Big ‘I’ Releases 2026 Market Share Report

Independent agency channel maintains a strong position amid improving underwriting results.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 23, 2026—The independent agency channel remains strong, with lines of business penetration holding steady as combined ratios improve, according to the Big “I” 2026 Market Share Report.    

The annual Market Share Report compiles and analyzes property & casualty premium data from AM Best and provides insights for agencies and carriers on current market shares by distribution types. Based on 2025 data, this year’s report found that the independent agency channel places 62% of all p&c insurance written in the U.S. This is an increase from 61.5% in 2024 and steady with the five-year average of 62%, demonstrating the channel’s stability through the challenges of the hard market.

The independent agency channel maintained its share of commercial and personal lines. Independent agencies wrote 87.7% of commercial lines written premiums, consistent with 87.9% in 2024. Its share of personal lines continued to grow, at 39.5% in 2025 compared to 39.2% in 2024—continuing its trajectory from 36.7% in 2021.

The independent insurance agency channel also gained traction in surplus lines, with a 9.9% utilization rate, up from the five-year average of 9.3%. Private flood had a 52.6% utilization rate, up from the 47.4% five-year average.

Loss ratios improved in 2025, at 57.3% compared to the five-year average of 63%. Combined ratios lowered to 88%, from 92% last year and the average of 94% over the past five years. The improvement comes as premiums continue to rightsize, with direct written premiums reaching $1.1 trillion in 2025, up from $1.05 trillion in 2024.

“The resilience of the independent agency channel is evident in this year’s Market Share Report, painting a clear picture of its stability through the hard market,” says Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO. 

“These numbers reflect how integral independent agencies are to the insurance marketplace as they offer both personal and commercial clients the choice, guidance and service that are essential in the insurance shopping process,” he says. “As the market has begun to shift, the channel is on firm footing and poised to make the most of these improving conditions.” 

The Market Share Report is free for Big “I” members and state associations. To order or purchase a copy of the complete 2026 Market Share Report, visit the Big “I” Market Share Report webpage.  

For a press copy of the report, reach out to Will Jones, Big “I” director of communications.
 
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 united under the Trusted Choice® brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies.