Business Relief as Insurance Rates Decline Worldwide

0

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Across the globe, varying trends emerged. United Kingdom-based rates decreased by 5%, while rates across Asia saw a 3% decline. Both Europe and Canada experienced a modest dip of 2%. However, the scenario was different across the Americas; the United States saw its rates remain stable, and Latin America encountered a slight 1% increase.

The Global Insurance Market Index highlights this as the second consecutive quarter where commercial rates have collectively declined, noting a 2% drop for the October to December timeframe.

John Donnelly, Marsh's global head of placement, emphasised the importance of these rate changes, saying, “The softening of rates across property, financial lines, and cyber is a positive development for clients, while the challenges in other areas of the market, particularly in US casualty, are acute.” This viewpoint underscores that while the general trend is positive for clients, specific market segments may still face hurdles.

Focusing on the Pacific market, which remains heavily influenced by Australian renewals, the 8% decrease facilitates a client-friendly environment, continuing what is now a four-quarter streak of rate decreases for commercial clients.

Breaking down by insurance type in the Pacific, property rates fell by 8%, casualty rates declined by 2%, and financial and professional lines saw a significant 12% decrease. Marsh signifies that this trend is partially due to insurers prioritising premium growth, leading to intensified competition. Nonetheless, accounts that were impacted by claims still faced careful evaluations, with insurers hesitant to implement substantial price reductions.

The financial and professional lines saw heightened competition, especially in directors' and officers' liability risks. Cyber rates, interestingly, only saw increases if there were major shifts in the underlying risk profiles. This indicates a continued competitive atmosphere in specific lines despite overarching declines.

The original data for this report was sourced from Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index, showcasing a dynamic period for global insurance, with implications for businesses across various regions and sectors.

Published:Tuesday, 11th Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more

Seafood Business Wins Insurance Dispute Over Storm-Induced Power Outage

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for businesses seeking insurance compensation for losses due to power outages caused by natural disasters. In this case, a seafood distribution company experienced substantial stock losses when a storm-induced power outage left its refrigeration systems inoperable for a week. The insurer initially denied the claim, citing a flood exclusion clause. - read more

Insurance Council Advocates for Liability Law Overhaul to Curb Rising Premiums

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent reforms to civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide. In a recently released white paper, the ICA highlights the need to review state-based civil liability laws that have remained unchanged for nearly 25 years. The report identifies key areas requiring attention, including psychological injuries, worker-to-worker claims, and leisure and recreational risks. - read more

Australian Insurers See Profit Surge in Q3 2025

14 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In the third quarter of 2025, Australian general insurers reported a significant after-tax profit of nearly AUD 2.3 billion, marking an increase from approximately AUD 2.1 billion in the same period of 2024. This uptick reflects a combination of rising premium revenues and a reduction in claims, contributing to the industry's robust financial performance. - read more

Click for more Insurance News