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Volatility and Evolution in the Personal Umbrella Market

Male hand hold wooden umbrella aganist

The personal umbrella insurance market is undergoing a dramatic transformation marked by heightened volatility, tightening underwriting standards, and a surge in consumer demand. Traditionally viewed as a stable and relatively low-risk segment, the market is now facing a combination of economic, environmental, and legal challenges that are reshaping the landscape for insurers and policyholders alike.

RISING CLAIMS AND LEGAL TRENDS
One of the key drivers of volatility in the personal umbrella market is the increase in the frequency and severity of liability claims. High-profile lawsuits, nuclear verdicts—jury awards exceeding $10 million—and an increasingly litigious society have put pressure on insurers’ loss ratios. From auto accidents involving distracted driving to liability claims stemming from social media use and home-sharing services, the scope of potential risk has broadened significantly.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform:

  • 2010-2019 saw 1,376 nuclear verdicts
  • 50% were between $10-$20 million
  • Roughly 33% were between $20-$50 million
  • 16% exceeded $50 million

Additionally, inflation is compounding the issue. As the costs of medical care, auto repairs, and legal services continue to rise, the average claim payout under umbrella policies has grown considerably. Insurers are finding it more difficult to predict and price these risks accurately, prompting a reevaluation of underwriting strategies.

CARRIER APPETITE CHANGES
In response to the shifting landscape, many insurance carriers are scaling back their participation in the personal umbrella space. Some have raised premiums, implemented stricter underwriting guidelines, become more conservative with the limits they are willing to offer, or exited the market altogether. Carriers are also increasingly requiring that underlying policies be written with the same insurer to reduce exposure and better manage risks.

Insurers are scrutinizing insureds more closely, paying greater attention to factors such as the age of drivers, motor vehicle activity, and multiple exposures. These developments are creating coverage gaps and reducing options for consumers, especially those with complex or high-risk profiles.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR AGENCY?
In this rapidly evolving environment, independent agents face growing difficulties in placing adequate umbrella coverage for their insureds. For many, umbrella coverage is a crucial part of their overall insurance needs, and agents need to find solutions to protect their customers’ financial assets.

The personal umbrella market is at a crossroads. While volatility and carrier retrenchment present significant challenges, we are here to help and have solutions. We offer:

  • Markets for your preferred, standard and high-risk clients.
  • Standalone primary and excess policies.
  • Higher umbrella limits and higher excess uninsured/underinsured limits.

For more information, contact your personal lines underwriter.

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2025 State of the Healthcare Market

2025 State of the Healthcare Market

Our Healthcare & Human Services team recently attended the PLUS Healthcare & MedPL Symposium. The event brought together industry leaders for educational sessions and valuable networking opportunities. Below is a summary of the team’s key takeaways from the event.

Market-Wide Observations

The healthcare insurance landscape is experiencing heightened competition, with newer markets entering aggressively—particularly in pricing and underwriting. This volatility could lead to rapid market exits. Submission counts remain high, with expectations for growth from markets. However, despite the positive outlook, there are concerns with specific exposures such as abuse and HNOA, and there is still a very limited appetite for correctional risks.

Physicians Market

Premiums in the physicians’ market are trending upward, with an average increase of 5%. A major development is the reduction of tort reform in New Mexico, which has led to significant verdicts such as the $35 million judgment that resulted in the collapse of Care RRG. This highlights the volatility of the market, especially for risk retention groups (RRGs), focused on high-risk specialties like family medicine and OB-GYN in states such as New York, Florida, and California.

With claim activity now double the national average, carriers are becoming more cautious. Still, some markets remain committed, and others are even looking to expand their footprint in this space.

Social Services Market

The social services sector is facing disruption, particularly in coverage for adoption and foster care risks. This instability is expected to drive rate increases and has already prompted some carriers to exit the space. While these changes may create new opportunities, they also introduce challenges as the market adjusts.

