Our insurance community is packed with people who don’t just do the job—they elevate the profession. They solve problems before they become claims, mentor the next generation before they’re asked, and bring new ideas to the table when it would be easier to stick with “how we’ve always done it.”

That’s why the IIAW is proud to launch our first-ever Top Insurance Power Players—a new recognition program celebrating the leaders who push our industry forward through client service, leadership, innovation, and industry advancement.

This is our moment to tell the stories we usually keep too quiet: the agency professional who builds a culture of excellence, the carrier representative who partners like an extension of the team, and the vendor partner whose solutions genuinely move the needle. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, we’re asking you to help us identify them—and nominate them.

What is an “Insurance Power Player”?

An Insurance Power Player is someone who creates lift for everyone around them. In the nomination process, we’re looking for clear, real-world examples of:

• Leadership contributions (how they lead, what they’ve built, and who they’ve developed)
• Industry impact (how they influence the way our industry operates—customer experience, innovation, best practices, and even the regulatory environment)
• Measurable achievements (initiatives, outcomes, improvements—proof that the results are as strong as the reputation)

And importantly: this recognition is not limited to one “type” of leader. We’re seeking nominations across the ecosystem—agency professionals, carrier representatives, and vendor partners—because progress in insurance is a team sport.

How nominations work (and what we’re asking you to submit)

We designed the nomination form to be simple—but substantive. You’ll provide basic information about yourself and the nominee, then answer a set of prompts about leadership, achievements, and impact. If you want to strengthen a nomination, you can also include supporting materials—things like letters of recommendation, performance metrics, articles/publications, or evidence of board/community involvement. Think of it as building the business case for why this person belongs in the Power Players spotlight.

Most importantly: Nominations close February 28, 2026. If someone comes to mind, don’t wait until the last minute—future-you will be grateful, and present-you will look wildly competent.

Selection integrity: reviewed by IIAW staff and board leadership

Recognition means more when the process is credible. All nominations will be reviewed by a committee made up of IIAW staff and Board members. If a conflict of interest arises, the impacted committee member will recuse themselves.  That’s not just good governance—it’s how we protect the integrity of the honor and ensure Power Players truly represent excellence.

A quick note on storytelling: information included in the nomination, in part or in full, may be featured during the recognition event or in an IIAW publication. In other words: write it like it matters, because it might be read on a stage, printed in a magazine, and remembered long after the applause ends.

The big stage: honoring Power Players at InsurCon 2026 at Lambeau Field

Here’s the fun part.

The Top Insurance Power Players will be announced this spring, and we will recognize the honorees at InsurCon in May 2026 at Lambeau Field—an iconic venue for an equally iconic moment.

Our plan is to celebrate Power Players with a recognition experience that matches the caliber of the honor, including:

• Live recognition at InsurCon with a formal on-stage spotlight
• Editorial features that highlight what each honoree has accomplished (and why it matters to the broader industry)
• Event and digital visibility so the wider insurance community can learn from their example
• A Power Players plaque to display this achievement

Why does this matter? Because recognition isn’t just about applause—it’s about setting a standard. When we elevate the best of our industry, we create a blueprint for others to follow.

Insurance is changing fast. The expectations of clients are rising. The talent market is competitive. Technology is accelerating. And the definition of “service” is expanding beyond responsiveness into true advisory value. In that environment, leadership is not optional—it’s the differentiator.

The Insurance Power Players program is our way of saying: We see the people building the future of the insurance industry, and we’re going to celebrate them—loudly, proudly, and in a way that inspires the next wave of leaders.

Your call to action

If someone immediately popped into your head while reading this, that’s your sign. Nominate them today. Help us recognize the innovators, mentors, problem-solvers, and service champions who bring excellence to our industry. Submit your nomination by February 28, 2026, and be part of building a tradition our industry can rally around for years to come.

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: a federal reminder impacting Medicare Advantage commissions—plus a timely look at the most common insurance claims during the holiday season.

CMS: States Cannot Regulate Medicare Advantage Broker Compensation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Dec. 4 memo reminding state insurance departments that federal law preempts state efforts to regulate Medicare Advantage (MA) broker compensation and marketing practices. The clarification follows heightened scrutiny during open enrollment, including a lawsuit filed by UnitedHealthcare against the Idaho Department of Insurance and recent emergency actions by some states aimed at limiting commission changes. CMS emphasized that MA compensation is governed by federal standards, even as insurers adjust commissions amid rising cost pressures. Read more here.

5 Common Causes of Christmastime Claims

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for insurance claims, as increased travel, decorating, hosting, and winter weather all raise risk. Understanding the most common causes of holiday claims can help insureds take preventative steps and avoid costly surprises in the new year.

Some of the most frequent causes of Christmastime claims include:

• Porch piracy 
• Fires 
• Car accidents 
• Winter weather 
• Guest actions

Encouraging safety awareness during the holidays can go a long way in reducing risk and protecting both homes and businesses. Read more here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to join our emailing list.

