Millions of UK properties could face heightened flood risk unless protection products become more advanced and better aligned with regulatory and environmental demands, according to a study published this week. Produced by University of Hull and Intact Insurance, the study highlights the need for innovation in technologies for commercial buildings and public infrastructure.

Global commercial insurance rates fell by 5% in the first quarter of 2026, marking the seventh consecutive quarterly decline. The decrease follows a 4% fall in Q4 2025, with continued abundant capacity and strong competition among insurers driving softer pricing across most lines.

Growing regulatory pressure on firms to strengthen psychological safety is driving new efforts in the London insurance market to improve workplace culture and encourage earlier reporting of concerns.

Canopius Group has launched a cyber war product aimed at protecting businesses from the threat of state-backed digital attacks linked to geopolitical conflict. The cover responds to a risk landscape in which cyber warfare can disrupt operations, compromise critical systems and weaken financial resilience, even for firms far removed from physical front lines.

Specialist insurance provider CFC is launching a pilot programme that uses agentic underwriting to automate the process of turning email submissions into quote recommendations. Designed for low complexity submissions, Lane Assist aims to accelerate quoting for brokers handling high-volume, mass appetite risks, while reducing friction and ensuring consistency.

Beazley has announced plans to launch a new marine war consortium, to provide up to US$1bn of Lloyd’s capacity – US$500m each for hull and cargo war – complementary to the existing capacity available in the market. The consortium will be offered to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.