10 Insurance Issues Businesses Should Keep Top of Mind in 2026

Here are 10 key insurance issues to consider in 2026 and why they matter.

1. Adequate Property Valuations

Why it matters: Construction and material costs are rising, and many buildings remain underinsured. Updating property values helps prevent coinsurance penalties and ensures proper coverage at the time of a loss.

2. Business Interruption Coverage Gaps

Why it matters: Disruptions aren’t just from fires or storms. Supply chain issues, utility outages, and contingent business interruptions are increasingly common. Understanding your triggers, waiting periods, and exclusions protects your operations.

3. Cyber Risk and Data Protection

Why it matters: Cyber threats like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches continue to grow. Cyber insurance, combined with strong internal controls and response planning, is essential to protect operations and finances.

4. Employment Practices Liability

Why it matters: Claims related to harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination remain prevalent. EPL coverage is crucial, especially with evolving employment laws and hybrid or remote work arrangements.

5. Contractual Risk and Certificates of Insurance

Why it matters: Contracts often shift risk or require proof of insurance. Reviewing policies and certificates ensures your coverage aligns with obligations and prevents uncovered claims.

6. Auto Exposures and Fleet Management

Why it matters: Auto-related claims continue to drive losses. Reviewing vehicle limits, driver controls, and usage patterns is key for businesses relying on deliveries or mobile staff.

7. Umbrella and Excess Liability Limits

Why it matters: Large liability verdicts can happen in any industry. Regularly evaluating umbrella or excess limits ensures your business remains protected as revenue and exposure grow.

8. Workers’ Compensation Trends

Why it matters: Medical inflation and longer recovery times continue to drive claims. Reviewing classifications, payroll estimates, and return-to-work programs helps manage costs while protecting employees.

9. Environmental and Climate-Related Exposures

Why it matters: Weather events, environmental regulations, and sustainability expectations affect more businesses every year. Reviewing coverage for floods, wind, heat-related losses, and environmental liability is critical.

10. Policy Terms, Exclusions, and Conditions

Why it matters: Coverage is not just about limits; the fine print matters too. Carriers adjust exclusions and endorsements regularly. Reviewing these changes prevents surprises when claims occur.

Looking Ahead

Insurance works best when it evolves alongside your business. A thoughtful annual review, especially at the start of a new year, can help identify emerging risks, confirm coverage alignment, and support smarter decision-making throughout 2026.

The Murphy Insurance Agency team is always glad to talk with you about your operations, help you think through risk management considerations, and review your coverage to ensure it continues to support your business goals. If any of the topics above raise concerns, please reach out so we can explore your questions and help you find solutions. Staying informed and proactive is one of the most effective ways to protect what you have worked hard to build.