Market Insights

The small business and personal lines sectors enter 2026 in a more stable position. Following several years of disruption and rate escalation, market conditions have begun to normalize.

When claim activity increases, it’s often smaller insureds, those with limited internal resources or risk management practices, who are left most vulnerable. Understanding the risks and structuring policies appropriately on the front end can be the difference between smooth claims handling and major financial setbacks.

This comprehensive State of the Market report presents expert analyses from personal lines and small business specialists on the factors shaping these market conditions. They provide critical insights into rate trends, capacity and shifting coverage patterns across the United States.

Amwins IQ makes the flood insurance transaction process as seamless and easy as possible. The platform aims to address pain points and put the retail agent and their clients in control of the transaction. Learn more here.

Tough conditions in the marketplace are expected to improve long term, but competition remains fierce with significant pricing pressure and standard carriers working hard to fight for and win business. There are opportunities, particularly in markets such as California, where Admitted Carriers are pulling back or leaving altogether.

As homeowners and small business owners struggle with the fallout, the opportunity exists for retailers to capitalize on increased underwriting appetite in the E&S market to provide the protection customers need.

​Recycling operations have unique risks that require careful insurance underwriting. Having the proper risk transfers in place, completing supplemental forms and complying with loss control inspections prior to placement may be in order.

Surprisingly, more wildfires occur in the eastern U.S. than in the western states. And while eastern fires are typically smaller than those in the west, land-use changes are making wildfires worse in areas previously unaffected.

On Dec. 14, Governor Ron DeSantis signed property insurance reform bill SB 2-A into law. Widely touted by the legislature as both “groundbreaking” and “sweeping,” the law is designed to bring long-term stabilization to an increasingly chaotic Florida property insurance market. This article takes a look into the new law and how it addresses the state's insurance pain points.

​The pandemic has had a profound impact on the hospitality and service industry. This also extends to aspects of the sharing economy including short-term vacation rentals and transportation network platforms. This article takes a closer look at COVID-19’s impact on these platforms and insurance coverage implications that retail agents should be aware of.

In the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling and some may even fail. Despite these challenges and the continued hardening market, there is opportunity for retailers to write and retain business. This article provides guidance on navigating the complex small business marketplace and helps retailers fine tune their understanding of what insurable risks will look like over the next 12 to 24 months.

Loss of revenue caused by stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic has affected small businesses and the insurance industry serving them significantly. As retailers and carriers prioritize their focus to adapt to the “new normal” of daily transactions, underlying market dynamics remain unchanged. In this article, our experts share their insight on the current changes that we are seeing the small business and personal lines market, and how to navigate the market a this time of uncertainty.