CONNER
CONNECTION
OUR INSIGHTS:
Q2 INSURANCE OUTLOOK
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
OUR INSIGHTS:
Q2 INSURANCE OUTLOOK
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
NEW
AWARDS
10th 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 2025! This honor is a testament to the wonderful team that we have to support our fantastic clients.
BIG I AGENCY OF THE YEAR
MAGAZINE COVER
To celebrate our Big I Indiana Agency of the Year Award, Conner Insurance was selected for the cover of the Focus, Big I Indiana Magazine May/June Publication.
3rd CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A
ROSIE AWARD WINNER
We’re proud to share that we’ve been named a Rosie Award winner for our work on a benefits plan that delivers real impact for employers and employees alike. This recognition highlights our strategic approach to simplifying benefits, improving outcomes, and creating meaningful savings. It’s an honor to be recognized for innovation in a space that touches so many lives.
OUR
REPORTS
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.
SPOTTING THE DETAILS
CLIENT SUCCESS
After a comprehensive review of a fitness company’s insurance program, our Commercial Insurance team uncovered significant coverage gaps—most notably, the absence of cyber liability and employment practices liability. We worked quickly to add both essential protections, ensuring the business was properly covered. Even with the improved coverage, we still delivered approximately $45,000 in savings. Better protection, better savings—that’s the power of a well-structured insurance program.
RECOGNITION
Jason went above and beyond to find a policy that will cover all of our programs. It was a tough find with the market we have but he was communicative all throughout and was able to find a solution, thankfully!
Jason and Karen make an excellent team and have made life very easy for us. They spoil us. We have had opportunity to engage with a few other departments and have been equally impressed with the levels of knowledge and professionalism.
We appreciate your team working hard to ensure our organization is fully equipped and prepared for our needs and those we serve.
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
MARKET UPDATES
The FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report reveals a record-breaking $16.6 billion in losses last year, driven by cryptocurrency fraud, investment scams, and ransomware attacks. Americans over 60 were hit hardest, losing nearly $4.9 billion, with over $2.8 billion tied to crypto scams alone.
Indiana ranked 8th in the nation for total complaints, with 23,659 reported incidents and $125 million in losses. On a per capita basis, Indiana was among the top five states for complaint volume, highlighting just how close to home these cyber threats are hitting.
As these risks continue to evolve, Conner Insurance and our commercial team are here to ensure you are protected. From cyber liability to risk mitigation strategies, we help you stay ahead of threats and safeguard what matters most.
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.
ANNUAL SAVINGS FOR 1 MEDICATION
SIGNIFICANT MEDICATION SAVINGS
CLIENT SUCCESS
Rising specialty drug costs continue to challenge health plans and employers—but the right guidance can lead to remarkable outcomes. In one recent case, our team identified a high-cost medication scenario and stepped in to find a smarter solution. The result? Significant savings for the group and uninterrupted care for the patient.
Big Savings Through Smart Solutions
We recently helped one of our groups achieve a significant win in managing high-cost prescription spending. A member was receiving Vyvgart, a specialty medication with a weekly cost of $38,000. The treatment schedule includes 8 weeks of weekly infusions, followed by a break and additional rounds as needed.
Through our team’s efforts, we were able to enroll the patient in a Patient Assistance Program (PAP)—which now provides Vyvgart at no cost.
This change results in $304,000 in savings for every round of treatment. With the patient receiving a minimum of two rounds each year, the group is now saving over $600,000 annually—with the potential for even more if a third round is needed.
ANNUAL SAVINGS FOR 1 MEDICATION
SIGNIFICANT MEDICATION SAVINGS
CLIENT SUCCESS
Rising specialty drug costs continue to challenge health plans and employers—but the right guidance can lead to remarkable outcomes. In one recent case, our team identified a high-cost medication scenario and stepped in to find a smarter solution. The result? Significant savings for the group and uninterrupted care for the patient.
Big Savings Through Smart Solutions
We recently helped one of our groups achieve a significant win in managing high-cost prescription spending. A member was receiving Vyvgart, a specialty medication with a weekly cost of $38,000. The treatment schedule includes 8 weeks of weekly infusions, followed by a break and additional rounds as needed.
Through our team’s efforts, we were able to enroll the patient in a Patient Assistance Program (PAP)—which now provides Vyvgart at no cost.
This change results in $304,000 in savings for every round of treatment. With the patient receiving a minimum of two rounds each year, the group is now saving over $600,000 annually—with the potential for even more if a third round is needed.
RECOGNITION
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.
