US premium rates are forecast to remain flat this year despite pressure from higher claims costs, Aon research has found.

Aon Risk Services’ forecast for the US insurance market this year predicts a 5-15% fall in property rates with flat to single-digit discounts in casualty lines.

The report says record global catastrophe losses have failed to dent strong property capacity, while casualty clients with good claims history will still benefit from competitive rates.

The US directors’ and officers’ liability market also remains soft, with Aon forecasting flat to single-digit falls for most policyholders.

Fidelity and crime polices are likely to stabilise while kidnap, ransom and extortion cover will remain competitive despite the market being plagued by “unique incidents and losses”, including continuing incidents of piracy.