CONNER
CONNECTION
WELCOME TO OUR
JANUARY-MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER
Stay informed with expert insights on market shifts, risk management strategies, and the latest innovations in commercial, employee benefits, and personal insurance. Our goal is to keep you ahead of the curve with valuable knowledge and updates that matter most to you.
CONNER
CONNECTION
WELCOME TO OUR
JANUARY-MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER
Stay informed with expert insights on market shifts, risk management strategies, and the latest innovations in commercial, employee benefits, and personal insurance. Our goal is to keep you ahead of the curve with valuable knowledge and updates that matter most to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JANUARY - MARCH 2026
OVERVIEW
JANUARY - MARCH 2026
OVERVIEW
AWARDS
11th CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A
BEST PLACE TO WORK IN INDIANA
We are excited to announce that Conner Insurance has been officially selected as one of the best places to work in Indiana for 2026! This honor is a testament to the wonderful team that we have to support our fantastic clients.
OUR
IMPACT
COMMERCIAL
INSURANCE
We believe that informed businesses make the best decisions when it comes to protecting their assets. Our Commercial Insurance team is committed to helping you understand your coverage options, so you can confidently safeguard your business and employees against unexpected risks. We’re here to ensure your business remains protected and prepared for the future.
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
MARKET UPDATES
What Businesses Should Be Paying Attention To
The commercial insurance market remains challenging as we move through 2026, with continued pricing pressure and increased carrier scrutiny. While conditions are stabilizing in some areas, employers should still expect a more disciplined and selective environment.
Rates Are Still Increasing—But Slowing in Some Areas
Many businesses are continuing to see premium increases, particularly in:
- Property insurance
- Auto liability
- Umbrella/excess liability
The good news: rate increases are beginning to level out in certain segments.
What this means: While the market isn’t soft, it’s becoming more predictable—creating opportunities for better planning.
Underwriting Is More Detailed Than Ever
Carriers are taking a closer look at risk before offering terms.
This includes:
- Loss history and claims trends
- Safety protocols and training programs
- Operational and financial stability
What this means: Being prepared with accurate information and a strong story around your business can directly impact your results.
Claims and Litigation Are Driving Costs
Higher claim severity and increased litigation—especially in liability lines—continue to push premiums upward.
What this means: Risk management and claims prevention strategies are more important than ever.
Strategy Matters More Than Shopping
The most successful organizations aren’t just “shopping the market” each year—they’re taking a more strategic approach by:
- Reviewing coverage structure and limits
- Identifying gaps and redundancies
- Aligning insurance with broader business goals
What this means: A proactive strategy leads to better long-term outcomes than reactive renewals.
Final Takeaway
The commercial insurance landscape is still evolving, but businesses that stay proactive and prepared are in the best position to navigate it successfully.
At Conner Insurance, we’re focused on helping you not just respond to the market—but stay ahead of it.
A BETTER WAY TO APPROACH
INSURANCE
When a business owner came to us after purchasing insurance online, they had one goal: keep things simple and avoid extra cost. Like many, they assumed working with a broker would be more expensive and more time-consuming.
The reality turned out to be the opposite.
After reviewing their coverage, we not only found gaps in their policy—we were able to improve their protection and save them over $5,000. Even more surprising to them, the process required less of their time, not more. Instead of navigating policies on their own, they had a partner to guide them, explain coverages clearly, and handle the heavy lifting—something they shared had never been done for them before.
In another case, a routine policy review uncovered an issue that could have been costly. A business was not being properly rated for their operations—something that would have resulted in a $15,000 audit bill at year-end.
By catching it early, we helped correct the issue and worked with the carrier to spread the cost throughout the year, avoiding a large, unexpected expense.
SAVED THROUGH POLICY REVIEW
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Very good at managing and monitoring a volatile charter school market.
I have been working with Jason and Christine for several years and they have always gone above and beyond to provide everything and anything that we need. They always respond to any questions or concerns in a timely manner. Awesome team to work with.
Both Jason and Karen excel at professionalism, friendliness and knowledge. No improvements can be thought of at this time honestly.
EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS
Your employees are your greatest asset, and providing them with the right benefits is crucial for their well-being and your business’s success. Our Employee Benefits team is dedicated to keeping you informed on the best options available to meet the needs of your workforce. We want to help you create a benefits program that attracts and retains top talent while aligning with your company's goals.
EMPLOYER ANNUAL SAVINGS OF
DRIVING BETTER BENEFITS
THROUGH STRATEGY
High-Cost Medication Savings: Reblozyl
A member receiving ongoing treatment every 21 days was incurring extremely high infusion costs in a hospital setting.
