How to Survive an Insurance Hard Market in 2023: A Cost-Savings Guide for Policyholders

During difficult times, AHI Group is happy to be your insurance resource, helping you navigate the ever-complex world of insurance while protecting your assets. In 2023, with current hard market conditions, we want to provide you with the necessary resources you need to mitigate the impact of insurance increases as much as possible.

We understand that these current changes can significantly impact your financial well-being. That’s why we have prepared this comprehensive cost-saving guide to help you navigate through the hard market and find ways to manage the rising costs. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can safeguard your coverage while mitigating the financial burden. Let’s explore valuable insights and practical tips to ensure you survive and thrive during this challenging period.

Understanding the Insurance Hard Market

The insurance hard market is a term used to describe a period of increased premiums, stricter underwriting guidelines, and limited coverage options. It is driven by various factors such as increased claim costs, reduced insurer capacity, and changes in the overall economic landscape. During a hard market, insurance carriers become more selective and cautious in their underwriting practices, leading to higher prices for policyholders.

By understanding the dynamics of the insurance hard market, you can better comprehend why premiums are increasing and the challenges it presents. This awareness empowers you to make informed decisions about your insurance coverage, explore cost-saving opportunities, and proactively manage your risk. The first step to understanding how to mitigate the impacts of an insurance hard market is to assess your current insurance needs:

Survival Tip 1: Assessing Your Current Insurance Needs

Assessing your insurance needs is a crucial step in navigating the insurance hard market. It involves evaluating your existing coverage to ensure it aligns with your evolving circumstances and provides adequate protection. During a hard market, it becomes even more important to review your policies carefully.

Commercial and personal clients are both impacted similarly by hard insurance market conditions, but there are some key differences to note. We’ll explore how commercial and personal are both impacted by the hard insurance market:

Commercial

Businesses are all about reducing expenses and increasing revenue. When back-end costs, such as utility bills, material costs, labor costs, and insurance premiums rise, it becomes more difficult for businesses to boost their bottom line. With insurance costs on the rise, businesses are considering riskier moves, such as dropping coverage to slash costs.

Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to any size business. If a loss occurs, and your business is underinsured (or even uninsured), then that loss would fall entirely on you. For smaller businesses, this could result in permanent closure. We recommend businesses review their policies with the help of an agent and consider cost-savings efforts to reduce their premiums without dropping coverage.

Personal

Auto and home insurance policyholders may be getting the worst of the current hard market impacts. Car insurance premiums have been on a steady rise due to external global factors like rising building costs, car thefts, rising collisions, higher claim payouts, and more.

Home insurance costs have been increasing similarly. Home insurance costs are impacted by rising labor costs, rising material costs, high housing demand, increased cost of payouts, global weather disasters, and more.

For many individuals and families, the extra costs can be detrimental. We’re already seeing price increases all over the board, with grocery prices and fuel prices increasing. It can be difficult to know where to start to begin saving money. As with commercial clients, we recommend personal clients review with their agent and consider cost-saving efforts to drop premiums without cutting coverage.

Survival Tip 2: Cost-Savings for Personal and Commercial

Cost-savings to negate the impacts of the hard insurance market looks similar for both commercial and personal clients, with some minor differences.

To reduce costs, commercial clients and business owners may consider implementing the following:

  • Risk Management Evaluation: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement proactive risk management measures. This can help minimize the likelihood of claims and potentially reduce premiums.
  • Deductible Adjustment: Consider adjusting your deductibles to align with your risk tolerance. Increasing deductibles can lead to lower premiums, but ensure you have sufficient funds available in case of a claim.
  • Loss Control Measures: Implement loss control strategies, such as improving workplace safety protocols, providing employee training, and maintaining proper maintenance practices. This can help reduce the frequency and severity of claims, potentially leading to lower premiums.
  • Policy Endorsements Review: Regularly review your policy endorsements to ensure they accurately reflect your business’s operations and risks. Removing unnecessary endorsements or updating coverage limits can help optimize your coverage and prevent overpaying for unnecessary protection. As always, enlist an agent to help you with this to avoid accidentally slashing necessary coverage.
  • Bundling Insurance Policies: Consolidate your commercial insurance policies with a single insurer to potentially qualify for multi-policy discounts. Bundling can lead to cost savings and streamline policy management.

