Commercial Risk Advisor | April 2022
Spring Auto Risks
While winter driving conditions can be particularly treacherous, spring also presents its own unique challenges for driving. Rain, new road construction projects and increased motorcyclists can all create risks for drivers.
Since vehicles are essential to the daily operations of various organizations, drivers must remain vigilant in mitigating risks while on the road. The following precautions can decrease the possibility of incidents occurring behind the wheel:
Stay alert while driving through construction. Follow all traffic signage, reduce vehicle speed and remain focused while traveling through work zones.
Be on the lookout for motorcyclists. Increase the following distance, look at blind spots when passing or changing lanes, double-check before crossing an intersection and use proper signaling to reduce the chance of collision with a motorcycle.
Prepare for severe weather. Ensure tires have adequate tread, windshield wipers are working properly and lights are functional before operating a vehicle. Be cautious in rainstorms that occur after an extended period of dry weather; oil buildup on the road can create slippery conditions when mixed with rainwater. Spring temperatures can also dip below freezing, creating slick roads and hazardous driving conditions.
Watch out for animals. Be alert for wildlife on the road as deer, bears and other wild animals come out of hibernation in the spring. Slow down or stop if animals are on or near the roadway.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average auto accident costs an organization $16,500, and if a fatality occurs, these costs can exceed $500,000. Therefore, minimizing the risk of accidents is essential for companies to limit their liability. For more information, contact us today.
Rising Property Replacement Costs
Commercial property losses and insurance premiums have significantly increased over the past two years due to environmental and economic factors. Undervaluation of the replacement costs for a damaged building or equipment can also be linked to commercial property insurers experiencing high loss costs. To compensate, insurers continue to increase premiums, with rates rising 8.7% in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers.
The following have contributed to rising property replacement costs:
Extreme weather events—Insured losses caused by extreme weather events exceeded $100 billion in 2021 worldwide.
Economic disruption—The supply chain crisis, high inflation rates and high numbers of employees quitting their jobs have led to immense economic turmoil.
Undersized asset valuations—Since valuations reflect a snapshot in time, it can be challenging to accurately predict the price of replacing damaged or destroyed assets.
Since accurate valuations can help policyholders purchase enough insurance to avoid getting stuck with paying uncovered losses, business leaders should:
Conduct annual appraisals—Commercial property and equipment should be reappraised annually to minimize the risk of extended business interruptions. For example, the assessment may estimate how long it would take to receive a machine built overseas, and business leaders could then plan accordingly for that transition.
Utilize data and analytics—Risk managers and brokers can expand their use of data and analytics to provide a more refined understanding of commercial property risk. By closing the gap between asset replacement cost valuations and projected losses, organizations can improve their property risk management practices and obtain better insurance coverage.
It’s more important than ever for organizations to understand their commercial property risks and ensure they have adequate protection.
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