Dear Fellow Hard Market Survivors,
The holiday season—a time for giving, joy, and, of course, a record-breaking influx of nonrenewal notices from underwriters who clearly got coal in their stockings this year. But don’t worry; the year is almost over!
🎅 Your Holiday Survival Guide
1. Handling Last-Minute Nonrenewals
Nothing screams holiday spirit like re-marketing a policy two days before Christmas. Remember: deep breaths, strong coffee, and the occasional holiday cookie can get you through anything.
Pro Tip: Keep a list of surplus lines brokers who don’t take holiday breaks. They might save your bacon when no admitted carrier wants to touch that brush zone account.
2. Dealing with Clients Who Suddenly Remember Insurance Exists
“Hey, can you add my 16-year-old son to my auto policy today? He just got his license and is driving to Grandma’s tomorrow.”
Sure, no problem—let me also whip up a snowstorm on demand while I’m at it.
Pro Tip: Politely remind clients that you’re an insurance agent, not a magician.
🕯️ The Year in Review
Hard Market Madness: Agents everywhere learned the true meaning of “grit” while explaining rate increases to clients who still think insurance is “just a scam.”
California Brush Zones: This year, “no appetite” became the most-used phrase for accounts anywhere near dry grass.
ACORD Form Battles: Writing surplus lines business has given us a love-hate relationship with these forms, but at least they’re better than dealing with fax machine errors.
You need a coffee mug to show you are a survivor!
💡 Words of Encouragement
If you’ve made it through another year in insurance, you’re basically unshakable. So, as you tackle the last stretch of holiday madness, remember: you’re the real MVP of your clients’ peace of mind (and, occasionally, their biggest headache). Take a deep breath and tell yourself “ everything will be okay”.
Insurance Agent Memes = Therapy
When the going gets tough, the tough get meme-ing or laugh at my memes. Nothing bonds us together like a perfectly timed GIF of a dumpster fire labeled “My Book of Business, 2024 Edition.”
Follow my Instagram, Facebook, TIktok, Twitter & Linkedin or join the Facebook group below and post your own memes:
🎁 Merry Christmas!
As we inch closer to 2025, know this: You’re not alone. The struggle is real, but so is the camaraderie of being an insurance agent. Together, we’ll make it through another year of rising rates, policy changes, and just a touch of existential dread. Remember with the hard market comes opportunity!
Now, go grab that extra-large coffee spiked with peppermint schnapps.
You’ve earned it.
