Commercial insurance rates soften in Q1 2026. According to the Ivans Index, premium renewal rates across major commercial lines decreased from the fourth quarter 2025, signaling a market shift toward more moderate pricing. Commercial auto rates fell to 5.28% from 6.97%, while commercial property dropped significantly to 6.83% from 8.01%. General liability averaged 6.85%, down from 7.23%, and business owners policies declined to 6.74% from 7.52%. Umbrella coverage saw a slight decrease to 9.36%. However, year-over-year comparisons show most lines remain elevated except workers' compensation, which fell to negative 1.73%. Analysts view this quarterly softening as an important baseline for 2026, reflecting insurers adjusting to a more measured pace of rate increases after sustained pricing pressure.