- Don’t Miss the Warning Signs: The Cost of Inaction
- Diana Miller Named 2025 Advisor of the Year Finalist by BenefitsPro
- Creative Employee Benefits Ideas to Attract and Retain Top Talent
- Understanding Employee Benefits Liability
- Self-Funding with Major Carriers Could Be Costing More Than You Think
- Beyond the Waiting Room: How Overwhelming Healthcare Can Affect Your Employees
- Beyond the Fine Print: When Benefits Strategy Meets Real-World Health Crises
- Profit Over Patients: A System in Crisis
BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
HSA & Wellness Expansions on the Horizon
A major legislative package is making its way through Congress, with provisions that could significantly expand how employers and employees use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). If passed, the bill would:
- Allow spouses to both make catch-up contributions
- Permit HSA funds to be used for fitness memberships
- Broaden eligibility for individuals with a spouse enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Enable HSA spending on medical expenses incurred up to 60 days before account creation
If signed into law, this bill could require plan communication updates and potential changes to plan designs.
Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML): Clarifications & Compliance
The IRS recently released new guidance on how PFML contributions and benefits are taxed:
- Employer contributions are deductible business expenses
- Employee contributions may be deductible under state and local tax (SALT) limits
- Benefits paid may be fully or partially taxable depending on how contributions were made
This is especially relevant for multistate employers, who must navigate varying PFML laws and tax treatment. Payroll and HR teams should ensure compliance with new withholding and year-end reporting standards.
PCORI Fee Deadline – July 31, 2025
If you sponsor a self-insured health plan, you are required to pay the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee and file IRS Form 720 by July 31, 2025.
- Fee amount: $3.22 per covered life (for plan years ending Jan–Sept 2024) $3.47 per covered life (for plan years ending Oct–Dec 2024)
Now is a good time to confirm your plan year, calculate covered lives, and coordinate the filing with your accounting team.
Form 5500 Deadline – July 31, 2025
For ERISA-covered plans, Form 5500 must be filed by July 31, 2025 for calendar-year plans (or via extension with Form 5558). If applicable, a Summary Annual Report (SAR) must be distributed by September 30, or December 15 if an extension was filed.
OUR BENEFITS
REPORT
OUR BENEFITS
REPORT
BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
HSA & Wellness Expansions on the Horizon
A major legislative package is making its way through Congress, with provisions that could significantly expand how employers and employees use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). If passed, the bill would:
- Allow spouses to both make catch-up contributions
- Permit HSA funds to be used for fitness memberships
- Broaden eligibility for individuals with a spouse enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Enable HSA spending on medical expenses incurred up to 60 days before account creation
If signed into law, this bill could require plan communication updates and potential changes to plan designs.
Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML): Clarifications & Compliance
The IRS recently released new guidance on how PFML contributions and benefits are taxed:
- Employer contributions are deductible business expenses
- Employee contributions may be deductible under state and local tax (SALT) limits
- Benefits paid may be fully or partially taxable depending on how contributions were made
This is especially relevant for multistate employers, who must navigate varying PFML laws and tax treatment. Payroll and HR teams should ensure compliance with new withholding and year-end reporting standards.
PCORI Fee Deadline – July 31, 2025
If you sponsor a self-insured health plan, you are required to pay the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee and file IRS Form 720 by July 31, 2025.
- Fee amount: $3.22 per covered life (for plan years ending Jan–Sept 2024) $3.47 per covered life (for plan years ending Oct–Dec 2024)
Now is a good time to confirm your plan year, calculate covered lives, and coordinate the filing with your accounting team.
Form 5500 Deadline – July 31, 2025
For ERISA-covered plans, Form 5500 must be filed by July 31, 2025 for calendar-year plans (or via extension with Form 5558). If applicable, a Summary Annual Report (SAR) must be distributed by September 30, or December 15 if an extension was filed.
At this year’s NextGen Summit, speakers shared real-world applications of AI that are reshaping business strategies. Discussions focused on how AI can be leveraged to identify top-quality healthcare providers based on patient outcomes, streamline hospital bill disputes, and improve operational efficiency. These insights emphasized AI’s growing role in reducing costs, enhancing decision-making, and driving smarter business solutions. As AI continues to evolve, companies that adopt these practical applications will gain a competitive edge in delivering better results for their clients and employees.
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.
CLIENT ADVOCATION:
CLAIMS SUCCESS
Our Personal Lines Claims Advocate, Dereka Woods analyzed claims data from 2024, revealing that our top 9 carriers—out of more than 20 total partners—have paid out over $11.7 million in claims on behalf of our clients. That number continues to grow.
