Market improves as premiums begin to stabilize in the Commercial Insurance Marketplace
Rhea-AI Summary
WTW (Willis Towers Watson, NASDAQ: WTW) reported that premiums and rates in the North American commercial insurance market are stabilizing. Increased competition and ample capacity have created a buyer's market, especially outside of excess casualty and terrorism. Industry-specific trends show improved conditions in construction due to growth and investment, and stable premiums in financial institutions. The report forecasts varied price changes for 2024: property rates may range from -5% to +10%, general liability could increase by 2% to 8%, and cyber premiums may remain flat or decrease by up to 5%. Political risks and terrorism-related coverages might see significant increases.
Positive
- Premiums and rates are stabilizing across most industries and coverage areas.
- Ample capacity is available, leading to increased competition and more consistent program structures.
- Construction insurance market has improved due to industry growth and infrastructure investments.
- Financial institutions insurance market has an abundance of capacity with stable premiums.
- Some sectors, like banking, are experiencing minor premium decreases.
- Property rates for non-CAT exposed risks may see modest increases up to 5%.
Negative
- High hazard umbrella and excess casualty rates are expected to increase significantly, by 8% to 15% and over 10% respectively.
- Political risk premiums could rise dramatically by 10% to 40%.
- Terrorism and political violence insurance rates may increase by up to 30% in volatile territories.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, WTW gained 0.08%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
NEW YORK, May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest Insurance Marketplace Realities report from WTW (Willis Towers Watson, NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, premiums and rates have begun to stabilize across most industries and coverage areas in North America. Carriers have developed a comfort in quoting more client risk programs than they did a year ago, contributing to stability throughout the market.
From a macro perspective, ample capacity is available across many lines of business in 2024, which has led to increased competition, stabilized rates, and more consistent program structures. Outside of excess casualty and terrorism, it has become a buyers’ market where clients are driving program improvements through coverage terms, program structure and price.
Drilling down into the market undercurrents across specific industries, economic factors have continued to influence insurance trends. Construction, for example, has shown improved conditions driven by demonstrable industry growth, expanded infrastructure investment and improved risk controls. The expected construction activity in infrastructure, renewable energy projects, industrial manufacturing, and healthcare will support that particular insurance market.
Within the financial institutions space, the market is providing an abundance of capacity, and premiums have remained stable, while the banking sector, for example, has experienced minor premium decreases.
Jon Drummond, Head of Broking, North America, WTW, commented, “With meaningful capacity returning to many major product lines, we are confident in our ability to deliver excellent renewal results, and help our clients pursue the efficient frontier of risk.”
Key Price Predictions for 2024
| Property | |
| CAT-exposed | - |
| Non-CAT exposed | - |
| Domestic casualty | |
| General liability | + |
| Umbrella (high hazard) | + |
| Excess (high hazard) | + |
| Excess (low hazard) | + |
| Workers’ compensation | – |
| Auto | + |
| International | Flat |
| Executive risks | |
| Directors’ and officers’ public company (primary) | - |
| Directors’ and officers’ private / not-for-profit (overall) | - |
| Side A / DIC | - |
| Errors and omissions (large law firms) | + |
| Employment practices liability (primary) | Flat to + |
| Fiduciary (financial institutions) | - |
| Cyber | |
| Cyber | - |
| Political risk | |
| Most risks | + |
| Terrorism and political violence | |
| Terrorism and sabotage | Flat to + + |
| Political violence | Flat to + + |
About WTW
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.
Media Contact
Douglas Menelly, Public Relations Lead, North America
Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com | +1 (516) 972 0380
Arnelle Sullivan, Public Relations Associate, North America
Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com | +1 (718) 208-0474
FAQ
What are the key price predictions for WTW in 2024?
How is the construction insurance market performing according to WTW?
What trends are seen in the financial institutions insurance market?
Why is the commercial insurance marketplace becoming a buyer's market?
What increases are expected in political risk premiums?
