supply of property catastrophe reinsurance capacity at the January 1 renewal was...
Commercial property insurance plays a critical role in protecting the assets of a business. In the event of a loss, this coverage can help businesses replace or rebuild their damaged or destroyed property and restore their operations in a timely manner. As such, it’s crucial for your organization to obtain an sufficient commercial property insurance...