Personal insurance clients, on the other hand, may reap the advantages of the following strategies:

  • Increase Deductibles: Consider raising the deductibles on your policies, such as auto or home insurance. This can result in lower premiums while still maintaining essential coverage.
  • Review Coverage Limits: Assess your coverage limits to ensure they align with your current needs. Adjusting coverage limits can help find a balance between adequate protection and affordability.
  • Explore Discounts: Inquire about available discounts with your insurance provider. These may include bundling policies, installing security systems, maintaining a good driving record, or being part of certain professional associations.
  • Comparison Shop: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare prices and coverage options. Getting a quote through a provider like AHI Group is an easy way to do this.
  • Policy Review: Regularly review your policies with your insurance agent. This ensures that you have the right coverage and eliminates any redundant or unnecessary policies, avoiding extra costs.

Note, the suitability of these strategies may vary depending on your unique circumstances and coverage requirements. Consult with your insurance agent at AHI Group to determine the most appropriate cost-saving strategies for your specific situation.

Survival Tip 3: Seek Professional Guidance

Navigating the intricacies of the insurance hard market can be challenging, which is why seeking professional guidance is highly recommended. An insurance advisor or agent can provide invaluable expertise and personalized assistance to help you make informed decisions.

 We at AHI Group have in-depth industry knowledge, access to multiple insurance markets, and can tailor coverage based on your individual business or household needs. We can also conduct regular policy reviews on your behalf to ensure your coverage remains adequate and up to date. We’re also happy to identify any changes in your circumstances that may necessitate adjustments.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Adapt

Staying informed about the insurance industry and adapting to changing market conditions is crucial during a hard insurance market. Staying updated on industry news, market trends, and reviewing your policy regularly are some of the best ways to adapt to current conditions. By staying informed and adapting to the evolving insurance landscape, you can position yourself to make informed decisions, secure appropriate coverage, and effectively manage costs in a hard market environment.

At AHI Group, we are more than happy to discuss your insurance needs and the current hard market conditions with you today. We understand that saving costs in today’s cost-of-living crisis is critical, and we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your policy. Call us today or get a free quote.

World Lung Cancer Day: Raising Awareness, Why it Matters, & How it Affects Your Insurance Costs

As an insurance agency that deals in the selling of life insurance, but also harbors a strong commitment to protecting families, we understand the profound impact that health-related issues can have on both individuals and their loved ones. One such concern that demands our unwavering attention is lung cancer – a formidable adversary that continues to affect millions of lives worldwide. In honor of World Lung Cancer Day, we aim to shed light on this pressing matter, delving into why raising awareness is crucial, the far-reaching implications it holds, and its significant influence on insurance costs.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind the correlation between lung cancer and insurance costs, as well as the steps individuals can take to secure their financial future in the face of such challenges. Moreover, we will emphasize the significance of proactive measures in reducing the risk of lung cancer, fostering a healthier society, and potentially mitigating insurance-related concerns.

At AHI Group, we believe that empowering individuals with knowledge and awareness is an integral part of our commitment to safeguarding their well-being and financial security. By delving into the realms of lung cancer, its impact on insurance, and the importance of collective awareness, we hope to pave the way for informed decisions, improved support systems, and, ultimately, a brighter, healthier future.

August 1st is World Lung Cancer Day

The “C” word is devastating for any individual, young or old. Each year, on August 1st, the world recognizes World Lung Cancer Day, a day created to raise awareness for a cancer that claims more lives per year than colon, prostate, and breast cancer combined. Lung cancer is extremely prevalent among the older generation, but we’re starting to see cases now emerge among younger individuals as well.

World Lung Cancer Day holds immense significance as it serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, prevention strategies, and the dire need for early detection. This global observance brings together individuals, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and insurance agencies alike to unite in a common cause: combating the devastating impact of lung cancer on communities worldwide. By shedding light on this critical health issue, World Lung Cancer Day not only emphasizes the importance of fostering a greater understanding of the disease but also highlights the urgent necessity for robust support systems, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced research initiatives. Through collective efforts on this day and beyond, we can strive to reduce the burden of lung cancer, improve patient outcomes, and create a world where prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive insurance coverage play pivotal roles in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and their loved ones.