This insight highlights the importance of having strong carrier relationships, tailored coverage, and an advocate in your corner when the unexpected happens. Whatever the claim is, we're here to make sure you’re supported every step of the way.
CLAIMS DOLLARS ISSUED IN 2024
HOME | AUTO | LIFE | & MORE
HOME & AUTO
INSIGHTS
The personal insurance market continues to shift, and we want to make sure you’re informed and protected as changes unfold.
Premium Increases Continue: Many carriers are still adjusting rates due to rising claims costs, inflation, and the increased frequency and severity of weather-related events. Home and auto premiums are rising nationwide—even for customers without recent claims.
Home Insurance Pressure: Material and labor costs remain elevated, making home repairs and rebuilds more expensive. Carriers are responding by reassessing replacement values and increasing premiums. Some are also limiting new policies or tightening underwriting in certain areas.
Auto Insurance Trends: Higher repair costs, more frequent accidents, and supply chain disruptions continue to impact auto insurance rates. We're also seeing longer repair times due to parts shortages, which can increase rental car and loss-of-use claims.
What You Can Do: We’re here to help you stay ahead. Now is a great time to:
- Review your coverage limits to ensure your home and vehicles are properly protected.
- Consider bundling home and auto policies for discounts.
- Ask about discounts for things like safe driving, home security systems, and more.
- Explore usage-based auto insurance if you drive less frequently.
As your advocate, we’re monitoring the market closely and working to keep your coverage competitive without compromising protection. If you have questions or want to review your current policy, we’re just a call or message away.
HOME & AUTO MARKET
UPDATE
HOME & AUTO MARKET
UPDATE
HOME & AUTO
INSIGHTS
The personal insurance market continues to shift, and we want to make sure you’re informed and protected as changes unfold.
Premium Increases Continue: Many carriers are still adjusting rates due to rising claims costs, inflation, and the increased frequency and severity of weather-related events. Home and auto premiums are rising nationwide—even for customers without recent claims.
Home Insurance Pressure: Material and labor costs remain elevated, making home repairs and rebuilds more expensive. Carriers are responding by reassessing replacement values and increasing premiums. Some are also limiting new policies or tightening underwriting in certain areas.
Auto Insurance Trends: Higher repair costs, more frequent accidents, and supply chain disruptions continue to impact auto insurance rates. We're also seeing longer repair times due to parts shortages, which can increase rental car and loss-of-use claims.
What You Can Do: We’re here to help you stay ahead. Now is a great time to:
- Review your coverage limits to ensure your home and vehicles are properly protected.
- Consider bundling home and auto policies for discounts.
- Ask about discounts for things like safe driving, home security systems, and more.
- Explore usage-based auto insurance if you drive less frequently.
As your advocate, we’re monitoring the market closely and working to keep your coverage competitive without compromising protection. If you have questions or want to review your current policy, we’re just a call or message away.
RECOGNITION
So we moved to Indianapolis in 2024 for a job my wife took. In the process someone referred us to this insurance company and we've been connected with Jennelle Hagnauer since we've been here. I just want to take the time and say she rocks!!! Everything I've asked her to do for me she's been on it everytime! She's quick and efficient, nice and personable. Just everything you want in a person when dealing with insurance. Thanks Jennelle!!!!!
Brooke was very helpful in saving us money on our auto insurance! She is professional, responsive, and skilled at finding the best options. Glad we got connected.
Alyssa Gable was so easy to work with. She reviewed my current policies, made recommendations, then presented several options that offered more coverage for less than I was currently paying! Having an agent that does the work for you is so worth it. Glad I made the switch.
I'm giving Brynn Cochran and her company an excellent review!! She helped my daughter get homeowners insurance for her first home and was very kind to her and explained everything thoroughly to her. She also worked very fast to get her the insurance she needed and had excellent follow up every step of the way. She was able to get a policy that met her needs at a very reasonable cost! I'll definitely refer Brynn to other people who may be seeking her services!!
Ashley Brown is great to work with. She was recommended by an acquaintance and was able to save us a significant amount of money on both our home and vehicle insurance policies. Would highly recommend checking out Conner Insurance for your home and auto needs
Amazing to work with. He got me a great deal on my home owners insurance and auto insurance. Tony always responds to a questions I have promptly.
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.
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TRUST!
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve you and support your business. Your trust and partnership are the foundation of our success, and we are committed to continuing to provide you with exceptional solutions, whether in Commercial, Employee Benefits, or Personal Insurance.
If you have been pleased with the service you have received, we would be grateful for your referral. Helping others navigate their insurance needs and achieve the same great results is what drives us, and we would love to assist those you know in securing the coverage they need.
Thank you for being a valued client!