Underwriting appetite remains largely unchanged for most social service accounts, except for larger accounts over $500k in premium. There’s a noticeable increase in submissions for behavioral health risks, including ABA therapy, outpatient and inpatient services, and sober living facilities. Large accounts ($250k–$1M) may attract primary coverage from carriers, which could indicate a potential strategy for how these risks are being approached from an underwriting perspective.

Long-Term Care

Several RRGs, including MIG and MMIC, continue to compete in the long-term care space, though some are showing signs of stress. Claims experience remains steady but costly, with frequent indemnity payouts for falls, improper care and wound-related issues. These claims continue to be significant concerns for carriers in this segment.

Allied Healthcare

The allied health market is showing signs of softening. Despite carriers operating at combined ratios above 100%, the market remains competitive, and carriers are open for new business. We are continuing to see significant increases in GLP-1 related risks, specifically when used for weight-loss purposes. Classes that we are seeing carriers interested in writing include home health, hospice, clinics, surgery centers, labs, imaging and pharmacies.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 healthcare insurance market is marked by both volatility and opportunity. From shifting carrier strategies and market exits to evolving risks in social services and physician coverage, the landscape is dynamic and complex. Carriers are navigating rising loss costs and nuclear verdicts while staying alert to potential growth areas—particularly in allied healthcare.

At Arlington/Roe, our Healthcare & Human Services team is committed to staying ahead of market trends and sharing market knowledge. Whether you’re managing complex risks or exploring emerging coverage needs, we’re here to help you find the right solution.

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Get to Know Arlington/Roe

About us

You may have worked with Arlington/Roe for years (or maybe just on a single risk), but how well do you know us and what we can do for you? Whether you’re familiar with some of our specialties or just discovering our full range of lines of business, allow us to reintroduce ourselves and give you a high-level overview of who we are, what we do and how we can help you find the right solution.

We are a family-owned, independent managing general agency and wholesale insurance broker. We’ve been in business since 1964, starting in a small kitchen on Indianapolis’ near east side. Francis Roe, father of Jim Roe, was the founder, and Jim took over the business in the 80s, when his father passed. Two of Jim’s sons, Andy (President & Chief Operating Officer) and Patrick (Executive Vice President & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer), joined the business, with Andy becoming president in 2024.

Our motto is “Do the Right Thing,” and we firmly believe in embodying the ideals of honesty, integrity and trust. We have a family history of valuing and trusting business relationships and uphold the Golden Rule as our guiding principle.

What Makes Us Different

We are more than a wholesaler; we are also an insurance broker and a managing general agency. We have binding authority with a wide variety of carriers. We have access to over 200 carriers, including standard, non-standard, admitted lines and non-admitted surplus lines. Long story short, we are dedicated to finding the carrier that is in the best interest for your insured’s risk.

Our practice areas, or departments, are:

  • Aviation
  • Bonds
  • Commercial Brokerage
  • Commercial Binding
  • Farm & Ranch
  • Healthcare & Human Services
  • Personal Lines
  • Professional Liability
  • Transportation
  • Workers’ Compensation

We are licensed to write business in all 50 states, but we focus on building partnerships with agencies in our 11 core states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

One thing that differentiates us is our dedicated sales team. If you don’t know your sales & marketing manager, you can find them by checking out this sheet. If your state has two, give either one of them a call, and they will direct you to the right person. Your sales and marketing manager or business development associate can serve as your go-to for any of your E&S needs. They work in tandem with our production team and will help direct you to the right underwriter if you aren’t sure who to contact.

Tools & Education

We firmly believe in the importance of education for our associates and agency partners. In 2020, we launched the Francis Roe Center for Professional Growth, named in honor of Jim’s father. The Center is designed to educate our associates and agents and hosts multiple education sessions on a variety of topics, including special events, transportation, cyber and more. Our website has a section where you can find upcoming education sessions.

We also have monthly “Get to Know Arlington/Roe” webinars if you want a high-level overview of our product offerings. Check out the webinars page to register for the next one.

