Why Summer Brings an Increase in Personal Auto Claims
Many drivers assume summer road risks come from major crashes or severe weather—but most claims actually arise from minor, inconvenient, and largely preventable incidents.
Agency Operations
Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in May
May brought news of moderating pressures in the long-suffering personal lines space, with early signs that increases in reconstruction costs and personal auto premium hikes may be beginning to slow.
How Agency Owners Are Thinking About the Future
Not planning to sell—but thinking ahead? This market brief explains why independent agency owners are re‑examining value, timing and long‑term positioning.
Roof Claims Decline but Losses Become Increasingly Severe
While claims declined, roof losses continue to grow more severe and less predictable, driven by aging housing stock, widespread hail exposure and rising replacement costs, according to Verisk.
‘It Only Takes One,’ Warns NOAA Ahead of ‘Below-Average’ Hurricane Season
The 2026 hurricane season, which starts on June 1, is projected to be below average, with eight to 14 named storms expected.
Half of Personal Auto Policies Were Shopped in Past Year
As personal auto policy shopping reached historic highs, distracted driving also increased, especially among older drivers.
How Industry Changes Are Influencing, But Not Deterring, M&A Activity
While some recent trends have influenced the mergers & acquisitions marketplace, it certainly hasn’t been interrupted.
Practical Ways to Use AI in Everyday Marketing
Here are three practical ways agents can use AI for promotion without feeling overwhelmed or losing control.
Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in April
April delivered must-read insights for independent agents, including the retirement of the Safeco brand, hurricane season outlook and member recognition at the 2026 Big “I” Legislative Conference.
What Agencies Got Right With AI Adoption—And The First Steps They Took
The agencies that have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) successfully didn’t start with a big rollout; they started with a conversation with their staff first, then with their clients.
