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%.  

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 

Source: PropertyCasualty360.com