Cyber insurance has changed more in the past year than many leaders expected. As companies begin planning their budgets for 2026, one thing has become very clear: insurance carriers are tightening their rules again. Many businesses that sailed through renewals in the past are now facing long forms, tougher questions, and higher premiums, especially if their security tools are outdated or incomplete.
At Verve IT, we’ve helped many organizations walk through these new requirements, and we’ve seen how confusing and stressful the renewal process can become. The good news is that most of these challenges can be solved with the right preparation and the right support. This guide explains what changed, why carriers are raising the bar, and how managed IT services security gives companies the protection and confidence they need before renewal season begins.
Why Carriers Are Making Cyber Insurance Harder to Get
Over the past year, cyber attacks have increased across nearly every industry. Small and mid-sized companies became major targets, especially those without strong security controls. Insurance companies paid out more claims than expected, which pushed them to update their rules to protect themselves.
Now carriers want proof, not promises, that a business is secure.
They want to see:
- Strong authentication
- Real-time threat protection
- Safe backup practices
- Employee security training
- Clean access permissions
If a business can’t show these things, insurance becomes more expensive or harder to qualify for. This is one of the main reasons many companies lean on managed IT services security to fill these gaps before renewal deadlines.
Trend 1: New Mandatory Controls Are No Longer Optional
Carriers used to “recommend” certain security tools. Now, they require them. If a company doesn’t have these controls in place, the carrier may refuse to renew the policy.
The required controls include:
1. EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
This is a smarter version of antivirus that can spot suspicious behavior and stop threats before they spread.
2. MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
Logging in with only a password is no longer safe enough. MFA adds a second step, like a code sent to your phone. Insurance companies now expect MFA to protect email, cloud apps, and remote access.
3. Logging and Monitoring
Carriers want proof that a business can track what happens inside its network. If something suspicious occurs, logs help security teams react quickly.
4. Quarterly Security Awareness Training
Most breaches happen because of human mistakes. Carriers want to make sure teams are trained to spot scams and fake emails.
These tools are built into managed IT services security, which is one reason many growing companies upgrade before their next renewal. When these controls are handled by a professional IT partner, businesses stay compliant without adding stress to their internal team.
Trend 2: Premiums Are Rising for Businesses Without Cloud Security
Many carriers now check how well a company uses cloud tools like Microsoft 365, Teams, or Google Workspace. If the cloud environment is unorganized or missing basic security, insurance costs go up.
Here’s what carriers look for in cloud setups:
- MFA turned on for every account
- Secure file-sharing rules
- Clean access permissions
- Data loss prevention tools
- Consistent backup routines
- No abandoned accounts
Companies with strong cloud systems get better pricing because carriers see them as lower risk. This is another area where managed IT services security makes a big difference. When systems are well-organized and security tools are standard, cloud risk goes down and renewals get easier.
At Verve IT, we work with clients to clean up accounts, remove old access, and make sure backups are working the way insurance carriers expect.
Trend 3: Certain Industries Are Being Targeted More Often
Carriers are paying close attention to specific industries because they are attacked more often or hold sensitive data. Many medical, legal, and finance organizations saw sharp premium increases this year.
Why these industries?
- Medical: Patient data is valuable and protected by strict rules.
- Legal: Firms hold confidential documents and financial records.
- Finance: Money-related data is always a top target for criminals.
Carriers want proof these businesses can keep information safe.
This is where businesses benefit from including security tools inside their IT foundation rather than treating security as a separate project. With managed IT services security, the layers of protection are already part of the system, MFA, EDR, threat protection, backups, and training. That makes renewals smoother and removes the scramble many companies face each year.
How Verve IT Helps Companies Prepare for 2026 Renewals
We focus on giving businesses peace of mind long before renewal paperwork arrives. Instead of trying to catch up later, we help companies build systems that meet or exceed insurance expectations by default.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Security Included With Every Managed Plan
Clients don’t pay extra for basic protection. MFA, logging, backups, and advanced threat tools are built into the service.
2. Cyber Insurance Assessments and Audits
We walk through the exact questions carriers ask and help clients fix gaps before filing anything.
3. Backup and Recovery Standards That Meet Carrier Requirements
We make sure data is recoverable, tested, and stored safely, one of the most important factors in insurance approvals.
4. Strategic Planning to Prevent Surprises
Quarterly reviews help leadership teams stay ready for new requirements and new tools.
Managed IT services security makes this level of protection possible. When security is built into daily operations, businesses stay safer and renewals go more smoothly.
Preparing Now Means Fewer Problems Later
Cyber insurance is not getting easier. Requirements will grow in 2026, and many companies will find themselves scrambling if they don’t strengthen their systems ahead of time. Businesses with strong security foundations, clean cloud systems, and consistent support will see fewer delays, fewer denials, and far more predictable premiums.
If your company wants a simpler renewal process, stronger protection, and long-term clarity, managed IT services security is one of the most reliable ways to get there, and Verve IT is here to help you prepare for everything coming next.
