Coverage, claims, climate: broker priorities shift in 2026
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FM Affiliated global survey highlights biggest challenges and opportunities for firms in months to come
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Copyright © 2025 KM Business Information US, Inc
RSS
Sitemap
Contact us
About us
Conditions of Use
Privacy policy
Terms & conditions
People
Contact Us
Specialty
Best in Insurance
Resources
Risk Management
TV
News
US
Copyright © 2025 KM Business Information US, Inc
RSS
Sitemap
Contact us
About us
Conditions of Use
Privacy policy
Terms & conditions
People
FM Affiliated is a leading commercial property insurer for the mid- and upper-mid-market. Partnering exclusively with brokers to deliver tailored, resilient solutions. Backed by the A+ rating and nearly 200 years of engineering expertise of FM, we combine financial stability and deep industry knowledge to help clients identify, prioritize, and reduce future loss with practical, affordable solutions. Backed by research and testing to anticipate emerging risks. Our clients are protected and brokers have a trusted ally in a changing world, backed by broad coverage, expert engineering, and a commitment to swift, fair claims handling.
consolidated responses from hundreds of professionals across the globe, shed some much-needed light on sector sentiment – beginning with what catches brokers’ eyes.
Coverage breadth and claims responsiveness When asked which factors most influence their recommendation of a commercial property insurer to mid-market clients, with all respondents being able to select up to three options, unsurprisingly pricing still took the top spot. According to the data, 75 percent of brokers cite pricing as the biggest influence on their recommendations, closely followed by coverage breadth (70 percent), claims responsiveness (51 percent), industry expertise (23 percent), broker relationships (20 percent), reputation (19 percent), and risk engineering services (9 percent).
And while costs may always be the biggest factor here, that gap between pricing and coverage breadth is minute – something that FM Affiliated believes is reflective of the changes in client expectations.
Speaking to Insurance Business, Danielle Harrison, senior vice president, FM Affiliated division manager, explained that while pricing will always be a consideration, brokers value breadth of coverage and claims responsiveness almost as highly. As such, FM Affiliated has invested heavily in these areas – because mid-market clients need comprehensive solutions and confidence that claims will be handled swiftly and fairly.
“Our claims excellence and risk engineering support are designed to deliver that assurance,” said Harrison. “These findings align with what we see in the market. While pricing matters, brokers increasingly value comprehensive coverage and proven claims excellence – areas where FM Affiliated consistently delivers. Our commitment to protection means clients can trust us to safeguard what matters most.”
A good track record was closely followed by having industry-specific underwriting expertise (51 percent), boasting strong financial ratings (37 percent), having risk management support (27 percent), having transparent communication methods and good onboarding (23 percent), and, lastly, broker recommendations (15 percent).
Emerging risks: cyber threats and supply chain worries And while inflexibility in underwriting is concerning brokers right now, it seems as if in the months to come, it’ll be cybercrime keeping professionals up at night. According to the global data, cyber threats were listed as the number one emerging risk that will impact mid-market clients in two to three years (66 percent). Why? Well, cyber risk is now seen as essentially a property risk issue namely because operational downtime can lead to significant business interruption. As such, brokers can help by encouraging their clients to integrate cyber resilience into their business continuity planning – something that will be key to survival in the digitized years to come.
Here, FM Affiliated supports brokers through proactive risk
engineering to avoid resulting damage to property and the impact of business interruption on a client’s business – a win-win for both brokers and their clients.
And FM Affiliated’s data certainly chimes with wider research here too. The National Association of Corporate Directors found that 77 percent of executives said their board has “discussed material and financial implications of a cybersecurity incident” – up 25 percent from 2022.
Following cyber threat, the next big concern for brokers is climate-related risks (52 percent) – not entirely surprising considering the onslaught of natural disasters seen in 2025. According to research from Gallagher Re, globally climate-related insured losses exceeded $145 billion in 2024, and in the first half of 2025 insured losses climbed to $84 billion.
Harrison clarified, as we move into 2026, climate-related risks are no longer a distant concern – they’re shaping operational decisions today.
