Swiss Re Foresees Rising Premiums Amid Increasing Global Risks

In a comprehensive analysis, Swiss Re Institute predicts that global property and casualty insurance premiums will rise in tandem with GDP over the upcoming decade.

This growth is driven by amplified natural catastrophe losses, asset accumulation, and heightened economic and litigation claims inflation.

The institute's report outlines the evolving insurance landscape amid increasing global risks.

The report anticipates reduced market concentration with heightened competition. It highlights an emerging trend where brokers and managing general agents are becoming more integral in distribution and underwriting processes. By leveraging these entities, insurers can access specialised skills and scale efficiently.

The global property and casualty market has experienced significant expansion, doubling over the past two decades to reach a value of $US2.4 trillion ($3.6 trillion). With ongoing innovation expanding coverage access through both traditional and alternative methods, projections indicate that the market could grow to $US4.3 trillion ($6.5 trillion) by 2040.

Furthermore, captive insurers are estimated to control $US60-$US80 billion ($91-$122 billion) in global premiums. These entities enable corporations to self-insure frequent risks while utilising reinsurance for major exposures. Meanwhile, insurance pools and mechanisms like US fair access programs and wind pools are increasingly addressing market volatility by ensuring availability where traditional options may be limited.

Swiss Re's Group Chief Economist, Jerome Jean Haegeli, notes that pricing, risk management, and transformation have become more efficient within the insurance sector. This efficiency supports capacity even as uncertainties rise, with insurers increasingly shifting risk burdens to reinsurers. This trend reflects growing demands for risk transfer amid an evolving risk landscape.

The report, titled "Growing Stronger: How the Property and Casualty Market Adapts to a Riskier World," highlights a marked 7% compound annual growth rate in reinsurance premiums over the past decade, outpacing the 4.2% rate in primary property and casualty insurance.

Swiss Re's findings were shared during the Reinsurance Rendezvous in Monte Carlo, providing a backdrop for industry stakeholders assessing and adapting to the complexities of a riskier global environment.

Published:Wednesday, 10th Sep 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Cyber Insurance Becomes Essential Amid Rising Digital Threats

12 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The recent cyberattack on Fortnum Private Wealth, accompanied by ASIC's legal action, has spotlighted the critical risks cyber threats pose to financial advice companies in Australia. With digital integration intensifying across the finance sector, the owner of Fortnum, Entireti, plans to defend the case, underscoring the necessity for ongoing vigilance in cybersecurity measures. - read more

Swiss Re Foresees Rising Premiums Amid Increasing Global Risks

10 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

In a comprehensive analysis, Swiss Re Institute predicts that global property and casualty insurance premiums will rise in tandem with GDP over the upcoming decade. This growth is driven by amplified natural catastrophe losses, asset accumulation, and heightened economic and litigation claims inflation. The institute's report outlines the evolving insurance landscape amid increasing global risks. - read more

Insurance Council of Australia Assists NSW Flood Claimants

09 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

In response to the devastating floods that swept across New South Wales' Mid North Coast in May, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is taking proactive steps to support the affected residents. Insurers, organised by the ICA, will be meeting with flood victims in Kempsey, Taree, and Port Macquarie to provide guidance and support as they navigate their insurance claims. - read more

Ombudsman Upholds Policyholder’s Claim Despite Fraud Allegations

08 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

A motor insurance policyholder has won a significant dispute over fraud allegations, with the industry ombudsman ruling in favour of a payout following a controversial car accident claim. The case revolved around an incident where the claimant's wife crashed at an intersection one evening, reportedly failing to yield. The lack of photographic evidence due to shock and subsequent involvement of towing services complicated matters. - read more

NM Insurance Secures Growth with Five-Year Zurich Partnership

05 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

In a strategic move set to bolster its market position, NM Insurance has announced a five-year agreement with capacity provider Zurich, positioning itself for further growth and increased broker confidence in its success. Since its establishment two decades ago as Nautilus Marine Insurance Agency, NM Insurance has expanded its focus beyond the recreational boat market in Australia, branching into New Zealand and diversifying into the commercial marine, caravan, and motorcycle sectors. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Hospitality Insurance Articles

Why Tailored Insurance is Essential for Your Hospitality Business

In the bustling world of hospitality, the right insurance can make all the difference for your business. Tailored insurance, as the name suggests, involves customising your insurance policy to meet the specific needs and risks associated with your industry. This personalised approach ensures that you are not overpaying for unnecessary coverage while also safeguarding your business against potential threats. - read more

Understanding Hospitality Insurance: Considerations for Aussie Business Owners

Hospitality insurance is a crucial component for businesses within the hospitality sector, offering coverage for a range of incidents that could potentially derail operations. It's designed to protect establishments like hotels, restaurants, and event venues from various risks such as liability claims, property damage, and interruption of services. - read more

What Hospitality Business Owners Need to Know About Income Protection Insurance

The Australian hospitality industry is renowned for its vibrancy, yet it also faces significant challenges. With fluctuating demand, seasonal changes, and unpredictable external factors such as economic downturns and pandemics, hospitality businesses often operate in a high-risk environment. For hotel operators, the stakes are even higher due to substantial investments in property, staff, and customer service. - read more

Essential Insurance Types Every Cafe Owner Should Consider

Running a cafe is more than just serving delightful coffee and snacks; it's about creating an experience and ensuring that experience is safeguarded. While the hospitality industry can be incredibly rewarding, it's not without its risks. This is where the importance of insurance comes into play, acting as a crucial safety net for cafe owners. - read more

Tips for Finding the Best Hospitality Insurance Coverage

Tailored insurance is a type of insurance policy that's specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a particular business or industry. Unlike one-size-fits-all policies, tailored insurance provides a more customized approach, ensuring that the coverage fits the specific risks and requirements of the business. - read more

Knowledgebase

Reinsurance:
Insurance that an insurance company purchases from another insurance company to mitigate risk.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or finance products. We do not recommend any specific financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party, qualified intermediaries with whom you can deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third part to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.