The holidays can be a time of connection - but also, a quiet struggle for many. Between year-end goals, heavy workloads, and personal responsibilities, this season can take a real toll on our mental and emotional health. That’s why it’s so important to pause, check in with ourselves, and look out for those around us.

Today, we’re proud to highlight one of our new collaborators for 2026 - Project 55.

Founded by Justin Goodman and Brenden Corr, Project 55 was built to educate, equip, and empower everyone in our industry to better understand mental health and be ready to respond when it matters most.

Offering a FREE world-class mental health training, tools, resources, and community support - Project 55 helps individuals and organizations foster healthier, more resilient teams and create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and safe to speak up. Because the truth is, the insurance industry is built on helping others - yet so many within it are quietly struggling.

And the impact is already real. Thousands across the industry have signed up and begun the training, started new conversations in their offices, and begun shaping a more compassionate, connected culture. Project 55 is more than a program - it’s a movement to change how we talk about mental health at work.

The IIAW is thrilled to share that Brenden and Justin will be presenting at InsurCon2026 on “Quiet Signs, Clear Actions: Leading Mental Health at Work.”

This season, take a moment to check in - with yourself, your coworkers, and your community. Learn more or start the free training today at www.project55.org

New survey shows widespread concern that excessive lawsuits are hurting policyholders.

ALEXANDRIA, VA (November 19, 2025)—As insurance lawsuits hit record levels, a new survey from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) reveals growing concern that excessive and abusive litigation is driving up costs for consumers and reforms are needed.

According to the survey, 64.3% of respondents said they were concerned about how excessive lawsuits increase their premiums, and 80.5% believe that the legal system is used in ways that unfairly drive up insurance costs. Overwhelmingly, 8 in 10 (80.3%) respondents also believed that their premiums would increase due to excessive lawsuits, even if they had never filed a claim themselves.

“Consumers are absolutely correct. They are paying the price for unnecessary lawsuits in the form of higher insurance costs for their households,” said Charles Symington, Big "I" president & CEO. “The survey makes it clear: Americans want reform and accountability. Independent agents are working with their customers so they further understand the impact of lawsuit abuse and how to advocate for reform.”

Consumers also expressed skepticism about who truly benefits from lawsuits against insurers. Nearly three-quarters (73%) said attorneys and law firms profit most, compared to only 30.9% who believe consumers with valid claims benefit.

Third-Party Litigation Funding Drives Costs Even Higher

Despite awareness of traditional lawsuit abuse, many consumers remain unfamiliar with “third-party litigation funding,” a growing practice where outside investors finance lawsuits for profit. Nearly 40% said they were not at all familiar with this trend, underscoring a gap in public understanding of how global capital is increasingly driving U.S. insurance litigation and consumer costs.

Call for Action and Reform

Consumers aren’t just aware of the problem; they’re ready for change. The survey reveals overwhelming demand for action to rein in abusive litigation and restore fairness to the insurance system.

• 89.7% say it’s important to reduce unnecessary lawsuits to help control insurance costs.
• 84.3% would support reforms if they knew certain legal practices were making their insurance more expensive.
• A majority (54.8%) believe that the state and federal government should take the lead in addressing the issue, while many also pointed to insurance companies (33.6%) and courts (32.6%).

“Consumers overwhelmingly agree that unchecked litigation is not protecting them, it’s costing them. It directly affects their family budgets by adding thousands of dollars every year in unnecessary costs for their insurance and other products and services.” added Symington.

According to The Perryman Group, lawsuit abuse is costing the average American family $5135 a year. Another recent study from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. (Munich Re US) estimates the impact is even higher—at more than $6,500 for a family of four. The Big “I” is working with a broad coalition of stakeholders across a variety of industries to educate consumers and legislators about litigation funding and hold those accountable for driving up insurance costs.

Methodology

National survey conducted by Mfour Data Research via mobile targeting consumers ages 25+ who have home, auto and/or business insurance.

About the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”)

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations. Big “I” members are trusted insurance advisers who offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a choice of insurance companies.

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: thousands of Wisconsinites could lose Obamacare coverage if federal subsidies expire, and new data shows more Americans are moving away from flood-prone areas.

Up to 60,000 Wisconsinites Could Lose Obamacare Coverage if Subsidies Expire

Between 40,000 and 60,000 Wisconsinites who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act could lose their coverage if Congress fails to extend subsidies that lower plan costs, according to Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek.

The subsidies have driven record-high enrollment in Wisconsin’s ACA marketplace this year, with roughly 300,000 residents signing up for coverage. If the enhanced subsidies expire at the end of the year, those gains could be reversed. Read more here.

Americans Are Moving Out of Flood-Prone Neighborhoods

For the first time since 2019, U.S. counties at the highest risk of flooding saw more residents moving out than in — about 30,000 more people left than arrived, according to a new Redfin report.

The trend marks a shift from the pandemic years, when remote workers flocked to coastal and Sun Belt regions. Despite the outflow, some of those high-risk counties still experienced overall population growth due to strong immigration from abroad.

Of the 310 counties identified as high flood risk, 132 saw net population losses while 178 saw gains — but the number of people leaving outpaced those arriving. Read more here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to join our emailing list.