“FM Affiliated helps brokers and their clients move beyond uncertainty with actionable foresight,” she added. “Our Climate Resilience Tracker combines advanced modeling and engineering expertise with over a billion data points to forecast site-specific vulnerabilities. By analyzing more than 700 variables and ranking the top at-risk locations, we enable businesses to prioritize investments and strengthen resilience against hazards like flood, wind, wildfire, and freeze. This isn’t just risk management – it’s a strategic advantage that transforms climate volatility into informed decisions and long-term competitiveness.”
Following climate concerns came worries around supply chain disruptions (49 percent), the impact of new technologies (49 percent), regulatory changes (34 percent), and issues with construction materials (29 percent).
The fact that global supply chain disruptions cause just as much of a worry to brokers as the impact of new technologies shows something of a shift in mindset this year. The impact of AI on organizational strategy and workflow seems to have leveled out, as global supply chains continue to remain vulnerable to geopolitical shifts and climate-related events, which can have cascading effects on property risk.
Here, Harrison’s advice to brokers is clear: “Resilience is no longer optional – it’s a strategic advantage.”
Business disruption: the dangers of a lack of recovery planning Despite the gravity of these risks, brokers are continually frustrated by clients who overlook their strategic advice here, especially when it comes to risk mitigation strategies (68 percent) and business continuity plans (66 percent).
“We believe most risk is preventable, a principle that defines how we deliver property insurance,” said Harrison. “Beyond traditional risk transfer, we leverage engineering expertise and scientific research to help clients stop losses before they happen. We see the impact that proactive risk mitigation contributes to dramatically reduce the frequency and impact of disruptive events such as fires, storms, and floods, protecting businesses and communities. Our approach empowers brokers and clients to make smarter, cost-effective decisions – combining property loss prevention with comprehensive insurance protection.
“Our Broker Education Curriculum delivers hands-on workshops, access to research centers, and Risk Prevention Trucks, equipping brokers with the expertise to optimize client programs and tackle emerging risks with confidence.”
What’s more, in the age of cyberattacks and natural disasters, overlooking recovery planning is not only risky – it’s dangerous. Many mid-market businesses seemingly underestimate the complexity of recovery after a major event. However, ignoring business continuity planning can lead to prolonged downtime, revenue loss, and reputational damage – all of which are notably difficult to recoup.
To help solve this issue, Harrison recommends that brokers begin with a robust disaster recovery plan and regular property valuations – adding that FM Affiliated’s risk engineering team works closely with brokers and clients to identify vulnerabilities and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
“Ignoring business continuity planning can lead to prolonged downtime and reputational damage,” she told IB. “Our risk engineers help clients close these gaps before disaster strikes – demonstrating our commitment to protection and progress.”
Following business continuity issues and risk mitigation issues, the next pieces of ignored advice revolve around regular property valuation updates (61 percent), preparing for climate-related exposures
(33 percent), keeping up with building codes and regulations (32 percent), and prioritizing long-term insurer partnerships (31 percent).
FM Affiliated: protection, partnership, progress In the face of such compelling data, one thing is abundantly clear. The only way to help your clients thrive in the months to come is by equipping them with the knowledge, means, and flexible options that will protect their organizations, their people, and their purpose – all of which are deeply embedded in the DNA of FM Affiliated.
“In a world of evolving risks, FM Affiliated empowers brokers to deliver certainty and confidence to their clients,” said Harrison. “Through our unwavering commitment to protection, partnership, and progress, we help brokers ensure that every client can truly Protect Their Purpose.”
‘We consistently deliver on this when it matters most’ In today’s ultra-competitive market, remaining “gold standard” is key for firms. That means always keeping your eye on the ball and treating every claim with the utmost care – something brokers value above all else. When asked what brokers want in a new carrier, one overriding consideration came to light – 61 percent of brokers say that handling track record is essential. Why? Because, as Harrison explained, trust is earned through performance, and claims handling is where insurers can really prove their worth.
