Commercial Insurance Rates Fall 5% in Q3, Marsh Says

What happened

Commercial insurance rates went down again. Prices for business insurance fell 5% around the world in the third quarter of 2026, Insurance Journal reported on Oct. 21. The numbers come from the Marsh Global Insurance Market Index, a regular report from Marsh, one of the biggest insurance brokers.

It is the ninth quarter in a row that rates went down. In the second quarter, they fell 6%.

Here is how the main types of coverage moved:

• Property (buildings, equipment, things you own): down 10%. That was the biggest drop of any type.
• Casualty (liability, when you are blamed for hurting someone or damaging their property): up 1%. It was the only type that went up. Marsh tied it to U.S. lawsuits and large settlements.
• Cyber (hacking and data problems): down 4% around the world, flat in the U.S.

Marsh said it saw early signs that rates are starting to level off.

What it means for owner-operators

This is good news for many small businesses. When the market has more room, insurers often compete harder for good customers. Property coverage, like coverage for a shop, a yard or a warehouse, is where prices dropped the most.

But be clear about the part that matters most for trucks. Truck liability is part of casualty, and casualty is the one area still going up in the U.S. Big lawsuits and large jury awards are the main reason. So this report does not mean your truck policy will get cheaper. Every policy is priced on its own: your record, your trucks, your routes and your loss history.

Still, a softer market in other lines is a good sign. It gives a well-run small carrier a better chance at a fair renewal.

What to do next

• Start your renewal early. Begin 45 to 60 days ahead. Our truck insurance renewal checklist shows each step.
• Get your loss runs. Underwriters ask for them first. Learn how loss runs work.
• Keep your record clean. Fewer claims and violations help you the most at renewal.
• Use a dash cam. Video can protect you if someone blames you for a crash.
• Ask questions. Know your limits and what each coverage does before you sign.

Want help preparing for your renewal? Call TCZ Insurance Agency at 956-526-6727.