Cyber Insurance Payouts: Pricing, Availability, and How to Buy

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Cyber insurance payouts can be a lifesaver for businesses that fall victim to a cyberattack. According to our research, the average cost of a data breach in the US is $8.64 million.

Pricing for cyber insurance varies widely depending on factors such as the size and type of business, industry, and level of risk. Some companies pay as little as $1,000 per year, while others pay upwards of $100,000.

Availability of cyber insurance is also a concern, with many small businesses struggling to find coverage. However, some insurers are starting to offer more affordable options.

To buy cyber insurance, you'll typically need to work with a licensed insurance agent who specializes in cyber insurance. They'll help you navigate the complex process and ensure you get the right coverage for your business.

What Is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance is an insurance policy that covers the losses a business might suffer from a data breach or cyber attack.

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Data breaches can result in significant financial losses for businesses, and cyber insurance helps mitigate these risks by providing coverage for the losses.

Many organizations are adding cyber insurance coverage to their security posture because commercial liability insurance typically doesn't cover internet-based threats.

Cyber insurance covers the losses a business might suffer from a data breach or cyber attack, which can include financial losses and legal penalties.

Cyber attacks can harm a business's reputation, and cyber insurance can help protect against these types of losses.

Data breaches are a significant concern for businesses, and cyber insurance can provide peace of mind by covering the costs of a breach.

Benefits

Cyber insurance payouts can have a significant impact on businesses affected by cyber threats. Insurance companies are actively developing their services to address emerging cyber threats.

Many cyber insurance policies require entities to participate in an IT security audit before the policy can be procured. This helps companies determine their current vulnerabilities and allows the insurance carrier to gauge the risk they are taking on.

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Insurance allows cyber-security risks to be distributed fairly, with the cost of premiums commensurate with the size of expected loss from such risks. This avoids potentially dangerous concentrations of risk while also preventing free-riding.

Some of the main benefits of cyber insurance include:

  • Forensic support
  • Data breach coverage
  • Cyber extortion defense
  • Business interruption loss reimbursement
  • Legal support
  • Compliance support

Insurance provides a smooth funding mechanism for recovery from major losses, helping businesses to return to normal and reducing the need for government assistance.

Types

Cyber insurance payouts can be complex, but understanding the types of coverage can help you navigate the process. Cyber insurance is often broken down into several key types.

Network Security insurance provides coverage for loss derived from a cyber or hacking event. Theft and fraud coverage protects against loss of monies resulting from theft by a malicious actor. Forensic investigation coverage is essential for assessing the impact of a cyber attack and stopping it.

Business interruption coverage is crucial for businesses that rely on online operations. It covers lost income and related costs when a cyber event or data loss prevents business operations. Extortion coverage provides protection for the costs associated with investigating threats to commit cyber attacks.

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Reputation Insurance covers attacks on a company's reputation and cyber defamation. Computer data loss and restoration coverage protects against physical damage to or loss of use of computer-related assets.

Some common types of cyber insurance coverage include:

These types of coverage can help businesses prepare for and respond to cyber attacks.

Pricing and Availability

Cyber insurance premiums are expected to grow significantly, from around $2 billion in 2015 to an estimated $20 billion or more by 2025.

The majority of cyber-insurance premium volume is currently covering exposure in the United States, with at least 50 insurance companies offering cyber-insurance products.

The average cost of cyber liability insurance in the United States was estimated to be $1,501 per year for $1 million in liability coverage, with a $10,000 deductible.

Insurance companies consider various factors when determining cyber insurance costs, including company size, location, type of business, number of credit/debit card transactions, and storage of sensitive personal information.

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Here's a rough estimate of cyber insurance costs based on company size:

Businesses can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for cyber insurance, with premiums typically ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 a year.

Pricing

Pricing for cyber liability insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors. As of 2019, the average cost in the United States was estimated to be $1,501 per year for $1 million in liability coverage with a $10,000 deductible.

The average annual premium for a cyber liability limit of $500,000 with a $5,000 deductible was $1,146. This highlights the importance of understanding the costs involved in cyber insurance.

For businesses with smaller liability limits, such as $250,000 with a $2,500 deductible, the average annual premium was $739. This shows that the cost of cyber insurance can vary greatly depending on the level of coverage needed.

In addition to location, the main drivers of cost for cyber insurance include the type of business, the number of credit/debit card transactions performed, and the storage of sensitive personal information such as date of birth and Social Security numbers.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated average costs for cyber liability insurance in the United States:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Availability

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Availability in the cyber insurance market is a complex issue, with 90% of the premium volume as of 2014 covering exposure in the United States alone.