Through a Single Case Agreement, we were able to:
- Reduce cost per treatment from $47,384 → $13,504
- Save $33,879 per treatment
- Deliver $575,953 in annual savings
Impact: Significant long-term cost reduction for a necessary, ongoing treatment—without disrupting care.
Oncology Cost & Stop Loss Strategy: Keytruda
For a member undergoing cancer treatment, costs and stop loss exposure were escalating quickly.
Our team:
- Reduced treatment cost from $46,539 → $20,330 per visit
- Generated $445,547 in annual savings
- Negotiated a stop loss laser reduction from $750K → $430K
Impact: Lowered both immediate claims spend and long-term financial risk for the employer.
Stop Loss Advocacy in Action
With a 24/12 stop loss contract, timing is everything—and delays can be costly.
Through proactive claims monitoring and hands-on advocacy, we:
- Pushed critical claims through before year-end deadlines
- Resolved processing issues directly with providers and TPAs
- Secured reimbursements that would have otherwise been lost
Total Impact: $178,716 in avoided costs for the employer
Turning a 51% Renewal Into a Strategic Win
A mid-market employer came to us facing a 51% renewal increase, driven by high-cost claimants—and was told no other options existed.
We took a different approach:
- Reframed the challenge as a risk management strategy
- Built a custom solution across TPA, network, and PBM
- Delivered a full proposal within 24 hours
Outcome:
- Final increase reduced to 25% above budget
- $293,000 in annual savings vs. incumbent recommendation
- Earned Broker of Record within 14 days
HEALTHCARE & BENEFITS INSIGHTS:
NAVIGATING A COMPLEX SYSTEM
Understanding the healthcare system can be overwhelming, but knowledge is the key to making informed decisions. Our latest blogs break down critical issues, offering guidance on optimizing benefits, avoiding costly mistakes, and uncovering the challenges within the system.
- Navigating Prior Authorization: A Checkpoint on Your Healthcare Journey
- Understanding Prior Authorization in Pharmacy Benefits
- The GLP-1 Boom: A Breakthrough With a Growing Blind Spot
- Beyond the Coin Flip: Building Sustainable Healthcare in an Unpredictable Market
- Pharmacy Benefits Are Changing – Is Your Plan Ready?
BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
Healthcare Costs Continue to Climb—But Smarter Strategies Are Emerging
Healthcare costs are projected to rise another 6–8% in 2026, driven largely by specialty drugs, hospital system consolidation, and increased utilization.
However, we’re seeing a shift: Employers are no longer accepting renewals at face value—they’re challenging the system.
Key strategies gaining traction:
- Advanced primary care & direct contracting
- Centers of Excellence for high-cost procedures
- Reference-based pricing models
- Narrow and high-performance networks
What this means: Employers who rethink traditional PPO models are finding meaningful savings without sacrificing quality.
GLP-1 Drugs: The Cost vs. Outcome Debate Intensifies
Medications like GLP-1s (used for diabetes and weight loss) continue to dominate benefits conversations—and budgets.
Many employers are asking a critical question: “Are we spending millions on medications while employees are still unhealthy?”
This has led to:
- More restrictive coverage strategies
- Increased use of clinical management programs
- Integration with lifestyle coaching and condition management
What this means: Covering these drugs without a broader health strategy may drive cost without delivering long-term value.
The Market Is Moving Toward More Intentional Plan Design
One of the most notable shifts we’re seeing is employers moving away from “off-the-shelf” plans and toward more intentional, customized strategies.
This includes:
- Aligning plan design with population health needs
- Integrating solutions instead of stacking point vendors
- Using data to guide decisions throughout the year—not just at renewal
What this means: Health plans are no longer static—they’re becoming actively managed strategies.
Where DirectPath Fits In
As employers look for more control and alignment, solutions like DirectPath are emerging as part of that evolution.
Rather than layering on another point solution, DirectPath is designed to:
- Bring structure and visibility to plan performance
- Align vendors and strategies under one cohesive approach
- Help employers move from reactive decisions to proactive management
What this means: The future of benefits isn’t just about what you offer—it’s about how intentionally your entire plan is built and managed.
OUR BENEFITS
REPORT
NEW OFFERINGS
BRINGING CARE HOME WITH NICE HEALTHCARE
Nice Healthcare makes it easy for employees to get care at home or virtually — at no cost to the employee. Services include in-home primary care, chronic condition management, preventive care, virtual urgent care, mental health, physical therapy, on-site labs/X-rays, and prescription delivery. Convenient, personalized care that reduces costs and keeps employees healthy.
