Wildfires and Other Secondary Perils Driving Insurance Costs

The devastating wildfires on Maui have shone a spotlight on an issue that’s being felt much more broadly than just in the Aloha State. Thanks to shifting weather patterns, there’s been a recent uptick in “secondary perils” — wildfires, major thunderstorms, and landslides — which is prompting private insurers to pull back or limit coverage, leaving the overall market in a precarious position. 

Secondary Perils Are Impacting the Entire Insurance Market

Major catastrophes, like hurricanes and earthquakes, tend to get the greatest media attention, and historically rack up the greatest losses. However, secondary perils are driving significant insurance losses, and, according to Gallagher Re, they’re actually surpassing loss totals from primary perils. To make matters worse, factors like rising inflation, outdated property valuations, and supply chain disruptions are all driving up the costs to repair or replace properties after a disaster occurs. 

It’s no surprise that the uptick in secondary perils and associated costs can have a long-term impact on the entire insurance industry. The mounting losses caused by secondary perils are also affecting the flow of capital into the reinsurance market. As a result, primary insurers are facing higher costs, which they in turn pass on to their clients through pricing hikes and changes to coverage. 

Across the board, insurance providers are faced with the challenge of adapting to these more frequent and increasingly more severe events. Carriers will need to carefully consider how to better estimate future losses and address the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, alongside other secondary perils. 

Preparing for Wildfires 

The Maui fires aside, this year’s wildfire season was off to a slower start in other areas of the country, like California, but activity began picking up in the latter half of July. Although much of the wildfire risk has tapered off for the year, a few months remain in wildfire season, and it’s important to stay vigilant and minimize risks as much as possible. 

Although some wildfires begin “naturally” — for example, from lightning striking dry brush — at least 85% of all U.S. wildfires are caused by people. Careless behavior like tossing away a cigarette, leaving a campfire unattended, or burning debris are all common culprits. In addition, equipment malfunction, such as a spark from a vehicle backfire, can also ignite wildfires. As we navigate through the final high-risk wildfire months, being particularly mindful of potential fire hazards can help prevent widespread disaster.

MiniCo, Your Property Experts

Whether or not you’re in a wildfire-prone area, you and your commercial property clients are likely feeling the impact on insurance premiums of the recent wildfire trends and the overall rise in secondary perils. You can trust MiniCo has a finger on the pulse of nationwide commercial property trends and can help you source the best coverage available. With 19 exclusive programs and class-specific expertise providing insurance solutions for self-storage facilities, nonprofit and social services organizations, commercial farm and ranch operations, adult residential facilities, and more, MiniCo offers the highest level of flexibility in coverages, limits, and deductibles. 

Contact MiniCo for a quote today.