Amwins released its 2026 State of the Market report, which provides an in-depth look at shifting conditions across key insurance sectors in the United States, London, and Bermuda. The annual outlook offers insights into rate movements, capacity trends, and coverage developments. It aims to give retailers and insureds clarity as they navigate a market that continues to change.
Overview of the 2026 Market Environment
The report highlights a market that continues to rebalance. According to Scott Purviance, chief executive officer of Amwins, some sectors are seeing significant softening while others still face pressure from loss trends, inflation, and evolving exposures. He states that the goal of the report is to equip retailers with real-time intelligence.
Amwins emphasizes that its data capabilities and broad market relationships remain central in helping retailers manage volatility. Mark Bernacki, chief underwriting officer, notes that Amwins places more than $45 billion in premium and has the industry’s most extensive E and S dataset through Amwins DNA. He explains that these resources help clients strengthen submissions, secure competitive terms, and meet changing underwriting expectations.
As 2026 approaches, increased global capacity and advancements in data and AI are creating more competition across many lines. At the same time, macroeconomic influences, regulatory development,s and emerging technologies continue to shape underwriting expectations.
Key Market Highlights
Property Market Softening Accelerates
Property rates continue to soften significantly, with average decreases of 10 to 25 percent. Increased global capacity and competitive behavior are driving this trend. Carriers are expanding line sizes, adjusting deductibles, and easing terms for non-CAT business. London and Bermuda report similar conditions supported by new entrants and multi-year capacity agreements.
Casualty Rates Flatten with Pressure in Specific Classes
Casualty pricing is flattening, particularly in high excess layers. Most accounts renew with flat to single-digit changes. Auto-heavy risks, public entities, transportation, and large fleets face the most scrutiny. Social inflation and litigation funding continue to influence severity. New capacity in London and Bermuda supports competitive structuring.
Professional Lines Show Competitive Conditions with Variation by Class
Carrier appetite and policy count remain strong. D and O conditions favor buyers, and flat renewals are becoming standard. Early signs of stabilization are emerging. SAM, EPL in certain states, and cyber-adjacent exposures face tighter terms. Consolidation, regulatory oversight, and AI-related disclosures are shaping underwriting approaches.
AI Reshapes Underwriting, Claims, and Coverage Needs
AI is transforming underwriting, policy analysis, and client service. Amwins uses proprietary tools such as AmChat, Amwins DNA, AI-enabled workflows, and data-driven placement recommendations to improve speed, accuracy, and submission quality. Carriers are introducing new AI-related exclusions tied to algorithmic errors, data misuse, and autonomous system failures. These exclusions create demand for specialized E and S solutions.
Economic Pressures and Tariff Risks Remain Important
Inflation, high interest rates, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions continue to impact pricing, reinsurance structures, and capital flows. The release notes that cautious optimism remains. However, carriers and insureds must remain disciplined in valuations, terms, and long-range planning, as macroeconomic conditions continue to be volatile.
Bernacki reiterates that underwriting discipline is critical even in softening lines. Retailers that arrive with accurate valuations, detailed risk data, and strong narratives will continue to perform well in 2026, especially in classes where capacity remains selective.
How Amwins Supports Retailers
Amwins highlights its ability to help retailers navigate changing conditions. The firm places more than $45 billion in premiums, manages over 100 underwriting programs, and maintains a substantial E&S data ecosystem. By using Amwins DNA, global market relationships, and specialized expertise, the organization delivers tailored solutions across multiple industries and risk areas.
Accessing the Full Report
The 2026 State of the Market report is now available for download.
About Amwins
Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the United States. The company serves retail insurance agents and provides property and casualty products, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Amwins is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and operates through more than 155 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of 45 billion dollars annually. More information is available at amwins.com.
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