Written by: David Robinson and Luke Massei, Scott Insurance

After years of turbulence, the property insurance market is finally stabilizing—bringing welcome premium decreases for many Affordable Housing owners. But just as one storm clears, another rolls in: the Casualty insurance market is tightening.

Affordable Housing owners typically spend about 70-90% of their insurance premium on the property line and the remainder on the casualty lines. General Liability (and Excess Liability) policies are often an afterthought since they constitute a small percentage of the overall insurance cost. Ignoring this can be expensive.

Uncovered liability claims are a serious threat to any portfolio’s long-term viability. You might refer to an uncovered large liability incident as a “boatsinker.” Avoiding catastrophic claims is in the best interest of the entire Affordable Housing community. 

Casualty insurance includes General Liability, Umbrella/Excess Liability, and other coverages that protect against third-party allegations. The casualty market is starting to show signs of hardening, with reduced capacity, more restrictive coverage terms, and increased rates. It seems we are Back to the Future, with General Liability coverage for habitational risks echoing the hard property market of the last 5-7 years.

We're excited to announce that next year's CAHEC Partners Conference will be held on June 9-10, 2026, at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh! This event will feature informational sessions, a fun-filled welcome reception, and plenty of networking opportunities.

More information will be posted on the CAHEC website in the coming months, but in the meantime, feel free to check out the pictures from our 2025 event. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

At CAHEC, nearly a dozen employees have been part of our team for 15 years or more. These dedicated individuals are often the first people who come to mind when someone mentions our organization. Through our Faces of CAHEC campaign, we set out to uncover what’s kept them here all these years - and their insights reflect exactly why they’re such an essential part of who we are. This month, we're excited to feature one of our Acquisitions Managers, Sarah Hale.

What does affordable housing mean to you? I’m passionate about affordable housing because it provides quality homes to so many people, particularly the dedicated public servancts in our communities.  

What has been one of your favorite moments at CAHEC? My favorite CAHEC moment is always the awards luncheon at the conference. It’s always a great reminder of why we do what we do and how our mission impacts the lives of so many residents.

What's one piece of advice you'd give someone who is looking at affordable housing as a career choice? I would encourage them to connect with a seasoned industry professional who can guide you through the intricate processes of this industry. They would be able to help you identify where your skillset would fit best. Ask as many questions as possible and follow the most impactful and rewarding path for you. This industry is like a big extended family and there are always opportunities.

CAHEC Capital closed the following loan:

Carryover Loan - The Franklin - Anderson, SC; 68-unit New Construction for families; Developer: Prestwick Development

Congrats to the following property on achieving 100% occupancy:

Davis Park Station - Lexington, KY