Many homeowners feel like premiums are rising faster than their budgets. The best agencies are retaining accounts by doing one thing consistently: telling a clear “rate story” and bringing options. (Clients don’t need jargon—they need a narrative.)
The macro backdrop is real: global insured catastrophe losses have stayed above $100B+ in recent years, and catastrophe + replacement costs continue to influence pricing and availability.
The 3-bucket explanation clients actually understand
Use a simple framework that prevents the “you’re just raising my price” conversation:
- Claims severity (labor, materials, litigation, ALE, etc.)
- Cat risk + reinsurance (carriers buy protection; that cost changes after major loss years)
- Coverage values changed (replacement cost estimates, ordinance & law exposure, etc.)
The homeowner coverage checkup: 8 items that prevent surprises
This is where independent agents win—because you can explain tradeoffs and tailor.
- Dwelling limit adequacy (rebuild, not market value)
- Ordinance & law (code upgrades can be expensive)
- Water backup (frequently misunderstood)
- Service line (common gap)
- Roof settlement terms (ACV vs RCV; endorsements)
- Wind/hail deductibles (percentage deductibles surprise people)
- Jewelry/scheduled items (limits get hit fast)
- Umbrella (liability is often the cheapest “sleep at night” upgrade)
Bring options—always (2–3 paths)
Instead of “here’s the renewal,” offer clear choices:
- Option A: keep coverage as-is
- Option B: adjust deductibles/limits strategically
- Option C: alternative market (if available)
When you present options, you feel like an advisor—not a messenger.
Where Agents United fits
In a homeowners environment shaped by affordability and availability, agencies do better when they have more market options and shared playbooks. Agents United supports independent P/C agencies with carrier access, training, tools, and ongoing support to compete and grow.
