However, depletion of insurance capacity signals rising commercial insurance rates

Despite poor financial results, insurance companies continued to compete vigorously for business in the second quarter, according to RIMS Benchmark Survey™. General liability and workers' compensation policies both posted average decreases in renewal premiums. Directors and officers liability (D&O) policies renewed at higher premiums on average, but the increase was due to financial sector companies, a segment that has been bloodied by the subprime mortgage meltdown and credit crisis. Property policies renewed at essentially no change.

Workers' compensation recorded a 2.8 percent average decrease in renewal premiums, as compared to a 1.7 percent drop in the second quarter of 2008, and general liability posted a 1.1 percent drop as compared to nearly a 5 percent decline a year ago. D&O increased 2.9 percent, a reversal of the 6.4 percent average decrease in the second quarter of 2008. However, excluding financial services companies, D&O policies renewed with a 4.1 percent average decrease. Property premiums fell less than 1 percent, which compares to a 6.1 percent drop in the second quarter of 2008.

For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/benchmark.