Market Insights

Susan Diecidue, Program Manager for Amwins Program Underwriters' RecycleGuard program, explains the distinctions between what qualifies as a recycler and what does not. Use the following definitions as a guide to assess which accounts are a proper fit for the program.

The protein property market has softened considerably at the primary and lower excess layers as new MGAs, syndicates and carriers have entered the space. The top of the tower remains tight, with restricted line sizes, indemnity limits and sublimited extra expense terms.

The hemp beverage industry is booming commercially in 2026, even as a federal regulatory change threatens to make most hemp-derived cannabinoid products illegal by December. The evolving landscape has left hemp operators facing critical, time-sensitive decisions on payment processing, inventory and insurance coverage as policies renew before year-end.

The energy insurance market is seeing a varied landscape, with property rates softening while casualty pricing moves closer to flat amid capacity constraints. As investments in renewables, battery storage, data centers and other energy infrastructure grow, insurers are placing greater emphasis on risk quality, engineering data and cyber exposures.

Severe convective storms have evolved from a secondary catastrophe (CAT) concern into one of the costliest perils facing the insurance industry. As losses continue to grow, carriers and insureds face a greater need for data-driven risk management to improve resilience.

In the Q3 2026 Economic Overview presented by Amwins and Prestige Economics, we look at how U.S. economic growth remains positive while payrolls have weakened and inflation stays elevated.

The marine and cargo insurance markets are becoming more competitive as capacity expands and pricing softens, creating favorable conditions for insureds despite continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty. At the same time, evolving risks such as supply chain disruptions and changing trade routes are reshaping underwriting considerations and creating both challenges and opportunities across the sector.

As commercial auto insurance becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to secure, traditional insurance programs may not provide the necessary degree of flexibility or long-term stability. Civil construction contractors are encouraged to take a proactive approach to risk management by leveraging safety technology, maintaining strong operational data and exploring alternative risk-financing structures that can provide greater control over costs and coverage.

While property insurance rates are softening across many regions, insureds in wildfire-prone areas should remain focused on coverage quality. Lower premiums may come with exclusions or other restrictions that could leave significant gaps after a loss. Thorough underwriting submissions are crucial to ensure adequate protection as wildfire risks continue to evolve.

The builder’s risk insurance market is highly competitive, with abundant capacity creating opportunities for insureds to strengthen coverage and revisit restrictions implemented during the hard market. However, it’s important to look beyond price alone; focus on policy wording, claims performance and long-term carrier stability to build resilient insurance programs for the future.

California's property insurance market has changed dramatically over the past several years. As more carriers reduce capacity or exit high-risk areas, brokers increasingly find themselves placing clients into the California FAIR Plan. That shift creates new responsibilities and new opportunities.

Environmental due diligence in CRE is becoming more complex as updated standards, heightened focus on PFAS and evolving regulations place greater emphasis on understanding subsurface environmental risks. Soil testing plays a critical role in identifying contamination and shaping insurance outcomes, helping buyers, lenders and investors better manage potential liabilities before closing.