“When a loss occurs, speed and fairness matter most,” she told IB. “That’s why brokers trust FM Affiliated’s claims performance. Our unwavering focus on partnership ensures clients are supported when they need it most. FM Affiliated’s claims excellence is a cornerstone of our value proposition – we consistently deliver on this when it matters most.”
Advocating for mid-market clients: inflexible underwriting On the flip side of this equation, when it comes to advocating for mid-market clients, brokers claim that the biggest obstacle is, unsurprisingly, inflexible underwriting. As per FM Affiliated’s research, 74 percent of brokers agree that inflexible underwriting is their major challenge this year, followed by a lack of tailored solutions (52 percent), limited risk management support (29 percent), and communication gaps (25 percent).
Inflexible underwriting and lack of tailored solutions are recurring pain points across the sector, with mid-market clients often having unique risk profiles. What’s more, rigid underwriting can often limit brokers’ ability to advocate effectively – which, in turn, creates friction and delays,
forcing brokers into compromises that don’t fully protect their clients.
Here, Harrison told IB that her team’s approach helps to mitigate these challenges quickly, equipping brokers with the flexibility they need and expect.
“Our underwriting approach is designed to adapt to unique mid-market profiles without compromising risk integrity,” she said. “This is where our partnership with brokers truly makes a difference – working together to deliver the right solutions for each client.”
AS WE head into 2026, brokers and organizations are pondering what challenges and opportunities the new year will bring – especially in the complex commercial property space. From the impact of new technologies to the rise in natural disasters, from increasingly sophisticated cybercrime attacks to supply chain disruptions – it’s been a year of cataclysmic change for both brokers and their clients.
But what impact is all this transformative disruption having on the insurance landscape? And, more importantly, what should brokers be preparing their people for in the months and years to come?
A recent global survey launched by FM Affiliated – a leader in tailored commercial property insurance – delved deeper into what brokers are seeing in the sector right now while also predicting what the future may hold. The data, which
Published Dec 15, 2025
Source: FM Affiliated
What types of risk-related advice do mid-market clients most often overlook –potentially exposing them to future losses?
Proactive risk mitigation strategies
Preparing for climate-related exposures
68%
33%
Business continuity or disaster recovery planning
66%
Regular property valuation updates
61%
Prioritizing long-term insurer partnerships
31%
Keeping up with building codes and regulations
32%
Source: FM Affiliated
What emerging risks or trends do you believe will most impact mid-market clients in the next 2–3 years?
Climate-related risks
Cyber threats
52%
66%
Regulatory changes
34%
New technologies
49%
Construction materials
29%
Supply chain disruptions
49%
Source: FM Affiliated
What are the biggest obstacles you face when advocating for mid-market clients in commercial property insurance?
Lack of tailored solutions
Limited risk management support
52%
29%
Inflexible underwriting
74%
Communication gaps
25%
Speaking to Insurance Business, Danielle Harrison, senior vice president, FM Affiliated division manager, explained that while pricing will always be a consideration, brokers value breadth of coverage and claims responsiveness almost as highly. As such, FM Affiliated has invested heavily in these areas – because mid-market clients need comprehensive solutions and confidence that claims will be handled swiftly and fairly.
“Our claims excellence and risk engineering support are designed to deliver that assurance,” said Harrison. “These findings align with what we see in the market. While pricing matters, brokers increasingly value comprehensive coverage and proven claims excellence – areas where FM Affiliated consistently delivers. Our commitment to protection means clients can trust us to safeguard what matters most.”
A good track record was closely followed by having industry-specific underwriting expertise (51 per cent), boasting strong financial ratings (37 per cent), having risk management support (27 per cent), having transparent communication methods and good onboarding (23 per cent) and, lastly, broker recommendations (15 per cent).
Emerging risks: cyber threats and supply chain worries And while inflexibility in underwriting is concerning brokers right now, it seems as if in the months to come, it’ll be cybercrime keeping professionals up at night. According to the global data, cyber threats were listed as the number one emerging risk that will impact mid-market clients in two to three years (66 per cent). Why? Well, cyber risk is now seen as essentially a property risk issue namely because operational downtime can lead to significant business interruption. As such, brokers can help by encouraging their clients to integrate cyber resilience into their business continuity planning – something which will be key to survival in the digitized years to come.
