Insurance brokers: Will insurance premiums increase this year because of coronavirus?
Answered by:
To some extent it will depend on the financial markets more than actual losses sustained. As many have already seen auto carriers issued refunds based on the limited driving taking place. This trend will most likely continue as more people work from home permanently.
Homeowners rates and other property coverages are more sensitive to the reinsurance market which is dictated by financial conditions as much as it is risk so we will see a hardening of the market there with increasing premiums.
For commercial liability, business interruption and workers compensation it will depend on how much exposure is actually absorbed by the industry with a huge factor being litigation costs even if no claims are paid.
In regards to heath coverage the cost will rise but it may take a little while to filter into the system. While expenditures are down due to delayed procedures costs will increase from treating certain conditions later than desired but the long term costs will be health organizations having to plan and stock for future events which will increase overall operating expenses.