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Heading Into 2027: The Market Is Finally Giving Some Ground. Here Is How to Use It.

Adam Puharic
Oct 15
2 min read

For four straight years, almost every renewal conversation we had started the same way: "Why is it up again?" Inflation, rebuilding costs, severe weather and larger lawsuit awards all pushed prices higher, and carriers passed it along.

In January we shared the outlook for 2026, and the hope was "stabilization." Heading into 2027, the picture is better still. The large national brokers' fall market reports point the same direction: the market is easing for buyers in most lines.*1 But it is easing unevenly, and the businesses that benefit most will be the ones that prepare.

Where prices are heading*2

  • Property: Rates have fallen for several quarters in a row, with many renewals coming in flat to 5% to 15% lower. Properties with a clean loss history benefit most. Coastal and storm-exposed locations still get a closer look.

  • General liability: Generally stable, with modest increases for most small and mid-size accounts.

  • Commercial auto: Still rising, often 5% to 20% at renewal. Repair costs, medical costs and jury awards keep pushing this line up.

  • Umbrella and excess: Increases are slowing, but higher limits still cost more than they did a few years ago.

  • Workers' compensation: Flat to slightly down for most employers.

  • Cyber: Stable pricing and plenty of coverage for businesses that have the basic security controls in place.

What carriers are rewarding

When a market softens, carriers compete for the accounts they want most: the ones that come in early, with accurate information and a clear story about how they manage risk. That means:

  • Up-to-date payroll, revenue, vehicle and property values

  • A written safety program, even a simple one

  • Driver lists and motor vehicle records for anyone driving for the business

  • Loss history with an explanation of what changed after any claim

Why timing matters

An application that reaches the market 60 to 90 days before renewal gets shopped properly. One that arrives two weeks before renewal often gets the incumbent carrier's offer and not much else. If your policy renews January 1, the time to start is now.

At Puharic & Associates, we start renewal conversations months ahead so our clients can take advantage of a better market rather than scrambling at year-end. If you would like us to look at your 2027 renewal, call us at 732-655-6200.

Sources

*1 WTW, via The Insurer, October 1, 2026; Business Insurance, "Commercial insurance pricing set to ease further"

*2 Hylant, Q3 2026 Commercial Insurance Market Update; IMA Financial Group, Property & Casualty Markets in Focus Q3 2026

 
 
 

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