Here, FM Affiliated supports brokers through proactive risk engineering to avoid resulting damage to property and the impact of business interruption on a client’s business – a win-win for both brokers and their clients.
And FM Affiliated’s data certainly chimes with wider research here too. The National Association of Corporate Directors found that 77 per cent of executives said their board has “discussed material and financial implications of a cybersecurity incident” – up 25 per cent from 2022.
Following cyber threat, the next big concern for brokers is climate-related risks (52 per cent) – not entirely surprising considering the onslaught of natural disasters seen in 2025. According to research from Gallagher Re, globally climate-related insured losses exceeded US$145 billion in 2024, and in the first half of 2025 insured losses climbed to US$84 billion.
Harrison clarified, as we move into 2026, climate-related risks are no longer a distant concern – they’re shaping operational decisions today.
“FM Affiliated helps brokers and their clients move beyond uncertainty with actionable foresight,” she added. “Our Climate Resilience Tracker combines advanced modelling and engineering expertise with over a billion data points to forecast site-specific vulnerabilities. By analysing more than 700 variables and ranking the top at-risk locations, we enable businesses to prioritise investments and strengthen resilience against hazards like flood, wind, wildfire and freeze. This isn’t just risk management – it’s a strategic advantage that transforms climate volatility into informed decisions and long-term competitiveness.”
Following climate concerns came worries around supply chain disruptions (49 per cent), the impact of new technologies (49 per cent), regulatory changes (34 per cent) and issues with construction materials (29 per cent).
The fact that global supply chain disruptions cause just as much of a worry to brokers as the impact of new technologies shows something of a shift in mindset this year. The impact of AI on organizational strategy and workflow seems to have levelled out, as global supply chains continue to remain vulnerable to geopolitical shifts and climate-related events, which can have cascading effects on property risk.
Here, Harrison’s advice to brokers is clear: “Resilience is no longer optional –- it’s a strategic advantage.”
Business disruption: the dangers of a lack of recovery planning Despite the gravity of these risks, brokers are continually frustrated by clients who overlook their strategic advice here, especially when it comes to risk mitigation strategies (68 per cent) and business continuity plans (66 per cent).
“We believe most risk is preventable, a principle that defines how we deliver property insurance,” said Harrison. “Beyond traditional risk transfer, we leverage engineering expertise and scientific research to help clients stop losses before they happen. We see the impact that proactive risk mitigation contributes to dramatically reduce the frequency and impact of disruptive events such as fires, storms and floods, protecting businesses and communities. Our approach empowers brokers and clients to make smarter, cost-effective decisions – combining property loss prevention with comprehensive insurance protection.
“Our Broker Education Curriculum delivers hands-on workshops, access to research centres and Risk Prevention Trucks, equipping brokers with the expertise to optimise client programs and tackle emerging risks with confidence.”
What’s more, in the age of cyberattacks and natural disasters, overlooking recovery planning is not only risky – it’s dangerous. Many mid-market businesses seemingly underestimate the complexity of recovery after a major event. However, ignoring business continuity planning can lead to prolonged downtime, revenue loss and reputational damage – all of which are notably difficult to recoup.
To help solve this issue, Harrison recommends that brokers begin with a robust disaster recovery plan and regular property valuations – adding that FM Affiliated’s risk engineering team works closely with brokers and clients to identify vulnerabilities and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
“Ignoring business continuity planning can lead to prolonged downtime and reputational damage,” she told IB. “Our risk engineers help clients close these gaps before disaster strikes – demonstrating our commitment to protection and progress.”
Following business continuity issues and risk mitigation issues, the next pieces of ignored advice revolve around regular property valuation updates (61 per cent), preparing for climate-related exposures (33 per cent), keeping up with building codes and regulations (32 per cent) and prioritising long-term insurer partnerships (31 per cent).
FM Affiliated: protection, partnership, progress In the face of such compelling data, one thing is abundantly clear. The only way to help your clients thrive in the months to come is by equipping them with the knowledge, means and flexible options that will protect their organizations, their people and their purpose – all of which are deeply embedded in the DNA of FM Affiliated.
