Market News
US Property-Casualty Insurers Post $31.7 Billion Underwriting Gain
US property-casualty insurers posted a $31.7 billion underwriting gain in the first half of 2026 as catastrophe losses declined and investment income increased. The industry's combined ratio improved to 92.7, but Verisk and APCIA said insurers continue to face significant catastrophe exposure, rising casualty claim severity and competitive market pressures. Learn More
Pharmacy Risk Highlights Captive Insurance's Role in Enterprise Risk Management
Rising pharmacy costs, advanced therapies, and evolving pharmacy benefit manager arrangements are creating significant risks for employers. Captive owners can address these exposures through enterprise-level decisions about risk retention, transfer, and mitigation. Better data, clinical intervention, specialized consultation, and employee education can support favorable health outcomes while managing financial volatility more effectively. Learn More
"Ivans Index" August 2026: Commercial Renewal Rates Mostly Fall
The "Ivans Index" showed most commercial insurance renewal rates declining month over month in August 2026, although five major lines continued to post year-over-year increases. Commercial auto, businessowners policy, general liability, commercial property, and umbrella rates fell from July, while workers compensation increased slightly but remained negative year over year. Read More
US P&C Underwriting Income Nearly Triples in First Half of 2026
AM Best reported that US property and casualty net underwriting income increased to $31.2 billion in the first half of 2026. The industry's combined ratio improved to 92.5 as catastrophe losses declined. Higher investment income and realized capital gains contributed to increased pretax operating income, net income, and policyholders' surplus. Read More
S&P: Reinsurers Face Pricing Pressure but Remain Resilient
S&P maintains a stable view of global reinsurance, supported by strong capitalization and operating results. However, abundant traditional and alternative capacity is expected to soften pricing and reduce underwriting margins through 2027. Natural catastrophes, social inflation, and geopolitical instability remain key risks, while investment income and life reinsurance support earnings. Read More
Fitch Keeps Global Reinsurance Outlook Deteriorating for 2027
Fitch Ratings maintains a deteriorating outlook for global reinsurance in 2027 as abundant capacity drives further pricing declines. Rising claims costs, inflation, climate change, and emerging liabilities are expected to pressure margins and earnings. Strong capital, underwriting discipline, reserve releases, and investment income should help reinsurers manage worsening conditions. Read More
Captive Insurance Cessions Drop Amid Health Reinsurance Growth
US health insurers are increasingly using reinsurance to manage rising medical costs, catastrophic claims, and capital needs. Ceded premiums reached $203 billion in 2025, while stop-loss reinsurance grew sharply. Although captive insurance premiums declined, unaffiliated reinsurance gained market share as insurers sought greater capital efficiency and reduced earnings volatility. Read More