Other lines, Kerr said, remained at the same level as May or shifted by one percentage point.

"Crime coverages actually increased one percent, perhaps because of increased losses [that] may have developed throughout the economic downturn," Kerr suggested.

Crime moved from flat in May to up one percent.

Among other lines, umbrella/excess, commercial auto and workers' compensation went from negative three percent in May to negative two percent in June, and fiduciary went from negative one percent in May to negative two percent in June.

Examining account size, only large accounts remained unchanged on a month-to-month basis at negative four percent. Small accounts went from negative two percent in May to negative 3 percent in June, and medium accounts were down two percent in June from three percent in May.

Rounding out account size, jumbo accounts of more than $1 million in premium went from negative five percent in May to negative four percent last month.

In an analyst's note on the MarketScout report, Meyer Shields of Stifel Nicolaus said the outlook for commercial lines insurance is viewed as "mostly negative," but he is bullish about personal lines insurers.

Explaining the more positive outlook for personal lines, he said rates are rising above inflation and the bigger insurers in the personal lines market will be using economy of scale to gain more business. Profits for these insurers have also not been "unduly boosted" by reserve changes.

He also said the insurance brokers--Aon, Marsh and Willis--should begin to see improvements as the recession eases and soft market pressures begin to diminish, translating into organic growth at the firms.