In today’s rapidly changing world, new risks seem to pop up overnight. From flying cameras to app-based deliveries, the devices and services your clients use are evolving faster than the mainstream insurance market can respond. That’s where independent agents have an edge. You can get ahead of the curve, understand the exposures early, and offer solutions before other agents even recognize the need. Here are five niche coverages gaining traction, particularly among tech, mobility, and gig economy clients.
1. Drone / UAV Insurance
Once the domain of hobbyists and photographers, drones have become indispensable tools in the agriculture, mapping, construction, logistics, and film production industries.
Why It’s Trending
The U.S. is moving toward more flexible rules that ease “beyond visual line of sight” drone operations, opening the door to broader commercial use. As drones become standard in more industries, liability and equipment protection are no longer optional. Many commercial clients (real estate, media, and agricultural) now require contractors to carry drone Insurance. After all, with drone hardware costing thousands of dollars, a single accident could result in serious financial loss.
Key Coverages to Know
- Liability (Third-Party): Covers bodily injury or property damage caused by the drone. Standard general liability doesn’t tend to include aircraft/drones.
- Hull / Physical Damage: Covers damage or loss to the drone itself (crashes, weather, theft)
- Privacy / Invasion of Privacy: Addresses risks related to unintended image or video capture.
- On-Demand Policies”: Some carriers now allow time-limited policies purchased by the hour via app.
- Specialized Use: Agricultural drones that spray chemicals, for example, require specialty underwriting or endorsements.
Agent Playbook Tip
If your clients use or plan to use drones, include a short drone risk questionnaire in your intake process. Build relationships with aviation-adjacent underwriters or MGAs, even if local demand is currently low. When drone operations take off in your area, you’ll already be the expert.
2. E-Scooter and Micromobility Insurance
You’ve probably seen e-scooters and e-bikes zipping through city streets. But they’re not just for tourists anymore. Shared micromobility platforms are becoming part of daily life for commuters, delivery workers, and even recreational vehicles for families. As with any motorized device, liability and damage risks are a reality.
Why It’s Trending
The global e-scooter market is booming. It’s driven by demand for affordable, eco-friendly transport and new city-level regulations. As more municipalities roll out pilot programs (shared scooters, ride-pooling, microtransit), they’re also mandating insurance coverage for both operators and riders. This shift is forcing insurers to rethink coverage frameworks and liability rules for shared and personal-use scooters.
Key Coverages to Know
- Third-Party Liability: Covers injury or property damage caused by a scooter or e-bike.
- Physical Damage / Theft / Vandalism: Protects the scooter itself.
- Personal Injury Coverage: Pays for medical costs to the rider.
- Fleet / Shared-Use Coverage: Addresses exposure when devices are rented to multiple users, like in fleets or under shared mobility programs.
- Use-Based or Telematics Pricing: Some policies may adjust premiums or terms based on usage frequency or risk behavior.
Agent Playbook Tip
Talk to municipal or ride-share operators in your area. Many cities are navigating micromobility insurance for the first time. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce coverage solutions before the risks become liabilities. Being the agent who brings clarity and coverage solutions early can open up entirely new commercial accounts.
3. E-Bike / Electric Bicycle Insurance
E-bikes are everywhere, from city commuters to trail riders. But, while they look like traditional bicycles, they’re faster, heavier, and often legally treated more like motor vehicles.
Why It Matters
As more people rely on e-bikes for daily transportation, many assume they’re already covered under homeowner or renter policies. However, that’s often not the case. Riders need protection beyond these policies, which may exclude motorized devices. Some states are even classifying certain e-bikes as motor vehicles, which brings new insurance requirements.
Possible Policy Enhancements
- Liability Coverage: For bodily injury or property damage caused by e-bike use.
- Theft / Damage Coverage: For high-value electric bikes and components.
- Rider Medical Coverage: To cover personal injuries or accidents.
Agent Playbook Tip
Stay on top of evolving e-bike laws in your state. During client reviews, ask if they own or plan to buy one. Highlight how their current homeowners or auto liability may not apply, and position yourself as the one who understands the “gap” between standard policies and e-bike needs.