Insurance and Lung Cancer: Understanding the Impact of Smoking on Life and Home Insurance Costs

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with smoking being the primary risk factor associated with this deadly disease. As an insurance agency, we cannot stress enough the critical link between smoking and the costs of life and home insurance. Understanding this relationship is vital for individuals seeking coverage, as well as for insurance providers determining policy terms and premiums.

When it comes to life insurance, smoking is a significant determinant in assessing an applicant’s risk profile. Smokers are exposed to a considerably higher risk of developing lung cancer, as well as other health issues such as heart disease and respiratory ailments. Consequently, insurance providers view smoking as a red flag, which can lead to higher premiums for smokers compared to non-smokers.

Similarly, the impact of smoking extends to home insurance costs as well. Home insurance covers various risks, including fire hazards, which can be heightened in households with smokers. Smoking indoors raises the likelihood of accidental fires, and insurance companies recognize this added risk. As a result, homes with smokers may be subjected to higher home insurance premiums to account for the elevated potential of fire-related incidents.

The critical importance of World Lung Cancer Day is critical importance for policyholders (both for life and home) who smoke. By understanding the profound impact that smoking has on insurance costs, individuals can be motivated to adopt healthier lifestyles and potentially reduce the financial burden of insurance premiums.

AHI Group: Helping You Save Money on Your Insurance This World Lung Cancer Day

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of lung cancer on individuals, families, and the insurance industry. As an insurance agency, we understand the significant implications that smoking and lung cancer have on life and home insurance costs. By raising awareness about the link between smoking and increased health risks, we hope to inspire individuals to take charge of their well-being and make informed decisions that can potentially lead to lower insurance premiums and comprehensive coverage.

In addition to understanding the impact that lung cancer has had on our loved ones, whether in our immediate family, our friends, or personally experienced, we can see how making healthier efforts – such as quitting smoking, eating healthier, and exercising – can not only secure a brighter future for ourselves and our loved ones but can even help us reduce some of our insurance costs. Give us a call at AHI Group to discuss more about reducing your insurance costs today.

What is a Hard Insurance Market?

Welcome to AHI Group’s Blog, where we strive to keep you informed about all things insurance-related. Today, we delve into an important concept that affects both individuals and businesses alike: the hard insurance market. As insurance professionals, it’s crucial to understand this term and its implications, especially during times when the insurance landscape becomes more challenging and unpredictable.

In simple terms, a hard insurance market refers to a period characterized by increased premiums, reduced coverage options, and stricter underwriting guidelines. It’s a phase when insurance carriers become more cautious and conservative in their approach due to a variety of factors that can impact the overall insurance industry. During these periods, both insurance providers and policyholders face unique challenges as they navigate through the changing dynamics of the market.

Let’s address some key challenges of a hard insurance market, how insurers are responding, and what that might mean for you as a policyholder.

What Causes a Hard Insurance Market?

A hard insurance market is typically triggered by a combination of internal and external factors that create a challenging environment for insurance carriers. Understanding these causes can provide valuable insights into the dynamics behind the market shift.

External factors that contribute to a hard insurance market include natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires, that result in a higher volume of claims and increased losses for insurance companies. Economic downturns or recessions can also strain the industry as financial instability affects insurers’ investment returns and overall profitability.

Internally, insurance carriers may experience reduced capital reserves due to underperforming investments or inadequate premium pricing in the past. Regulatory changes, stricter accounting standards, or legal judgments can also have a significant impact on insurers’ financial stability and their ability to offer affordable coverage options.

Combined, these factors create an environment where insurance companies must reassess their risk appetite, adjust pricing models, and tighten underwriting guidelines to restore profitability. While a hard insurance market can be challenging for policyholders, understanding the underlying causes can help navigate these periods with greater awareness and preparedness.

Are We in a Hard Insurance Market in 2023?

