6 Forces Driving Commercial Property Insurance Costs

Ron Kollman

February 17, 2023

Commercial property insurance is a vital coverage for businesses, protecting them from financial loss due to damage to their property, equipment, or other assets. However, the cost of commercial property insurance can vary depending on many factors, and it is essential for business owners to understand what drives these costs.

Here are six forces driving commercial property insurance costs:

Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires can cause extensive damage to commercial property. These events often result in high claim payouts, leading to an increase in insurance premiums. When the eye of the storm wreaks havoc, many commercial properties are faced with the aftermath. In 2022, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and blizzards continued to strain the industry at an alarming rate. Catastrophes plus the mounting costs of building materials and four other driving forces are increasing the cost of property insurance.
Construction Costs: The cost of rebuilding or repairing a commercial property after damage or destruction can vary depending on the materials, labor, and other factors. Rising construction costs can also lead to an increase in insurance costs.
Location: The location of the commercial property can significantly impact insurance costs. Properties located in areas prone to natural disasters or high crime rates are considered higher risk and may require higher premiums.
Business Type: The type of business that occupies the property can also affect the cost of insurance. For instance, a restaurant that uses cooking equipment may have a higher risk of fire, leading to higher insurance costs.
Building Age: The age of the commercial property can also influence insurance costs. Older buildings may be more susceptible to damage, leading to higher premiums.
Loss History: A business's loss history can also impact the cost of commercial property insurance. If a business has a history of filing claims, insurers may view them as a higher risk and charge higher premiums.

It's important to note that there are many other factors that can impact the cost of commercial property insurance. However, understanding these six forces can help businesses make informed decisions about their insurance coverage and take steps to mitigate risk.

To help control insurance costs, businesses should take steps to improve the safety and security of their property. This can include installing fire suppression systems, security cameras, and alarms, as well as implementing policies and procedures to prevent accidents and minimize losses.

In conclusion, commercial property insurance costs are impacted by various factors, including natural disasters, construction costs, location, business type, building age, and loss history. Understanding these forces and taking steps to mitigate risk can help businesses control insurance costs and ensure they have adequate coverage in case of unexpected events.