Along with education, we have several tools available at your disposal for education, information or self-service. Here’s a quick recap on what is available on our website:

  • Resources
    • This page on our website houses our articles, flyers, hit lists and videos. It’s a media library for information you may need.
  • Online Rating
  • Applications
    • If you are unsure of which app to use, contact your sales team member or your underwriter.
  • Associate List
  • News
    • Stay up to date on our articles, press releases and more

Our goal is to be a resource to you, whether that is through our product offerings, educational opportunities, or passing along our knowledge. We are in the business of serving and doing the right thing. Call us, and we will help you find the right solution.

PIA of Indiana Awards Arlington/Roe with the 2025 Company Award of Excellence.

INDIANAPOLIS- The Professional Insurance Agents of Indiana (PIA of Indiana) awarded Arlington/Roe its 2025 Company Award of Excellence.

This award honors a PIA carrier, MGA, or broker member for their dedicated support of PIA and the American Independent Agency System over the last twelve months.  This company is also committed to the principles of the American Agency System.

This award recipient then competes with other state and regional association winners for the Company of Excellence award at PIA National’s Annual Convention held in the fall.

We are honored to be recipients of this award. Watch the acceptance speech from Director of Strategic Partnerships / Regional Sales Director, Indiana, Iowa & Nebraska, Stephanie Collins, below.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/Vg-oW_g4_R0″ width=”800″ height=”600″]

 

Alex Asta Joins Arlington/Roe

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Arlington/Roe, managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker, announces the appointment of Alex Asta, Commercial Binding Underwriter.

Alex has extensive experience in underwriting, risk evaluation and data analysis within the insurance industry. He previously worked as a property and casualty underwriter at JM Wilson. Before that, Alex worked in tech sales as an account representative at CDW

Alex graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing and communication.

Gregory Brown Joins Arlington/Roe

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Arlington/Roe, managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker, announces the appointment of Gregory Brown, Illinois Sales & Marketing Manager.

Gregory has extensive experience with sales and marketing in the insurance industry. He previously served as director of sales and marketing at The Bar Plan. Prior to that, Gregory held roles at Midwest Family Mutual as the sales and marketing manager for Illinois and Missouri and spent 16 years at Erie Insurance as a sales manager.

Gregory graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and agriculture economics. He holds both CIC and AINS designations and is an active member of the American Risk and Insurance Association.

Rooted in Experience: Meet Our Farm & Ranch Underwriters

Lisa Wisniewski
Senior Farm Underwriter

  • Background: Lisa entered the insurance world in 2001, following a decision to transition out of the medical office environment. Always working on the wholesale side, Lisa initially specialized in commercial property, and in 2012, she expanded to farm & ranch insurance. In 2019, Lisa joined Arlington/Roe and earned her Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) certification. She resides in Michigan, where she’s lived her entire life. •
  • Favorite Accounts to Write: Equine risks because of the homes and arenas that tend to go with them.
  • Fun Facts: In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, spending time with her two children and caring for her energetic Mini Bernedoodle, Benny. She is also a long-time viewer of the Days of Our Lives soap opera. Lisa’s favorite holiday is Christmas because of the twinkling lights and decorations.

Chris Graman
Farm Underwriter

  • Background: Chris graduated from Indiana State University in 2019 with a major in Insurance and Risk Management and Financial Services. During this time, he interned with an independent agency, a carrier, and Arlington/Roe, and upon graduation, started a full-time position with Arlington/Roe. Chris is looking forward to becoming an uncle this year. Originally from Bruceville, IN, he currently lives in Indianapolis.
  • Favorite Accounts to Write: Equestrian accounts, as they are a niche class within the farm sector and tend to be beautiful, unique properties.
  • Fun Facts: Drawn to peaceful, coastal destinations, Chris dreams of visiting an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. With a sports-oriented family, he enjoys staying active, watching sports and spending time with family and friends. One of his most memorable life experiences includes celebrating his 21st birthday in Australia.

