The independent agency channel placed 62% of all property/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.
“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. “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.
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.
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