The insurance market for social service facilities on both ends of the age spectrum is experiencing the same soft market conditions already dominating most lines of commercial coverage. Indeed, the growth in the eldercare sector in particular is drawing so much underwriter attention that the likelihood of a pricing turnaround anytime soon appears slim.

While the economy is taking its toll on risks in both the eldercare and daycare fields, one expert mentioned home health care professionals as an exception, citing many new startup facilities over the last 12 months. However, this observer warned there are so many providers targeting one of the economy's few growth sectors that he does not know if rates will ever harden again.

“Any agent out there looking to go for a growing area, this is the place to be. I don't see it leveling off soon,” according to David Derigiotis, professional lines underwriter in wholesale broker Burns & Wilcox's Specialty Risk Division in Michigan.