US commercial insurance prices increased 1% last month, with industry barometer MarketScout reporting slight growth across various lines.

“We still have not measured any line of business that registers a rate decline as compared with the prior year,” CEO Richard Kerr said. “Surety rates and jumbo accounts are flat. Every other measurement is still showing at least a very slight rate increase.”

Rates for commercial property, professional liability, directors’ and officers’ and general liability all grew 2%, while business interruption and workers’ compensation rates increased 1%. Commercial motor rates gained 3%.

Personal lines rates grew 3%, with motor rates up 3%. Personal articles rates rose 1% and homeowners’ rates were steady.

“Some personal lines agents are securing actual year-on-year rate decreases for their clients,” Mr Kerr said. “However, they could be sacrificing coverage or changing deductibles to get the reductions.”