Agency Operations

One Loss, Two Deductibles: Equipment Breakdown or Homeowners Loss?

A homeowner had a loss where the HVAC system’s condensate pump failed due to a mechanical breakdown. The HO3 policy with an equipment breakdown endorsement—form 16016—with a separate $500 deductible appears to indicate the condensate pump and the resulting water damage should be covered under the equipment breakdown endorsement. The insurance carrier says otherwise.

7 Trends Transforming Personal Lines

How are shifting trends impacting independent agents’ personal lines strategies? And what do clients want from their insurance relationships? Here are seven trends for the future of personal lines insurance.

Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in January

The new year kicked off with hard-won pieces of advice from seasoned agency leaders, plus Big “I” Virtual University experts’ takes on whether a first named insured can cancel a homeowners policy without the signature of the second.

Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in December

December looked at the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, the impact of claims management on customer experience, state requirements for paid leave and time off. Plus, state regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) as well as a review of 2025’s top stories.