Huge price increases in catastrophe-hit Florida and California contributed to a 2% rise in the US composite rate for personal lines coverage in the first quarter, according to analyst MarketScout.

In California, which suffered wildfires last November, rates increased more than 40% for properties in at-risk locations without adequate protection.

“Some of the insurers of larger homes in Florida are increasing rates significantly or choosing to restrict their writings,” MarketScout CEO Richard Kerr said.

“In California it’s a mess for wildfire and mudslide-exposed properties.”

Rates for residential properties gained 2%, motor went up 2.5% and personal articles increased 1% in the quarter.

In commercial lines, the composite rate jumped 2% compared with the corresponding quarter last year.

Commercial motor recorded the largest increase at 7%. All lines achieved rate rises of 1-7% except for workers’ compensation and surety, down 1% and flat respectively.