However, reinsurance can also be a driving force behind premium increases and market restrictions. When reinsurers experience heavy losses from natural disasters, economic downturns, or global events, they adjust their rates and underwriting requirements to compensate. These increased costs trickle down to primary insurers, who, in turn, raise their rates to offset the higher reinsurance expenses and tighten underwriting guidelines to gain favor with reinsurers. As a result, insureds face higher premiums, smaller underwriting boxes to fit in, and, in some cases, reduced availability of coverage.