The concentration of actual writing within a group of five underwriters is a notable aspect, with many insurance companies hesitant to enter this coverage market due to the lack of sound actuarial data for cyber exposure.

The absence of standardization is a major challenge, making it an interesting place to be in the insurance world.

Insurers and reinsurers are refining underwriting requirements in response to the expected growth of cyber insurance premiums from around $2 billion in 2015 to an estimated $20 billion or more by 2025.

How to Buy

To buy insurance with TechInsurance, you can start by completing their easy online application, which allows you to compare free quotes for cybersecurity insurance and other types of insurance from top-rated U.S. carriers.

TechInsurance's insurance agents are available to help answer any questions you may have, making the process as smooth as possible.

You can begin coverage in less than 24 hours, and once you've found the right policies for your small business, you'll receive a certificate of insurance.

Security and Risk Management

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Cyber insurance can help protect companies from financial losses due to cyber attacks by covering costs associated with audits, post-breach notification requirements, and liability expenses for non-compliance claims.

To qualify for cyber insurance, businesses must adopt stronger security practices and implement best practices, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular backups. This can help reduce cyber risks and lower premiums.

A good risk management plan includes encrypting files, using VPNs and firewalls to prevent ransomware, verifying users with multi-factor authentication, training employees to follow strict security practices, and hiring third-party firms to conduct security audits.

Here are some common security measures that businesses can take to lower their cyber risks and premiums:

  • Encrypting files
  • Using VPNs and firewalls to prevent ransomware
  • Verifying users with multi-factor authentication
  • Training employees to follow strict security practices
  • Hiring third-party firms to conduct security audits

Evolution of Risk

The evolution of risk in the digital age has been a significant concern for businesses. Cyber attacks have grown exponentially in recent years, causing billions of dollars in losses and damages. In fact, cyber threat is now seen as the top risk to business in seven out of eight countries surveyed.

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Cyber insurance has emerged as a critical component of risk management, with the market expected to reach $29.2 billion by 2027. Initially, cyber insurance policies were add-ons to traditional liability coverage for companies in the tech and security industries. However, by the early 2000s, cyber insurance brokers began offering first-party coverage as well, which provided protection for losses to the businesses themselves.

Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of cyber insurance, with at least 41% of firms in U.S. and European markets having already invested in cyber insurance policies. Any business that stores sensitive client, customer, or partner data, or supports electronic transactions needs cyber insurance coverage.

A good risk management plan to lower cyber risks and premium include:

  • Encrypting files
  • Using VPNs and firewalls to prevent ransomware
  • Verifying users with multi-factor authentication
  • Training employees to follow strict security practices to avoid cyber incidents
  • Hiring third-party firms to conduct security audits

By implementing these measures, businesses can reduce their cyber risks and lower their premium costs. Cyber insurance can also help protect companies by covering audits of their cybersecurity posture, post-breach notification requirements, and liability expenses for non-compliance claims.

Why Are Markets Unpopular?

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Markets are often unpopular because they can be unpredictable and volatile, with prices fluctuating rapidly due to various market forces.

Some investors are deterred by the high risk of losses, which can be substantial in a short period.

Market crashes can happen suddenly, wiping out entire fortunes, as seen in the 2008 global financial crisis.

This unpredictability can lead to a sense of unease among investors, making them hesitant to participate in markets.

Investors may also be put off by the complexity of market analysis, which can be overwhelming for those without a strong background in finance.

The concept of risk management is crucial in mitigating these risks, but it requires a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Cyber Insurance Market and Industry

The cyber insurance market is expected to grow significantly in the next few years, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24% from 2020 to 2027.

This growth is driven by the increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, which are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. The average cost of a data breach is around $3.92 million, making cyber insurance a vital risk management tool for businesses.

In 2020, the global cyber insurance market size was estimated to be around $7.4 billion, with the US market accounting for the largest share of around 45%.

Claims and Policy Management

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Understanding cyber claims trends is crucial for effective risk management. Analysis of 1,800+ cyber claims submitted to Marsh in the US and Canada in 2023 reveals that 21% of clients who purchased a cyber policy reported an event in 2023, consistent with the percentage over the past five years.

Using a panel of pre-approved vendors can significantly improve claims management. Marsh found that clients using their insurer's pre-approved vendors can reduce the average time from event notification to receiving confirmation of coverage or first payment from 12 months when using non-panel vendors to just over 2 months.

Proper procedures, including notifying insurers, brokers, and other stakeholders and maintaining proper documentation, are essential in managing claims.

