75% of Small Businesses Are Underinsured, Says Hiscox Survey

Small businesses may be growing their revenue, but the vast majority – 75% – are not adequately protecting themselves and their assets.

Small businesses are an essential part of the US economy, with 56 million workers employed at firms with fewer than 50 employees, representing 45% of all private-sector jobs as of the first quarter of 2022, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

However, the 2023 Hiscox Underinsurance in Small Business Report, which surveyed 1,000 small businesses last July, found widespread insurance illiteracy and a nationwide underinsurance crisis, leaving small businesses open to loss risks ranging from property damage to lawsuits.

Of the small businesses participating in the survey, 75% were underinsured, and over 70% did not understand what business insurance covers.

65% had general liability coverage
45% had property insurance
35% had worker’s compensation insurance
32% had professional liability insurance
47% have increased revenue since 2021
32% have had a decrease in revenue during the same period

Of those businesses that had coverage, 68% of those with coverage purchased it because they were concerned about the consequences of a potential claim. Only 20% noted they purchased insurance because a vendor or partner mandated it.

These stats point to an opportunity for local insurance agents and brokers to step in and become an invaluable resource for small business owners.

Of the small business owners with insurance, 70% still choose to purchase through an agent or broker, and most find them to be the most helpful source of information (56%). Only 29% of respondents reported choosing to purchase insurance online, while 42% preferred to purchase insurance in person, emphasizing the importance of local brick-and-mortar agents for small businesses.

And small business owners need that expertise. Of those surveyed, 71% do not understand what a business owner’s policy covers and 83% fail to describe a general liability policy’s coverage correctly. Of the US small businesses operating for ten years or more, 39% have never updated their general liability insurance.

TOPICS TRENDS COMMERCIAL LINES BUSINESS INSURANCE

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Commercial Auto

Around the P&C Insurance Industry: November 20, 2024

Porsche Auto Insurance:Launched an unlimited insurance product for high-mileage Porsche owners driving over 10,000 miles annually. This complements their pay-per-mile policies, allowing owners to choose fixed premiums or mileage-based options. Multiple vehicles on a single policy can also have mixed coverage. Safeco Insurance:Entered a book transfer agreement with Main Street America Insurance, enhancing its personal lines presence in 22 states. Main Street America is shifting focus to commercial lines, including commercial products and bonds. Resilient Cities Network & Tokio Marine Group:Partnered to bolster urban resilience projects. The collaboration supports the Resilience Finance Taskforce, helping cities globally scale investment strategies for resilience and climate adaptation. Skyward Specialty Insurance Group:Introduced life sciences liability coverage tailored for the life sciences industry, addressing risks such as medical liability, errors and omissions, and general liability. This strategic move supports the complex insurance needs of healthcare innovators. AAIS Partner Program:Welcomed Sproutr, offering AAIS members access to tools and services that streamline operations and foster growth in insurance processes. Duck Creek Technologies:Opened its second Center of Excellence in Warsaw, Poland, enhancing global customer service capabilities, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions. Liberty Mutual & Coursera:Launched an entry-level course, Insurance Sales Agent, to train learners in risk management, sales, and ethical practices, equipping them for careers in insurance sales. World Insurance Associates:Acquired United Counties Insurance Group of Old Bridge, NJ, expanding its regional operations. Previsico:Unveiled Instacasting, a flood mitigation solution using rainfall data for real-time surface water flood predictions, enabling faster and more precise response strategies.

COVID-19

Live Event Insurance: Navigating New Risks in a Post-Pandemic World

The surge in live events after COVID-19 has brought a new wave of challenges for venues. Whether hosting concerts, sports games, or festivals, ensuring adequate insurance coverage has become critical for managing increasing risks. Venue owners and operators must reevaluate their general liability and other insurance policies to safeguard against potential liabilities. The Risks Facing Entertainment Venues Imagine hosting a packed concert where pyrotechnics go awry or a brawl breaks out. These incidents can lead to lawsuits, legal fees, and insurance claims that could devastate your business if not adequately prepared. Proper coverage and legal risk management are the backbone of every successful venue. Tools for Managing Liability: Exculpatory Language To mitigate risks, venues often employ exculpatory language, such as disclaimers on tickets or websites. In New York, for example, these clauses can limit a venue’s liability for certain incidents, excluding cases of gross negligence. However, courts mandate that such language must be clear, bold, and conspicuous to be enforceable. Online ticket purchases further enhance risk management through clickwrap agreements. These agreements require customers to actively confirm their understanding of terms, adding another layer of legal protection. Understanding Assumption of Risk For recreational activities like concerts or sporting events, the doctrine of primary assumption of risk is another legal shield. It protects venues when attendees willingly accept inherent risks of the activity, such as injuries from a mosh pit. However, it does not cover negligence in venue maintenance or security lapses. Maximizing Insurance Coverage Given the complexities of live event liability, venue owners must ensure their insurance policies address all potential scenarios. Key steps include: Compliance and Risk Mitigation Under New York Insurance Law § 3420(d)(2), insurers are required to respond promptly to liability claims. Delays can result in waived defenses, placing greater responsibility on the insurer. Staying compliant with such laws is essential for efficient risk management. Preparing for the Unexpected The post-pandemic resurgence of live events highlights the importance of a robust risk management strategy. Regularly updating exculpatory language, reviewing contracts, and optimizing insurance coverage ensures venues are well-prepared to handle unforeseen challenges. At Skyscraper Insurance, we specialize in tailoring comprehensive insurance solutions for entertainment venues. From general liability to vendor contracts, our team can help you set the stage for success while managing risks effectively. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your venue and your business.

75% of Small Businesses Are Underinsured, Says Hiscox Survey