FROM THE PRESIDENT
LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDES written by Lucas Raleigh , KAIA President , Raleigh Ins . Agency
I don ’ t know about anyone else , but 2022 was a roller coaster of a year for me . There was the good and the bad , the wins and the losses , and frustrations and sighs of relief . Luckily , all the trying times eventually turned into positives along the way .
It also seems like it was the year of remarketing every risk we have . Rates have climbed – commercial insurance rates were up an average of 5.1 % in the 4th Quarter of 2022 – leaving every customer questioning if they are getting the best rate for their coverages .
Being an independent agent , we have the markets and knowledge to make this happen along with the support of ASCK market access if you need additional options .
Staffing has also been in the forefront of the industry as a whole . It is harder and harder to find and retain top talent . We were not immune to this either . However , with the help of KAIA resources like Big I Hires and WAHVE , we have come out on the other side more efficient than ever before . I ’ d highly recommend you check out these resources if you ’ re not already using them at your agency .
Lastly , I believe the IA channel is getting stronger and stronger . Even with all the mergers and acquisitions going on , the number of independent agencies is growing nationwide . KAIA will be here to help in any circumstance and I look forward to seeing what 2023 brings .
A good friend of mine always tells me the same thing every time we get together , “ We are blessed to have careers as independent agents . It is the best industry to be in .”
I truly believe that they ’ re right ! •
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... I believe the IA channel is getting stronger and stronger . Even with all the mergers and acquisitions going on , the number of independent agencies is growing nationwide .”
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
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