CONNER
CONNECTION
WELCOME TO OUR
JULY - SEPTEMBER 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
JULY - SEPTEMBER 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
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2026
OVERVIEW
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2026
OVERVIEW
AWARDS
4TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AWARDED
BEST PLACES TO WORK IN INSURANCE
We are excited to announce that Conner Insurance has been officially selected as one of the best places to work in insurance for 2026! This honor is a testament to the wonderful team that we have to support our fantastic clients.
4th 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.
2026 WINNNER
HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF INDIANA
We’re proud to share that Conner Insurance has been named a winner in the Healthiest Employers of Indiana awards in the 2-99 employees category. This reward reflects our commitment to promoting wellness, healthy habits, and a supportive work environment for our team.
COMMUNITY
FLOOD RECOVERY
When Disaster Strikes, We're in Your Corner
Insurance matters most when life doesn’t go according to plan.
August brought devastating storms and historic flooding to communities across Indiana. In Northwest Indiana, severe storms brought tornadoes, extreme winds, hail and flooding, leaving more than 300,000 without power. Days later, the White River reached historic levels in Hamilton County, causing widespread flooding and damage to homes, businesses and roads.
For the people experiencing it firsthand, these weren't just statistics. They were damaged homes, lost belongings, days without power and the uncertainty of what would happen next.
That's when having someone in your corner matters most.
SHOWING UP
WHEN IT MATTERS
August brought devastating storms and historic flooding to communities across Indiana. In Northwest Indiana, severe storms brought tornadoes, extreme winds, hail and flooding, leaving more than 300,000 without power. Days later, the White River reached historic levels in Hamilton County, causing widespread flooding and damage to homes, businesses and roads.
For the people experiencing it firsthand, these weren't just statistics. They were damaged homes, lost belongings, days without power and the uncertainty of what would happen next.
That's when having someone in your corner matters most.
The Value of a
Claims Advocate
When you're dealing with a loss, you shouldn't have to figure everything out alone.
A claims advocate can help you understand your coverage, communicate with your insurance carrier, gather the information you need and navigate the claims process from start to finish.
Our clients are the ones rebuilding. We're here to help them navigate the road ahead.
That's what it means to provide sound counsel and care during life's most significant moments.
We can't prevent a storm or undo the damage. But we can show up when our clients need us most.
For more than 75 years, Conner has been part of the Indiana communities we serve. And when our neighbors face difficult moments, we'll be there.
YOU'RE
INVITED
JOIN US TO WATCH LIVE APPRAISALS AT THE
VINTAGE SHOWCASE
You’re invited to a special morning celebrating the stories, history, and treasures. Conner Insurance and Bedel Financial Consulting invite you to our Vintage Showcase on October 10th at Meridian Hills Country Club.
Register to watch the appraisals at the link below, by selecting, "Networking Admission."
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 continues to show signs of stabilization in 2026, but conditions remain mixed depending on the line of coverage and your organization's risk profile. Increased carrier capacity is creating more competition in some areas, while commercial auto and umbrella liability continue to face ongoing pressure.
Property Market Shows Signs of Improvement
Commercial property is becoming more competitive as insurers add capacity and pricing continues to soften. For businesses with strong loss histories and proactive risk management, this may create opportunities for better pricing or broader coverage at renewal. However, severe weather remains a significant concern, making accurate property values, appropriate deductibles and adequate business interruption coverage especially important.
What this means: A more competitive property market may give businesses greater leverage at renewal, but strong risk management and accurate coverage remain essential.
Commercial Auto Remains a Challenge
Commercial auto continues to be one of the tougher areas of the market, with claim severity and litigation costs keeping pressure on premiums. While increases are beginning to moderate, businesses should expect continued underwriting scrutiny. Driver safety programs, fleet management, vehicle maintenance and claims history can all play an important role in securing favorable terms.
What this means: Commercial auto remains an area where businesses may continue to see rate pressure, making loss prevention and fleet safety increasingly important.
Workers' Compensation and Cyber Remain Favorable
Workers' compensation continues to be a bright spot for employers, with premiums declining in many markets. Businesses with strong workplace safety programs and favorable claims experience are particularly well positioned to benefit. Cyber insurance pricing has also continued to soften as more insurers enter the market and capacity increases.
What this means: Increased competition may create opportunities for more favorable pricing, but businesses still need strong safety and cybersecurity practices to qualify for the best terms.
Severe Weather Continues to Influence the Market
A softer property market does not mean property risk has gone away. Severe convective storms, including hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding, continue to generate significant insured losses. For commercial property owners, this makes accurate building valuations, roof condition, business interruption limits and catastrophe deductibles especially important.
What this means: Even when insurance pricing improves, severe weather can have a significant impact on coverage availability, deductibles and underwriting decisions.
