US commercial lines remain flat for eight consecutive quarter

Commercial insurance prices in the United States were relatively flat for the eighth consecutive quarter, while accident-year loss ratios deteriorated relative to the same period in the prior 12 months, according to Towers Watson.
Commercial insurance prices, in aggregate, declined by 1% during 2010 Q4, according to the Commercial Lines Insurance Pricing Survey. The survey compares prices charged on policies underwritten during the fourth quarter of 2010 to the prices charged for the same coverage during the same quarter in 2009.
Pricing for the majority of lines remained flat, but commercial property, professional liability, directors and officers liability and employment practices liability lines showed price reductions for the fifth consecutive quarter.
Aggregate price change indications showed some differentiation by account size. There were flat indications for small and mid-market accounts, and price reductions in large accounts and specialty lines.