Best Practices for Insurance Professionals in 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear the year has been challenging for insurers. However, as we look ahead to 2025, the industry appears to be in a much better position.

The reinsurance market shows signs of stabilization, with improved terms and conditions. There’s broader adoption of insurance-to-value (ITV) measures and rate adjustments aligning better with risk. While this positive momentum is promising, challenges like natural catastrophes, rising claims, and social inflation remain.

Positive Momentum in the Insurance Industry

The industry is benefiting from hard decisions made in recent years, including necessary rate adjustments. Coupled with strong equity performance and a renewed focus on underwriting profitability, many insurers are experiencing surplus growth.

Economic factors also contribute to this progress. Home construction has slowed but remains steady, unemployment rates are manageable, and consumer confidence is stable. Additionally, improved ITV measures have strengthened the industry’s foundation, with insurers like PLM reporting significant growth in this area. Accurate valuations, combined with solid underwriting and better rates, set the stage for continued success.

Key Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, significant obstacles lie ahead:

Natural Catastrophes: Hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms continue to wreak havoc, with events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton causing unprecedented flooding and losses. Education about coverage gaps, such as flood exclusions, remains critical.
Commercial Auto: Claim costs in this segment are skyrocketing due to inflation, advanced vehicle technology, and distracted driving. Profitability pressures persist, with the segment reporting a loss ratio of 109 in 2023.
PFAs (Forever Chemicals): Synthetic chemicals linked to health issues are increasingly excluded from coverage. This issue may escalate into a significant liability concern akin to asbestos.
Legal System Abuse: Third-party funding in lawsuits, often from foreign entities, is influencing judicial outcomes and increasing nuclear verdicts, which reached $14.5 billion in 2023.
Social Inflation: Rising legal costs and excessive jury awards continue to strain insurers, with no clear resolution in sight.

A Path Forward

To thrive in 2025, insurers must maintain discipline and adapt strategically:

Refine underwriting to align rates with risk effectively.
Educate policyholders about coverage gaps.
Implement thoughtful risk management strategies.
Provide exceptional customer service to build trust and loyalty.

While challenges persist, the industry is better positioned than it was a year ago. By staying disciplined and proactive, we can make 2025 a year of growth and resilience.

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Crisis Management

California Wildfire Relief: A Collaborative Effort by Lawmakers and Insurance Leaders

California’s recent wildfires have highlighted the urgent need for action to address the growing insurance challenges in the state. With insured losses estimated at $30 billion, leaders are working tirelessly to provide relief and ensure resilience. Protecting Policyholders Amid Wildfire RisksCalifornia Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has taken swift action, issuing a one-year moratorium on insurance companies canceling or non-renewing residential policies in wildfire-affected areas. Additionally, those who received non-renewal notices within 90 days before the fires are now protected.“If you’ve received a non-renewal notice between October 9 and January 7, your insurer should retain you as a valued policyholder,” Lara emphasized during a press briefing. Lara also proposed a future grant program to assist low-income homeowners in reducing wildfire risks by installing fire-resistant roofs and creating defensible spaces around their homes.“This initiative is crucial for protecting homes and building long-term resilience,” he noted. Legislative Action for Stability and Faster ClaimsCalifornia lawmakers introduced the FAIR Plan Stabilization Act, aiming to bolster the California FAIR Plan with catastrophe bonds to address potential liquidity shortfalls. Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas also announced plans to advance legislation that would streamline insurance claims for homeowners affected by the wildfires. The Financial Toll and Industry ResponseAccording to Wells Fargo Securities, insured losses from the wildfires are projected at $30 billion, with homeowners’ insurance accounting for 85% of those losses. High-value properties and extensive damage underscore the financial strain, as the Palisades Fire alone has burned over 23,000 acres and destroyed 4,500 buildings. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, industry leaders assure Californians that the insurance sector is equipped to handle the recovery. Sean Kevelighan, CEO of the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), affirmed that “all claims will be covered, whether through private insurers or the California FAIR Plan.” A Call for Resilience and ReformThe devastating wildfires serve as a wake-up call for California to rethink its preparedness and insurance strategies.“This catastrophic event underscores the need for greater resilience,” Kevelighan said. “It’s time to reevaluate how we manage risks and sustain a functional insurance market in this state.” At Skyscraper Insurance, we are committed to supporting our clients in navigating these challenges, ensuring access to reliable coverage, and fostering resilience for the future. Together, we can weather any storm. #WeShareYourVisionForABetterTomorrow

Workers' Comp

2025 Workers’ Compensation Trends: What to Expect

As the workforce continues to evolve, workers’ compensation is at the forefront of addressing new challenges and opportunities. By 2033, nearly one in four U.S. workers will be 55 or older, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This marks a significant increase from just over 15% in 2003. The aging workforce brings new complexities, including a rise in chronic health conditions, comorbidities, and longer recovery times following workplace injuries. At Skyscraper Insurance, we understand that these trends require adaptive strategies. Tailored safety programs, ergonomic solutions, and a focus on preventive care and health maintenance are vital to ensuring the health, productivity, and safety of older employees. These measures don’t just mitigate risks—they also create a supportive and efficient workplace environment. In parallel, advancements in technology are revolutionizing the workers’ compensation landscape. Innovations like artificial intelligence and telemedicine are enhancing the customer experience, from streamlining underwriting and claims processes to providing injured workers with immediate access to medical professionals. The rise of the gig economy further underscores the need for dynamic, tech-driven solutions to keep pace with an ever-changing workforce. The importance of risk management is also reflected in recent executive surveys. In 2024, 23% of global executives identified employee risk as their top concern, surpassing all other business risks. Additionally, 42% believed they were operating in a high-risk environment, a notable increase from 31% in 2023. This sentiment highlights the growing recognition of the need for proactive and comprehensive workers’ compensation solutions. Looking ahead to 2025, businesses should prepare for potential shifts in workers’ compensation costs. Factors such as wage inflation, increased claim sizes, and market dynamics may lead to rising premiums despite a softer market. At Skyscraper Insurance, we are dedicated to helping businesses navigate these changes effectively. By staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging cutting-edge solutions, we empower our clients to maintain robust, compliant, and forward-thinking workers’ compensation programs. Together, we share your vision for a safer and more prosperous tomorrow.

Best Practices for Insurance Professionals in 2025