01 Jun State of the Insurance Market – Q1 2026
Staying informed about the latest trends and demands of the Commercial Business Insurance Industry is essential. Here’s a summary of the current state of the insurance market for Q1 2026:
Premiums across all account sized decreased for the first time since Q3 of 2017, by an average of -1.2%. The previous quarter was at 0.2%.
Notable Lines of Business and Their Premium Trends
Nine lines had a premium decrease, while six other lines increased, and one line saw no change. The average premium increase across major lines (commercial auto, commercial property, general liability, umbrella, and workers’ compensation) was 0.8%, down from 1.9% in Q4.
Commercial Auto: Commercial auto saw the largest increase out of all lines of business, with an average increase of 5.8%. This line marked its 59th consecutive quarter of increases. For details on contributing factors, see additional information from Travelers here.
Commercial Property: Commercial property saw the largest average decrease out of all of the lines of business, with -5.5%. The respondents attributed the decrease with more aggressive competition between carriers for both new and old business.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- -1.2%: average premium decrease out of all account sizes, the first decrease since Q3 2017
- -2.7%: average premium decrease for large accounts, the largest out of all account sizes
- 1.1%: average premium increase for small accounts, a 60% decrease from the previous quarter
- -2.1%: average decrease in premiums for medium accounts, down from 0.0% in Q4 2025
It’s no secret that navigating the insurance market has become increasingly challenging. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to understand the factors affecting your premiums. At Gilbert’s, we’re committed to ensuring every client has what they need to succeed, even when the conversations are tough.
To discuss your options or learn more, contact one of our talented Risk Advisors today!
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