Most & Least Profitable Commercial Insurance Lines: 2026
In 2023, 4 of the 8 major commercial insurance lines lost money on underwriting. Commercial Auto was the least profitable — a 74.4% loss ratio and a -13.5% underwriting result — while Inland Marine was the most profitable (17.6%).
Source: NAIC 2023 Report on Profitability by Line by State (countrywide). Ranked by underwriting profit, worst first.
Commercial insurance lines ranked by profitability (2023)
Each line links to its full state-by-state data study.
| # | Commercial line | Loss ratio | Underwriting profit | Premiums earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Auto · market | 74.4% | -13.5% | $40.9B |
| 2 | Medical Professional Liability · market | 57.6% | -10.0% | $10.9B |
| 3 | Commercial Multiple Peril · market | 62.6% | -7.3% | $51.9B |
| 4 | General Liability · market | 60.2% | -0.3% | $94.1B |
| 5 | Product Liability · market | 49.3% | 0.0% | $4.3B |
| 6 | Workers' Compensation · market | 45.1% | 12.0% | $50.5B |
| 7 | Commercial Property · market | 46.0% | 13.8% | $18.8B |
| 8 | Inland Marine · market | 45.0% | 17.6% | $21.8B |
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Figures are from the NAIC 2023 Report on Profitability by Line by State (countrywide totals). Loss ratio is incurred losses ÷ premiums earned; underwriting profit is the insurance result after claims and expenses (before investment income) — a negative figure means the line lost money on underwriting that year. Lines are ranked worst-first by underwriting profit. These are aggregate carrier economics, not a quote.
Data Study #9 · Get Business Coverage. Aggregate NAIC industry results, not individual premiums. Compiled 2026 from public regulator data.