Aon expands data center insurance program to $5bn amid capacity crunch

Data center insurance premiums are set to nearly double by 2030 as AI infrastructure drives demand beyond market limits

Aon expands data center insurance program to $5bn amid capacity crunch

Transformation

By Mark Rosanes

Aon has announced the expansion of its data center lifecycle insurance program (DCLP) to $5 billion in capacity. The update extends coverage across the full asset lifecycle, from development through long-term operations.

"Digital infrastructure has become one of the most important and capital-intensive asset classes in the global economy," said Joe Peiser, chief executive of risk capital at Aon. "As clients build larger and more complex data center portfolios, they need access to greater insurance capacity alongside solutions that strengthen resilience throughout the asset lifecycle."

A market stretched by scale

Global insurance premiums tied to data centers are projected to nearly double by 2030, from $10.6 billion to $24.2 billion, according to a March report from Swiss Re Institute.

Capital spending by the five largest hyperscalers is forecast to exceed $600 billion in 2026, a 36% annual increase. Roughly 75% of that spend is tied to physical AI infrastructure in large data centers, the report found. Construction costs for individual sites can reach $20 billion before technology is installed.

Lenders financing these projects increasingly require cover for full replacement value as a condition of financing. Kelly Kinzer, Zurich's global head of construction and surety, said that the market lacked sufficient capacity to insure the largest projects at full value.

What the expanded program covers

The expanded DCLP provides up to $5 billion in construction all risks, delay in start-up, and property damage and business interruption cover. The program draws on capacity from Lloyd's and company markets, alongside other facilities.

Liability, cyber, and cargo lines also received expanded limits. Third-party liability cover reaches up to $200 million outside the US and $100 million within it. cyber and technology errors and omissions (E&O) capacity stands at $400 million, project cargo at $500 million, and terrorism at US$1 billion through existing Aon facilities.

The program integrates advisory capabilities through Aon Global Risk Consulting. Those services cover climate risk, environmental risk, security consulting, and operational resilience across the full asset lifecycle.

Aon has framed the approach under a "Reliable by Design" model. The firm said the model brings engineering expertise and risk intelligence earlier in the development process. The stated aims are to reduce transition risk and improve bankability at scale.

The DCLP was first launched in June 2025 and previously expanded to $3.5 billion in April 2026. The latest increase to $5 billion covers construction, operational, and liability lines.

Related Stories

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!