|
Women Summit: Power in Presence
IIABW’s first Insurance Women Summit was attended by 120 women (and 3 men). Because of the overwelming interest, we had to close registration ONE MONTH before the event. This has never happened with an IIABW event in the past and we apologize to those who couldn’t attend. Next year we will be in a larger ballroom!
This event was a powerful reminder that leadership thrives when women with different perspectives come together. What made the summit truly special was the presence of every attendee, the stories shared, and the conversations sparked throughout the event. The program created a space that reaffirmed the impact of independent women supporting and learning from one another.
We would like to thank the companies who sponsored the event:
-
Inspire Sponsors: Brown & Riding, Progressive, RT Specialty, Travelers
-
Elevate Sponsors: AMWINS Access, Berkley North Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway, Cochrane & Company, EMC Insurance, Sentry Insurance
-
Empower Sponsors: Alaska National, Grange, InsurPal, IRONPEAK, Nationwide, ServiceMaster Seattle, Western National, Zurich North America
Young Agents Conference - May 6-8 in Chelan
IIABW's Young Agents will be hosting a Conference for all industry professionals OF ALL AGES at Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan on May 6-8. Bring your team for a fun bonding and learning retreat! To register, click here.
- Education/Training – 3 Hour Ethics class, Pipeline Management: Growing Your Book of Business, OIC Criminal Investigation Unit, Legal System Abuse, Legislative Session Wrap-up, Combating Insurance Fraud, etc.
- Fun Networking – Golf Tournament, Paint & Sip, scavenger hunt, 2 dinners, 3 receptions
Fannie & Freddie Mac to Accept ACV
The Big I is excited to announce that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not require properties with a federally backed mortgage to have full replacement cost value homeowners insurance, reversing a change made in February 2024. The Big I and other insurance associations helped earned a pause in the requirements in May 2024, but mortgage lenders continued to reference the change while denying consumers and homebuyers alternative options.
WA Vehicle Thefts down 39% in 2025
Washington state's vehicle thefts dropped 39% in 2025 - the biggest drop in the country. Washington still had 18,000 vehicle thefts, which ranked 9th. The Seattle/Tacoma metro area had 13,000 of those thefts.
The most stolen cars are: Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Honda Civic. Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have continued to decline because of software updates and theft-prevention measures.
How Do WA Homeowners’ Rates Compare?
Lending Tree conducted a study on homeowners’ rate increases during the recent hard market and found:
- Over the last 5 years, Washington’s homeowners' rates increased 55%, compared to our state’s inflation rate of 26%. In 2025, our state's homeowner rates went up 3.5% and inflation grew 3.1%.
- From 2000-2024, Washington’s homeowners rates increased 50%, compared to an increase of median household income of 19%. In 2024, our state's rates increased 21% compared to a 3% increase in household income.
Articles Relating to the Iran War
-
Insuring Gulf Shipping Amid Iran War - Chubb will be the lead partner on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s $20 billion Maritime Reinsurance Plan aimed at resuming commercial shipping in the Gulf.
-
Insured Losses from Iran War - Insured losses are likely to be contained for large, diversified insurers if the Iran War is short-lived but longer hostilities would increase the likelihood of larger and more complex loss scenarios.
-
Cyber Risk for Western Businesses - geopolitical developments often coincide with increased cyber activity targeting infrastructure, financial institutions, and government agencies. Iran has historically been considered a significant cyber actor.
Big I’s ACT Technology TECH Trends Report
The Big I’s Agents Council for Technology Tech Trends 2026 brings together insights from independent agents, carriers, and technology providers to examine how AI, data, cybersecurity, and workflow complexity are reshaping the industry.
Find an Intern
As internship season approaches, the Washington Workforce Portal can connect your agency with students eager to gain hands-on job experience this summer. You can list your summer internships and other work-based learning opportunities. Contact the AWB Institute at info@awbinstitute.org or click here.
IIABKSC Paint & Sip 4/16 in Kirkland
IIAB of King & Snohomish Counties will be holding a Paint & Sip event on April 16 in Kirkland. To register, click here.
Competitive Standalone Umbrella
IIABW endorsed and administered RLI Standalone Personal Umbrella features:
- Limits up to $5 million
- Excess UM/UIM
- The insured can keep their current homeowner/auto insurer
- New drivers accepted – no age limit on drivers
- Up to one DWI/DUI per household allowed
- 250/500/50 auto limits accepted
- Competitive, low premiums for increased limits of liability
- Simple, self-underwriting application that lets you know immediately if the insured is accepted
- E-signature and online payment options
For more information about the RLI Umbrella, contact Ridge Ostling or go to our website.
April Social Media Posts
The Big I's Social Media April calendar includes content for distracted driving, homeowners insurance, and spring. Download the calendar for ready-made graphics that you can post throughout the month.
IIABW Conferences in 2026
- 9/16-18 GO BIG Conference at the NEW Snoqualmie Hotel and Casino
Big I Hires
Big I Hires is a robust online recruiting platform developed to help insurance agencies of all sizes hire top-performing sales and service staff. As an exclusive benefit, Big I members can access a free, limited-access account and benefit from core platform features. An array of tools and resources are available to find the right candidate with a few simple clicks and manage the entire process in one online location.
25% off Big I CE Webinars
Aben Winter CE sale! Save 25% with code SPRING (use code at checkout) on over 50 webinars,
| 
