Commercial Insurance Premium Renewal Rates Soften in Q1 2026
Event summary
- Q1 2026 Ivans Index shows year-over-year premium renewal rate increases for all major commercial lines except Workers’ Compensation.
- Quarter-over-quarter, all major lines saw a decrease in premium renewal rates compared to Q4 2025.
- Commercial Auto rates averaged 5.28% in Q1 2026, down from 6.97% in Q4 2025.
- Workers’ Compensation was the only line with negative renewal rates, averaging -1.73% in Q1 2026.
- Ivans Index analyzes over 120 million data transactions from 38,000 agencies and 600 insurers/MGAs.
The big picture
The Q1 2026 Ivans Index results reflect a broader industry trend of moderating premium renewal rates across most commercial lines, signaling a potential shift toward a softer market. This adjustment could impact insurer profitability and underwriting strategies, particularly as carriers navigate the balance between competitive pricing and risk management. The data, drawn from a vast network of agencies and insurers, provides a critical benchmark for tracking market direction in 2026.
What we're watching
- Market Softening
- How the continued softening of commercial insurance rates will impact carrier profitability and underwriting strategies.
- Line-Specific Trends
- Whether the negative renewal rates in Workers’ Compensation signal a broader shift in that segment.
- Industry Adjustments
- The pace at which insurers and agencies adapt to the moderating rate environment.
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