‘Decisive Sign of a Softened Market’: Premiums Decreases Across All Accounts, Says CIAB

For the first time since the third quarter 2017, respondents to a recent quarterly survey said average premiums decreased across all account sizes.

During the first three months of 2026, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB)’s market survey found premiums decreased an average of 1.2% across all accounts.

Large account premiums fell an average of 2.7% while medium account premiums fell 1.9%. Small account premiums increased 1.1%, a 60% decrease from Q4 2025’s rise of 2.8%.

Results for Q1 continue a trend. Overall results for Q4 2025 included an average increases in premiums for all account sizes rose of just 0.2%.

Premiums during Q1 for nine lines of business decreased: business interruption, commercial property, construction risks, cyber, D&O, employment practices, marine, terrorism, and workers compensation. Of those lines, commercial property premiums declined the most, by an average of 5.8%. Non-catastrophe property saw the biggest relief in premiums and underwriting terms and conditions.

“Numerous respondents reported the common signs of a soft market: lower pricing, more flexibility in underwriting terms, more overall appetite, including for business they may have been rejected at previous renewals,” CIAB said.

For the third straight quarter, commercial auto premiums increased the most of all lines at 5.8%. The line has seen increases every quarter for nearly 5 years, due to factors such as distracted driving and congested roads leading to high claims frequency. Social inflation and nuclear verdicts amplified claim severity, said CIAB, citing AM Best.

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