Get ready to gulp down a bitter pill: your rising insurance premium might just take a bigger bite out of your paycheck than you ever thought possible.
Why? We’re neck-deep in what’s known as a hard market.
If you’re scratching your head, wondering what on Earth a hard market is, stick with us. It’s a term you’re going to want to know.
You see, due to our crazy economy, soaring prices, and wages that just can’t keep up, people are grappling with how to pay their bills. Among those bills is the ever-daunting cost of insurance, which for many is just as hefty as a mortgage or rent payment.
Today, we’ll peel back the layers of this complex issue to understand how a hard market affects you, your family, and most importantly, your wallet. Let’s dive in!
What is an Insurance Hard Market?
So you’ve heard the term “hard market” but might be wondering what it actually means for you. In simple terms, a hard market is like winter for insurance companies; a time to hunker down and be extra cautious.
During these periods, premium increases are more common than you’d like, making your bills soar. That’s because insurance companies are trying to cover a wider range of risks while making sure they don’t sink financially.
And it’s not just about rising costs; insurers also become quite picky during these times. Think of it as them setting a higher bar for coverage assessment, choosing to insure only those they see as less risky.
But wait, there’s more. Your choices for different types of coverage might shrink too. Just like a store clearing out less popular items, insurance companies will often reduce the range of coverage options they offer. They stick to the ones that make them the most money while cutting back on the riskier propositions.
Hard vs Soft Market: Why It Matters
Understanding insurance market cycles is like knowing the weather forecast. It helps you prepare for what’s ahead.
A hard market is that stormy phase where everything gets tense, premiums rise, and options narrow. On the flip side, a soft market is like a sunny day when insurance companies are in a good mood, premiums are low, and you’ve got plenty of coverage choices.
During a soft market, affording personal insurance feels like a breeze. Companies are competing for your business, and it’s easier to get the coverage you want at a price you like.
But when the market turns hard, as it is now, affording personal insurance becomes a serious challenge. It’s like suddenly having to run uphill in a race you didn’t even know you were in. The conditions are tougher, and you have to be more strategic to make it through without straining your finances.
So, knowing where we are in these cycles can give you an edge. You can adapt your strategy and make smarter decisions about your coverage and premiums. Insurance agencies like Kicker Insures Me Agency can help you with this.
Effects on Your Pocket
Feeling the pinch in a hard market is pretty much universal; you’re in “good company” (you aren’t alone) if you’ve noticed those premium increases. When it’s time to renew your policies, the new rates can feel like the ice bucket challenge.
This is the perfect moment to become your own advocate. Though, know, that in this hard market there aren’t a lot of options with less insurance companies wanting to play ball.
But it’s not all about escaping higher premiums; it’s also about striking the right balance with your coverage. You should take the time to conduct your own coverage assessment to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need (no more, no less).
Sometimes we keep piling on coverage options until we’re overinsured. Conversely, we miss out on essential ones, leaving us underinsured.
If you’re looking to balance out those rising premiums, consider adjusting your deductibles. Raising them could offset some of the premium increases, but remember, it should be a calculated decision based on your ability to bear a higher out-of-pocket cost in case you need to make a claim.
Building and Maintaining Relationships in a Hard Market
In these rocky times, you might think that insurance companies are out to get you. And you may think that your insurance agent doesn’t care. But trust us, they’re all feeling the crunch too. Insurance comparies are leaving the market as they aren’t able to weather the winter. Then you have insurance agents, like us, who are doing more quotes trying to help their customers reduce costs or having to find new insurance companies for customers whose insurance company just left the market.
So, how can you turn this to your advantage? One word: loyalty.
If you’ve been a long-standing customer with a clean history (meaning few or no claims and always paying your premiums on time) this is the time, if any, it may pay off. Insurance companies value stability, especially when the market is as shaky as a leaf in the wind. They’re more likely to give some slack to customers who’ve been consistently responsible.
Be proactive. Ask your insurance provider about any discounts for which you may qualify; like those for multiple policies, safe driving, or home security features. It may require a bit of effort on your part, but the savings could make it all worthwhile.
So, build that rapport with your independent insurance agency! A strong relationship could be your lifesaver in navigating the effects of a hard market.
The Bundle Advantage
Feeling stuck despite all your efforts? There’s still a lifeline: bundling. If you need multiple types of insurance, like home and auto, combine them with one provider.
This isn’t just easier; it’s often cheaper. Many companies offer discounts for bundling, allowing you to save on the total cost. So if the hard market has you down, consider bundling as your ace in the hole for more affordable rates.
A Lifeline in a Hard Market
You’re now armed with the knowledge to navigate a hard market in the insurance realm. Take control of your personal insurance; don’t let it control you.
Do you have questions or concerns? Well, at Kicker Insures Me Agency, we can help you navigate a hard market and make the best of it. Get in touch to learn more! Call/text us at (281) 487-9686 today.