COMMERCIAL INSURANCE UPDATES
OVERVIEW
lines posted slower in prior years as carriers ofitability.
varied by geography, t reform, weather mand, and other regional all pricing showed signs on. on has added an 200 billion in costs to the Insurance sector over the s, with little indication of lief.
Continued growth in the MGA segment has intensified competition while also expanding terms and conditions. Many clients continue to rely on the E&S market, increasingly seeking customized coverage solutions unavailable in the standard market.
“
An influx of new market entrants increased competition, leading to more aggressive pricing and some market share shifting away from traditional carriers, particularly within the E&S segment.
Scott Higgins Executive Vice President Commercial Insurance Burns & Wilcox
New York, NY
KEY COMMERCIAL TRENDS
PROPERTY:
Well-controlled, low-hazard risks may see price declines and modest term improvements.
CAT-exposed risks remain carefully underwritten, though negotiation opportunities extend beyond pricing to structure, limits, and deductibles.
Carriers continue to emphasize accurate valuation and risk quality as inflation and weather volatility influence loss severity.
GENERAL LIABILITY:
Overall pricing is stable, with pockets of firmness persisting, particularly in Construction, Habitational, and other liability-heavy classes. The litigation environment and loss severity remain central underwriting considerations, influencing terms, exclusions, and attachment points.
EXCESS:
Pricing remains stable; however, nuclear verdicts and auto-heavy underlying exposures continue to create long-term uncertainty.
CANNABIS: Regulatory complexity and federal illegality push risks into E&S; variable rates and capacity drive reliance on specialized carriers.
HOSPITALITY & HABITATIONAL:
Litigation, assault-and-battery, and firearms exposure pressure pricing and terms, with more exclusions and higherdeductibles.
TRANSPORTATION:
Social inflation, repair costs, and driver shortages limit rate relief as capacity shrinks and submission quality becomes critical.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
2026 marks a period of steady growth and transformation. While premium increases are moderate, the market is characterized by expanding capacity, innovative product development, and heightened attention to emerging contaminants.