4. Cyber / Data Privacy for Small & Specialty Businesses
Though not as “glamorous” as drones or scooters, cyber insurance is one of the most critical (and overlooked) coverages for small businesses today. It’s especially relevant for businesses that collect customer data, run apps, or operate with remote teams.
Why It’s Trending
Cyberattacks aren’t just a “big company” problem anymore. In fact, small firms are now prime targets. With data privacy laws tightening across states and many contracts requiring proof of cyber insurance, more small businesses are realizing the need for dedicated coverage. Many businesses mistakenly assume their general liability or E&O policy covers cyber risks. But they frequently do not.
Key Coverages to Evaluate
- First-Party Coverage: Covers breach response, forensics, and notification costs.
- Third-Party Liability: Covers claims from customers affected by a breach.
- Ransomware / Extortion: Reimburses for ransom payments or response costs.
- Business Interruption: Covers downtime after a cyberattack.
- Social Engineering / Phishing: Protects against deceptive financial transfers.
Agent Playbook Tip
During business reviews, ask simple questions: “Do you collect customer data? Take payments online? Have remote employees?” If the answer is yes, offer a quick cyber exposure assessment or partner with a cyber-focused MGA. You’ll likely uncover significant coverage gaps.
5. Short-Term / Event / Gig Economy Coverage
More individuals and small business clients are engaging in gig work or hosting events. As a result, short-term, event-based, or task-based insurance is becoming more relevant.
Examples of Rising Coverage Needs
- Gig Worker Liability / On-Demand Coverage: For ride-share drivers, delivery couriers, home service providers (plumbers, handypersons).
- Event Insurance / One-Day Liability: For weddings, festivals, pop-up retail, and food trucks at events.
- Equipment Rental / Tool Coverage: For contractors renting or using high-value tools short-term.
- Short-Term Property / Vacation Rental Liability: For people listing homes for just a few nights.
Why It’s Trending
With inflation and rising living costs, more people are supplementing their income with side gigs or micro-businesses. However, standard business policies often exclude these short-term or rental-based exposures. Many platforms also require “proof of insurance,” driving demand for flexible policies.
Agent Playbook Tip
Ask clients about side hustles, rentals, or events. A one-off gig today could turn into an ongoing business tomorrow. Have a policy or endorsement ready for short-term liabilities, or partner with underwriters that specialize in event or gig exposures. That way, you capture a greater wallet share of existing clients rather than always seeking out new business.
How to Make These Trends Work for Your Agency
Seeing opportunity is one thing; acting on it is another. Here’s how to make these trends part of your agency’s growth strategy:
- Train Your Team: Host a lunch-and-learn or quick workshop on niche exposures. Encourage producers to ask discovery questions that uncover emerging risks. Use real-life examples. Encourage producers to ask clients, “Do you ever use a drone? E-scooter? Host events?”
- Build a Niche Exposures Audit: Create a short questionnaire (2–3 questions) that gets at their use of emerging tech, rentals, gigs, or mobility tools. Integrate it into your renewal or prospecting calls.
- Partner with Specialty Markets: Many of these niche lines require underwriters who understand the exposures. Connect with aviation underwriters, cyber MGAs, or event liability carriers so you can place appropriately.
- Market Your Edge: Advertise (on your website, email newsletter, social media) that you provide coverage beyond standard auto/home/commercial lines. Use case studies: For example, “We recently placed drone coverage for a contractor; saved them from a $20,000 liability.” Position yourself as an “innovative agency.”
- Stay Current: These niches evolve fast. New laws, coverage definitions, and exclusions emerge. Commit to scanning trade news, attending specialty webinars, or using your network to stay informed.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the “niche” doesn’t stay niche forever. As technology and consumer behavior evolve, today’s specialized risks often become tomorrow’s standard coverages. Agents who stay curious, adapt quickly, and speak the language of emerging exposures will stand out. As part of the ASNOA network, you already have access to the tools, partners, and expertise to make that happen. Be the agent who sees what’s next and helps clients stay protected before they even know they need it.