“In a world of evolving risks, FM Affiliated empowers brokers to deliver certainty and confidence to their clients,” said Harrison. “Through our unwavering commitment to protection, partnership and progress, we help brokers ensure that every client can truly Protect Their Purpose.”
‘We consistently deliver on this when it matters most’ In today’s ultra-competitive market, remaining “gold standard” is key for firms. That means always keeping your eye on the ball and treating every claim with the utmost care – something brokers value above all else. When asked what brokers want in a new carrier, one overriding consideration came to light – 61 per cent of brokers say that handling track record is essential. Why? Because, as Harrison explained, trust is earned through performance, and claims handling is where insurers can really prove their worth.
“When a loss occurs, speed and fairness matter most,” she told IB. “That’s why brokers trust FM Affiliated’s claims performance. Our unwavering focus on partnership ensures clients are supported when they need it most. FM Affiliated’s claims excellence is a cornerstone of our value proposition – we consistently deliver on this when it matters most.”
Advocating for mid-market clients: inflexible underwriting On the flip side of this equation, when it comes to advocating for mid-market clients, brokers claim that the biggest obstacle is, unsurprisingly, inflexible underwriting. As per FM Affiliated’s research, 74 per cent of brokers agree that inflexible underwriting is their major challenge this year, followed by a lack of tailored solutions (52 per cent), limited risk management support (29 per cent) and communication gaps (25 per cent).
Inflexible underwriting and lack of tailored solutions are recurring pain points across the sector, with mid-market clients often having unique risk profiles. What’s more, rigid underwriting can often limit brokers’ ability to advocate effectively – which, in turn, creates friction and delays, forcing brokers into compromises that don’t fully protect their clients.
Here, Harrison told IB that her team’s approach helps to mitigate these challenges quickly, equipping brokers with the flexibility they need and expect.
“Our underwriting approach is designed to adapt to unique mid-market profiles without compromising risk integrity,” she said. “This is where our partnership with brokers truly makes a difference – working together to deliver the right solutions for each client.”
AS WE head into 2026, brokers and organisations are pondering what challenges and opportunities the new year will bring – especially in the complex commercial property space. From the impact of new technologies to the rise in natural disasters, from increasingly sophisticated cybercrime attacks to supply chain disruptions – it’s been a year of cataclysmic change for both brokers and their clients.
But what impact is all this transformative disruption having on the insurance landscape? And, more importantly, what should brokers be preparing their people for in the months and years to come?
A recent global survey launched by FM Affiliated – a leader in tailored commercial property insurance – delved deeper into what brokers are seeing in the sector right now while also predicting what the future may hold. The data, which consolidated responses from hundreds of professionals across the globe, shed some much-needed light on sector sentiment – beginning with what catches brokers’ eyes.
Coverage breadth and claims responsiveness When asked which factors most influence their recommendation of a commercial property insurer to mid-market clients, with all respondents being able to select up to three options, unsurprisingly pricing still took the top spot. According to the data, 75 per cent of brokers cite pricing as the biggest influence on their recommendations, closely followed by coverage breadth (70 per cent), claims responsiveness (51 per cent), industry expertise (23 per cent), broker relationships (20 per cent), reputation (19 per cent) and risk engineering services (9 per cent).
And while costs may always be the biggest factor here, that gap between pricing and coverage breadth is minute – something that FM Affiliated believes is reflective of the changes in client expectations.
Published 15 Dec 2025
Source: FM Affiliated
What types of risk-related advice do mid-market clients most often overlook –potentially exposing them to future losses?
Proactive risk mitigation strategies
Preparing for climate-related exposures
68%
33%
Business continuity or disaster recovery planning
66%
Regular property valuation updates
61%
Prioritizing long-term insurer partnerships
31%
Keeping up with building codes and regulations
32%
Source: FM Affiliated
What emerging risks or trends do you believe will most impact mid-market clients in the next 2–3 years?
