Top 10 Most-Read Online Articles in Independent Agent in 2025 

10) Dog Bite Claims Cost $1.6 Billion in 2024, Rising 86% in 10 Years 

By AnneMarie McPherson Spears  

Dog-related claims have increased significantly in both frequency and cost, according to the latest claims data analysis from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm. 

9) Commercial Auto: How Nuclear and Thermonuclear Verdicts Are Adversely Impacting the Market 

By Olivia Overman  

Trucking companies faced $165 million in nuclear verdicts in 2023, with an increasing trend of thermonuclear verdicts. Mounting costs from these large verdicts present significant challenges for the commercial auto insurance market. 

8) Roof Claim Costs Increased 30% from 2022 to 2024 

By Olivia Overman 

Roof repair and replacement cost value totaled nearly $31 billion in 2024, according to a report from Verisk. 

7) 2025 Is Set to Be a Year of Shopping and Switching 

By Will Jones  

While sky-high premiums prompted half of U.S. auto insurance customers to shop for a new plan last year, few alternatives meant most stayed put. That’s all about to change. 

6) How to Handle Demands to Add Language to a COI 

By the Big “I” Virtual University  

An agency provides a general liability policy for a local religious fraternity. Another insurer is requesting the certificate of insurance (COI) and demanding that it be added as an additional insured on the COI. 

5) 4 Insurance Industry Predictions for 2025 

By Katie Butler  

After a tumultuous few years, top industry analysts have weighed in with their predictions on what’s in store for the insurance industry in 2025.  

4) Rising Homeowners Coverage Gaps Underscore Agents’ Expanding Role 

By AnneMarie McPherson Spears  

As homeowners contend with inflation, extreme weather and increasingly complex coverage needs, new reports from Nationwide and The Hanover reveal widening gaps in insurance coverage—and an expanding role for agents helping clients navigate today’s risk environment. 

3) Federal Tax Reform: The Big ‘I’ Shares Takeaways From New Tax Law 

By Raaed Haddad  

Independent insurance agents may be wondering what tax provisions were included as part of the expansive package. This summary from the Big “I” provides a brief overview.  

2) 4 Things You Should Do If Your Carrier Has Been Hacked 

By Will Jones  

Cyberattacks against carriers, such as the ones earlier this month against Erie Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance Companies, can pose serious errors & omissions risk for your agency. 

1) How to Explain the Homeowners Market to Your Clients 

By Olivia Overman  

As homeowners premiums increase, agents can help create understanding through education on why costs are up and what coverage options are available for their clients.