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Without a doubt, our climate is changing and that is having a direct impact on businesses across the globe. From severe convective storms that produce damaging hail and floods to wildfires taking place in areas where we have not previously seen them, it's critical for businesses to take stock of what they have and risks to which they may be prone.

Unease about natural disasters

The 2025 Gallagher Business Owners Survey results show that 91% of business owners responded that they are concerned that natural disasters will adversely affect their business.

Business owners identified which extreme weather conditions or natural disasters were the biggest threat to their business — either direct threats or to one of their suppliers.

Business owners are taking steps beyond insurance coverage to fortify their properties and companies

  • More than two-thirds of business owners (69%) are extremely/very concerned that severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds) will affect their business over the next 12 months.
  • Flooding (35%) is among several extreme weather conditions that owners view in the coming year as one of the biggest threats to their businesses, either impacting them directly or affecting one of their suppliers. Yet only 30% of business owners have flood insurance.
  • Among those who don't have flood insurance, 80% are likely to purchase that coverage within the next 12 months.

After filing a weather-related claim for their business, owners have taken steps to protect their properties:

Beyond policies and coverage, business owners are thinking of taking further steps to fortify their companies.

  • More than half (57%) have considered relocating their business or investing in a more resilient facility to mitigate this type of risk.
  • For those considering relocation, 44% would move to another location within the same state, 44% would move to a different state, and 11% would move to a different region altogether.
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80% of business owners plan to purchase flood insurance in the next 12 months.