Premiums for commercial insurance buyers fell by an average of 10 percent in September, with prices thus far not significantly impacted by the federal bailout of AIG or the meltdown in broader financial markets, a survey by Dallas-based MarketScout revealed.

Rates for 14 property-casualty sectors were down between a low of 6 percent (workers' compensation) and a high of 13 percent (for businessowners policies). Commercial property rates fell 12 percent.

However, "the impact of the financial collapse of name-brand banks, insurers and other companies is pending," said MarketScout's chief executive officer, Richard Kerr. "We may start seeing rating adjustments in October. Terms and conditions for most policyholders had already been agreed to in September, prior to the market collapse."

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