Insurance premiums are generally governed by the insurance cycle – which moves between a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ market, based on economic and other factors.
In a soft market, insurers are chasing market share – competing with lower premiums and wider underwriting terms – and making it easier and cheaper to get the cover you need.
Factors like a worsening economy, higher claims – perhaps due to a string of natural disasters and storms – and poor investments can lead the market to harden.
In these times, premiums tend to be higher – and underwriters less willing to take on additional risks.