As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, the directors and officers of public and private organizations are facing risks on two fronts: the economic impacts of COVID-19 and litigation. Adding to the challenge is a hardening insurance marketplace.

As Americans grow increasingly anxious about the impacts of COVID-19 and public life is limited by social distancing, food production demands are changing. Product sales at retail locations are reaching unprecedented levels. This doesn’t mean people are eating more – just that they’re eating at home due to the closure of restaurant dining rooms and other public spaces.

COVID-19 has infected millions of people and has taken so many lives around the globe. Unwilling to stand by and do nothing as the economy and our communities struggle, companies all around the U.S. are looking for ways to help fight the virus, ensure business continuity, and keep generating revenue.

The earthquake market has moved onto unstable ground as insurers and alternative capital investors demand higher returns on their capital. Rate increases have ramped up over the last year, and buyers should expect higher prices this year for the same coverage. Higher deductibles can be an effective strategy to manage premiums. Buyers who can provide better and more detailed information on their risks can expect a better reception from underwriters. Early and active marketing and working with a broker that offers broad access to markets are crucial for obtaining the most cost-efficient coverage.

As businesses of all sizes strive to protect their employees and preserve cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic, likely the last thing on most of their minds is employment practices liability (EPL) exposures. But EPL risks are higher during pandemics and other periods when employers are more likely to furlough, lay off or ask employees to work from home.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are pummeling the U.S. stock market, and our economy is beginning to feel the strain of nationwide business disruptions. Responding to slowing business demand with layoffs, wage cuts, or a reduction in employee hours may provide opportunity for greater company scrutiny by a wide variety of claimants, including employees. Fiduciary liability is an often-overlooked area of insurance coverage that can help protect businesses offering retirement or employee benefit plans that may be affected by the economic shift.

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As COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S., organizations and businesses are taking seriously their responsibility to facilitate social distancing as we attempt to slow the spread of the virus. While there are many benefits to working remotely in the current situation, remote work can place greater strain on IT systems and increase cyber risks. Both employers and employees need to take action to protect themselves and business continuity. Remote work isn’t a new concept and is considered the norm within many organizations. However, some businesses have never needed or utilized large-scale work-at-home plans prior to the current pandemic, and may not be aware of their cyber vulnerabilities.

The global community is more interconnected than ever before. Widespread travel and business relations requiring international supply chains make pandemics a more likely threat.

Will premiums increase? Are terms and conditions changing? What lines of business have limited markets? Which lines of business have excess capacity? Here’s what clients can expect in the marketplace for 2020 in a quick and easy to read reference guide.

A man walks into a bar with a pig (or an alligator, a horse, or another animal). This sounds like the beginning of a joke, but for a growing number of service businesses and employers, it is no laughing matter. Such incidents are creating employment practices liability exposures and have the potential to generate class-action lawsuits.

Originating in Wuhan, China, the Covid-19 virus has now been diagnosed in more than 111,000 people worldwide and resulted in over 3,800 deaths.^7,8 The first U.S. case of COVID-19 was reported on January 21st, and that number has grown to 566+ U.S. infections resulting in over 20 deaths, so far.^4,8 As we watch the coronavirus begin to touch communities across the country many are naturally wondering who is at risk and how to prepare.

The first quarter of 2019 saw the excess and umbrella markets start to move toward tighter underwriting, and each quarter since has seen the market get firmer. The second half of the year brought greater capacity restrictions, higher prices, and significant challenges around program structure, due in large part to nuclear jury awards that have hit excess and umbrella lines like never before. Brokers that succeed in 2020’s changing market will depend on creativity, proactive strategic planning, and strong carrier relationships to help clients weather the storm.

Healthcare organizations, already under financial pressure from the changing reimbursement system, now face a hardening D&O liability insurance marketplace. In this article, CRC offers insights on how retail agents can help their insureds navigate the difficult environment.

Flooding, the most common natural disaster in the U.S., can have huge consequences for homeowners, businesses, and communities. With the emergence of climate change and increase in severe weather, flooding is impacting ever widening areas, but at least 85% of homeowners still lack flood insurance. Flood insurance empowers families and communities to recover and thrive in the wake of disaster.

The severe hurricanes and record-breaking wildfires that have caused widespread damage in recent years have heightened concerns that a changing global climate may be leading to more frequent and extreme natural catastrophes. Among the possible effects of climate change, stronger and slower-moving hurricanes may bring more devastating winds, higher storm surge and greater inland flooding; hotter temperatures can dry out vegetation and raise the risk of wildfires, particularly as people move into formerly wild areas. Those changes may lead to greater risks for property owners and higher-than-expected claims for insurers.