Leading With Laughter

Every April, National Humor Month reminds us that laughter isn’t just a pleasant workplace extra — it’s a proven leadership asset. And with April Fools’ Day kicking off the month, it’s the perfect moment to highlight how wholesome, emotionally intelligent humor strengthens teams, reduces stress, and supports the kind of professional growth CPIA members champion.

In industries built on trust and precision — like insurance — humor can feel out of place. Yet recent research shows it’s far from frivolous. A 2025 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that leader affiliative humor — warm, inclusive, never at someone’s expense — significantly increases team trust and employees’ confidence to take initiative, both of which fuel innovation and problem solving. When people feel safe enough to laugh together, they’re more willing to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate openly. 

Create Video Proposals Without Creating an "E&O Headache"

Video proposals are becoming a popular way for insurance agents to explain coverage options, personalize the sales process, and stand out in a competitive market. Agents are using short, recorded videos to walk prospects through quotes, renewal options, and coverage highlights – often replacing or supplementing traditional in‑person meetings and written proposals. 

While video proposals can improve engagement and efficiency, they also introduce new professional liability considerations. Once recorded, a video proposal is no longer a casual conversation – it becomes a permanent sales communication that may be replayed, shared, and scrutinized later. 

AM Best — P&C Insurers & 2025

In the last couple of weeks AM Best has released reports on the business of insurance in 2025. Overall, it was a pretty good year. P&C insurers recorded an underwriting gain in 2025 of $61 billion. 

It’s almost three-times as much when compared to the $22 billion in 2024.  

Thinking of Tricking Porch Pirates? Be Careful 

Most of us have seen the videos. A man or a woman tiptoes up to a porch with a package on it then grab it and run. Before they can get into their car — or shortly after getting in one — the package explodes with a mixture of paint and confetti.

Outside of the parents, partner or a good friend screaming obscenities toward the homeowners’ porch camera, most of us support the punishment meted out to the would-be thief.

Commercial Property Owners — Not Sure about
Their Insurance Protection

Nationwide recently released a survey on the owners of commercial property. It revealed their take on bad weather and natural disasters. 

The survey defines commercial property owners as people owning property, business owners and people building new construction. It found 66% of those surveyed are either very, or extremely, worried about the severe weather and natural disasters that might happen in their area. 

Another High Cost of Health Insurance

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says the low cost-of-living raise you got this year is directly caused by the growing cost of health insurance. New York Fed researchers surveyed businesses in New York and Northern New Jersey and found health insurance for employees rose higher than other business expenses. 

Some reported an average increase of more than 13%. 

The Leadership Advantage of Fresh Ideas: Why Creativity and Deep-Thinking Drive
New Client Growth

Every March, International Ideas Month invites leaders to pause and consider the power of creativity—not as a “nice‑to‑have,” but as a core business strategy. For management teams navigating shifting markets, evolving customer expectations, and increasingly diverse demographics, creativity is no longer optional. It is the engine of relevance, differentiation, and long‑term growth. 

Today’s most successful organizations are those that encourage their teams to think deeply, observe closely, and experiment boldly. Innovation rarely emerges from routine; it emerges from curiosity. 

The Importance of Monitoring Carrier Financial Strength Ratings

Credit Card Debt in the U.S. — $1.28 Trillion and Rising

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York issued a report last week on credit card debt in the U.S. At the end of the 4th quarter of last year we had charged our cards up to $1.28 trillion. That’s a 5.5% increase over the 4th quarter of 2024. 

That said, a rise in spending always goes up in the 4th quarter because of holiday spending. 

J.D. Power on Insurance Buying —
More Purchasing Digitally

J.D. Power says the number of people purchasing insurance digitally is on the rise. The Digital Insurance Predictions 2026 survey finds 44% of insurance policy buyers are now getting their insurance via those channels. 

On the 1,000 point scale, digital customers are ranking their experience at 801 or even higher, and 92% say they will continue to use digital channels in the future. 

Master Your Minutes: The Ultimate Guide to Time Management

“Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can’t afford to lose.” — Thomas Edison 

Did you know February is National Time Management Month? It’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and reclaim control over your schedule. Time is your most valuable resource—and how you manage it can make or break your success. Yet many professionals struggle with distractions and inefficiencies that drain energy and productivity. 

Insurance Shopping Dropping — J.D. Power Report

J.D. Power regularly reports on how happy consumers are with insurers and their rates. A report on the 4th quarter of 2025 by J.D. Power and TransUnion’s LIST Report said the number of people shopping for home, auto and renters insurance averages 13%. 

The 4th quarter auto shopping figures are 0.2% down from 2024 and down 0.3% year-over-year. Actual auto switching fell 0.4 points. 

Climate Change, Home Buying & Homeowners Insurance

Kin is a direct-to-the-consumer, digital homeowners insurance company. The firm has produced its first annual Kin’s Homeownership Trends Report. The document says half of U.S. homeowners are considering a move. It also notes there will be more stability in the homeowners market in 2026 compared to 2025. 

On the negative side, the report found homeowners are worried about climate change issues and high insurance costs. Those are two major factors being considered when purchasing a home or changing homes. Kin calls it “weather anxiety.” 

Your Clients & Their Budgets & Insurance — Lots of Rethinking Going On

Nationwide did a survey late last year on Americans and family budgets. A high percentage are reassessing spending and their insurance budgets. 

• 47% will be making fewer impulse purchases
• 32% are buying used or secondhand goods rather than something new
• 48% have canceled vacations
• 46% are going to skip — or at least delay — an auto purchase 

We’re using our credit cards more now than in the past.