Property Insurance Costs - On the Rise

 

CATASTROPHIC LOSSES A Leading Driver of Rising Property Insurance Costs   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. Already in 2023, there have been more extreme events in America that cost at least $1 billion, exceeding the 2020 record.* Catastrophes, the mounting costs of building materials and four other driving forces are increasing the cost of property insurance.

Property Rate by the Numbers       Catastrophe Losses: Over the past five years in the United States, 89 events have generated losses of more than $1 billion each.¹       Reinsurance: In early 2023, the gap between reinsurance supply and demand was estimated at $60 billion, three times what it was the previous fall.²       Property Replacement Costs: Over the past three years, the cost of structural steel increased by 55% and the price of lumber increased by 35%.³       Skilled Labor Shortage: The Associated General Contractors of America found that nine out of 10 contractors are struggling to find skilled labor and are delaying projects as a result.4

10 Factors that Affect Your Home Insurance Rate

1.  Location: The location of your home is one of the most significant factors in determining your insurance rates. If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, you may have to pay higher insurance premiums.
   
   
2. Home value and construction: The cost of rebuilding or repairing your home in case of damage is a critical factor in determining your insurance rates. Homes made of expensive materials or those with intricate designs may cost more to repair, and therefore have higher premiums.
   
   
3. Age of the home: The age of your home can also impact your insurance rates. Older homes may require more repairs and maintenance, making them more expensive to insure.
   
   
4. Type of dwelling: The type of dwelling you have, such as a single-family home, condo, or townhouse, can also affect your insurance rates.
   
   
   
5. Claims history: Your claims history can also impact your insurance rates. If you have filed multiple claims in the past, insurance companies may consider you a higher risk and charge higher premiums.
   
   
6. Credit score: Your credit score can also be a factor in determining your insurance rates. Insurance companies often use credit scores to determine how likely you are to file a claim.
   
   
7. Deductible amount: The amount of your deductible can also impact your insurance rates. A higher deductible can lower your premiums, but it also means you'll have to pay more out of pocket if you do file a claim.
   
   
8. Security features: Insurance companies may offer lower rates to homeowners who have security features installed in their homes, such as alarm systems, security cameras, and smoke detectors.
   
   
9. Occupancy: Whether or not you occupy your home can also be a factor in determining your insurance rates. A vacant home may be considered a higher risk than one that is occupied.
   
   
10. Liability coverage: Your liability coverage, which protects you if someone is injured on your property, can also affect your insurance rates. Higher coverage limits may result in higher premiums.

Find out more at Community Insurance Solutions LLC.

Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value

 Replacement cost and actual cash value are two methods of valuing property in the insurance industry.

Replacement cost is the cost to replace damaged or destroyed property with new property of the same kind and quality, without deduction for depreciation. In other words, it's the amount of money it would take to completely replace a damaged or destroyed item with a brand new one of the same quality.

Actual cash value, on the other hand, is the cost to replace damaged or destroyed property with new property of similar kind and quality, less depreciation. This means that the insurance company takes into account the age and condition of the damaged or destroyed property and subtracts the depreciation from its original value.

For example, let's say a 5-year-old television was destroyed in a fire. The replacement cost of the television would be the cost of buying a new television of the same brand and quality. The actual cash value, however, would take into account the fact that the television is 5 years old and has depreciated in value, so the insurance payout would be less than the cost of a brand new television.

In general, replacement cost coverage tends to be more expensive than actual cash value coverage because it offers more comprehensive protection. However, actual cash value coverage can be a good option for those who are willing to accept a lower payout in exchange for lower premiums.

Learn more at Community Insurance Solutions LLC.