Fire insurance policies provide coverage to owners of commercial or industrial properties, protecting them against material damage caused by fires and additional risks. These policies are versatile and can encompass a wide array of insured properties, ranging from small rural sheds to high-rise buildings worth billions of dollars. The majority of claims under fire policies are related to significant individual fire incidents and other substantial losses triggered by natural disasters and man-made events, leading to a simultaneous surge in claims.
As of 2019, the global fire insurance market had a valuation of $58.49 billion. Projections suggest that by 2028, it is anticipated to reach $120.49 billion, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2021 onwards. An article in the Economic Times reported a 6.7% increase in premium collections within the general insurance industry on February 21, 2021, in comparison to the previous year. This growth was primarily attributed to heightened revenue generation in the fire and health insurance segments.
In the fire insurance market, two significant segments are in focus. The standard coverage segment is poised to command a substantial share during the forecast period. It offers coverage for property damage up to the actual cash value and provides financial security against non-accident-related claims. Conversely, the optional coverage segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate. This is because it assures full compensation for goods and replacement in the event of theft, loss, or damage, all under a single premium.
Scope of Fire Insurance for Small Business
Small businesses can explore several types of fire insurance and related coverages to address their unique needs and risks, such as:
Basic Fire Insurance: This foundational form of fire insurance covers damages caused by fires and may extend coverage to include damages from related events such as smoke, explosions, lightning, and, in some cases, wildfires.
Extended Coverage Insurance: Going beyond basic fire insurance, this policy broadens the scope of coverage to include additional perils like windstorms, hail, riots, civil commotion, aircraft damage, vehicular damage, and other specified risks.
Named Perils Insurance: Instead of offering protection against all risks, this type of insurance explicitly lists the perils it covers. Common named perils encompass fire, lightning, explosion, windstorm, and vandalism, allowing customization based on the business's needs.
All-Risk Insurance: Representing a comprehensive policy, all-risk insurance covers all risks unless explicitly excluded in the policy. While offering broader protection than named perils insurance, it typically comes with a higher premium.
Business Interruption Insurance: Though not strictly fire insurance, this coverage is invaluable for small businesses affected by a fire. It compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses during the period when the business cannot operate due to damage resulting from a covered event, such as a fire.
Replacement Cost Coverage: This type of coverage ensures that damaged property can be replaced with new items of similar quality without considering depreciation. It tends to be pricier than actual cash value coverage.
ACV Coverage: ACV or Actual Cash Value coverage reimburses the business for the value of its property when the loss happens, of course, factoring in depreciation.
Inland Marine Insurance: This coverage is relevant for a property that is in transit or not located at a fixed site. It can encompass protection for equipment, tools, and inventory that may temporarily be off-site.
Builder's Risk Insurance: For businesses involved in construction or renovation projects, this insurance covers property and materials at the construction site, often including fire damage.
Fire Legal Liability Insurance: This coverage safeguards businesses if they are legally responsible for fire damage to a leased or rented property.
Wildfire Insurance: In regions prone to wildfires, businesses may need specialized coverage to address the specific risks associated with wildfire damage, which may not be covered under a standard policy.
Sprinkler Leakage Insurance: If a business has a sprinkler system, this coverage can protect against damage resulting from accidental sprinkler discharges.
Small business owners are advised to conduct a thorough assessment of their unique needs and risks. Collaborating with an experienced insurance agent or broker like BimaKavach is essential to tailor a policy that offers adequate protection.
To know more about fire insurance coverage, you can contact BimaKavach, a direct broker that can help you provide vital assistance regarding fire insurance coverage and other related information.
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What IRDAI Has to Say?
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) embarked on a significant transformation in the realm of Fire and Allied Perils Insurance, particularly for small businesses, starting in 2006-07. Further, the authority culminated the transformation on April 1, 2021, when certain businesses, including dwellings and micro and small enterprises, were officially taken out of the purview of the All India Fire Tariff of 2001, effectively ending tariff-based pricing.
Further, in an effort to provide more choices to consumers and bolster insurance penetration, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has permitted general insurers to design alternative products for covering risks associated with fire and allied perils affecting dwellings and small businesses. The provisions include:
De-tariffing Process: The process of liberating Fire and Allied Perils Insurance from tariff-based pricing commenced in 2006-07 and 2007-08, gradually leading to the complete de-tariffing, which came into full effect on April 1, 2021, for specific businesses.
New Guidelines: As of April 1, 2021, Fire and Allied Perils Insurance for these specific businesses falls under the jurisdiction of IRDAI's guidelines.
Standard Products: These guidelines prescribe standard insurance products within the Retail category for three identified segments of businesses.
I. Transition from SFSP Policies: Insurers are required to prepare for the transition to these new insurance products, which will replace the existing Standard Fire and Special Perils (SFSP) policies for the mentioned categories. SFSP policies issued until March 31, 2021, will remain in force until their respective policy periods expire, at which point they will be replaced with the new products, as applicable.
II. Transition Steps for Insurers: To facilitate a smooth transition, insurers must undertake several crucial steps, including:
III. Product Filing: Insurers should follow the product filing procedure outlined in the Product Filing Guidelines and the specific guidelines for each product. The filing process should be conducted through the Business Analytics Project (BAP).
Distribution Channels: It is essential for insurers to educate and inform all agents, intermediaries, and distribution channels about the three new products. Adequate training and informative literature should be made available.
Customer Awareness: Policyholders and the general public should be made aware of these new products. Insurers are encouraged to communicate directly with policyholders, provide detailed information on their websites, and establish a dedicated team to address inquiries.
IT System Adjustments: Necessary changes in IT systems should be made by insurers to launch the new products effectively from April 1, 2021.
In the Nutshell
The fire insurance market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increased demand, technological integration, and government initiatives. Small businesses, in particular, can benefit from a range of fire insurance options tailored to their unique needs and risks.
Furthermore, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of fire insurance, especially for small businesses, by detariffing and introducing standardized products
As the fire insurance market continues to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, businesses are encouraged to work closely with experienced insurance professionals to ensure they have the right coverage in place.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factors, terms, and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wording carefully before concluding a sale.
References:
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/fire-insurance-market-A11106
https://straitsresearch.com/report/fire-insurance-market
https://www.ijirt.org/master/publishedpaper/IJIRT146842_PAPER.pdf
https://irdai.gov.in/web/guest/document-detail?documentId=396327
