Each year, Marsh’s U.S. Casualty Practice compiles its list of the top 10 marketplace drivers most likely to affect casualty clients in the coming year. We are pleased to share these views with you once again, and, as always, welcome your thoughts and feedback on the issues most impacting your casualty program.

1. Rates will generally trend upward for the first half of the year, yet are expected to level off in the second half of 2012
The primary casualty insurance market continues to show signs of increasing stress. In aggregate, rates are expected to increase, although in a tight range—likely flat to 5 percent increase at renewal—for all lines of casualty business. Clients with more difficult exposures or adverse loss experience may face more significant rate increases.