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Big ‘I’ Legislative Conference: Issues Briefing Released, Speakers Announcedhttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/big-i-legislative-conference-issues-briefing-released-speakers-announcedBig ‘I’ Legislative Conference: Issues Briefing Released, Speakers AnnouncedGet up to speed on the key issues that will be the focus of the 2025 Big "I" Legislative Conference and check out the lineup of congressional speakers.4/24/2025 4:00:00 AMOn the HillOn the HillNewsTeddie Norton Reilly
Georgia Cracks Down on Legal System Abuse with Comprehensive Reformshttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/georgia-cracks-down-on-legal-system-abuse-with-comprehensive-reformsGeorgia Cracks Down on Legal System Abuse with Comprehensive ReformsThis week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a comprehensive package of legal reform measures designed to restore balance and fairness to the state’s troubled civil justice system. 4/24/2025 4:00:00 AMOn the HillOn the HillNewsWes Bissett
Driver Overconfidence Is Making Distracted Driving Worse https://www.iamagazine.com/news/driver-overconfidence-is-making-distracted-driving-worseDriver Overconfidence Is Making Distracted Driving Worse Most drivers believe other motorists' driving behaviors are bad and getting worse, according to Nationwide. Yet most rate their own driving very highly, despite participating in the same risky behaviors.4/23/2025 4:00:00 AMAutoAuto In the NewsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
Roof Claim Costs Increased 30% from 2022 to 2024 https://www.iamagazine.com/news/roof-claim-costs-increased-30-from-2022-to-2024Roof Claim Costs Increased 30% from 2022 to 2024 Roof repair and replacement cost value totaled nearly $31 billion in 2024, according to a report from Verisk.4/16/2025 4:00:00 AMHomeownersHomeowners In the NewsNewsOlivia Overman
Treasury Suspends Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Acthttps://www.iamagazine.com/topics/topic/on-the-hill/treasury-suspends-enforcement-of-corporate-transparency-actTreasury Suspends Enforcement of Corporate Transparency ActThe U.S. Department of Treasury announced it will not enforce the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting rule, which would have impacted many small businesses.3/6/2025 11:00:00 AMIn the NewsOn the HillOn the HillRaaed Haddad
Personal and Commercial Rates Continue to Rise in Q1 2025 https://www.iamagazine.com/news/personal-and-commercial-rates-continue-to-rise-in-q1-2025Personal and Commercial Rates Continue to Rise in Q1 2025 Personal lines rate increases were driven by homeowners insurance premiums, while auto and umbrella and excess liability saw the most significant commercial lines rate hikes.4/14/2025 10:10:00 AMCommercial LinesPersonal Lines Commercial LinesNewsWill Jones
‘Above-Average’ Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted https://www.iamagazine.com/news/above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season-predicted‘Above-Average’ Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting 17 named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season.4/9/2025 4:00:00 AMIn the NewsIn the NewsNewsWill Jones

 

 

ACV or RC for CGL Property Damage Claims?https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/acv-or-rc-for-cgl-property-damage-claimsACV or RC for CGL Property Damage Claims?A contractor with an ISO commercial general liability policy experienced a property damage claim. The carrier says it owes the actual cash value (ACV) for repairs but the agent believes the carrier owes the full cost to repair. 4/25/2025 4:00:00 AMGeneral LiabilityGeneral LiabilityStrategiesBig "I" Virtual University
How Independent Agents Can Redefine the Customer Journey in CAT-Prone Areashttps://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/how-independent-agents-can-redefine-the-customer-journey-in-cat-prone-areasHow Independent Agents Can Redefine the Customer Journey in CAT-Prone AreasAs wildfires, tornadoes and floods continue to disrupt the lives of millions across the U.S., our industry must face a hard truth: The current insurance purchasing journey often fails both consumers and the agents trying to serve them.4/23/2025 4:00:00 AMSales & MarketingSales & MarketingStrategiesColleen O’Hara
How Does a Divorce Impact Your Agency Value? https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/how-does-a-divorce-impact-your-agency-valueHow Does a Divorce Impact Your Agency Value? While no one enters marriage with the prospect of divorce, it happens and can wreak havoc on an agency both operationally and strategically.4/16/2025 4:00:00 AMPerpetuation & ValuationPerpetuation & ValuationStrategiesJeff Smith

 

 

