Rate decreases across the United States have led to margin compression in this segment, says the Best’s report, “Declining Rates Could Threaten Profitability of U.S. Workers’ Compensation Line.” As rate levels continue to decline, competitive pressure could mount on workers’ compensation specialists to the point that it will adversely affect not only company income statements, but also balance sheets, especially if companies are unable to set aside adequate capital for loss reserves, the firm’s analysts contend.
Meanwhile, the profitability of the workers’ compensation line remains strong, despite extended market softening, as low reported claims frequency, legislative reforms, more effective use of data and predictive analytics and enhanced workplace safety measures drive positive operating results.