How It Works

Cyber insurance is designed to cover common cyber risks and liabilities, but it's difficult for insurers to quantify the risk due to its broad variation between businesses and industries.

Insurers will often work closely with the business during the underwriting process to identify coverage needs and existing compliance efforts.

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They'll want to see what policies and security measures are already in place to reduce cyber risk, and may require certain security steps or standards before agreeing to cover the business.

This process helps ensure that the business has adequate security in place to minimize the risk of a cyber attack.

Existing Issues

Cyber-insurance faces unique challenges due to the interdependent and correlated nature of cyber-risks. This is particularly problematic in a large distributed system like the Internet, where risks span a large set of nodes and are correlated.

User investments in security can create positive externalities for other users in the network, but cyber-insurance aims to enable individual users to internalize these externalities, thereby alleviating moral hazard and improving network security.

Information asymmetry has a significant negative effect on most insurance environments, including cyber-insurance. This leads to problems like adverse selection, where insurers struggle to distinguish between high and low risk users.

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In traditional insurance scenarios, the risk span is small and uncorrelated, making it easier to internalize externalities. However, in cyber-insurance, the risk span is large and correlated, requiring a more complex approach.

A 2019 survey by FM Global found that 71% of CFOs believed their insurance provider would cover most or all of the losses from a cyber security attack or crime. However, many CFOs reported expecting damages related to cyber attacks that are not covered by typical cyber attack policies.

Claims and Policy Management

If you've purchased a cyber policy, there's a 21% chance you'll report an event in a given year, consistent with the past five years. This highlights the importance of having a solid risk management strategy in place.

The types of events that drive cyber claims are often related to the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and privacy claims. The MOVEit event, for instance, highlighted the risks associated with supply chain vulnerabilities.

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Healthcare, communications, retail/wholesale, financial institutions, and education are the top five most affected industry sectors. This is a crucial consideration when developing a risk management strategy.

Ransomware may only account for less than 20% of claims reported, but it remains a top concern for organizations due to its potential severity and frequency. This is why it's essential to have a comprehensive risk management plan in place.

To manage claims effectively, it's essential to follow proper procedures, including notifying insurers, brokers, and other stakeholders, and maintaining proper documentation. This will help ensure that any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently.

Here are some key steps to take when managing cyber claims:

  • Notify insurers, brokers, and other stakeholders promptly
  • Maintain proper documentation of the event and any subsequent actions
  • Follow established procedures for reporting and managing cyber claims

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that any cyber claims are managed effectively and efficiently.

Client Satisfaction Rate Remains Stable

The annual percentage of clients reporting at least one cyber event has remained fairly consistent over the past five years, between 16% and 21%.

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This consistency suggests that companies' cyber controls have kept pace with the growing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks.

Companies are doing a good job of implementing effective cyber controls, which is reassuring for clients and businesses alike.

The steady percentage of clients reporting cyber events is a positive indicator of the effectiveness of these controls.

This stability also shows that companies are proactive in addressing potential cyber threats, which helps to prevent major incidents.

Act on Time

Don't wait until it's too late to act on your claims and policy management. Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines and lost opportunities.

Acting on time is crucial in claims and policy management, just like in cybersecurity. We can assess your risk and work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to keep you in alignment with your cyber insurance policies.

Don't let claims and policy management become a source of stress and anxiety. Regularly reviewing your policies and procedures can help you stay on top of things and avoid last-minute scrambles.

Taking prompt action on claims and policy management can also help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth claims process.

Panel Vendors Improve Claims Management

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Using a panel of pre-approved vendors can significantly improve the average time from event notification to receiving confirmation of coverage or first payment. This can be a substantial advantage for companies dealing with cyber incidents.

In fact, using a panel of vendors can reduce the average time from over 12 months to just over 2 months. This is a remarkable difference that can make a big impact on a company's ability to recover from a cyber incident.

Marsh has found that using a panel of vendors is a key factor in improving claims management. Their research has shown that clients who use pre-approved vendors experience faster and more efficient claims processing.

By using a panel of vendors, companies can streamline their claims management process and reduce the time it takes to receive payment. This can be a major relief for businesses that are already dealing with the stress and uncertainty of a cyber incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of cyber insurance claims are denied?

44% of cyber insurance claims are denied, often due to policy exclusions. Review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not

What is the most common cyber insurance claim?

The most common cyber insurance claims are typically related to ransomware, business email compromise, and funds transfer fraud. Staying informed about current cyber crime trends can help prevent these types of attacks.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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