Businesses nationwide can expect double-digit increases in premiums for property, casualty and employee health insurance this year, according to a report by insurance broker Marsh Inc.

        “It's safe to say every insurance company is raising their rates — if they're not raising them, they are considering raising them,” said Dan Crowell, a senior vice president with Marsh.

        The 2001 Insurance Market Review and Forecast said businesses facing the biggest impacts are those that have high exposure to catastrophic property losses. They might include heavy indus try or businesses in areas that receive heavy wind damage.

        Businesses also will see larger increases if they have had experiences such as high medical malpractice, auto and workers compensation claims. Midsize companies also will see bigger impacts, the report said.

        The report predicts, on average, that:

        • Property insurance rates will rise 25 percent in 2001.

        • Workers' compensation premiums will increase 10 percent to 15 percent.

        • Employee health care premiums will rise 10-20 percent.

        • General liability premiums will climb 10-20 percent.

        Property and casualty insurance companies have been underpricing their products for about the last 10 years, Mr. Crowell said. The surging stock market meant they could generate profits from investments.

        “Today, you have the stock market in retreat. Investment revenue is down. Insurance companies are now forced to underwrite at a profit,” he said. That means raising premiums.

        Some insurance companies also have to increase rates to replenish reserves, he said.

        The Midwest probably is just starting to experience the rate increases that have been hitting states such as California for the past year, Mr. Crowell said.

        The increases probably will not be as high or last as long as in other parts of the country, he said. That's because claims are less frequent and volatile in the Midwest, and the population is not as litigious.

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