Every new year brings a fresh set of challenges for commercial property owners, but 2026 stands out as a year where risks are expected to intensify. With shifting climate patterns, rising construction costs, supply chain volatility, and increasingly aggressive insurance carrier practices, property owners must prepare more proactively than ever. The severe weather season is no longer a predictable window—it has expanded, become more unpredictable, and presents heightened threats that can severely impact commercial operations.
At The Voss Law Firm, P.C., we help commercial property owners navigate the complicated aftermath of storms, fires, freezes, and other catastrophic events. We’ve seen firsthand how devastating a poorly handled insurance claim can be. As we approach 2026, our purpose remains the same: to help real clients solve real problems and ensure they are not taken advantage of by billion-dollar insurance conglomerates.
This comprehensive 2026 risk forecast outlines the major weather and insurance challenges commercial property owners should anticipate and the actionable steps they can take now—before disaster strikes.
Severe Weather Events Are Increasing in Frequency and Intensity
Commercial property owners are already familiar with the rising severity of weather events. However, data leading into 2026 shows alarming trends that will have a direct effect on insurance claims and property resilience.
1. More Frequent and Powerful Storms
Meteorological experts predict:
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An above-average hurricane season
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Increasingly severe convective storms (hail, windstorms, derechos)
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Greater rainfall intensity causing flash flooding
These storms are not just more common—they’re inflicting higher levels of damage on commercial roofs, windows, building envelopes, HVAC systems, and inventories.
2. Expanding Regions of Risk
Areas once considered low-risk are now facing:
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Unexpected freeze events
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Wildfire spread
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Record-breaking heat
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Tornado formation outside traditional corridors
Commercial property owners can no longer rely solely on historical patterns to assess exposure.
3. Seasonal Boundaries Are Disappearing
Weather events are:
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Starting earlier
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Lasting longer
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Overlapping across seasons
This places year-round stress on building systems and reduces the time available for preventative maintenance.
How These Weather Shifts Affect Commercial Insurance Claims in 2026
Insurance companies are adjusting their policies and practices to mitigate their own financial exposure. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of policyholders.
1. Stricter Scrutiny and Delayed Adjusting
Following major storms, insurance carriers often:
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Flood policyholders with document requests
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Delay inspection scheduling
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Rotate adjusters repeatedly
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Claim a need for “additional review”
These tactics slow down the claims process, sometimes pushing claims far past the 90-day payment requirement.
2. Increased Denials and Underpayment Tactics
Carriers are using tighter policy language and exclusions to avoid paying full claim values. Common strategies include:
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Classifying storm damage as “wear and tear”
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Denying roof replacements despite obvious hail impact
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Underestimating business interruption losses
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Disputing causation
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Applying depreciation improperly
These strategies are designed to reduce payouts, not to protect policyholders.
3. Reduced Coverage in High-Risk Regions
Many carriers are:
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Dropping entire geographic regions
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Increasing deductibles
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Adding new exclusions
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Requiring more extensive documentation
This leaves commercial property owners exposed if they do not review their policies before severe we
The Financial Impact on Commercial Operations
When your building suffers damage, the immediate concerns are structural integrity and safety. But the long-term financial implications can be even more severe.
Business Interruption & Revenue Loss
Storms and natural disasters can:
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Shut down business operations
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Disrupt supply chains
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Force tenant relocation
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Halt production or sales
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Reduce foot traffic
Many businesses cannot sustain these losses without timely insurance payments.
Rising Repair Costs
Construction costs continue to rise due to:
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Labor shortages
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Material price volatility
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Supply chain delays
A delayed claim means repairs become more expensive—and insurers may refuse to supplement the difference without a fight.
Secondary Damage
Delays increase the likelihood of:
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Mold growth
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Electrical system damage
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Roof failure
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Plumbing leaks
Insurers often attempt to deny secondary damage if they can argue it was preventable.
How Commercial Property Owners Can Prepare for the 2026 Weather Season
Now is the ideal time to strengthen your property resilience, documentation practices, and insurance readiness.
1. Conduct a Full Property Condition Assessment
Assess:
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Roof integrity
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Exterior cladding
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Windows and seals
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Drainage systems
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Mechanical and electrical systems
Document everything with photos, videos, and dated records. This serves as baseline evidence if damage occurs.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy Before Storm Season
Look closely at:
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Deductibles
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Sub-limits
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Exclusions
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Ordinance & law coverage
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Business interruption terms
If the language is confusing, an attorney can help. Many commercial owners discover gaps only after a loss—and by then, it’s too late.
3. Strengthen Documentation Protocols
Track:
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Maintenance logs
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Repairs and invoices
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Inspections
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Improvements
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Tenant activity
Carriers often use poor documentation as justification to delay or deny claims.
4. Build a Post-Storm Response Plan
Create a plan that includes:
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How damage will be reported
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Emergency mitigation vendor contacts
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Employee communication strategies
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Temporary operational protocols
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Documentation procedures
A fast, organized response supports a stronger claim.
5. Know Your Rights Before Filing
Insurers must:
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Acknowledge claims promptly
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Conduct reasonable investigations
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Not delay payment without cause
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Pay undisputed amounts quickly
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Communicate regularly
If more than 90 days passes without payment, call The Voss Law Firm immediately for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Commercial Property
Once severe weather hits and your property sustains damage, take the following steps:
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Document everything immediately
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Prevent further loss (tarping, securing property)
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Notify your insurance carrier
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Request an inspection
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Track all communication
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Avoid signing partial release payments
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Consult an attorney before accepting a settlement
These steps help preserve your rights and your ability to recover the full value of your claim.
When Should You Call The Voss Law Firm?
Call us immediately if:
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A claim is older than 90 days
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You feel your claim is being unfairly delayed
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The insurer has denied part or all of your claim
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You suspect bad-faith behavior
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You’re being pressured to accept a low settlement
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Repairs cost more than your insurer is offering
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You’re unsure how to interpret policy exclusions
When you call The Voss Law Firm, P.C., you will see that we’re here to help you. That’s our purpose, drive, and passion—helping real clients solve real problems every day. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so if we can’t get you a recovery, you pay us nothing.
You are not alone in fighting the billion-dollar insurance corporations. We’ve helped countless commercial property owners get their rightful recovery, and we’re ready to help you too.
Final Thoughts
As we enter 2026, the growing severity of weather events, combined with shifting insurance industry practices, places commercial property owners in a vulnerable position. But you can take control by preparing proactively, strengthening your documentation, reviewing your policy, and knowing your rights before the next storm hits.
If your business is affected this severe weather season, you don’t have to navigate the claim on your own. Contact The Voss Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation and ensure your property—and your future—are protected.
