Rate increases are cooling. Your clients may still pay more.
The latest Ivans figures show slower increases across five commercial lines. That is a different renewal conversation from falling premiums.
Source announcement:
What happened
Ivans released its August 2026 renewal index on September 9. Commercial auto, BOP, general liability, property, and umbrella all recorded positive year-over-year renewal changes, but smaller increases than in July. Workers’ compensation remained negative.
For example, general liability moved from 4.99% in July to 4.18% in August. The increase slowed; the August figure did not become a rate cut.
| Line of business | July 2026 | August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial auto | 4.03% | 3.58% |
| BOP | 5.94% | 5.44% |
| General liability | 4.99% | 4.18% |
| Commercial property | 6.16% | 5.69% |
| Umbrella | 7.42% | 6.82% |
| Workers’ compensation | −1.26% | −1.10% |
Source: Ivans: August 2026 Index results
CopyCat’s analysis
What this means for brokers
A softer headline can create expectations that an individual account will renew for less. Use the index as context, then explain the actual quote: exposure changes, limits, deductibles, and coverage wording can make the client’s result look different.
Questions for your next account review
- Separate premium changes caused by payroll, sales, or values from changes in the quoted terms.
- Show the expiring and proposed deductibles beside the premium.
- Discuss each line separately when property and casualty outcomes differ.