CIAB Says Q1 2026 Insurance Premiums Fell 1.2%, First Broad Drop Since 2017

2 articles · Updated · Insurance Journal · May 22

A CIAB survey found average commercial insurance premiums fell 1.2% in Q1 2026 across all account sizes—the first overall decline since Q3 2017.
Large accounts led the drop with premiums down 2.7% and medium accounts down 1.9%, while small accounts still rose 1.1%—far slower than Q4 2025’s 2.8% increase.
Nine lines of business posted declines, with commercial property down 5.8% and non-catastrophe property showing the biggest easing in pricing and underwriting terms.
CIAB said respondents described classic soft-market conditions: lower prices, more flexible underwriting and broader insurer appetite, including for risks previously rejected at renewal.
Commercial auto remained the outlier, rising 5.8% for a third straight quarter as distracted driving, congestion, social inflation and nuclear verdicts kept claims costs elevated.

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