6 Ways to Protect Buildings from Severe Convective Storms https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/6-ways-to-protect-buildings-from-severe-convective-storms6 Ways to Protect Buildings from Severe Convective Storms As insurers increase their underwriting restrictions to limit storm exposures, risk mitigation is becoming more important than ever for commercial insureds. 4/28/2025 10:10:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsSarah Creighton
4 Common Coverage Gaps Agents Should Highlight for Cannabis Clients https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/4-common-coverage-gaps-agents-should-highlight-for-cannabis-clients4 Common Coverage Gaps Agents Should Highlight for Cannabis Clients Cannabis operators are facing increasing operational costs and liability risks and are looking to cut costs wherever they can. 4/28/2025 10:05:00 AMCannabisCannabisMarketsOlivia Overman
4 Insurance Challenges for Section 8 Landlordshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/4-insurance-challenges-for-section-8-landlords4 Insurance Challenges for Section 8 LandlordsThe guidelines for the federally funded program include maintaining properties in compliance with local housing codes, passing periodic inspections by housing authorities and following strict eviction and lease termination procedures. 4/28/2025 10:00:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsDanika Olsen
Cannabis Operators Struggle as Regulations Shift on a State-by-State Basishttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/cannabis-operators-struggle-as-regulations-shift-on-a-state-by-state-basisCannabis Operators Struggle as Regulations Shift on a State-by-State BasisChallenges persist for the cannabis industry due to changes in the regulatory landscape, an increase in product recalls, increasing premiums and industry consolidation.4/21/2025 10:10:00 AMCannabisCannabisMarketsOlivia Overman
Hurricane Coverage From Vortex Insurance Fills Gaps After Hurricanes Helene and Miltonhttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/hurricane-coverage-from-vortex-insurance-fills-gaps-after-hurricanes-helene-and-miltonHurricane Coverage From Vortex Insurance Fills Gaps After Hurricanes Helene and MiltonThe coverage features a data-driven trigger, which removes the need to prove a covered loss or damage.4/21/2025 10:05:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsWill Jones
3 Approaches to Protect Against New Risks in Agriculturehttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/3-approaches-to-protect-against-new-risks-in-agriculture3 Approaches to Protect Against New Risks in AgricultureThe uncertainty surrounding tariffs on key trade partners like Canada, Mexico and China have created immediate challenges for U.S. farmers.4/21/2025 10:00:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsVan Carlson
3 Tips for Agents Insuring the Cannabis Beverage Boomhttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/3-tips-for-agents-insuring-the-cannabis-beverage-boom3 Tips for Agents Insuring the Cannabis Beverage BoomWith regulatory gaps and safety concerns surrounding hemp-derived THC beverages, manufacturers, distributors and retailers need to protect themselves with the right insurance coverage. 4/14/2025 10:05:00 AMCannabisCannabisMarketsLee Woodruff

 

 

Agency Nation Meets: Brenden Corrhttps://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/agency-nation-meets-brenden-corrAgency Nation Meets: Brenden CorrAs the co-founder of Project 55, a nonprofit launched in January, Brenden Corr is committed to reshaping how mental health is addressed in workplaces.2/1/2025 5:00:00 AMAgency Operations & Best PracticesAgency Operations & Best PracticesViewpointsAgency Nation
4 Things Employers Should Know About Gen Z Workers https://www.iamagazine.com/viewpoints/4-things-employers-should-know-about-gen-z-workers4 Things Employers Should Know About Gen Z Workers Rather than being wary or frustrated with the Generation Z workforce, employers who seek to understand them can offer a much more positive workplace relationship and ultimately benefit their company.3/12/2025 4:00:00 AMRecruiting, Hiring & TrainingRecruiting, Hiring & TrainingViewpointsHenry St. John
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

 

 

How Independent Agents Can Adapt to Meet Changing Consumer Expectationshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/how-independent-agents-can-adapt-to-meet-changing-consumer-expectationsHow Independent Agents Can Adapt to Meet Changing Consumer ExpectationsFrom the long-lasting impact of the pandemic to the turmoil of the hard market, personal lines consumer preferences are shifting. Here’s how independent agents can keep up.4/1/2025 4:35:00 AMSales & MarketingTechnologyAprilAnneMarie McPherson Spears
6 Ways to Boost Client Retention With a Renewal and Remarketing Planhttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/6-ways-to-boost-client-retention-with-a-renewal-and-remarketing-plan6 Ways to Boost Client Retention With a Renewal and Remarketing PlanRetaining clients can be challenging when faced with carriers withdrawing from markets, steep rate increases and an onslaught of remarketing requests from customers. 4/1/2025 4:30:00 AMSales & MarketingAprilRachel Stauffer
What You Need to Know About Gen Z Insurance Buyershttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/what-you-need-to-know-about-gen-z-insurance-buyersWhat You Need to Know About Gen Z Insurance Buyers​As hard as it may be to believe, the oldest wave of Generation Z is now hitting their late twenties. While Gen Z insurance needs are evolving, they’re not too different from their predecessors.4/1/2025 4:20:00 AMSales & MarketingPerpetuation & ValuationAprilAnneMarie McPherson Spears
6 Mindset Shifts for Unstoppable Successhttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/6-mindset-shifts-for-unstoppable-success6 Mindset Shifts for Unstoppable SuccessThe right mindset can help you overcome challenges, unlock potential and achieve goals that once seemed out of reach. Here are six strategies to fuel your focus to be a more successful producer.4/1/2025 4:15:00 AMSales & MarketingAprilDavid R. Carothers
Use Digital Payments to Keep Up With Consumer Preferenceshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/use-digital-payments-to-keep-up-with-consumer-preferencesUse Digital Payments to Keep Up With Consumer PreferencesHere are four ways that adopting a digital payments solution can improve customer experience.4/1/2025 4:10:00 AMTechnologySales & MarketingAprilChase Petrey
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 agency is an island. Here's how AI-driven cybercrime and digital outages are prompting carriers to tighten agency agreements with robust cybersecurity mandates.1/1/2025 11:10:00 AMCyber LiabilityTechnologyJanuaryTom Wetzel
Declaration of Independents: Michelle O'Connorhttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/declaration-of-independents-michelle-oconnorDeclaration of Independents: Michelle O'ConnorWhen Michelle O'Connor and her husband started their insurance agency 25 years ago, they knew from the very beginning that joining the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina was a must.4/1/2025 4:05:00 AMOn the HillAprilOlivia Overman