DIRECTPATH - A CUSTOM HEALTH PLAN
Navigating healthcare shouldn’t feel overwhelming—but for most employees, it is. That’s where DirectPath comes in. As part of a smarter benefits strategy, DirectPath provides year-round advocacy, education, and cost transparency, helping employees make more informed healthcare decisions while reducing unnecessary spend. From resolving claims issues to guiding members to higher-quality, lower-cost providers, it creates a better experience for employees—and measurable savings for employers.
HR RESOURCES & INSIGHTS
HOW PROACTIVE IS YOUR BENEFITS RENEWAL STRATEGY?
Most HR leaders don’t know how much control they actually have — until it's too late.
Take this 3-minute quiz to assess your current renewal strategy and discover how to avoid year-end surprises.
You will receive a review on your current benefits approach to renewals and an analysis on key areas to improve on.
BENEFITS BENCHMARKING TOOL
The ultimate tool for assessing and enhancing your company's benefits package. The Health Rosetta Plan Grader utilizes advanced algorithms to deliver a concise grade, benchmarked against industry standards, along with targeted insights into areas of strength and improvement. In a competitive talent landscape, this user-friendly tool empowers you to optimize your health plan, ensuring it stands out and attracts top talent.
In only 5-minutes receive a comprehensive report on how your company ranks to other competitors benefits packages.
GLP-1 MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CASE STUDY
Our client faced a growing diabetes crisis across its workforce of more than 10,000 members. Rising medication costs, fragmented care, and increasing chronic disease risks were driving healthcare spend and impacting employee wellbeing
Our pharmaceutical partner integrated into their plan with a high-touch diabetes management program designed to:
- Improve clinical outcomes
- Increase medication adherence
- Reduce unnecessary pharmacy spend
- Empower members to take control of their health
The result was a comprehensive care model combining clinical oversight, pharmacy management, coaching, and technology.
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
I’ve had an excellent experience with Conner Insurance. Their team provides truly great service from start to finish. They are knowledgeable, professional, and always take the time to explain options clearly so you can make informed decisions.
I wish there was higher praise than excellent. Karen does an absolute fabulous job for us. From responding promptly, to keeping us up to date on what needs to be filed, to answering all my questions.
Diana brings sound knowledge and advice to our team. She always approaches our renewal with our values in mind which allows us to provide the best options for our employees. She is genuine and warm. It has been wonderful working with her and the team.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
BRITTANY HIGHBAUGH
ACCOUNT MANAGER
PERSONAL
INSURANCE
We know that navigating personal insurance can be overwhelming, but staying informed about your coverage options is the key to protecting what matters most. Our Personal Insurance team works closely with you to ensure that your home, car, and assets are covered in ways that best suit your needs. We’re here to help you make well-informed decisions that give you peace of mind and security.
MORE COVERAGE. BETTER PROTECTION.
ANNUAL SAVINGS.
A client was in the process of purchasing a $2.5M home in Fishers when they were referred to our team by their lender. Excited about the new home—but facing a challenge—they had prior claims that made securing coverage more difficult.
Their current carrier was unable to write the policy and had placed them in a surplus lines option. The result?
- Very high deductibles
- Limited coverage
- An annual premium of nearly $35,000
Not exactly the peace of mind you want when buying your dream home.
After taking a deeper look, we explored alternative options and were able to secure a policy through Safeco that completely changed the situation.
The outcome:
- Stronger, more comprehensive coverage
- Lower out-of-pocket exposure
- Approximately $15,000 in annual savings
What initially felt like a difficult placement turned into a significantly better result—both in protection and cost.
The takeaway? Even in more complex situations, having an independent advisor on your side can open doors to better options, better coverage, and better outcomes.
SAVED ANNUALLY & MORE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
HOME | AUTO | LIFE | & MORE
HOME & AUTO
INSIGHTS
Rising Costs, Changing Risks, and What Homeowners Need to Know
As we move into 2026, the personal insurance market continues to experience significant shifts. From premium increases to evolving coverage gaps, homeowners and individuals are facing a more complex insurance landscape than ever before.
Premium Increases Are Continuing Across the Board
Many clients are seeing higher premiums at renewal—and in most cases, it’s not due to individual claims.
Key drivers include:
- Increased cost of materials and labor for home repairs
- More frequent and severe weather events
- Carrier profitability pressures across the industry
What this means: Even low-claim households are feeling the impact. The market is adjusting—and it’s affecting everyone.
Coverage Gaps Are Becoming More Common
As policies evolve, many homeowners are unknowingly underinsured or missing key protections.
Common gaps we’re seeing:
- Insufficient dwelling coverage due to rising rebuild costs
- Limited coverage for high-value items like jewelry, collectibles, or firearms
- Misunderstanding of water backup, flood, or specialty coverages
What this means: A policy you set up a few years ago may no longer reflect today’s costs or your current lifestyle.
