Over recent years, our approach to Rural Protect pricing has remained agile and responsive, ensuring that we continue to meet our regulatory obligations under Consumer Duty while maintaining fair value outcomes for all policyholders. The adjustments applied over the past two years have reflected both our evolving risk exposure and the general claims environment, with some periods seeing rate reductions and others increases depending on claims performance.
In the latter part of 2025, we observed a gradual increase in overall claim frequency, particularly in Employment Practices Liability, driven by heightened HR regulatory activity and a more challenging economic climate. To ensure continued product resilience and protect the long-term sustainability of Rural Protect, a 10% increase will be applied to all base rates effective from 1st January 2026.
We will continue to retain the lower turnover bands introduced in January 2024, as well as the entry-level limit of indemnity of £250,000. Importantly, our analysis indicates no specific business size or sector disproportionately impacts performance, reaffirming that current conditions are reflective of broader economic pressures affecting the Management Liability market as a whole.
These proactive steps are designed to ensure that Rural Protect remains a robust, responsive product for the years ahead, capable of continuing to serve rural businesses with the comprehensive cover they rely upon. Should you wish to discuss these adjustments further, our team is available to support you.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact our Partnerships Manager, Rachel, at rachel.kelly@hbunderwriting.co.uk.
