As the calendar flips to 2026, most business owners are busy setting goals. Boosting revenue, cutting costs, or expanding operations. But one crucial area often gets left off the list: risk management.

Just like personal resolutions that strengthen your health, risk management goals strengthen the health of your business. The difference? These resolutions could be the deciding factor between a thriving company and one that struggles to recover from unexpected loss.

Here are five smart risk management resolutions to help protect your business and set the stage for a successful 2026.

1. Reevaluate Your Insurance Coverage

Your business likely changed over the past year. New equipment, additional staff, new clients, or expanded services. But has your insurance kept up?

Many business owners renew their policies automatically without reviewing coverage limits or exclusions. This can leave gaps that only become apparent after a loss.

Example: A manufacturer adds a new production line but forgets to increase property coverage. When a fire damages the facility, the claim doesn’t fully cover the cost of the new machinery.

Resolution: Schedule an annual insurance review with your Hertvik Insurance agent. They’ll help ensure your policies reflect your current operations, asset values, and risk exposures.

2. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Defenses

Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever. From ransomware to phishing scams, even small businesses are prime targets. According to recent studies, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, many of which never fully recover.

Example: A local retail shop loses customer data after a phishing attack, leading to downtime and reputation damage. A comprehensive cyber insurance policy helps pay for recovery costs, notification expenses, and even legal fees.

Resolution: Invest in stronger cybersecurity measures, provide regular employee training, and ensure you have cyber liability insurance in place. It’s one of the most valuable protections for 2026 and beyond.

3. Create or Update Your Business Continuity Plan

What happens if your operations are disrupted? A storm damages your building, a supply chain issue halts production, or a key employee becomes unavailable? Without a clear plan, even a short interruption can have lasting effects.

Example: A local restaurant faces a severe winter storm that knocks out power for three days and disrupts food deliveries. Without a continuity plan or business interruption insurance, they lose thousands in spoiled inventory and missed revenue.

Resolution: Review and test your business continuity plan. Make sure it covers communication protocols, backup suppliers, remote work capabilities, and insurance coverage such as business income protection.

4. Improve Workplace Safety and Compliance

A safe workplace doesn’t just protect employees, it protects your bottom line. Workers’ compensation claims, OSHA fines, and lost productivity can quickly add up.

Example: A contractor experiences a string of minor injuries that raise their workers’ comp premiums. By implementing a safety training program and regular jobsite inspections, they reduce incidents and save on long-term costs.

Resolution: Conduct a safety audit to identify hazards, refresh employee training, and ensure compliance with updated regulations. A proactive safety culture demonstrates leadership and responsibility.

5. Partner with an Insurance Advisor Who Knows Your Industry

Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every industry has unique risks, from data breaches to supply chain breakdowns. Having a partner who understands your business makes all the difference.

Example: A self-storage facility owner partners with Hertvik Insurance Group, who identifies overlooked coverage gaps in property and liability insurance. When a customer’s stored goods are damaged, the owner is fully protected and avoids costly out-of-pocket losses.

Resolution: Work with an experienced insurance advisor, like Hertvik Insurance Group, who will act as your risk management partner year-round. They’ll monitor trends, adjust your coverage, and help you stay ahead of emerging risks.

Start the New Year with Confidence

Every resolution you set this year contributes to one overarching goal: protecting the future you’ve worked hard to build.

By reevaluating coverage, bolstering cybersecurity, planning for continuity, prioritizing safety, and partnering with an expert insurance team, you’ll enter 2026 stronger, smarter, and better prepared for whatever comes your way.

If you have any questions about protecting your business or want help setting your risk management goals for 2026, contact your Hertvik Insurance agent today. We’ll help ensure your coverage, and your confidence, are ready for the year ahead.