US premium rates averaged a 1% increase in January 2012, with rates for workers’ compensation and commercial property the biggest movers, according to research from MarketScout.

CEO Richard Kerr says the 1% composite increase in January matched the increase for December 2011.

“Workers’ compensation and catastrophe exposed property continued to exhibit the largest increases of plus 2%,” Mr Kerr said.

None of the areas surveyed by MarketScout experienced falls in premium rates.

The research shows commercial property, business interruption, workers’ compensation and general liability rose 2%.

Professional liability, crime and fiduciary rates were flat, while directors’ and officers’ and commercial auto increased by 1%.

Small and large accounts rose 1% and medium accounts, by 2%; but “jumbo” accounts over $1 million remained flat.