Softening Trends in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market During H1 2026

According to the latest Insurance Market Trends and Outlook report released by EBM Insurance & Risk, several factors have contributed to this softening. Improved insurer profitability post-COVID-19, stabilised reinsurance conditions, and a global capital surplus have intensified competition, leading to downward pressure on premiums. Additionally, new market entrants, including managing general agents and Lloyd's capacity, have expanded options for buyers, particularly those with well-documented risk profiles.

For SMEs, this environment presents an opportunity to secure more favourable insurance terms. However, it's crucial to maintain a long-term perspective when assessing insurer relationships, as market conditions can shift rapidly. Businesses should ensure their risk management practices are robust and well-documented to capitalise on the current market dynamics.

In the property insurance sector, strong competition and increased underwriting capacity have benefited clients. Well-maintained properties with clean claims histories have generally experienced stable or reduced premiums, greater insurer participation, and more flexible terms. Conversely, properties in weather-exposed areas or with prior claims have seen varied outcomes, including modest premium increases in some cases.

Financial and professional lines have also softened, with expanded capacity and strong competition keeping premiums down across directors and officers, cyber, professional indemnity, and management liability insurance. Clients with sound governance frameworks and strong financial positions have generally seen premium reductions and enhanced coverage terms.

The general liability market continues to favour buyers, with Australian-based insurers often delivering more competitive outcomes than international counterparts. Mid-market businesses with straightforward operations and sound risk management have experienced stable or reduced premiums and increased flexibility on retentions.

In the cyber insurance market, relative stability has been observed, with competitive pricing and broader coverage options available. However, the actual cost of cyber incidents is rising, highlighting the importance of robust cyber risk practices among organisations.

Looking ahead, the soft market conditions are expected to persist into the second half of 2026. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility, climate-related losses, and broader economic pressures could influence insurer sentiment and potentially accelerate a market turn if conditions worsen. SMEs should remain vigilant, continuously assess their risk management strategies, and stay informed about market developments to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.