In commercial real estate (CRE), liability is no longer just a legal issue; it’s a key driver of insurance rates, operational costs, and reputational risk. As the threat landscape expands and insurers grow more selective, CRE professionals are expected to demonstrate a proactive, multi-layered approach to security.
That’s where comprehensive security assessments, spanning physical, technology, and cyber domains, come in. These audits not only reduce the likelihood of incidents but also help protect the financial and operational health of your property portfolio.
Insurers Are Prioritizing Layered Security
Insurance providers are increasingly evaluating a property's entire security ecosystem. That means they’re looking beyond cameras and locks to include access control systems, digital infrastructure, and even employee training.
A July 2024 Reuters report on cyber insurance rates found that premiums are falling for organizations that can demonstrate strong, layered protections, including physical access controls, surveillance monitoring, and cyber readiness. Lower premiums are tied directly to fewer incidents, faster response times, and greater insurer confidence.
Similarly, a 2024 Aon study on U.S. cyber insurance market trends emphasizes that underwriters are seeking documented, cross-functional protections before offering favorable policy terms. This includes physical safeguards, integrated technology systems that track behavior, and cyber controls that prevent unauthorized access and data loss.
Why CRE Teams Should Prioritize Security Assessments
A comprehensive security assessment allows property managers and owners to:
Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in physical security, technology infrastructure, and cyber policies
Meet insurance requirements with documented, audit-ready action plans
Reduce exposure to claims, lawsuits, and compliance violations
Improve tenant confidence and overall property value
Whether it’s an office tower, retail center, or mixed-use development, regular audits help transform liability risks into areas of operational strength.
What United Security Evaluates During a CRE Assessment
Our integrated assessments focus on:
Physical Security – Perimeter access, lobby and elevator controls, surveillance blind spots, lighting, and emergency response
Technology Integration – Access control systems, alarm monitoring, visitor tracking, and smart building integrations
Cybersecurity Readiness – Network access controls, endpoint security, data protection policies, and incident response protocols
Together, these components form a complete risk profile that insurers, tenants, and stakeholders increasingly expect to see.
Security as a Strategic Asset in Insurance Negotiations
Security assessments are no longer a nice-to-have, they’re a strategic advantage:
✔ Lower your premiums by aligning with insurer expectations
✔ Avoid costly policy exclusions due to outdated or undocumented practices
✔ Strengthen capital planning by prioritizing high-impact improvements
✔ Differentiate your property with a clear, proactive risk management strategy
Final Takeaway
Reducing liability in commercial real estate starts with visibility. Security assessments offer the insight needed to protect your people, assets, and operations, while also giving you an edge in today’s insurance market.
At United Security, we help CRE clients build layered, scalable security strategies that align with their operational goals and risk tolerance.
Let’s connect to schedule a comprehensive assessment and move your security posture from reactive to resilient.
