Clients’ cyber insurance isn’t “someone else’s problem.” It directly affects your risk, your scope, and whether you get paid when incidents happen. Help clients meet insurer‑required controls (MFA, EDR, immutable/offline backups, secure remote access, patch SLAs, training, IR planning), document the truth on applications, and keep a small evidence pack ready. You’ll prevent claim denials, reduce surprises, and open the door to service upgrades—without FUD.
Why MSPs should care
- Denied claims = unpaid recovery. If a client attests to controls they don’t actually have, the insurer can reduce or deny coverage—leaving you in the crosshairs for emergency work and hard conversations.
- Misaligned expectations. Many clients assume “my MSP does all of that.” If the policy language requires more than your standard stack, you need a documented gap analysis and options.
- Stronger, stickier relationships. Guiding clients through requirements (and the proof insurers ask for) turns you into the calm problem‑solver, not the bearer of bad news.
What insurers usually look for (quick primer)
- MFA everywhere: Email, VPN/remote access, and all privileged/admin roles.
- EDR/XDR on all endpoints: Servers and workstations with centralized monitoring/response.
- Backups with immutability/offline copy: Plus routine test restores.
- Remote access hardening: No exposed RDP; VPN or ZTNA with MFA.
- Patch & vulnerability management: SLAs for criticals; scanning + remediation loop.
- Email security & training: Phishing simulations; dormant account hygiene.
- IR plan with tabletop: Roles, contacts, playbooks, and recent exercises.
Want a deeper checklist? See: Cyber Insurance Requirements: The Minimum Controls Checklist
A simple workflow that protects you and your client
Step 1 — Get the paperwork. Ask for the policy, the application, and any bind‑time warranties/endorsements. These documents define what the client swore they had in place.
Step 2 — Run a “truth vs. attestation” check. Compare stated controls to reality: MFA, EDR coverage by OS, backup immutability & tests, remote access, patch SLAs, training cadence.
Step 3 — Close gaps or correct the record. If fixes are fast, prioritize remediation. If not, ask the broker/carrier about documenting compensating controls and update attestations to reflect current state.
Step 4 — Clarify scope & responsibility. Update your MSA/SOW to show who owns each control (you, the client, third parties). Include timelines and acceptance criteria.
Step 5 — Build an Underwriting Evidence folder. Keep screenshots/exports for MFA, EDR coverage, backup immutability, patch compliance, training completion, IR plan/tabletop notes. Update quarterly.
Step 6 — Pre‑verify and quote inside your stack. If you’re using SeedPod’s integrations, you can request or pre‑verify quotes directly in ConnectWise/N‑able, cutting back‑and‑forth and speeding approvals. (See: Quote Cyber & Tech E&O Right Inside ConnectWise/N‑able.)
Talking points you can use with clients
- “Insurance pays when controls match reality. Let’s validate those now so claims don’t stall later.”
- “Our standard stack is strong, but carriers sometimes require extra items. Here are the options and costs.”
- “We’ll assemble a small evidence pack so you can renew faster and qualify for better terms.”
Pitfalls to avoid
- Exposed RDP or weak remote access. Close it now; move to VPN/ZTNA with MFA.
- ‘AV‑only’ endpoints. Underwriters expect behavioral EDR/XDR with centralized response.
- Backups that are just sync. Require immutability/offline copies and test restores.
- Ghost accounts & broad allow‑listing. Clean up dormant users; tighten email defenses.
- Too many admins. Separate admin accounts; remove local admin; implement PAM.
FAQs (client‑friendly)
Will insurance still pay if the setup isn’t perfect?
It depends on the policy and the gap. Carriers look for material misrepresentation (e.g., claiming MFA everywhere but not enforcing it). Fixing gaps and documenting compensating controls reduces risk of denials.
Do we need to change our whole stack?
Usually not. Most requirements align with MSP best practices. We’ll map your stack to the policy and add what’s missing.
Is this just fear‑mongering?
No—the objective is to prevent surprises. A small amount of validation now can save weeks of downtime and uncovered costs during an incident.
Next steps
- Send us your latest policy + application.
- We’ll run a quick controls/attestation check and outline remediation options.
- Prefer a faster path? We can pre‑verify and quote right from your toolset.
Ready to protect revenue and reduce risk? Contact us or loop us into your next renewal.
This article is for general information and not legal advice. Coverage and underwriting vary by carrier and risk profile.