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Independent Agent Magazine

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Most Ransomware Incidents Start With Compromised VPN Deviceshttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/most-ransomware-incidents-start-with-compromised-vpn-devicesMost Ransomware Incidents Start With Compromised VPN DevicesVPNs and firewalls ranked as the first and fourth most exploited technologies for initial access in 2024, according to a Coalition report.3/13/2025 10:00:00 AMTechnologyCyber LiabilityNewsWill Jones
Liberty Mutual to Retire Safeco Brand in 2026https://www.iamagazine.com/news/liberty-mutual-to-retire-safeco-brand-in-2026Liberty Mutual to Retire Safeco Brand in 2026Liberty Mutual Insurance, the sixth-largest personal insurance provider in the U.S., will market and sell all of its personal lines products solely under the Liberty Mutual brand starting in 2026.3/4/2025 8:00:00 PMIn the NewsIn the News Personal LinesNewsWill Jones
Gallagher Acquires Woodruff Sawyer for $1.2 Billionhttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/gallagher-acquires-woodruff-sawyer-for-1-2-billionGallagher Acquires Woodruff Sawyer for $1.2 BillionThe deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025 and will continue to strengthen Gallagher's middle-market reach.3/5/2025 5:00:00 AMIn the NewsIn the NewsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in Februaryhttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/top-5-most-read-articles-in-independent-agent-in-february-2025Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in FebruaryEducating clients on the complications impacting the homeowners market—from the hard market to catastrophes—was top of mind for independent insurance agents.3/5/2025 5:00:00 AMAnnouncements ＆ EventsAnnouncements ＆ EventsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears
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
P&C Industry Results Improve Despite 2024 Underwriting Losshttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/p-c-industry-results-improve-despite-2024-underwriting-lossP&C Industry Results Improve Despite 2024 Underwriting Loss​U.S. property & casualty insurers posted an underwriting loss of $2.6 billion for 2024, a significant improvement from the $24.6 billion underwriting loss recorded in 2023, according to AM Best.2/26/2025 5:00:00 AMIn the NewsIn the News Personal Lines Commercial LinesNewsOlivia Overman
Half of Midsize Businesses Feel Unprepared for Risks, Says Nationwide Surveyhttps://www.iamagazine.com/news/half-of-midsize-businesses-feel-unprepared-for-risks-says-nationwide-surveyHalf of Midsize Businesses Feel Unprepared for Risks, Says Nationwide SurveyMore than three-quarters of midsize business owners say evolving regulatory and safety standards have had an impact on their risk management needs, the survey found.2/20/2025 5:00:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial Lines In the NewsNewsAnneMarie McPherson Spears

 

 

Delayed Repairs and the ‘Delay, Loss of Use or Loss of Market Exclusion’ https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/delayed-repairs-and-the-delay-loss-of-use-or-loss-of-market-exclusionDelayed Repairs and the ‘Delay, Loss of Use or Loss of Market Exclusion’ A client's commercial property suffered wind damage. Repair estimates were approved, but weather delayed the repair and the costs increased. The adjustor is denying the additional repair costs.3/14/2025 4:00:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesStrategiesBig "I" Virtual University
How Tax Planning Can Accelerate Agency Growthhttps://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/how-tax-planning-can-accelerate-agency-growthHow Tax Planning Can Accelerate Agency GrowthTax planning increases an agency's profitability without sacrificing critical assets like laying off staff or downgrading software. 3/12/2025 4:00:00 AMAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesStrategiesDevin Partida
How Often Should AMS Data Backups Occur? https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/how-often-should-ams-data-backups-occurHow Often Should AMS Data Backups Occur? How should an agency prepare for an agency management system (AMS) being down for an extended period of time, such as after a catastrophe or cyberattack? 2/28/2025 5:00:00 AMAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesAgency Operations ＆ Best Practices TechnologyStrategiesBig "I" Virtual University

 

 

