P/C Insurance Pricing Still Competitive, Says MarketScout

The average price of insurance for all U.S. businesses remained the same in April 2015 as it was in April 2014, according to the latest analysis from online insurance exchange MarketScout.

MarketScout CEO Richard Kerr noted that the market remained flat with a zero percent increase in April 2015, down from a 1.5 percent increase in October 2014, continuing the downward trend of the last eight months.

Kerr said:

It’s not dramatic but it is a trend. Coastal property may experience some slight rate increases since we are on the cusp of the wind season. Rates on all other exposures should continue to be quite competitive.”

By coverage classification, rates for business owners policies (BOP), professional liability and D&O coverages decreased in April 2015 by one percent as compared to March 2015, MarketScout reported.

However, commercial auto coverage actually saw a 2 percent increase, while rates for all other coverages remained the same.

By account size, rates remained the same for all except jumbo accounts (over $1 million in premium) which adjusted to a rate reduction of minus 2 percent in April 2015, compared with rates the previous month, MarketScout said.

I.I.I. provides commentary on the P/C insurance industry financial results here.