Turmoil in the property market, higher interest rates, and a slowing economy are complicating the Builder’s Risk market. Capacity is available but with higher deductibles and stronger risk mitigation requirements. Increasingly complex placements require skilled brokers with strong market relationships to get the job done.

In the summer of 2014, a near-perfect copy of Action Comics No.1, the first comic book featuring Superman in 1938, was listed for auction on eBay. Bidding began at less than $1. Within 2 hours, it had skyrocketed to $1.6 million. The comic ultimately sold for more than $3.2 million, making it the most expensive comic ever sold at the time. This is a prime example of how collectibles like comic books, sports memorabilia, fine art, or other items can become more valuable over time. Collectibles can also be rich in nostalgia, history, and memories, making them priceless to an owner (source 6). Once a collection becomes valuable, it’s wise to see that it’s adequately insured.

Technology impacts every aspect of our lives. From social media to biometrics or artificial intelligence, the world is changing at an astounding rate. Generally, technology makes life easier. It creates efficiency and enhances the ability to connect with others. However, technology also generates new risks, especially when companies deploy technology without fully considering the possible consequences, disadvantages, or how it may interact with the law.

The trucking industry has experienced a volatile cycle over the past few years, and it continues to grapple with the COVID pandemic's economic fallout and driver shortages. In 2022, the trucking sector saw a shortage of just over 78,000 drivers, down only slightly from 2021’s shortage of 81,000 drivers (source 1). Controlling losses remains a big challenge for the trucking industry, especially as the need for drivers grows. According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry is likely to see a record deficit of 160,000 drivers by 2030 (source 5).

Many private companies, especially early-stage startups, are struggling to find funding, and often, those that do are experiencing “down rounds.” In a down round, a company typically sells larger stakes to new investors at the same cost or less than what earlier investors paid, driving down the company’s valuation and diluting shareholder values in the process. Down rounds pose multiple risks, from reduced capital support, to shrinking confidence among investors and employees, as well as greater exposure to Directors and Officers (D&O) liability.