How Agents and Carriers Can Play a Role in Reducing Distracted Driving https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/how-agents-and-carriers-can-play-a-role-in-reducing-distracted-drivingHow Agents and Carriers Can Play a Role in Reducing Distracted Driving With distracted driving a leading cause of road accidents, agents can educate customers about the dangers and offer incentives for positive driving behavior. 3/17/2025 10:10:00 AMAutoAutoMarketsOlivia Overman
Navigating the Auto Theft Surge: A Guide for Independent Agentshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/navigating-the-auto-theft-surge-a-guide-for-independent-agentsNavigating the Auto Theft Surge: A Guide for Independent AgentsAs car thefts become more frequent and sophisticated, independent agents play a crucial role in helping clients understand their risks and ensuring they have adequate coverage.3/10/2025 10:10:00 AMAutoAutoMarketsLouis Palomeque
Why Crop Insurance Is Essential to Protect Against Unpredictable Weather-Related Losseshttps://www.iamagazine.com/markets/why-crop-insurance-is-essential-to-protect-against-unpredictable-weather-related-lossesWhy Crop Insurance Is Essential to Protect Against Unpredictable Weather-Related LossesExtreme weather events continue to present difficulties in the agricultural sector, and farmers are finding themselves in dire financial straits and at risk of losing their livelihood.3/3/2025 11:00:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsOlivia Overman
How to Explain the Homeowners Market to Your Clients https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/how-to-explain-the-homeowners-market-to-your-clientsHow to Explain the Homeowners Market to Your Clients As homeowners premiums increase agents can help create understanding through education on why costs are up and what coverage options are available for their clients.2/24/2025 11:15:00 AMHomeownersHomeownersMarketsOlivia Overman
3 Commercial Property Trends to Watch in 2025https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/3-commercial-property-trends-to-watch-in-20253 Commercial Property Trends to Watch in 2025There are signs of stabilization in the property market, with ample capacity available following favorable underwriting results on the insurance and reinsurance side. 3/10/2025 10:00:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsWill Jones
How Agents Can Explain the Importance of Crop Insurance Coverage to Clients https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/how-agents-can-explain-the-importance-of-crop-insurance-coverage-to-clientsHow Agents Can Explain the Importance of Crop Insurance Coverage to Clients After Hurricane Helene, it became apparent that few farmers in the disaster areas had crop insurance. Here’s how agents can highlight the benefits of this essential coverage.3/3/2025 10:55:00 AMCommercial LinesCommercial LinesMarketsOlivia Overman
Why Agencies Are Paying More for E&O Coverage at Renewal https://www.iamagazine.com/markets/why-agencies-are-paying-more-for-e-o-coverage-at-renewalWhy Agencies Are Paying More for E&O Coverage at Renewal Seventy-three percent of independent insurance agencies saw an increase in their agency errors & omissions renewal premium in 2024.2/24/2025 11:05:00 AME＆O Loss ControlE＆O Loss ControlMarketsWill Jones

 

 

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
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

 

 

6 Trends Shaping the Personal Auto Market and How to Talk About Themhttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/march/6-trends-shaping-the-personal-auto-market-and-how-to-talk-about-them6 Trends Shaping the Personal Auto Market and How to Talk About ThemAnswer common questions and paint a picture for your clients of what to expect in this year’s personal auto insurance market.3/1/2025 5:30:00 AMAutoMarchRosalie Donlon
7 Questions Answered by the Young Agents Podcast Serieshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/march/7-questions-answered-by-the-young-agents-podcast-series7 Questions Answered by the Young Agents Podcast SeriesIn response to the hard market, the Big “I" national Young Agents Committee (YAC) and Trusted Choice® created the Young Agents Tactical Series. This podcast and short video series equips emerging leaders with knowledge and resources to help better serve clients during a challenging time.3/1/2025 5:25:00 AMSales ＆ MarketingMarchJamie Behymer
M&A in 2024 Was a Year of Mega Dealshttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/march/m-a-in-2024-was-a-year-of-mega-dealsM&A in 2024 Was a Year of Mega DealsOur industry has been witnessing intense consolidation for at least the last decade, but we have never seen this type of activity at the top of the market. Will these mega deals usher in a new era of deal-making?3/1/2025 5:20:00 AMPerpetuation ＆ ValuationMarchBrian Deitz
The RAP Method: 3 Steps to Breaking Through Barriershttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/march/the-rap-method-3-steps-to-breaking-through-barriersThe RAP Method: 3 Steps to Breaking Through BarriersThe RAP Method is a three-step practical approach to recognizing where you are, adjusting your strategies and persevering through challenges.3/1/2025 5:15:00 AMSales ＆ MarketingMarchCasey Cunningham
4 Ways to Embrace an Entrepreneurial Mindsethttps://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/march/4-ways-to-embrace-an-entrepreneurial-mindset4 Ways to Embrace an Entrepreneurial MindsetAgents who are considering taking the leap into agency ownership—or those who are already agency owners and are looking to up their game—should cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.3/1/2025 5:10:00 AMAgency Operations ＆ Best PracticesMarchMichael Streit
Leverage Technology to Transition From Personal to Commercial Lines https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/march/leverage-technology-to-transition-from-personal-to-commercial-linesLeverage Technology to Transition From Personal to Commercial Lines With the changing landscape in the personal lines market due to the hard market, personal lines agents may be thinking about diversifying their revenue.3/1/2025 5:05:00 AMTechnologyMarchNicole Farley
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