Kathy Emily
Farm Assistant Underwriter

  • Background: Kathy joined Arlington/Roe in 2001, bringing six years of insurance experience on the company side. She specializes in farm as well as flood insurance. Kathy enjoys talking to the agents and the variety in her position because every risk is unique.
  • Favorite Accounts to Write: Farm due to the variety of accounts.
  • Fun Facts: Kathy has two children and three grandsons. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and quilting. Kathy’s dream vacation is a trip to Alaska, drawn by its stunning natural landscapes. If she could be any animal, she’d choose a giraffe, noting that, as someone short, she wouldn’t mind experiencing life from a taller perspective.

Download this article here: Farm Team Highlight Article – Wisniewski, Graman, Emily

Meet the Michigan Commercial Binding Team

Meet the Michigan Commercial Binding team! This incredible team works together to help your clients secure the right coverage.

HEATHER BELANGER
Commercial Binding Underwriter

I have lived most of my life in the beautiful coastal Michigan town of Tawas and recently moved to Midland, MI. After almost 20 years at a retail agent in my hometown, I came to Arlington/Roe two years ago. My favorite types of accounts are anything that challenges my ability to be creative; if I don’t get to do that, I has a soft spot for bars/restaurants.

I have two kids and one bonus daughter who keep us the MOST busy between football, hockey, track and cross country seasons. My pup, Meadow, keeps me company every day snoozing away in her chair in my office. My partner and I LOVE to travel, try new foods, and go to as many concerts and sporting events as we can fit in.

FUN FACTS

What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween. My absolute FAVORITE color is orange, so it gives me an excuse to wear it all Spooky Season.

What is your favorite vacation location?

VEGAS, but not for the reasons you think! We actually don’t gamble but nothing beats the sights, sounds, and buzz of the City That Never Sleeps.

If you could be any animal, what would it be?

A Panda! They are the best combo of cute and clumsy, and you cant help but to smile at them!

HOLLY VLIET
Commercial Binding Underwriter

I am from Alma, Michigan and now live in Charlotte, Michigan. I have over 15 years of experience in underwriting, claims, auditing and agencies. I’ve worked at Hastings Mutual, Michigan Millers, State Farm, Anthem BCBS, Geico and Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan. My agency experience includes CSR, independent agent, and personal lines team lead. I have an associate’s degree in business administration from Davenport University. I hold the AINS and AIS designations and am currently pursuing my AU designation.

My favorite types of accounts are the ones that aren’t missing any information!

I have four kids. Two boys 20 and 15, and two girls 17 and 11, and two Golden Retriever puppies, Maize and Blu.

FUN FACTS

Something people may not know about you.

My house is decorated for Christmas all year round.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Running, hiking and puzzles.

What is your favorite food?

Perogies.

Where would you like to go on vacation?

I would like to go on a cruise somewhere warm.

NAOMI HEIL
Commercial Binding Associate Underwriter

I’m from Peru (South America) and I live in the UP of Michigan (on an island). I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a background in human resources. I worked for an insurance agency for six years, specializing in trucking and commercial lines. In that position I had multiple roles such as operations, marketing and primarily, account manager.

Right now, I’m enjoying learning from all the variety of accounts we are seeing. Our markets are so broad that it is hard to determine a specific favorite type.

I’m a new mom, my son is 16 months old, and every day is a new adventure. I love watching him learn new things and turn into a little human.

FUN FACTS

What is your favorite food?

Hawaiian pizza! I’m a believer that pineapple belongs on pizza (my apologies to my Italian roots).

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas. I love spending time with the family, eating delicious food and spreading joy.

Something people may not know about you.

I was actually born in Paraguay. My parents moved there briefly and they moved back to Peru when I was a little over 2 years old.

Arlington/Roe Promotes Tim Durkin to Business Development Associate Manager

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Arlington/Roe, managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker, announces the promotion of Tim Durkin to Business Development Associate Manager.

