Understand Your Distribution Force
The Big “I” is proud to provide industry research that can be vital in strategic planning, filling in knowledge gaps and building crucial knowledge on industry trends. Mark your calendars for three new releases in 2026.
Agency Universe Study
The Agency Universe Study is the most comprehensive analysis of the independent insurance agency system. It has benefited agencies, companies and others for more than 32 years. The findings are used by agency principals and carrier personnel to understand the state of the industry, reveal trends, benchmark their operations, support strategic planning and develop new products and services. The study informs the Big “I” on where to best allocate resources to help member agencies and inform federal and state policymakers.
We are inviting the agent community to participate and take the survey from March 11–April 20. The 2026 Agency Universe Study is set for release this September.
Best Practices
The Best Practices resources gather data from highly qualified agencies that have demonstrated real, measurable success. Other agencies can use these metrics to compare their own information and statistics to those recognized as the best, applying appropriate resources for self-improvement while celebrating areas of high achievement. An agency leader can find virtually any key benchmarking metric imaginable to help better manage agency business in the revenue category that fits now, and with strategic and growth planning.
The 2026 Best Practices Study is set for release in August.
Market Share Report
Each year the Big “I” reviews property/casualty insurance premium data provided by A.M. Best Company and releases the Market Share Report. The summary provides critical insight into the independent agency system with premiums for all 32 P&C lines of business in the United States, premium rate changes, distribution style penetration rates and trends, surplus lines and more along with instructive appendices.
The 2026 Market Share Report is set for release in July.
Questions can sent to Jennifer Becker.