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Chairman and CEO Pat Gallagher

Economic uncertainty remains a defining feature of the business landscape in 2026. Business owners are no longer reacting to disruption, they're recalibrating around sustained exposure to trade uncertainty, cyber threats and extreme weather risks.

This year marks the fourth year that Gallagher commissioned a survey of 1,000 US business owners who shared insights into the challenges they’re facing and how they’re mitigating risks to weather storms — planned and unexpected.

While last year’s concerns centered on volatility, from tariffs to supply-chain instability, this year’s data suggest something deeper — risk is no longer episodic; it's embedded and business owners are mitigating and planning for it.

For many business owners (76%), worries about their businesses are more likely to keep them up at night than personal matters, such as family.

The survey responses show business owners have growing concerns in three key areas:

  • Supply Chain: Business owners are taking a proactive approach to protect their businesses from costly interruptions. Learn more
  • Weather/climate: Climate change is directly impacting businesses around the globe. Learn more
  • Artificial intelligence/cyber: Evolving technologies are an increasing worry for business owners. Learn more
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When asked about making a business-related insurance claim, 65% of respondents indicated they made an insurance claim for their business in 2025, down from 87% in 2024.

When asked about making a business-related insurance claim, 65% of respondents indicated they made an insurance claim for their business in 2025. Those claims included:

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Of those who made a business claim on their insurance, 39% were $25,000 or more, down from 73% in 2024.

Of those who made a business claim on their insurance:

Despite having robust insurance coverage, owners would like to expand their coverage.

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Property Insurance and Cyber Insurance were the only two types of coverage business owners reported wanting to increase in 2025 that showed an actual increase of policy coverage in 2026.

And the reasons for considering expanding business-related insurance coverage include:

Business owners continue to be worried about insurance not covering a specific event or loss now more than ever.

Other concerns

Geopolitical uncertainty remains an issue for business owners, with 90% reporting they're at least somewhat concerned, consistent with 91% reporting the same last year.

Crime has also remained a concern for many business owners, with 92% reporting they're at least somewhat concerned, also consistent with 93% reporting the same last year.

And attracting and retaining talent is a key concern for business owners, with 91% reporting they're at least somewhat concerned.

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Jennifer Marshall

Director of Media Relations

  • Rolling Meadows, IL