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 Cost of Living — Most Spend Half Annual Income on House BillsDOXO is a firm that helps people manage their income. The company issued a report last week noting the average American worker will spend 47% of their annual income to run their household. The 2026 median annual income is about $84,583. That means the average person spends $39,468 on bills to run the house. Of that amount, $27,997 is spent on the most essential items and cannot be changed. |
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.
Employees — Job Security ConcernsThe small business financial firm, Clarify Capital did a survey with employees and employers. It found 20% of full-time employees are worried about job security and are searching for a new place to work. At the same time, 45% of the HR departments say they’re increasing hiring in 2026. The emphasis for 23% will be customer service and support. Another 23% are looking for AI and machine learning experience and 22% want “soft skills.” |
Insurance agents play a key role in protecting their clients’ long‑term financial security, which makes it essential to place coverage only with carriers that demonstrate strong, stable financial performance. Rating agencies such as AM Best, Demotech, and S&P regularly review insurers’ financials and adjust ratings based on each carrier’s ability to meet ongoing obligations. These ratings can change at any time – and even well‑established carriers may experience downgrades.
Ongoing monitoring is important from an agency risk‑management standpoint. Agents are expected to use reasonable care in placing business with solvent, financially reliable companies, and that failure to stay informed about rating changes can create significant liability exposure and reputational damage for the agency.
Legal Abuse — The Nation's Biggest HellholesThe Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has been working overtime to educate the U.S. populace about the abuse of the nation’s legal system. Most of that abuse comes at the hands of trial attorneys. The Triple-I says it has a huge impact on consumers and consumer pricing. |
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.
Flood Insurance — Chubb Survey Finds Dangerous MisconceptionsChubb’s Flood Risk and Resilience report offers some serious concerns for wealthy homeowners, commercial businesses and for agents and brokers. It points to a worrisome misconception about the risk of flood and flood damage mitigation. The good news is 84% of homeowners and 72% of commercial businesses believe the risk of flooding is greater now than it was five years ago. However, most don’t think the risk applies to them. |
Searching for Insurance — Google StatisticsInsurance searches on Google hit an all-time high in 2025. This according to Suren Pillai, the founder of Insurance SEO & SEM. His firm searched Google data banks and found hits relating to auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, health insurance and life insurance “surged.” "While AI tools are increasingly used for research and summarization, this data suggests they could be complementary and co-exist with SEO," Pillai said. “With the top insurance keywords hitting record search levels, organic visibility on Google directly translates to customer acquisition opportunities.” |
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.
“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.
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.
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.”
Nationwide did a survey late last year on Americans and family budgets. A high percentage are reassessing spending and their insurance budgets.
We’re using our credit cards more now than in the past.
Fitch Rating 2026 Predictions
Fitch Ratings has offered up some predictions for 2026. The ratings firm thinks premium growth will fall a bit with gains of just 3% to 4%. Fitch’s report also predicts a “normal” number of hurricanes hitting the U.S. in 2026.
A Huge Number of Homeowners are Underinsured
Two-thirds of homeowners in the U.S. are underinsured. They don’t think they are but reality says the are. This conclusion comes from a survey done by Insurance.com.
Hiscox did a study of small businesses and insurance. In the last two years — the insurer said — small business has reported an increase in revenues. Even with more business, a frightening 77% of those businesses continue to be underinsured.
Here’s more:
By Jonalyn Cueto, Insurance Business
AM Best’s latest market segment report, Market Segment Outlook: US Homeowners, has raised the outlook for homeowners insurers from negative to stable. The reasons range from moderate premium growth to improved catastrophe risk management practices to a better outlook in the property reinsurance market.
by Curtis M. Pearsall, CPCU, AIAF, CPIA, President – Pearsall Associates, Inc. and Consultant to the Utica National E&O Program
Tue Mar 31, 2026Technology & Innovation Series Data-Driven Dollars: Turning Insights Into Revenue for Your Agency Category: Featured Webinars |
