Surplus Lines — Growth in the First Half of 2026

A report from the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association found premium volume for surplus lines in the U.S. hitting $47.6 billion in the first half of 2026. The stamping offices in 15 states found premium volume up 2.8%.

Commenting on the report, Janet Pane, the CEO and executive director of the Excess Lines Association of New York, said the total premiums generated by surplus lines, non-professional liability had 39.6% of them.

That’s up 11.2% from a year ago and is the largest generator in the E&S market.

The second largest segment is property insurance which generated 28.5% of the total premiums. However, compared to a year ago, they are down 13.7%. A huge softening was noted in the PIA Western Alliance state of California and in Florida.

Residential, homeowners and other personal property lines grew by 20.2%. They are, however, at 6.1%, a smaller share of the market. Auto liability grew by 15.8%, professional liability saw a 15% increase and inland marine rose by 12.3%.

"Midyear 2026 data highlights regional divergence and maturity in the E&S space," Pane said. "On a national scale, property premium expansion is cooling as new capacity entering the market pushes a softer rate environment for clean risks. But the operational friction and strategic adjustments lie in the liability lines, and we see continued growth in these products. In a moderating growth environment, the broker's value proposition and edge become underwriting literacy, data quality and superior products. The E&S market is well poised to continue to deliver value to consumers well into the future."

Surplus lines first half of 2026 totals:

• Percent of change premiums: 2.8%

• Percent of change Items: 16.9%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $47,583,194,507

• June 30, 2026 items: 4,281,444

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $46,267,052,597

• June 30, 2025 items: 3,663,960

The first half 2026 totals for surplus lines service offices in the PIA Western Alliance states:

Arizona

• Percent of change premiums:6.69%

• Percent of change Items: 6.36%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $1,050,241,376

• June 30, 2026 items: 74,707

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $984,372,831

• June 30, 2025 items: 70,237

• Stamping fee: 0.20%

• S/L tax: 3.00%

California

• Percent of change premiums: 4.04%

• Percent of change Items: 22.59%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $11,444,047,329

• June 30, 2026 items: 968,337

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $10,999,934,347

• June 30, 2025 items: 789,910

• Stamping fee: 0.18%

• S/L tax: 3.00%

Idaho

• Percent of change premiums: 25.46%

• Percent of change Items: 28.79%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $256,756,064

• June 30, 2026 items: 21,561

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $204,658,442

• June 30, 2025 items: 16,741

• Stamping fee: 0.50%

• S/L tax: 1.50%

Nevada

Percent of change premiums: down 1.32%

• Percent of change Items: down 0.04%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $543,708,122

• June 30, 2026 items: 33,553

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $550,954,892

• June 30, 2025 items: 33,566

• Stamping fee: 0.40%

• S/L tax: 3.50%

Oregon

• Percent of change premiums: down 18.79%

• Percent of change Items: 13.35%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $630,085,250

• June 30, 2026 items: 55,465

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $775,835,617

• June 30, 2025 items: 48,934

• Stamping fee: $10

• S/L tax: 2.00%

Washington

• Percent of change premiums: 9.13%

• Percent of change Items: 14.09%

• June 30, 2026 premiums: $1,384,723,393

• June 30, 2026 items: 111,088

• June 30, 2025 premiums: $1,268,911,052

• June 30, 2025 items: 97,366

• Stamping fee: 0.30%

• S/L tax: 2.00%

Source link: PropertyCasualty360.com — https://bit.ly/4qp6ARj