Climate-related risks
Cyber threats
52%
66%
Regulatory changes
34%
New technologies
49%
Construction materials
29%
Supply chain disruptions
49%
Source: FM Affiliated
What are the biggest obstacles you face when advocating for mid-market clients in commercial property insurance?
Lack of tailored solutions
Limited risk management support
52%
29%
Inflexible underwriting
74%
Communication gaps
25%
FM Affiliated is a leading commercial property insurer for the mid- and upper-mid-market. Partnering exclusively with brokers to deliver tailored, resilient solutions. Backed by the A+ rating and nearly 200 years of engineering expertise of FM, we combine financial stability and deep industry knowledge to help clients identify, prioritise and reduce future loss with practical, affordable solutions. Backed by research and testing to anticipate emerging risks. Our clients are protected and brokers have a trusted ally in a changing world, backed by broad coverage, expert engineering and a commitment to swift, fair claims handling.
Speaking to Insurance Business, Danielle Harrison, senior vice president, FM Affiliated division manager, explained that while pricing will always be a consideration, brokers value breadth of coverage and claims responsiveness almost as highly. As such, FM Affiliated has invested heavily in these areas – because mid-market clients need comprehensive solutions and confidence that claims will be handled swiftly and fairly.
“Our claims excellence and risk engineering support are designed to deliver that assurance,” said Harrison. “These findings align with what we see in the market. While pricing matters, brokers increasingly value comprehensive coverage and proven claims excellence – areas where FM Affiliated consistently delivers. Our commitment to protection means clients can trust us to safeguard what matters most.”
A good track record was closely followed by having industry-specific underwriting expertise (51 per cent), boasting strong financial ratings (37 per cent), having risk management support (27 per cent), having transparent communication methods and good onboarding (23 per cent) and, lastly, broker recommendations (15 per cent).
Emerging risks: cyber threats and supply chain worries And while inflexibility in underwriting is concerning brokers right now, it seems as if in the months to come, it’ll be cybercrime keeping professionals up at night. According to the global data, cyber threats were listed as the number one emerging risk that will impact mid-market clients in two to three years (66 per cent). Why? Well, cyber risk is now seen as essentially a property risk issue namely because operational downtime can lead to significant business interruption. As such, brokers can help by encouraging their clients to integrate cyber resilience into their business continuity planning – something which will be key to survival in the digitized years to come.
Here, FM Affiliated supports brokers through proactive risk engineering to avoid resulting damage to property and the impact of business interruption on a client’s business – a win-win for both brokers and their clients.
And FM Affiliated’s data certainly chimes with wider research here too. The National Association of Corporate Directors found that 77 per cent of executives said their board has “discussed material and financial implications of a cybersecurity incident” – up 25 per cent from 2022.
Following cyber threat, the next big concern for brokers is climate-related risks (52 per cent) – not entirely surprising considering the onslaught of natural disasters seen in 2025. According to research from Gallagher Re, globally climate-related insured losses exceeded US$145 billion in 2024, and in the first half of 2025 insured losses climbed to US$84 billion.
Harrison clarified, as we move into 2026, climate-related risks are no longer a distant concern – they’re shaping operational decisions today.
“FM Affiliated helps brokers and their clients move beyond uncertainty with actionable foresight,” she added. “Our Climate Resilience Tracker combines advanced modelling and engineering expertise with over a billion data points to forecast site-specific vulnerabilities. By analysing more than 700 variables and ranking the top at-risk locations, we enable businesses to prioritise investments and strengthen resilience against hazards like flood, wind, wildfire and freeze. This isn’t just risk management – it’s a strategic advantage that transforms climate volatility into informed decisions and long-term competitiveness.”
Following climate concerns came worries around supply chain disruptions (49 per cent), the impact of new technologies (49 per cent), regulatory changes (34 per cent) and issues with construction materials (29 per cent).
The fact that global supply chain disruptions cause just as much of a worry to brokers as the impact of new technologies shows something of a shift in mindset this year. The impact of AI on organizational strategy and workflow seems to have levelled out, as global supply chains continue to remain vulnerable to geopolitical shifts and climate-related events, which can have cascading effects on property risk.
