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.

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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.

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.

From design to construction and sales, a real estate developer bears the ultimate responsibility for every aspect of a project. The architects, engineers, contractors, property managers and real estate brokers all face specific professional liability risks stemming from their own work, but the developer may be exposed to all of them. Legal actions targeting any service provider on a project are very likely to name the developer too. For instance, a family member of an employee killed while working for a general contractor might sue the developer as well, or a condominium owner may bring a claim against the developer for an architect’s design error.