Determining whether we are currently in a hard insurance market can be a complex task. While the insurance market can experience fluctuations, transitioning from a soft market to a hard market isn’t always easy to pinpoint. However, there are certain indicators that can help us gauge the current state of the market.

One of the key signs of a hard insurance market is an overall increase in insurance premiums across various lines of coverage. This rise in premiums is typically driven by factors such as a surge in claims, higher reinsurance costs, or broader economic conditions. Additionally, insurance carriers may become more selective about the risks they are willing to underwrite, resulting in stricter underwriting guidelines and reduced coverage options.

As of July 2023, when this blog was written, U.S. P&C insurers are facing what might very well be the hardest insurance market of a generation. Amid escalating litigation costs, a jump in claim payouts, and increased labour expenses, insurance premiums in the United States have been affected worse than they ever have in recent years.

Hard vs Soft Insurance Market

To better understand the concept of a hard insurance market, it’s important to contrast it with its counterpart: the soft insurance market.

In a soft market, insurance carriers tend to compete fiercely for business, leading to a more favorable environment for policyholders. During a soft market phase, premiums are generally lower, coverage options are more extensive, and underwriting guidelines may be more flexible.

Conversely, a hard insurance market is characterized by tighter conditions for policyholders. Premiums tend to rise, coverage options can become limited, and insurance carriers become more cautious in their underwriting practices. This shift often occurs as insurance companies aim to restore profitability after periods of significant losses or economic downturns.

What Can Policyholders Do About Hard Market Prices?

Dealing with increased insurance premiums can be daunting for policyholders, not to mention frustrating. When it seems like the cost of living will never stop increasing, insurance is one thing you don’t want to have to pay an arm and a leg for. There are some steps you can stake to mitigate the impact of rising prices and navigate through this challenging phase:

Consider Risk Mitigation Strategies: Implement risk management practices to minimize potential losses and demonstrate to insurers that you are actively working to reduce risk. This can include improving security systems, implementing safety protocols, or investing in preventive measures.

Explore Deductible Options: Adjusting your deductibles can help lower your premiums. However, be sure to evaluate your financial ability to cover higher deductibles in the event of a claim. If you can’t pay your deductible, your claim may not be covered.

Review Your Policy. While we always advise reviewing your policy annually to reassess your current insurance needs and budget, doing so in a hard insurance market is crucial. We recommend enlisting an agent to help you do just this.

These tips are just a few of the many things policyholders can do to combat their policy increases over the course of the next several months, or even years. Over the next few weeks, read our blog for more information on how to combat the impacts of a hard insurance market, when the hard insurance market “may end,” and how to navigate rising premiums in a cost crisis.

And if you have any questions about your own insurance or want to know how a hard insurance market may be impacting you, please give us a call at 913-839-1478.

Is Auto Insurance Required in Kansas?

Our agents at the AHI Group serving the Olathe, KS area want you to know that auto insurance is required in the state of Kansas. This means that auto insurance is mandatory for all drivers and if you are caught driving without the minimum amount of auto insurance, you can be fined, lose your license, and even have to serve jail time in some cases.

The minimum amount of auto insurance in Kansas includes personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This type of liability insurance will only cover the other vehicle if you are at fault in the accident and help pay the medical bills of the other vehicle’s driver and passenger.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will help you out if you are involved in an accident with someone who has no insurance or who does not have very much insurance. This means that this type of insurance will help you pay for the damages to your vehicle and for any injuries that you suffer in an accident.

Other Types of Auto Insurance

Collision Insurance

collision insurance is designed to help you pay for any damages to your vehicle if you collide with another vehicle or even some sort of stationary object.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is very important to have since it will help you replace or repair your vehicle if it is damaged in a way other than an accident. This can include a natural disaster, a fire, an act of vandalism, or even if the vehicle is stolen.

Both comprehensive and collision insurance policies are normally required by lenders who offer auto loans.

Contact Us Today

To create the best auto insurance policy for you and your vehicle, contact the experienced and knowledgeable agents at the AHI Group serving the Olathe, KS area today!

Does my commercial insurance policy protect my business when the business is closed because of weather?

