Most business leaders spend December focused on financial closeout, planning meetings, and budget approvals. Insurance rarely rises to the top of that list, yet small oversights made in the final weeks of the year often become the most expensive issues at renewal.
The organizations that enter 2026 in the strongest position share a common trait. They treat the end of the year as a moment to sharpen visibility into their risk profile, rather than simply rolling last year’s information forward.
Below is a strategic evaluation of where most companies discover blind spots and what leaders should be thinking about before January begins.
Your Valuations Tell a Story. Make Sure It’s the Right One.
Underwriters base a significant portion of their decisions on the values they are given. When buildings, equipment, or inventory are underreported, carriers assume the business has not kept pace with real exposure. The result is limited underwriting enthusiasm, reduced options, or stricter terms.
Inaccurate values typically surface during a claim, not at renewal. That is why year end is an ideal time to confirm that replacement costs, equipment lists, and location details still reflect current reality. Even minor corrections can strengthen the credibility of a submission.
Your Claims History Holds Signals That Can Change Your Trajectory
Claims numbers tell only half the story. What matters most is how an organization responds to those claims and whether the underlying issues still exist. When underwriters see similar incidents repeating, they assume the cause remains unaddressed.
Leaders who take time in December to analyze patterns, revisit root causes, and verify that improvements were actually implemented enter renewals with a stronger narrative. In today’s market, the narrative often matters just as much as the numbers.
Cyber Posture Has Become a Business Competency, Not a Technical Issue
Cyber exposure is now intertwined with general operations, financial controls, vendor management, and even employee behavior. Carriers recognize this and are increasing their expectations accordingly.
Year end is a practical moment to verify that controls such as multifactor authentication, backup protocols, and vendor oversight are not only in place but current. A cyber control that worked in 2023 may be outdated in 2026. Businesses that evolve their posture early tend to secure better terms.
Contracts, Vendors, and Third-Party Relationships Shape Your Real Risk
Many leaders assume their insurance program mirrors their operations. In reality, it often mirrors their contracts.
Outdated indemnification language, incomplete COIs, vendor agreements that no longer match services provided, and gaps in additional insured wording create exposures that do not appear until a loss occurs. December is an ideal time to reconcile relationships, confirm obligations, and make sure your insurance structure aligns with how your organization actually works today.
Employee Benefits Decisions Need More Lead Time Than Ever
Employee benefits continue to evolve with rising costs, shifting employee expectations, and increased emphasis on wellness and flexibility. A late-year scramble forces companies into reactive decisions that may increase cost or decrease coverage quality.
If your organization anticipates demographic shifts, new hiring strategies, or changes to the workplace model, those should be evaluated now. Early visibility helps leaders make informed decisions before market timing and carrier deadlines limit options.
Fleet and Vehicle Exposure Remains a Key Cost Driver
Auto liability is one of the most challenging lines across industries. For many businesses, it is also one of the least examined. If your company operates a fleet or relies on employee driving, year-end is the right moment to re-evaluate driver eligibility, training consistency, vehicle maintenance, and supervisory oversight.
Underwriters are looking for evidence of accountability, not just a written policy. Trends seen in December often influence pricing in March.
A Stronger Start to 2026 Begins With Clarity Today
The most successful businesses do not wait for renewal season to understand their risk. They use the close of the year to address gaps, validate assumptions, and align their organization with what carriers’ value.
A brief, focused review in December can help reduce surprises, strengthen your negotiating position, and give your leadership team a clearer picture of your true exposure.
If you would like support reviewing your program or discussing ways to strengthen your insurance strategy for 2026, you can schedule a strategic conversation or request a full program review.
Request a Program Review today: https://libertycompany.com/contact/
