The commercial P&C market saw rates continue to decreasein the first quarter across all account sizes as part of a trend that began in thefirst quarter of 2015, according to a market survey conducted by the Council ofInsurance Agents & Brokers.

On average, rates declined by 3.7% during the first quarter,compared with an average 2.8% decreasein the fourth quarter of 2015. During the first quarter, rates for large accountsdropped 4.6%, while those for medium-size accounts slipped 4.4%. Rates for smallaccounts fell 2.1%.

Rate declines were seen in most lines, except commercial auto,directors and officers liability, and employment practices liability. Commercialauto rates, which have been increasing since the third quarter of 2011, rose 3.6%during the first quarter. Rates picked up more slowly for D&O liability at 0.2%and for employment practices liability at 0.7%.