Final Takeaway
The commercial insurance market is moving in a more favorable direction, but it is not a one-size-fits-all market. Businesses with strong loss histories, accurate information and proactive risk management may have more negotiating leverage than they have had in several years. At the same time, challenging exposures, particularly commercial auto, umbrella liability and catastrophe-prone property, still require careful planning.
A BETTER WAY TO APPROACH
INSURANCE
After working with the same captive insurance company since opening its first location, a growing multi-location franchise was ready for a different experience. Referred to Conner Insurance, they worked with our team to take a fresh look at their program and what they needed for the future.
We consolidated their policies and effective dates, enhanced their coverage and saved them $25,000 annually. But the biggest win was creating a more streamlined insurance program and delivering the level of service they needed to confidently support their continued growth.
SAVED ANNUALLY WITH ENHANCED COVERAGE
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
I appreciate the quick turnaround on correspondences and friendliness of contacts. I truly enjoy working with the Conner family and staff.
We have been with Connor Insurance since 2021, and it is quite possibly one of the best business decisions we could have made! Josh and Nikki are always willing to help whenever we need it. I cannot express enough how much this insurance group has helped us grow within the transport industry.
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.
Meet the Healthcare Benefit That Comes to You
Healthcare just got a whole lot easier.
With Nice Healthcare, employees can connect with a provider virtually or have a provider come to their home for many common healthcare needs. And some of the biggest benefits come with $0 out-of-pocket cost.
Here’s what makes Nice different:
$0 Visits
When an in-home visit is appropriate, a Nice provider comes directly to the employee's home, making healthcare more convenient for the whole family.
Same-Day Appointments
When you need to see a provider, employees can often get a same-day virtual appointment without spending hours in a waiting room.
$0 Medications
Choose from a list of 550+ medications available at no cost. No copay. No deductible.
$0 Labs & Diagnostics
Get 35+ labs and diagnostic services at no cost, many of which can be completed in the comfort of your home, including X-rays and EKGs.
Healthcare that is convenient, accessible and designed to help employees get the care they need without adding more costs.
Talk with your Conner advisor to learn more about Nice Healthcare and how it can fit into your benefits strategy.
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.
Is a Health Insurance Captive Right for Your Organization?
Funding Is Only the Beginning: Why More Employers Are Exploring Level-Funded Health Plans
DirectPath: Double Your Growth, Not Your Premiums
DirectPath: Turning Strategic Design into Real-World Savings
Lower Healthcare Costs: Give Employees a Reason to Choose High-Value Care
Direct Contracting: Take Control of How Your Healthcare Dollars Are Spent
BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
What Employers Should Be Paying Attention To
Healthcare costs, prescription drug spending and employee expectations continue to shape benefits strategy in 2026. Employers are looking for ways to control costs while maintaining competitive benefits.
Healthcare Costs Remain a Challenge
Rising utilization, specialty medications and high-cost claims continue to put pressure on employer health plans.
What this means: Employers need visibility into what's driving their healthcare spend before making plan changes.
Prescription Drug Costs Are Under the Microscope
Specialty medications and GLP-1 drugs continue to drive pharmacy spending, making PBM strategy an increasingly important part of benefits planning.
What this means: Employers need greater visibility into how their pharmacy benefits are structured and what they're actually paying.
Employers Are Exploring New Strategies
More employers are evaluating level-funded and self-funded plans, claims data and other strategies designed to create greater control and predictability.
What this means: The traditional fully insured model isn't the only option for managing healthcare costs.
Employees Expect More From Their Benefits
Employees increasingly value convenient care, mental health resources, virtual services and benefits that are easy to understand and use.
What this means: A strong benefits package only delivers value when employees know how to access it.
OUR BENEFITS
REPORT
ROSIE AWARD
20 CLIENT WINNERS
We’re proud to celebrate 20 Conner clients recognized as Rosie Award winners by Health Rosetta! The Rosie Awards recognize employers that are leading the way in creating high-value, low-cost health plans that improve benefits, manage healthcare spending, and reinvest savings back into their people and communities. Having 20 clients earn this national recognition is a powerful reflection of the work our Benefits team does alongside employers to rethink healthcare and create better outcomes for their employees.
HR RESOURCES & INSIGHTS
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
Conner Insurance is really an extension of our team. They know our business and always work to provide the best solutions possible. We are constantly adjusting to the ever-changing healthcare demands.
Ryan is an excellent Advisor. He is always knowledgeable about current benefit trends and offers suggestions for us to consider. He is timely and helpful with our requests.
I love our relationship with Conner. I know that they always have our best interest in mind are always there to answer any questions we have. Their support is top notch!
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
DEVIN DONALDSON
BENEFITS ADVISOR
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
INSIGHTS
What Individuals and Families Should Be Paying Attention To
TThe personal insurance market continues to evolve in 2026. While pricing is beginning to stabilize in some areas, severe weather, rising repair costs and higher claim severity continue to influence homeowners and auto insurance.
