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Independent Agent Magazine

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Consumers Want Phone Communication But Often Don’t Pick Up https://www.iamagazine.com/news/consumers-want-phone-communication-but-often-don-t-pick-upConsumers Want Phone Communication But Often Don’t Pick Up Consumers believe phone calls are important for communicating with businesses, but fear of fraud prevents many from answering calls, according to a TransUnion study.1/22/2025 5:00:00 AMSales ＆ MarketingSales ＆ Marketing In the NewsNewsWill Jones
Agency M&A Down 10% in 2024https://www.iamagazine.com/news/agency-m-a-down-10-in-2024Agency M&A Down 10% in 2024Insurance agency and brokerage mergers and acquisitions in 2024 were down 10% from the 833 reported in 2023, according to a report from OPTIS Partners.1/1/2023 11:00:00 AMIn the NewsIn the NewsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
Top 10 Business Risks in 2025https://www.iamagazine.com/news/top-10-business-risks-in-2025Top 10 Business Risks in 2025Business are most concerned about cyber, business interruption and natural catastrophes, according to the “Allianz Risk Barometer 2025."1/16/2025 11:00:00 AMIn the NewsCommercial Lines In the NewsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
New Year, New Administration: What New Laws Can Employers Expect? https://www.iamagazine.com/news/new-year-new-administration-what-new-laws-can-employers-expectNew Year, New Administration: What New Laws Can Employers Expect? As the year unfolds, companies can expect some changes, including new employment regulations they have to navigate. Here are some predictions.1/8/2025 11:00:00 AMRecruiting, Hiring ＆ TrainingRecruiting, Hiring ＆ TrainingNewsPaige McAllister
2025 Is Set to Be a Year of Shopping and Switchinghttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/2025-is-set-to-be-a-year-of-shopping-and-switching2025 Is Set to Be a Year of Shopping and SwitchingWhile sky-high premiums prompted half of U.S. auto insurance customers to shop for a new plan last year, few alternatives meant most stayed put. That's all about to change.1/8/2025 5:00:00 AMAutoAuto HomeownersNewsWill Jones
Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in Decemberhttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/top-5-most-read-articles-in-independent-agent-in-december-2024Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in DecemberThe agency mergers & acquisitions scene ended 2024 with a big splash, as Gallagher broke records with its $13.45 billion acquisition of AssuredPartners.12/31/2024 5:00:00 AMAnnouncements ＆ EventsAnnouncements ＆ EventsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
Rep. French Hill to Chair House Financial Services Committeehttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/rep-french-hill-to-chair-house-financial-services-committeeRep. French Hill to Chair House Financial Services CommitteeThe Big “I” and the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas have a strong relationship with Rep. Hill (R-Arkansas).12/19/2024 11:05:00 AMOn the HillOn the HillNewsRaaed Haddad

 

 

Does a Homeowners Policy Cover a Volunteer Fire Chief for Liability?https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/does-a-homeowners-policy-cover-a-volunteer-fire-chief-for-liabilityDoes a Homeowners Policy Cover a Volunteer Fire Chief for Liability?The fire chief is a volunteer, and while volunteer activity is included in the policy, the agent believes that the position would still be excluded as a professional service.1/24/2025 5:00:00 AMHomeownersHomeownersStrategiesBig "I" Virtual University
3 Tips to Integrate New Technology Into Your Agency Workflowhttps://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/3-tips-to-integrate-new-technology-into-your-agency-workflow3 Tips to Integrate New Technology Into Your Agency WorkflowTechnology can spark innovation within your agency, but without careful planning the transition can disrupt workflows, overwhelm your team, and lead to a frustrating and delayed integration timeline. 1/22/2025 11:00:00 AMAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesStrategiesChris Peabody
An Insurance Agent’s Quick Guide to Omnichannel Marketinghttps://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/an-insurance-agent-s-quick-guide-to-omnichannel-marketingAn Insurance Agent’s Quick Guide to Omnichannel MarketingYour agency's marketing channels should build off one another for greater messaging impact and more successful lead nurturing.1/22/2025 5:00:00 AMSales ＆ MarketingSales ＆ MarketingStrategiesAleksandra Spiric

 

 

