A.M. Best Company

02/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/10/2026 08:05

Best's Market Segment Report: Strong Investment Returns Support Growth in Free Reserves but Underwriting Performance Remains a Challenge for P&I Clubs

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FEBRUARY 10, 2026 09:01 AM (EST)

Best's Market Segment Report: Strong Investment Returns Support Growth in Free Reserves but Underwriting Performance Remains a Challenge for P&I Clubs

CONTACTS:

James Kenfack
Financial Analyst
+31 20 808 2272
[email protected]

Dr Mathilde Jakobsen
Senior Director, Analytics
+31 20 808 3118
[email protected]
Edem Kuenyehia
Director, Market Development & Communications
+44 20 7397 0280
[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMSTERDAM - FEBRUARY 10, 2026 09:01 AM (EST)
Protection & Indemnity (P&I) clubs have announced general increases ahead of the 20 February 2026 renewal date for shipowners, reflecting the desire to manage persistent claims inflation and ongoing volatility in pool claims severity, according to a new report from AM Best.

In its new Best's Market Segment Report, "P&I Clubs: Strong Investment Returns Support Growth in Free Reserves but Underwriting Performance Remains a Challenge", AM Best considers the continuation of general increases to be necessary to maintain price adequacy and make up for the underwriting deficit experienced in 2024/25. However, it will likely be more challenging for the clubs to achieve the announced rate adjustments due to growing competitive pressures.

The report further highlights that sanctions risk management continues to be an important topic for the clubs, requiring engagement and effort to ensure their own compliance and help shipowners understand their obligations.

To access a complimentary copy of this special report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=362299.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.
A.M. Best Company published this content on February 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 10, 2026 at 14:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]