In 2013, Travelers launched its risk index, an annual study to assess Americans’ perceptions about risk. What worries them most in a changing world? How intense are the potential threats they see today and in the future? What steps, if any, do they take to prepare for these risks?

This year, Travelers, with Hart Research Associates, surveyed 1,001 consumers between the ages of 18 and 69. Travelers also surveyed 1,202 business owners and decision makers, including 493 small businesses (2 to 49 employees), 453 midsized businesses (50 to 999 employees) and 256 large businesses (1,000+ employees). The survey included 11 specific industry sectors.

The report breaks out the findings by consumer and business attitudes, and also highlights where consumers and businesses share similar concerns. On the following pages, we describe in detail the general level of risk perceived by both consumers and business leaders, as well as their specific risk concerns.

About Hart Research

Hart Research Associates is one of the leading survey research firms in the United States. Now in its 43rd year of operation, the firm has conducted well over 7,000 public opinion surveys and has administered and analyzed interviews among more than four million individuals in that time. Hart Research also has undertaken more than 6,000 focus group sessions. Our client base represents five major sectors of society: nonprofit institutions and advocacy organizations, labor unions, politics and public policy, business and industry, and the media. For more information, visit hartresearch.com.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has approximately 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $27 billion in 2014. For more information, visit travelers.com.