When the coronavirus struck in early 2020, construction projects all around NYC were halted throughout April and May as officials scrambled to outline pandemic restrictions. Unfortunately, with strict lockdowns and safety guidelines required to slow the spread, the construction market in New York contracted by 3.8%, resulting in $9.8 billion in lost construction over the course of the year.

Anytime an area is hit with a catastrophic event, like a hurricane or wildfire, the cost of labor and building materials temporarily rises due to increased demand as communities and businesses rebuild. 2020 brought a total of 63 catastrophic events including Midwestern tornadoes, Western wildfires, and Southeastern hurricanes on top of the COVID-19 pandemic - a catastrophic event unlike any in recent history.

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 2021 in a quick and easy to read reference guide.

The excess casualty market faces a rough road ahead. After a difficult 2020, the market is likely to remain hard at least through 2021 and possibly into the following year. Carriers continue to reduce limits and increase premiums as they grapple with the aftereffects of underpricing in the soft market. Much of the hardening is being driven by losses in auto, and also where social inflation is leading to more so-called ‘nuclear’ verdicts. Along with auto fleets, construction, real estate, habitational and hotels stand among the more difficult markets.

Amid the stubborn coronavirus pandemic, institutional capital and developer investment has paused, forcing contractors to take a wait-and-see approach for their direction in 2021 and beyond. While the industry cheered the economic comeback of the third quarter after a record second quarter slowdown, developers and builders remain cautious, particularly in sectors deeply affected by the pandemic and the associated shutdowns – namely office buildings and hospitality. Well capitalized projects, including those funded by municipal bonds, appear set to continue on plan while other more speculative investments have been sidelined indefinitely.