MarketScout CEO Richard Kerr wrote in an announcement of the rates that, "This is the first time in over four years that renewals are being placed with a composite average of a zero percent rate increase." MarketScout's finding was also supported by a separate, independent survey of 1,100 agents conducted by The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research in February, Mr. Kerr said.

Among specific coverages and industry groups, MarketScout found a slight rise in general liability and for tougher classes such as products liability, while general liability rates for owners, landlords and tenants exposures were down slightly.

The company reported that directors and officers coverage continues to fall modestly, mostly as a correction on the massive increases of prior years. Other findings include:

? Workers' compensation rates are falling.

? Accounts up to $500,000 premium are experiencing slight decreases.

? Accounts from $500,000 to $1,500,000 in premium are experiencing moderate declines, while jumbo accounts are experiencing more aggressive rate decreases.

? Manufacturing, service and public-entity sectors are renewing at no increase.

? Habitation and energy accounts continue to suffer the highest premium hikes.