Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: a study shows essential household costs are driving Wisconsin's affordability challenge. Plus: ChatGPT & Insurify launch an auto insurance comparison app.

Report: Essential Household Costs are Driving Wisconsin’s Affordability Challenge

A new report from Forward Analytics, the research arm of the Wisconsin Counties Association, reveals that while median wages in Wisconsin have generally kept pace with inflation over the past 25 years, many essential household expenses have increased at a much faster rate.

The study points to rising costs for necessities such as housing and healthcare as major factors putting pressure on household budgets across the state.

Preliminary estimates show that median household income in Wisconsin increased by 90% from 2000 to 2025, while overall costs of goods and services—measured by the Consumer Price Index—rose by 87% during the same period. However, essential expenses have outpaced both wage growth and inflation. Read more here.

ChatGPT and Insurify Launch Auto Insurance Comparison App  

Insurify, an online insurance comparison platform, has launched a new ChatGPT app that allows users to browse, research, and compare auto insurance directly through the platform’s app library.

This marks the first insurance-related app in ChatGPT’s library, sparking discussion across the industry, including concerns about potential market disruption.

The ChatGPT app library features a collection of tools and third-party integrations available within the ChatGPT app. The new Insurify digital insurance comparison tool lets consumers shop for and compare insurance quotes in one place. 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.

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: forecasters are calling for an active tornado season in the U.S., and new proposals in two states raise concerns about workers’ comp coverage for undocumented workers.

Active Tornado Season Expected in the US

Forecasters are predicting an active 2026 tornado season across the Central Plains, with activity expected to run 15% above the 20-year average, according to the Kansas Institute of Tornado Dynamics.

Several factors are contributing to the increased outlook, including ongoing La Niña conditions, warmer-than-normal Gulf of Mexico sea surface temperatures, and a strengthened low-level jet stream. Together, these conditions could lead to an estimated 1,450 to 1,600 tornadoes nationwide this year. Read more here.

No Comp for Undocumented Workers Risks Perils

Lawmakers in Florida and New Jersey recently introduced legislation that could limit workers’ compensation benefits for undocumented workers or shift liability away from insurers. While similar proposals have appeared in other states over the past decade, few have become law.

Florida’s H.B. 1307 is among the most far-reaching. The bill would require employers to verify work authorization through the E-Verify system before submitting a workers’ compensation claim. If an injured worker is found to be unauthorized, employers—not insurers—would be responsible for medical and indemnity costs.

In New Jersey, S.B. 1521 would restrict many undocumented workers from receiving wage-replacement benefits under workers’ compensation and temporary disability programs. 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.

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: In this week’s Big I Buzz: trends insurance agents and brokers should watch in 2026, and why rising gold prices could mean it’s time to revisit jewelry coverage.

7 Trends for Insurance Agents & Brokers in 2026

As the new year gets underway, several themes are emerging across the industry. Insights from experts highlight key trends agents and brokers can expect to see in 2026, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in daily workflows, evolving cyber risks for agencies, and new approaches to attracting and retaining the next generation of insurance talent. Read the full list here.

As Gold Prices Soar, Jewelry Owners May Need More Coverage

With gold and other precious metal prices climbing, jewelry owners may want to take a closer look at their homeowners insurance coverage. Gold jewelry accounted for 54% of the $366.8 billion global jewelry market last year, according to Grand View Research. Standard homeowners policies typically provide limited coverage for jewelry (often capped at $1,000 or $2,500) leaving higher-value pieces underinsured. 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.

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: a Zillow update highlights the challenges of climate-risk data, and California moves closer to allowing driverless trucks on its highways.

Zillow Deleting Climate Risk Scores Reveals Limits of Flood, Fire Data

Zillow recently removed climate risk scores from its home listings after receiving a complaint from the real estate industry. The move sparked conversation across news outlets and social media, with many noting that eliminating the data doesn’t eliminate the underlying risk.

As severe weather becomes more common, homeowners and buyers need insight into a property’s exposure to flooding or wildfire. Advanced climate-risk ratings — like those Zillow discontinued — can provide more current insights than many federal flood maps or state wildfire maps.

However, research shows that these tools are still evolving, and different models can produce varying results, underscoring the ongoing complexity of climate-risk assessment. Read more here.

Driverless Trucks Could Soon Be Headed to California Highways

California motorists are already sharing roads with driverless cars, and autonomous big-rigs may be next. The California DMV has released another round of proposed regulations for a statewide testing program involving self-driving trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds. Watch the report from NBC Bay Area and 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.

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.