Agency Operations

AccuWeather is predicting between 11 to 16 named storms, including four to seven hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes.

From artificial intelligence (AI)-driven operational shifts and dynamic climate modeling to heightened cyber and privacy risks, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of transformation for the insurance industry.

2025 is on track to be the lowest claim volume year in recent history, yet cost management remains critical as severity trends continue to increase, according to Verisk.

1. The homeowners market outlook has been upgraded to stable, with AM Best citing stronger catastrophe risk management, steadier reinsurance market conditions and gradually improving pricing adequacy.

While storms may not make landfall in the U.S., they are becoming increasingly unpredictable and intensify rapidly, warns the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The vast majority of insurance company executives view severe convective storms (SCS) as the leading threat to their balance sheets, according to a Demex survey.

Homes at risk during the 2025 wildfire season represent a combined reconstruction cost value of $1.3 trillion.

Nearly 85% of single-family homes at risk of flooding in the U.S. carry insufficient coverage, leaving households vulnerable to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs, according to Neptune Flood.

This year’s hurricane season, which started on June 1, has a 60% chance of above-normal activity, with 13 to 19 named storms expected.

2024 saw the second-highest amount of tornadoes on record and 2025 is predicted to continue above-average activity. One weekend alone in mid-May caused $9 billion-$11 billion in damage.