Here, Harrison’s advice to brokers is clear: “Resilience is no longer optional –- it’s a strategic advantage.”
Business disruption: the dangers of a lack of recovery planning Despite the gravity of these risks, brokers are continually frustrated by clients who overlook their strategic advice here, especially when it comes to risk mitigation strategies (68 per cent) and business continuity plans (66 per cent).
“We believe most risk is preventable, a principle that defines how we deliver property insurance,” said Harrison. “Beyond traditional risk transfer, we leverage engineering expertise and scientific research to help clients stop losses before they happen. We see the impact that proactive risk mitigation contributes to dramatically reduce the frequency and impact of disruptive events such as fires, storms and floods, protecting businesses and communities. Our approach empowers brokers and clients to make smarter, cost-effective decisions – combining property loss prevention with comprehensive insurance protection.
“Our Broker Education Curriculum delivers hands-on workshops, access to research centres and Risk Prevention Trucks, equipping brokers with the expertise to optimise client programs and tackle emerging risks with confidence.”
What’s more, in the age of cyberattacks and natural disasters, overlooking recovery planning is not only risky – it’s dangerous. Many mid-market businesses seemingly underestimate the complexity of recovery after a major event. However, ignoring business continuity planning can lead to prolonged downtime, revenue loss and reputational damage – all of which are notably difficult to recoup.
To help solve this issue, Harrison recommends that brokers begin with a robust disaster recovery plan and regular property valuations – adding that FM Affiliated’s risk engineering team works closely with brokers and clients to identify vulnerabilities and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
“Ignoring business continuity planning can lead to prolonged downtime and reputational damage,” she told IB. “Our risk engineers help clients close these gaps before disaster strikes – demonstrating our commitment to protection and progress.”
Following business continuity issues and risk mitigation issues, the next pieces of ignored advice revolve around regular property valuation updates (61 per cent), preparing for climate-related exposures (33 per cent), keeping up with building codes and regulations (32 per cent) and prioritising long-term insurer partnerships (31 per cent).
FM Affiliated: protection, partnership, progress In the face of such compelling data, one thing is abundantly clear. The only way to help your clients thrive in the months to come is by equipping them with the knowledge, means and flexible options that will protect their organizations, their people and their purpose – all of which are deeply embedded in the DNA of FM Affiliated.
“In a world of evolving risks, FM Affiliated empowers brokers to deliver certainty and confidence to their clients,” said Harrison. “Through our unwavering commitment to protection, partnership and progress, we help brokers ensure that every client can truly Protect Their Purpose.”
‘We consistently deliver on this when it matters most’ In today’s ultra-competitive market, remaining “gold standard” is key for firms. That means always keeping your eye on the ball and treating every claim with the utmost care – something brokers value above all else. When asked what brokers want in a new carrier, one overriding consideration came to light – 61 per cent of brokers say that handling track record is essential. Why? Because, as Harrison explained, trust is earned through performance, and claims handling is where insurers can really prove their worth.
“When a loss occurs, speed and fairness matter most,” she told IB. “That’s why brokers trust FM Affiliated’s claims performance. Our unwavering focus on partnership ensures clients are supported when they need it most. FM Affiliated’s claims excellence is a cornerstone of our value proposition – we consistently deliver on this when it matters most.”
Advocating for mid-market clients: inflexible underwriting On the flip side of this equation, when it comes to advocating for mid-market clients, brokers claim that the biggest obstacle is, unsurprisingly, inflexible underwriting. As per FM Affiliated’s research, 74 per cent of brokers agree that inflexible underwriting is their major challenge this year, followed by a lack of tailored solutions (52 per cent), limited risk management support (29 per cent) and communication gaps (25 per cent).
Inflexible underwriting and lack of tailored solutions are recurring pain points across the sector, with mid-market clients often having unique risk profiles. What’s more, rigid underwriting can often limit brokers’ ability to advocate effectively – which, in turn, creates friction and delays, forcing brokers into compromises that don’t fully protect their clients.
Here, Harrison told IB that her team’s approach helps to mitigate these challenges quickly, equipping brokers with the flexibility they need and expect.
