Global commercial insurance pricing increased for the seventh consecutive quarter in the second quarter of 2019, according to Marsh’s quarterly Global Insurance Market Index, a proprietary measure of global commercial insurance premium pricing change at renewal, representing the world’s major insurance markets and comprising nearly 90% of Marsh’s premium.
Average commercial insurance pricing increased nearly 6% in second quarter 2019, the largest increase since the survey began in 2012, and the seventh consecutive quarter of average pricing increases.
Globally, on average, pricing for property risks increased 8%; financial and professional lines rose almost 10%; and casualty increased nearly 1%. In general, pricing increases were more pronounced in large accounts, particularly in property and D&O.
Composite pricing in the second quarter increased in all geographic regions for the third consecutive quarter, largely driven by rates in property and directors and officers (D&O) coverages.
The Pacific region had the largest composite pricing increase in the index (18%), a quarterly trend that has continued for two years. Pacific composite pricing was driven by increases in D&O rates (many organizations experienced high double-digit increases), as well as increases in both CAT and non-CAT property.
The US, UK and Asia all reported average pricing increases of 3% or higher.