Besides your home, your Olathe, KS business is your most valuable asset. Your commercial insurance through AHI Group probably has coverage for at least the property and vehicles you use. When bad weather strikes, you will hopefully have coverage to help you recover from property damage. However, if the event is serious enough, bad weather can close your business for a short time or even indefinitely while your recover. 

Bad Weather Coverage

Especially if you live in an area where there are frequent weather events, it is vital to make sure that your insurance covers those kinds of incidents. Some policies will have exclusions for certain kinds of weather events, and you need to make sure you understand what your policy covers. However, even if you have coverage, you will likely only be protected against physical damages. Coverage for when your business is closed is different and must be obtained separately.

Business Interruption Insurance

When your business is closed, you still have to pay your mortgage and employees. Some businesses never recover from a business closure that happened because of a weather event. Income protection insurance, also called business interruption insurance, can help cover that gap. You will still be able to pay wages, rent, taxes, utilities, and other necessary bills that continue to accrue while your business is closed. 

Get The Coverage That You Need

If your business closes because of an unforeseen weather event, you will want to get back open as soon as possible. Business interruption insurance can help you to stay afloat while you make necessary repairs. If you feel as though this is a protection that could help your Olathe, KS business, or if you have questions about how it works, please call AHI Group today.

Spring is a Great Time for a Home Insurance Review

If you have a home, you know how important it is to protect your investment in it. It’s the place where your family feels safe and makes memories, and you want to take good care of it. Spring is a good time to review your home insurance policy and make sure you have all the coverage you need for your house. If you’re in the Olathe, KS area, AHI Group can review the policy you have and see what kinds of changes you might want to make.

Reviewing Your Home Insurance

In the springtime, everything feels fresh and new, and that can give you extra incentive to clean your house, donate items, and make changes. While you’re working your way through those changes, consider your home insurance policy. Does it need changes, too? If you’ve made improvements to your home, for example, or you’ve added detached structures like a shed, you may need coverage adjustments.

Working with our professional, dedicated insurance agents makes it easy and convenient for you to make any needed changes to your home insurance, so you can have more peace of mind and know that you’re protected. It’s a good idea to review your home insurance policy once a year and anytime you have a big change to your home for any reason. That way you’ll always have the level of coverage you need.

Give Us A Call

Our team at the AHI Group can help with your home insurance review if you’re in the Olathe, KS area. We know your home is very important to you, and you want to keep it safe. Insurance is one of the best ways to do that, and our agents are here and ready to help answer your home policy questions. After a thorough review from us, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about any coverage changes.

Kansas RV Insurance: Are You Prepared?

Embarking on an RV adventure is an exciting way to explore the beautiful state of Kansas and beyond. However, it’s crucial to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey by securing the right insurance coverage. Here we delve into the importance of Kansas RV insurance and spotlight the services of AHI Group in Olathe, KS to help you navigate your options and stay protected on the road.

About RV Insurance

The open road can present numerous challenges and risks, making it vital for RV owners in Kansas to have adequate insurance coverage. AHI Group, a trusted insurance agency in Olathe, KS, offers tailored policies to fit the unique needs of RV enthusiasts, ensuring that they can travel with confidence.

Kansas RV insurance typically encompasses several components, including liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and additional optional coverages. Liability coverage protects you in case you’re at fault in an accident, while collision and comprehensive coverages safeguard your RV against damage from accidents, theft, and other perils. It’s essential to work with an experienced insurance agency like ours to determine the appropriate levels of coverage for your specific RV and travel plans.

We can provide you with customized RV insurance solutions. Our  team of professionals is dedicated to helping you understand your options and crafting a policy that addresses your unique needs and concerns.

Give Us A Call

Securing the right Kansas RV insurance is an essential aspect of preparing for your adventures on the open road. By partnering with a dependable agency like AHI Group serving the greater Olathe, KS community, you can ensure that your RV and its occupants are protected, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the journey ahead. Don’t let insurance concerns put the brakes on your RV escapades – contact us today for a seamless and comprehensive insurance experience.

4 Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of the best ways to demonstrate how deeply you care for your loved ones. A common misconception is that life insurance is only necessary for wealthy families, but that isn’t true.

