Average commercial insurance premiums decreased across all account sizes for the first ti
me since 2017 during the first quarter. The trend continued for the second quarter.
During Q2 2026, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB)’s market survey found premiums decreased an average of 2% across all accounts.
Large account premiums fell by 3.7% following a 2.7% decrease last quarter. Medium accou
nt decreases held steady at 1.9%, and small accounts decreased slightly, by an average of 0.5%.
Commercial property premiums dropped the most – 6.3% – during Q2. The line was one of
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10 lines that saw premiums shrink in Q2: business interruption, commercial property, constructi
on risks, cyber, D&O, employment practices, flood, marine, terrorism, and workers compensation, reported CIAB.
“Commercial property decreases were at least partially driven by carriers seeking to off
set increases they asked for in lines like commercial auto and umbrella,” CIAB said. “A surplus in property capacity—75% of respondents noted an increase in
capacity for the line—also exerted downward pressure on premiums as carriers competed for clients.”
Cyber and workers compensation both averaged a 3.2% decreases.
Umbrella premiums increased an average of 5.3% in Q2 2026. This was the highest increase o
ut of all lines and was also the 35th consecutive quarter of premium increases for umbrella. Commercial auto premiums increased 4.5%.