The independent agency channel placed 62.1% of all property and casualty insurance written in the U.S. in 2025, a slight increase from 2024 when 61.5% of insurance written was placed by independent agents.
According to the 2026 Market Share Report published by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) trade association, independent agents (IAs) wrote 87.7% of commercial lines written premiums in 2025 and 39.5% of personal lines.
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.
During 2025 independent agents held the highest market share penetration rate in Massachusetts (79.8%), and the lowest in Alabama (51.1%).
In the United States, top penetration rates by line of business were: Multi-Peril Crop (97.3%), Ocean Marine (96.7%), and Private Crop (96.7%).
When it comes to commissions, the highest average commission rate was 13.6% (Massachusetts), and the lowest was 9.8% (Delaware). The average commission rate in the United States in 2025 was 11.6% for all P&C lines combined, the report said.
The report also noted that while Nationwide was the largest insurer, and State Farm Group (G) was the largest group, overall in the United States, writing 10.5% of all P&C premiums in 2025, Auto-Owners Insurance Company emerged as the largest pure independent agent-broker distribution style individual insurer. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins Co was the largest exclusive-captive distribution style individual insurer, and GEICO General Insurance Company as the largest direct distribution style individual insurer.
“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,” said Charles Symington, Big “I” president and CEO. “As the market has begun to shift, the channel is on firm footing and poised to make the most of these improving conditions.”
According to the study, loss ratios improved to 57.3 in 2025 compared with the five-year average of 63. Combined ratios lowered to 88 in 2025, from 92 the prior year. The average of the last five years is 94.
The annual 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.
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