Here are four reasons why you need life insurance:

1. Life Insurance Can Enable Your Child to Go to College

Did you know that a whole life insurance policy can be cashed in when your child is ready to go to college? Even better, your whole life insurance policy benefits don’t need to be claimed as income on your child’s student loan application. Talk to your life insurance rep at AHI Group serving Olathe, KS to learn how it works.

2. Life Insurance Can Give You Cash When You Need it Most

Another reason to have a whole life insurance policy is its protection against life’s financial emergencies. You can borrow against your whole life policy without cashing it in—for any reason—including times when you have an emergency and need a life raft to get through a temporary financial setback.

3. Life Insurance Helps Your Family Survive

A term life insurance policy serves as an important resource for your family after your passing. With a policy like this in place, your family, their home, school and livelihood can all be safeguarded despite losing a primary source of income for the family.

4. Life Insurance is a Safety Net

After your passing, your family needs time to grieve. They may need to take time off work as they work through their emotions. The life insurance policy you provide gives your loved ones the safety net they will need as they cope with their loss, without having to fear lost wages.

Reach Out To Us

There are several life insurance options to consider. Contact AHI Group in Olathe, KS today to learn which kind of policy is right for your needs.

Auto Insurance for Seniors in Kansas

Older drivers are experienced drivers. They don’t take senseless risks. They know how to drive defensively, and they tend to be courteous on the road. But while rates go down for mature drivers in their 50 and 60s, they start creeping up again in their 70s and 90s. AHI Group in Olathe, KS has some suggestions for making it easier to find the coverage you need at the price you can afford.

Tips For Senior Drivers

Keep Up That Great Driving Record

Stay accident-free. Avoid moving violations. That means, taking stop signs and stoplights seriously, and staying within posted speed ;iomits. If you  do find yourself in traffic court, make sure you take advantage of any driver education programs that can remove a ticket from your record.

Ask Us About Usage-Based Auto Insurance

One of the liberating things about retirement is not having to drive to work every morning and commute back home every night. You don’t spend as many hours behind the wheel. Your agent at AHI Group can help you find a policy that takes mileage into account for rating your policy.

Don’t Drive as Much

Consolidate your daily trips. Take an Uber or Lyft when the weather is bad. Get in the habit of letting someone you trust to take care of driving for you in their car.

Drive the Newest Car You Can Afford

Most of us get attached to our cars. We have memories of good times and bad that we associate without cars. But consider getting the car of your dreams now so you won’t spend so much time and money on repairs later. Your insurance premiums may be lower with a new car too.

Reach Out To Us

At AHI Group in Olathe, KS we offer convenient online appointments. You can also call us  to discuss your insurance needs in person.

Top Types of Commercial Insurance That Your Business Needs

Small businesses play an important role in the economy of Kansas. There are over 258,000 different small businesses in the Sunflower state covering a vast spectrum of firms and companies. If you are a business owner of one of them, you probably understand that to protect your business, yourself, and your employees, you should carry commercial insurance.

Here are the main four types of commercial insurance that any small business needs and why. 

The Types of Commercial Insurance That Your Business Needs

If you own a business and you want to protect it properly, consider having these types of commercial insurance:

  • Commercial general liability insurance. This insurance type provides coverage for general business risks. It covers such common risks as bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, and more. Therefore, it is one of the first types of business insurance that you should consider getting. 
  • Business interruption insurance. This type of commercial insurance covers various incidents that disrupt the earning ability of your company. Any business needs this coverage because it puts a business in the financial position that the business was in before the loss. 
  • Property insurance. The purpose of this insurance is to cover property damage, inventory, and other important assets. It covers a commercial building and its contents, which is perfect for small businesses.
  • Cyber insurance. This type of commercial insurance will cover damage if your business is hurt by any online activity. 

AHI Group – Your Reliable and Trustworthy Insurance Company in Olathe, KS

Are you a business owner operating your business in Olathe, KS and surrounding areas? Are you shopping for any type of commercial insurance? Do not look any further – AHI Group is here for you. Our insurance company will help you find the right policy based on your preferences, budget limits, and insurance needs. Visit us today or give us a call for more information.