In his role as Business Development Associate Manager, Tim serves as a mentor to the Arlington/Roe Sales and Marketing associates new to the insurance industry. He leads the development of skill-building programs, coaching and coordinating training concentration, using various solutions to educate and work to develop associates into insurance professionals.

Tim joined Arlington/Roe in 2023 as a senior business development associate for Illinois. Before joining our team, Tim served as a Midwest territory manager at Corvus Insurance, where he was responsible for regional growth and agency partnerships.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from La Salle University. While completing his studies, he gained early experience in the insurance industry through a role with USLI in the sales enhancement department. Upon graduation, he began working full-time at USLI in the policy issuance department before returning to the sales enhancement team, where he spent five years developing his expertise in sales strategy and client support.

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About Arlington/Roe

Arlington/Roe is an independent, family-owned managing general agency and wholesale insurance broker headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana operating primarily in the Midwest. Arlington/Roe was founded in 1964 by Francis Roe, the father of current Chairman and CEO, Jim Roe. Jim’s sons, Andy Roe, President & Chief Operating Officer, and Patrick Roe, Executive Vice President & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, are the third generation to work at the company.

Arlington/Roe focuses on hard-to-place and specialty property & casualty insurance including both admitted & non-admitted (surplus lines) business. With a staff of over 240 associates, Arlington/Roe represents over 200 insurance company markets including Lloyd’s of London. The company writes in excess of $400 million in annual premium.

 

 

 

Tim Durkin

Business Development Associate Manager

tdurkin@arlingtonroe.com

(317) 554-8576

 

 

 

The Importance of Updating Key Documents at Renewal for Transportation Insurance

When the time comes to renew your transportation policies, the process can go much more smoothly, with fewer surprises and delays, if critical documents are reviewed and updated ahead of time. There are three key pieces of information at the heart of a seamless renewal process: statements of values, driver lists and vehicle lists.

These aren’t just checkboxes on a renewal checklist, they’re the foundation of accurate underwriting, fair pricing and adequate coverage. Here’s why keeping them current matters and how it helps everyone involved.

1. Updated Statements of Values = Proper Coverage

The statement of values (SOV) is a declaration of the assets your client needs insured: terminals, cargo, equipment etc. If it’s outdated, they could be underinsured, overinsured or exposed to unnecessary risk.

By reviewing your SOV before renewal:

  • You ensure your client’s assets are properly valued and protected.
  • You help the underwriter assess the true risk.
  • You avoid last-minute back-and-forth that could delay binding.

2. Accurate Driver Lists Prevent Claims Issues

The driver list is a major factor in underwriting. If drivers have changed, or if someone is left off the list, it can cause issues at claim time.

Keeping your insured’s driver list current:

  • Ensures all active drivers are covered
  • Flags any high-risk drivers early
  • Helps prevent delays or disputes when a claim is filed

If a driver involved in an accident isn’t listed on your insured’s policy, their claim could be delayed or denied. Keeping this list updated ensures that your clients are covered when it matters most.

3. Current Vehicle Lists = Correct Premiums

The vehicle list forms the backbone of the policy’s physical damage and liability coverage. Fleets are constantly evolving with trucks and vehicles being purchased, sold, leased or reassigned. An up-to-date list:

  • Avoids incorrect rating and premium miscalculations
  • Helps us avoid chasing paperwork post-renewal
  • Can even uncover cost-saving opportunities (e.g., removing unused units)

Incorrect or outdated vehicle info can lead to gaps in coverage, disputes during claims, or improper premium calculations.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
Transportation renewals don’t have to be a scramble. A little proactive housekeeping with your insured’s statements of values, driver lists, and vehicle lists goes a long way toward protecting their operation and making the renewal process more efficient, for you and us. Reach out early, we’re here to make the renewal process as smooth as possible.

Click here for a printable version of this article.