Auto

New Big “I” survey reveals that only 3 in 10 Americans (31%) review or shop for insurance each year, with many waiting until premiums increase, major life changes occur, or coverage issues arise.

Throughout the year, the Big “I” and Independent Agent magazine have been hard at work, examining emerging market trends and helping you be there for your clients with the latest insights.

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.

While many insurers have filed for rate decreases in 2025, many customers have yet to feel the effects of those decreases, with 44% of auto insurance claimants reporting a price increase in the past 12 months.

Less than half of parents rate their teen’s driving as good or excellent, according to Nationwide, with some parents reporting their teen’s unsafe driving behaviors, including styling their hair or even watching videos.

More than one-third of U.S. personal auto insurance customers are dissatisfied with their insurance and those with higher overall lifetime value profiles are most likely to leave, according to J.D. Power.

The increase in auto insurance shopping is prompted by soaring auto insurance costs, with a 22.2% year-over-year increase in the average cost of auto insurance through the end of February.

As auto insurance shopping rates rose during the fourth quarter of 2023, carrier retention rates dropped.