Patience in a Hard (COVID-19) Market: A Virtue

Of all the unknowns and all the unpredictability from the last six months, at least one thing is universal and consistent: the pandemic has changed everything. For better or for worse, there is no getting around the fact that every person and every business has been impacted in some way.

Being in a hard market prior to the pandemic (and during) meant the impact and changes from the last six months felt like piling on. Market conditions already made it tough enough on operators and owners – now it’s like getting kicked while you are down. Underwriting times have already been extended given the careful scrutiny with which each submission is now reviewed; combine that with operational changes at the carrier and broker level and the delays only compound.

Changes such as reduced office hours, working from home, limited-to-no in-person interaction, furloughs, etc. have challenged some people and companies in terms of the resources and systems available to them. Thus, processes that were once routine are now taking much longer.

I implore you to be patient during these times. Please understand that the pandemic has affected every person and every company in some way and as such, it’s only logical to assume that the daily routines and processes are affected as well.

At the same time, trust that we are (and always have been) working hard for you and doing everything we can to expedite. It may take longer than normal, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t on top of it. As I always say, if you’re waiting on something from us, it’s because we ourselves are waiting on it.

This is the new normal; and although I myself am not a patient person, I’ve learned that I’ve got to adapt, as has everyone, in these times.