Carriers Are Getting More Selective
Insurance carriers are tightening underwriting guidelines, especially in higher-risk areas or for certain property types.
This can result in:
- Fewer carrier options at renewal
- Stricter eligibility requirements
- Increased scrutiny on property condition and prior claims
What this means: Having a proactive strategy—and a strong advocate—matters more than ever.
Bundling and Strategic Design Matter More Than Ever
In today’s market, simply having coverage isn’t enough—how your coverage is structured can significantly impact both cost and protection.
We’re helping clients:
- Evaluate bundling opportunities across home, auto, and umbrella
- Adjust deductibles and coverage limits strategically
- Align policies with long-term financial goals and risk tolerance
What this means: Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in both premium and protection.
The Value of Proactive Reviews
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the importance of ongoing policy reviews—not just at renewal, but as life changes.
Major life events like:
- Home renovations
- Purchasing high-value items
- Changes in driving habits or household members
…can all impact your coverage needs.
What this means: The best insurance strategy is one that evolves with you.
Final Takeaway
The personal insurance market is becoming more dynamic—and more challenging to navigate alone.
At Conner Insurance, our goal is simple: to help you stay ahead of these changes, ensure you’re properly protected, and make confident decisions about your coverage.
Because in today’s environment, it’s not just about having insurance— it’s about having the right strategy behind it.
HOME & AUTO MARKET
UPDATE
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Strongly recommend Elizabeth LaLond for any insurance needs. Always responsive and thorough!
I think they have done a fantastic job with being accessible, knowledgeable, as well as on top of every concern or issue we’ve had
Had a wonderful experience working with Haley Rose! Haley streamlined the process for us to ensure we received adequate coverage at the best available rate. Would highly recommend working with Haley in the future.
Brooke Starling was a dream to work with. Made everything truly seamless with excellent and detailed communication.
Ashley Brown at Conner Insurance helped me switch my home and auto coverage and saved me over $200 a month. She shopped multiple options, explained everything clearly, and made the process easy. Highly recommend giving her a call if you think you’re overpaying.
We were looking for an agent that could save us money on both our home and auto insurance. Brynn from Conner Insurance did just that. We loved the great local service too.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
JENNIFER MAULDIN
ACCOUNT MANAGER
SABINA IKANOVIC
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT MANAGER
EVENTS
RECAP
NEXTGEN
HEALTHCARE SUMMIT
Our exclusive summit was designed for executives and HR leaders seeking sustainable solutions to rising healthcare costs. This event explored proven strategies to control spend while improving employee health outcomes — from optimizing GLP-1 and specialty drug programs to leveraging innovative virtual care and community-based health models. Attendees gained practical insights from industry experts, discovered actionable approaches to managing healthcare more effectively, and left equipped with strategies to drive long-term value and measurable impact in 2026 and beyond.
RISK & RESOLVE
PODCAST
The Risk & Resolve Podcast brings you expert perspectives straight from the top. Hosted by our CEO, Ben Conner, and COO, Todd Hufford, this podcast explores the intersection of leadership, business ownership, and the insurance industry. Join them as they dive into the challenges, strategies, and opportunities that shape the future for leaders navigating an ever-changing world.
EPISODE
FEATURES
Building a Family Insurance Empire: Risk, Faith, and 50 Years of Entrepreneurship
Jim Conner joins Risk & Resolve to reflect on 50 years in the insurance industry-from signing a $50,000 note in 1973 to building a multi-location agency and navigating generational succession. A powerful conversation about risk, faith, family, and the weight-and privilege-of ownership.
Exposing the Great American Healthcare Heist: Whistleblowing, Reform, and $100M in Fraud with Chris Deacon
Chris Deacon, former New Jersey official and author of The Great American Healthcare Heist, joins Risk & Resolve to expose how she uncovered systemic healthcare fraud, blew the whistle, and helped recover $100 million for the state-all while facing personal and professional risk. A must-listen for anyone seeking to reform employer healthcare.
Building A Purpose-Driven Agency That Wins Long-Term with Chance Benbow
Growth comes from clear values, brave creativity, and showing up for clients when it matters most. In this episode, we sit down with Chance Benbow, CEO of JDA Worldwide, to explore how a client-first mindset and faith-informed leadership drive measurable results across brand, digital, PR, and media.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
EMILY NUTTER
MARKETING ASSOCIATE
THANK
YOU!
THANK
YOU!
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TRUST!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you and support your business. Your trust and partnership are the heart of our work, and we remain committed to delivering exceptional solutions across Commercial, Employee Benefits, and Personal Insurance.
If you’ve been pleased with our service, we’d be honored by your referral. Helping others navigate their insurance needs and achieve the same great results is what motivates us every day.
Thank you for being a valued client!