In the new commercial property insurance report in Lockton Market Update released today, Lockton's Jim Rubel says that recent events "are sending shock waves throughout the global property catastrophe market and could lead insurers to restrict capacity and possibly even increase rates."
Lockton Market Update also notes that commercial property insurers face a more daunting dilemma with the new RMS 11.0 U.S. Hurricane Model released in March.
"The result has been many insurers are facing a sharp increase in their prospective CAT wind and earthquake exposures," said Rubel. "This means that insurers will pay close attention to their aggregate exposures" and insurance capacity may be constrained or rates may stiffen at a minimum.
The Lockton report says, "The huge first-quarter catastrophe losses, the specter of increased reinsurance costs, and the impact of the new RMS 11.0 U.S. Hurricane Model-are shocks and aftershocks that may move the property insurance market. The first aftershock will likely hit those accounts with CAT wind and earthquake exposures and/or losses."
The Market Update also highlights practical steps that clients can take to respond to mitigate potential increases in commercial property insurance costs. Lockton's Andrew Rasberry reports that compiling engineering reports, documenting property valuations, and increasing emergency preparedness help insureds improve their negotiating position and reduce property insurance costs. http://www.locktonmarketupdate.com/RealEstate.aspx
The insurance broker's Market Update includes snapshots of 25 commercial insurance and employee benefits markets with the latest trends facing risk managers, chief financial officers, human resource leaders, and other executives.
To obtain free copies of these reports please visit www.locktonmarketupdate.com.