“Our underwriting approach is designed to adapt to unique mid-market profiles without compromising risk integrity,” she said. “This is where our partnership with brokers truly makes a difference – working together to deliver the right solutions for each client.”
AS WE head into 2026, brokers and organisations are pondering what challenges and opportunities the new year will bring – especially in the complex commercial property space. From the impact of new technologies to the rise in natural disasters, from increasingly sophisticated cybercrime attacks to supply chain disruptions – it’s been a year of cataclysmic change for both brokers and their clients.
But what impact is all this transformative disruption having on the insurance landscape? And, more importantly, what should brokers be preparing their people for in the months and years to come?
A recent global survey launched by FM Affiliated – a leader in tailored commercial property insurance – delved deeper into what brokers are seeing in the sector right now while also predicting what the future may hold. The data, which consolidated responses from hundreds of professionals across the globe, shed some much-needed light on sector sentiment – beginning with what catches brokers’ eyes.
Coverage breadth and claims responsiveness When asked which factors most influence their recommendation of a commercial property insurer to mid-market clients, with all respondents being able to select up to three options, unsurprisingly pricing still took the top spot. According to the data, 75 per cent of brokers cite pricing as the biggest influence on their recommendations, closely followed by coverage breadth (70 per cent), claims responsiveness (51 per cent), industry expertise (23 per cent), broker relationships (20 per cent), reputation (19 per cent) and risk engineering services (9 per cent).
And while costs may always be the biggest factor here, that gap between pricing and coverage breadth is minute – something that FM Affiliated believes is reflective of the changes in client expectations.
Published 15 Dec 2025
Source: FM Affiliated
What types of risk-related advice do mid-market clients most often overlook –potentially exposing them to future losses?
Proactive risk mitigation strategies
Preparing for climate-related exposures
68%
33%
Business continuity or disaster recovery planning
66%
Regular property valuation updates
61%
Prioritizing long-term insurer partnerships
31%
Keeping up with building codes and regulations
32%
Source: FM Affiliated
What emerging risks or trends do you believe will most impact mid-market clients in the next 2–3 years?
Climate-related risks
Cyber threats
52%
66%
Regulatory changes
34%
New technologies
49%
Construction materials
29%
Supply chain disruptions
49%
Source: FM Affiliated
What are the biggest obstacles you face when advocating for mid-market clients in commercial property insurance?
Lack of tailored solutions
Limited risk management support
52%
29%
Inflexible underwriting
74%
Communication gaps
25%
Source: FM Affiliated
What would you want in a new carrier?
Strong financial ratings
Proven claims handling track record
37%
61%
Industry-specific underwriting expertise
51%
Broker recommendations
15%
Transparent communication and onboarding
23%
Risk management support
27%
Which factors most influence your recommendation of a commercial property insurer to mid-market clients?
Pricing
Coverage breadth
75%
70%
Risk engineering services
9%
Claims responsiveness
51%
Industry expertise
Source: FM Affiliated
23%
Broker relationship
20%
Reputation
19%
Source: FM Affiliated
What would you want in a new carrier?
Strong financial ratings
Proven claims handling track record
37%
61%
Industry-specific underwriting expertise
51%
Broker recommendations
15%
Transparent communication and onboarding
23%
Risk management support
27%
Which factors most influence your recommendation of a commercial property insurer to mid-market clients?
Pricing
Coverage breadth
75%
70%
Risk engineering services
9%
Claims responsiveness
51%
Industry expertise
Source: FM Affiliated
23%
Broker relationship
20%
Reputation
19%
IN Partnership with
FM Affiliated is a leading commercial property insurer for the mid- and upper-mid-market. Partnering exclusively with brokers to deliver tailored, resilient solutions. Backed by the A+ rating and nearly 200 years of engineering expertise of FM, we combine financial stability and deep industry knowledge to help clients identify, prioritise and reduce future loss with practical, affordable solutions. Backed by research and testing to anticipate emerging risks. Our clients are protected and brokers have a trusted ally in a changing world, backed by broad coverage, expert engineering and a commitment to swift, fair claims handling.
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