A survey of insurance carriers conducted by FirstBest Systems, Inc., indicates the maket is beginning to harden as insurers are now in a position to be more selective about the risks they underwrite, so that they can increase premiums, grow their business and turn a greater profit. FirstBest announces the findings from an industry survey of insurance carriers primarily focused on commercial lines.

Insurance industry research on the subject in recent months is split. In September, MarketScout reported that commercial lines rates were up five percent and personal rates increased three percent. Yet, a panel of insurance executives stated at the October 2012 Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB) Insurance Leadership Forum in Colorado that the industry is not experiencing a hard market just yet. The group believes that while p&c rates are higher on average and there have been fewer catastrophes, there are areas where rates are increasing dramatically and others where rate increases are negligible.

To reveal the market reality, FirstBest surveyed insurers over the last few months to learn how they felt about the business climate. FirstBest received 72 survey responses from professionals with IT and business management responsibilities. Eighty-five percent of the group indicated that they work with commercial lines of insurance, with remaining respondents serving personal lines.