US commercial rates are trending upwards but the rate of increase is slowing, according to MarketScout.

The industry analyst expects personal lines rates to fall next year because insurers’ earnings are strong following a comparatively calm hurricane season.

It says commercial rates were steady last month, with increases in small commercial policies and general liability covers.

Rates fell 1% for umbrella liability, automobile and crime.

MarketScout CEO Richard Kerr says personal lines insurers are anticipating strong earnings for this calendar year, and this is likely to lead to lower rates.

Personal auto cover rates increased 3% last month, while premiums for homes valued below $US1 million ($1.1 million) grew 2%. Higher-value homes recorded rises of more than 5%.