A recent survey by global insurance broker Gallagher shows that U.S. business owners are moving beyond passive risk management and integrating risk into the way they operate, invest and grow.
Gallagher’s fourth annual Business Owner Survey, which included 1,000 business owners, highlights a broader shift toward more proactive risk practices, driven by increasing pressures on artificial intelligence, supply chains and extreme weather risks.
The fact that 94% of business owners are concerned that their insurance may fall short during a specific loss or event highlights the ongoing psychological burden of entrepreneurship and further justifies the shift to a comprehensive risk strategy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is viewed both as a business growth driver and an emerging risk, with 89% of business owners saying they are at least somewhat concerned about the impact of AI on their business, according to the survey.
Respondents agreed that safeguards related to AI need to be strengthened, with 95% calling for greater regulation and 94% calling for stronger protections against abuse.
While businesses recognize the dangers external AI can pose to their business, 47% plan to increase investment in how AI is used in their business this year.
Organizations are actively incorporating AI into their defense frameworks; specifically, 38% of technology investors are using it to analyze risk assessments and 36% are using it to reduce risk in insurance and management programs.
“Cyber risk remains an ongoing concern for leaders, and the risk landscape has shifted from emerging threats to core operational vulnerabilities. 68% of respondents expressed concern that cyberattacks will impact their business, and 44% expressed a desire to purchase or expand insurance coverage against cyberattacks,” the survey said.
Leaders continue to charge; pressured by ongoing trade uncertainty and supply chain volatility, these issues are now standard operational challenges rather than incidental risks
63% of business owners are concerned about potential supply chain disruptions in 2026, and 61% of these business owners have deployed emergency suppliers. This trend reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing operational redundancy and robust continuity strategies.
“We are seeing a meaningful shift among business owners to view risk management as a business consideration that informs operations, investments and growth,” said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This mindset can help businesses build resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment.”
The survey also revealed that while business owners remain concerned about the impact of severe weather events, gaps in coverage remain.
53% of respondents highlighted flooding as one of the biggest weather-related threats to their business. This includes direct impacts and disruptions affecting suppliers, up from 35% in 2025.
However, only 30% said they had flood insurance, consistent with last year’s results. Business owners also expressed concern about severe storms that could bring heavy rainfall, hail or damaging winds (41%), earthquakes (35%) and extreme heat (30%).
To strengthen their organizations against environmental threats, 27% of owners have upgraded their facilities with weather-resistant materials or plan to upgrade their facilities after receiving a weather-related business claim.
“Despite increasing risk exposure, many businesses remain underinsured, widening the gap between risk and protection,” he added. “Working with the right insurance and risk management partners to identify and mitigate risks can help businesses better protect operations and build resilience.”
