March 2026 Newsletter 🏀

Upcoming Industry Events

March 1-5

Governmental Affairs Conference - Washington, DC

March 4-5

Collections Conference - Wisconsin Dells, WI

March 7-13

CUES Execu/Summit - Park City, UT

March 18-19

CU Spring Training Conference - Phoenix, AZ

March 26-27

YOU Conference - Grand Rapids, MI

Industry News

What Car Buyer's Behavior Means for Lenders

Cox Automotive’s 2025 Car Buyer Journey Study highlights a major shift in consumer behavior, with two‑thirds of buyers now cross‑shopping new and used vehicles as affordability pressures reshape decision‑making. Buyers are less certain when they start the process, more likely to consider leasing, and increasingly willing to pivot late in the journey, creating greater complexity and risk for lenders. Tariffs further compressed buying timelines in 2025, pushing many consumers to purchase sooner while leaving lenders with less time to evaluate credit, structure deals, and place products.

Despite these pressures, buyer satisfaction reached record highs, driven by improved digital tools, better inventory, and faster dealership workflows. AI and omnichannel retailing are playing a growing role, with buyers who completed more of the process online, or used AI tools, reporting the highest satisfaction. The study underscores that while affordability remains top of mind, consumers ultimately want efficiency, transparency, and flexibility, signaling that lenders who invest in digital credit tools, AI‑driven decisions, and seamless online‑to‑in‑store experiences will be best positioned to compete.

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cutoday.com

Home Shoppers Have More Buying Power Heading Into Spring

Homebuyers are heading into the spring market with more purchasing power as mortgage rates trend lower, wages outpace inflation, and inventory improves in many areas. Recent reports from Zillow and First American show buying power has increased by more than $30,000 over the past year, with affordability gains seen across nearly every state, though prices remain well above pre‑pandemic levels.

While high home prices continue to limit access for many buyers, softer demand and rising inventory are giving shoppers more options and negotiating leverage. The biggest gains in buying power are appearing in higher‑cost markets, and economists say the recent drop in mortgage rates below 6% could help bring more buyers back this spring—especially as new listings typically increase and market conditions become more balanced.

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realestatenews.com

"Amazing! True rockstars in providing prompt information!"

Tennessee Members 1st Federal Credit Union

See what other Raving Fans are saying about ISI!

Data/Industry Trends

Auto Insurance Switching Intent Reaches Record Levels in 2026

Data shows auto insurance switching intent has reached its highest level since 2018, with one‑third of policyholders, and more than half of consumers ages 18–29, likely to switch providers in the next 90 days. Price is the dominant driver, and even satisfied customers are open to change, creating increased competition among major insurers. With loyalty becoming more fluid, insurers face growing pressure to deliver clear value and engage shoppers through targeted digital channels.

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civicscience.com

TransUnion 2026 Originations Forecast Shows Continued Positive Momentum Amidst Moderate Expansion

TransUnion’s 2026 forecast points to steady growth in consumer lending, led by mortgages and unsecured personal loans, as credit demand remains strong but continues to normalize. While credit cards are expected to see modest gains and auto lending cool slightly, lenders are taking a more disciplined approach as delinquencies tick up and consumer credit conditions gradually return to more typical patterns.

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newsroom.com

March Holidays, Fun Facts, and Folklore!

March is that refreshing bridge from winter to spring, bringing longer days, blooming flowers, and a renewed sense of energy. Explore fun facts, important dates, and tasty early-spring recipes to welcome the season! early spring recipes here!

Everything you need to know about March

almanac.com

You Are Invited to Play For a Chance to Win a $250 Amazon eGift Card!

The Men's Basketball Tournament season is around the corner, and you're invited to play in the ISI 2026 Challenge tournament group for a chance to win a $250 Amazon eGift Card!

Tournament Group: ISI 2026 Challenge Group Password: ISIplayball2026

How to Play

Click on the link above to go to the 'ISI 2026 Challenge' group
Select 'Join Group' which will prompt you to login (if new user, you will need to create a login)
Enter the required group password: ISIplayball2026
Submit your bracket after the official tournament bracket release on Sunday, March 15th at 6:00pm ET, and before tip-off time of 12:15pm ET on Thursday, March 19th. Brackets cannot be submitted or edited once the first game in the first round begins on March 20th.

Learn More About How to Play! You will need to login (or create a login) to view this page.

You do not have to know anything about basketball to play! Different autofill options are available to create a bracket.

February Highlights

This month was filled with meaningful conversations and strong connections. Our team participated in chapter meetings throughout North Carolina and Tennessee, showcased at the Carolinas Launch Convention and enjoyed some face-to-face time with our partners with the opportunity to deliver a couple of milestone anniversary awards in person. We’re thankful for these opportunities to connect, collaborate, and continue building strong partnerships!

Carolinas LAUNCH 2026
Concord, NC

ISI's Jon Creel and Integrity FCU's Sarah King

Barberton, OH

Western NC Chapter Meeting
Speaker: Mike Hawkins, NCDOJ
Canton, NC

Spring Reminder: Protecting Collateral as Weather Changes

With spring on the way, it’s a good time to think about how seasonal weather can affect property. Spring storms often bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, high winds, and falling debris, events that can cause unexpected damage and expenses to vehicles, equipment, and homes if proper coverage isn’t in place.

For borrowers with vehicle or equipment collateral, it helps to:

Confirm comprehensive and collision coverage are active
Make sure coverage limits reflect the asset’s current value
Update insurance after moves, upgrades, or usage changes
Keep proof of insurance current and easy to provide

For borrowers with real estate collateral, spring weather can also create risks such as roof damage, water intrusion, foundation issues, or storm-related structural damage. A seasonal review can help by:

Verifying homeowner’s insurance is active and sufficient
Checking that coverage reflects current property value and improvements
Reviewing deductibles and covered perils (wind, hail, flood, etc.)
Addressing maintenance concerns early to help prevent larger losses

A quick insurance and maintenance check this season can help protect collateral value, prevent unexpected expenses, and keep both borrowers and lenders better protected throughout the spring.

President

ISI

tmaccurdy@isicpi.com

704-957-5024

Connect with Us:

Contact Info:

Phone: 800-749-5440

Email: management@isicpi.com

Website: insurancesystemsincorporated.com

ISI is an administrator of Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) and Blanket Lenders Single Interest (BLSI) for financial institutions. We provide insurance, lending, and marketing products to the financial institution marketplace. Our mission is to deliver the best products and services in the industry through responsive service, comprehensive coverage, and advanced technology. We combine the lender's vision and our proven plan to create a portfolio that matches the lender's needs for a successful program and partnership.