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.
“I see telematics and cameras—both driver-facing and outward-facing—playing a much larger role in the future,” says independent agent Blake West. “Some insurance carriers are already using telematics in underwriting, while others incorporate it into ongoing risk management.”
In a market where carriers are inundated with submissions, agents can help their product liability clients secure the coverage they need by understanding carriers’ appetite and capitalizing on the opportunities they offer.
Carriers offering product liability coverage are now taking into account factors such as the impact of any ongoing and proposed tariffs on the manufacturers and distributors of products, which may force manufacturers to change suppliers.
Effective marketing is important, but careless marketing can be dangerous. When it comes to marketing while managing your own risk, the primary tip is simple: Don’t overpromise.
Agents in the surety bond sector must understand not only the intricacies of the product but also the broader market conditions at play. Here are three tips.
If cybercriminals gain access to cyber coverage details, it can shift the balance of power in their favor, making ransom demands more calculated, negotiations more difficult and outcomes more costly.
“With the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across the U.S., I see the energy sector poised for major growth,” says independent agent Evan Swindall. “The increased need for power generation and infrastructure to support this growth will drive significant opportunities in energy-related industries.”
While the global surety market is expected to continue to grow through 2032, it has yet to see changes driven by funding allocation for government contracts or by tariffs.
This end-of-year episode of Agency Nation Radio is brought to you by the editors of Independent Agent magazine. Will Jones, editor-in-chief, hosts the discussion and is joined by Olivia Overman, content editor, and AnneMarie McPherson Spears, news editor.
