Brown & Brown, Inc. has released its 2026 Market Trends report, highlighting early signs of improving rate conditions across parts of the insurance market for buyers that approach renewals with strong preparation and disciplined claims management.

The brokerage and risk management firm noted that, while pricing remains elevated in certain sectors, increased market capacity and heightened carrier competition are beginning to create opportunities for well-managed risks.

The 2026 edition marks the first report issued since Brown & Brown’s 2025 acquisition of Risk Strategies. Drawing on the combined expertise of both organisations, the publication examines trends across commercial insurance, employee benefits, and personal insurance lines, offering guidance for businesses planning for the year ahead.

Steve Hearn, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and President of the Retail segment, commented:
“The dynamism of today’s insurance market and the ever-changing economic factors being managed by customers make this type of insight invaluable for planning. I’m excited to see how the combination of Brown & Brown and Risk Strategies’ specialty knowledge has deepened our ability to provide insight into the factors shaping the risk and liability markets.”

Commercial insurance: opportunity with caution

According to the report, commercial insurance markets are seeing increased competition among carriers, particularly for accounts with strong risk controls and favourable loss histories. However, large-scale loss events — including wildfires and cyber incidents — continue to influence underwriting standards and pricing discipline.

Industries such as transportation and hospitality, along with organisations operating in catastrophe-prone regions, may still face tighter terms and elevated rates despite broader market stabilisation.

Employee benefits: balancing cost and value

In the employee benefits segment, employers are under pressure to manage rising healthcare costs without compromising coverage quality or workforce engagement. The report points to growing adoption of digital health tools, virtual care platforms, and solutions that enhance cost transparency.

At the same time, benefits programmes are increasingly viewed as strategic tools for talent attraction and retention, requiring careful structuring to remain competitive and sustainable.

Personal insurance: climate and claims pressures persist

Personal insurance markets continue to be shaped by climate-related volatility, rising claims severity, regulatory shifts, and evolving carrier appetite. Although underwriting conditions have stabilised in some areas and capacity has expanded selectively, properties exposed to wildfire and severe convective storm risk remain subject to tighter underwriting scrutiny and sustained pricing pressure.

Brown & Brown stated that the report is designed to provide actionable insight for businesses, employers, and individuals navigating a complex risk environment. With expanded national scale, international reach, and specialised expertise following the Risk Strategies acquisition, the firm believes it is well positioned to support clients as insurance market conditions continue to evolve through 2026.