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Businesses Urged to Prepare for 2026 Risk and Insurance Challenges
New insights highlight key insurance issues, rising liability trends, and planning tools to help businesses stay compliant and protected
As businesses look ahead to 2026, they face an increasingly complex risk and regulatory environment that makes proactive planning more important than ever. To help organizations stay informed and prepared, industry experts are sharing timely insights on emerging insurance trends, liability risks, and practical planning resources designed to support confident decision-making.
10 Business Insurance Issues to Keep Top of Mind in 2026
The start of a new year is an ideal time for business owners to review their insurance programs and ensure coverage aligns with how their operations function today. Experts recommend paying close attention to the following key insurance considerations in 2026:
- Adequate Property Valuations
- Business Interruption Coverage Gaps
- Cyber Risk and Data Protection
- Employment Practices Liability
- Contractual Risk and Certificates of Insurance
- Auto Exposures and Fleet Management
- Umbrella and Excess Liability Limits
- Workers’ Compensation Trends
- Environmental and Climate-Related Exposures
- Policy Terms, Exclusions, and Conditions
Understanding these areas can help businesses identify potential gaps in coverage and reduce unexpected exposure. Additional details and guidance are available through a related blog post, and insurance professionals are available to assist with policy reviews.
Why ‘Nuclear Verdicts’ Matter for Business Insurance
Another growing concern impacting businesses nationwide is the rise of so-called “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards totaling $10 million or more. According to Insurance Journal, 89 nuclear verdicts were recorded in 2023, totaling $14.5 billion. In 2024, that number surged to 135 verdicts, a 52% increase, with awards exceeding $31 billion.
While these cases may appear extreme, they are influencing how insurers evaluate risk, set premiums, and determine coverage limits. Businesses are encouraged to understand how this trend could affect their liability exposure, insurance costs, and overall risk management strategies.
Helpful Planning Tools for 2026
To further support business planning and compliance efforts, several free, downloadable tools are now available:
- HR Compliance Calendar
A valuable resource to help businesses track key employment-related deadlines throughout the year. Staying organized with HR compliance requirements can help avoid penalties and workplace disruptions. - 2026 National Safety Observances Calendar
Designed to help organizations build a stronger safety culture, this calendar highlights key safety observances and includes training and awareness resources aimed at reducing accidents, improving productivity, and lowering insurance costs. - 2026 National Health Observances Calendar
This planning tool highlights important health awareness days and observance months, making it easier for organizations to promote wellness, encourage meaningful conversations, and support healthier communities.
Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of these insights and resources as they plan for the year ahead and evaluate their risk management strategies for 2026.
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D. Francis Murphy Insurance Agency | 50 Main Street | Hudson, MA 01749 US