Home Insurance Costs Remain Elevated
Homeowners continue to face higher costs driven by construction materials, labor and severe weather losses. Accurate home valuations and appropriate coverage limits remain important as replacement costs change.
What this means: Your home may cost more to rebuild today than it did when your policy was originally written.
Key takeaway: Review your dwelling limit regularly to help avoid a coverage gap after a major loss.
Auto Insurance Remains Under Pressure
Auto insurance continues to be affected by higher vehicle repair costs, more expensive parts and increasing claim severity.
What this means: Even safe drivers may see changes in their premiums as insurers respond to broader claims trends.
Key takeaway: Review your coverage, deductibles and available discounts at renewal rather than focusing only on the premium.
Umbrella Coverage Is More Important Than Ever
Higher liability claims and increasing jury awards are making personal umbrella coverage an important consideration for many households.
What this means: Your underlying auto and home liability limits may not provide enough protection for a significant liability claim.
Key takeaway: An umbrella policy can provide an additional layer of liability protection for your assets and future income.
Severe Weather Continues to Impact Insurance
Tornadoes, hail, wind and other severe weather events continue to generate significant property losses across the country, influencing both premiums and coverage.
What this means: Insurance is only one part of protecting your home and property. Preventive maintenance and preparedness can also help reduce the potential impact of a loss.
Key takeaway: Review your roof, home systems, valuables and emergency plans before a loss occurs.
Final Takeaway
Personal insurance is about more than finding the lowest premium. Making sure your coverage reflects your home, vehicles, assets and current circumstances can help protect you when you need it most..
HOME & AUTO MARKET
UPDATE
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Ashley Brown worked hard to find the best insurance for me. I have known her for many years and is the best insurance agent I have known. Thanks Ashley
Brooke is wonderful! She is so patient and communicative. I would recommend her and Conner insurance to anyone! Brooke will take GREAT care of you!!
Emily Craig has been really helpful and professional. I was impressed by her attention to detail and desire to give me all the information I needed before making insurance decisions. She also found a much more affordable auto policy than the one I currently had. Highly recommended!
Tony was great to work with! He was very quick, efficient, and helpful with all of my questions as a new home buyer looking for homeowners insurance.
Having worked alongside Elizabeth La Lond for several years at State Farm, I already knew firsthand how dedicated, knowledgeable, and professional she is. When it came time to re-evaluate my insurance policies, reaching out to Elizabeth through Conner Insurance was a no-brainer—and she completely knocked it out of the park!
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.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
RYNE MENEFEE
PERSONAL LINES ADVISOR
JONATHAN HURT
PERSONAL LINES ACCOUNT MANAGER
EVENTS
RECAP
DIRECT PRIMARY CARE
LUNCH & LEARN
We recently brought employers from across Indiana together for a Direct Primary Care Lunch & Learn featuring Thompson Aderinkomi, CEO and Co-Founder of Nice Healthcare. Guests learned how Direct Primary Care can offer a different approach to employee healthcare, including greater access to care and potential cost savings. The event also highlighted the solutions available through the Nice Healthcare and Conner Insurance partnership and sparked meaningful conversations around creating better healthcare experiences for employers and their employees.
THE SHROUD OF TURIN
EXHIBIT
We recently hosted an event centered around the “Who Is the Man of the Shroud?” exhibit, exploring the science, history, and enduring questions surrounding the Shroud of Turin. The evening offered an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating artifact while reflecting on the questions it raises about faith, evidence, and the life of Jesus. It was a meaningful evening of conversation, connection, and exploration.
RISK & RESOLVE
PODCAST
The Risk & Resolve Podcast brings you expert perspectives straight from the top. Hosted by our CEO, Ben Conner, and CFO, 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 Brotherhood and Purpose: Don Palmer and Greg Enas on Citizen 7
Don Palmer and Greg Enas, co-founders of Citizen Seven, join Risk & Resolve to explore the importance of meaningful male friendships, mentorship, and community. From entrepreneurship and faith to generosity, leadership, and legacy, this conversation challenges men to build deeper relationships and create a lasting impact by investing in one another.
Family Business, AI, and the Future of Work: Erik Braden on Building Braden Business Systems
Erik Braden, Managing Partner of Braden Business Systems, joins Risk & Resolve to share his journey from Wall Street back to Indiana to help grow his family’s business into a modern technology solutions company. From acquisitions and AI to family business, leadership, and long-term growth, this conversation explores what it takes to embrace change while building a business that serves clients, employees, and family well.
From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Darren Thompson on Building Businesses, Stewarding Success, and Pursuing What Matters Most
Darren Thompson, Founder and President of Process Alliance, joins Risk & Resolve to share his journey from a 30-year engineering career at Eli Lilly to building one of the country’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical consulting firms. From entrepreneurship and faithful stewardship to mentorship, generosity, and building a lasting legacy, Darren offers a powerful perspective on investing in people and creating opportunities that extend far beyond business.
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!