5 High-Net Worth Market Trends to Watch in 2025 https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/5-high-net-worth-market-trends-to-watch-in-20255 High-Net Worth Market Trends to Watch in 2025 For agents and brokers serving high-net worth clients, 2025 will be about more than just managing policies—the evolving market demands adaptability and a forward-looking perspective.1/13/2025 11:15:00 AMPersonal LinesPersonal LinesMarketsDiane Delaney
Help Clients Understand the Importance of an Umbrella in a Turbulent Markethttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/help-clients-understand-the-importance-of-an-umbrella-in-a-turbulent-marketHelp Clients Understand the Importance of an Umbrella in a Turbulent MarketVolatility is making it harder for agents to find coverage for their customers, whose demand has increased as awareness of large jury verdicts grows.1/6/2025 11:00:00 AMUmbrellasUmbrellas Personal LinesMarketsOlivia Overman
The Changing Face of Personal Umbrella Purchasing Profileshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/the-changing-face-of-personal-umbrella-purchasing-profilesThe Changing Face of Personal Umbrella Purchasing ProfilesAwareness of an increasingly litigious environment is leading to higher demand for personal umbrella coverage.12/30/2024 11:00:00 AMUmbrellasUmbrellasMarketsOlivia Overman
5 Cybersecurity Prevention Steps Businesses Can Take Now https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/5-cybersecurity-prevention-steps-businesses-can-take-now5 Cybersecurity Prevention Steps Businesses Can Take Now Cyber risks are the top concern for U.S. businesses, according to the “2024 Travelers Risk Index," with 1 in 4 businesses reported that they have been victimized by a cyber event or data breach.1/1/2023 11:10:00 AMCyber LiabilityCyber LiabilityMarketsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
Keeping Up With PFAS: Evolving Regulations and Liabilities https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/keeping-up-with-pfas-evolving-regulations-and-liabilitiesKeeping Up With PFAS: Evolving Regulations and Liabilities As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to take action to alleviate the impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), agents can assist clients by conveying the gaps in liability coverage.1/13/2025 11:00:00 AMEnvironmental LiabilityEnvironmental LiabilityMarketsOlivia Overman
Fast Quoting, AMS Integration Are Key to Agent-Carrier Partnershipshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/fast-quoting-ams-integration-are-key-to-agent-carrier-partnershipsFast Quoting, AMS Integration Are Key to Agent-Carrier PartnershipsWhen choosing carriers to work with, agents listed the quality of product offerings as the most important factor, followed by great customer service and ease of business enabled by technology.12/30/2024 11:10:00 AMTechnologyIn the News TechnologyMarketsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
Concierge Cyber Launches Companion D&O Risk Management Producthttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/concierge-cyber-launches-companion-d-o-risk-management-productConcierge Cyber Launches Companion D&O Risk Management ProductThe new policies provides access to managed threat intelligence to protect against cyber, reputational and physical risks, helping organizations reduce their digital exposure. 1/1/2023 11:05:00 AMCyber LiabilityCyber LiabilityMarketsWill Jones

 

 

Agency Nation Meets: Karnina Szymanskihttps://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/agency-nation-meets-karnina-szymanskiAgency Nation Meets: Karnina SzymanskiKarnina Szymanski leads all aspects of customer experience for Bold Penguin. Her personal and professional mission is to elevate the next generation of leaders within the insurance industry.1/1/2025 5:00:00 AMTechnologyTechnologyViewpointsAgency Nation
The Power of the Hispanic Community and Bridging Gaps in Insurancehttps://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/the-power-of-the-hispanic-community-and-bridging-gaps-in-insuranceThe Power of the Hispanic Community and Bridging Gaps in InsuranceHispanic influence continues to expand in the world of business, entrepreneurship and insurance, playing a key role in shaping the future of these sectors.10/10/2024 10:05:00 AMDiversity ＆ InclusionDiversity ＆ InclusionViewpointsMonica Adwani
Agency Nation Meets: Jason Gobbelhttps://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/agency-nation-meets-jason-gobbelAgency Nation Meets: Jason GobbelAs the chief solutions officer of Kite Technology Group, Jason Gobbel is an expert at one thing: helping small to midsized businesses take advantage of technology. 11/1/2024 4:00:00 AMTechnologyTechnologyViewpointsAgency Nation

 

 

4 Insurance Industry Predictions for 2025https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/4-insurance-industry-predictions-for-20254 Insurance Industry Predictions for 2025After a tumultuous few years, top industry analysts have weighed in with their predictions on what's in store for the insurance industry in 2025.1/1/2025 5:35:00 AMAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesPersonal LinesJanuaryKatie Butler
5 Foundational Insurance Concepts Producers Need to Know in 2025https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/5-foundational-insurance-concepts-producers-need-to-know-in-20255 Foundational Insurance Concepts Producers Need to Know in 2025​As we head into a new year, there's no better time to equip producers with foundational insurance industry knowledge and concepts.1/1/2025 5:30:00 AMAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesJanuaryNancy Germond
Review Your Agency Processes to Avoid Personal Umbrella E&O Claimshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/review-your-agency-processes-to-avoid-personal-umbrella-e-o-claimsReview Your Agency Processes to Avoid Personal Umbrella E&O ClaimsRegular attention must be paid to keeping underlying coverages in place without any gaps, offering higher umbrella limits and recommending uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. 1/1/2025 5:25:00 AMUmbrellasPersonal LinesJanuaryMatthew Davis
3 Ways Automation Makes Marketing a Breezehttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/3-ways-automation-makes-marketing-a-breeze3 Ways Automation Makes Marketing a BreezeIf your agency wants to improve client retention and acquisition, marketing is a must. Here are three impactful ways automation can be integrated into your marketing processes.1/1/2025 5:20:00 AMSales ＆ MarketingJanuaryAnupam Gupta
Leadership Lessons from the Hard Markethttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/leadership-lessons-from-the-hard-marketLeadership Lessons from the Hard MarketMost leaders not only navigated market conditions they had never personally experienced, they also did so while leading a workforce that hadn't either—a workforce that was busier, under more pressure and dealing with more stress than ever.1/1/2025 5:15:00 AMPersonal LinesCommercial LinesJanuaryLuke Bills
Data Security Concerns Are Changing Agency-Carrier Agreementshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/data-security-concerns-are-changing-agency-carrier-agreementsData Security Concerns Are Changing Agency-Carrier AgreementsNo independent insurance agency is an island, which is why agency-carrier agreements are being tightened to include requirements for higher data security standards.1/1/2025 5:10:00 AMCyber LiabilityTechnologyJanuaryTom Wetzel
Declaration of Independents: Jay Fribourghttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/declaration-of-independents-jay-fribourgDeclaration of Independents: Jay FribourgFribourg's experience working in a cybersecurity distributor startup firm led to the creation of BlueZone Cyber Solutions, which combines expertise in both insurance and cybersecurity.1/1/2025 5:05:00 AMTechnologyCyber LiabilityJanuaryOlivia Overman