Federal safety regulators have announced multiple product recalls after determining that certain consumer goods failed to meet child-resistant packaging requirements mandated under federal law. The recalls involve topical products that contain regulated substances and were deemed to pose a poisoning risk if ingested by young children.

On December 18, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced two separate recalls involving products that violated the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. According to the agency, the packaging on both products was not child-resistant, creating what it described as a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if the contents are swallowed by children.

Mamisan Pain-Relieving Topical Ointment Recall

One recall involves Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment, a product manufactured by Florida-based MiramarLab and distributed by California-based Plantimex. The ointment was sold in 3.52-ounce jars for approximately $10 at major retailers, including Walmart and Target, as well as through online channels nationwide.

The recalled ointment contains lidocaine, a commonly used anesthetic in topical pain relief products. Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, products containing lidocaine are required to be sold in child-resistant packaging. The Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that the packaging for this product did not meet those standards.

Only jars with UPC 860006498115 are included in the recall. According to the agency, the affected products were sold between April 2024 and October 2025. At the time of the announcement, no injuries or incidents had been reported in connection with the product.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission instructed consumers to immediately secure the recalled jars out of the sight and reach of children. Additionally, purchasers are advised to contact Plantimex to obtain a free replacement lid. Once the child-resistant lid has been installed, consumers may continue using the ointment as intended.

Feel The Beard Minoxidil Oil Recall

In a separate announcement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled Feel The Beard Minoxidil Beard Growth Oil for Men. The product, which is manufactured in China, was also found to violate the Poison Prevention Packaging Act due to the absence of child-resistant packaging.

The beard oil contains minoxidil, a substance commonly used in topical treatments for pattern hair loss. In some cases, minoxidil is also prescribed orally to treat severe high blood pressure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission noted that ingestion of topical minoxidil can cause severe drops in blood pressure.

Approximately 840 units of the recalled product were sold on Amazon.com between April 2025 and September 2025 for about $10. As with the Mamisan product, no injuries have been reported.

Consumers who purchased the recalled bottles are instructed to immediately secure them and keep them out of reach of children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission directed purchasers to contact Feel The Beard for instructions on properly destroying the recalled bottles. The agency stated that the contents may be poured into a trash can, after which consumers can receive a replacement product.

Regulatory Context and Broader Enforcement

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act was enacted in 1970 and requires certain household substances to be sold in packaging that is significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open within a reasonable period of time, while remaining accessible for adult use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees enforcement of these standards.

According to the agency, these recalls are part of a broader pattern of enforcement activity. Other products recalled this year for similar violations include iron vitamin supplements and Benadryl.

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Consumer behavior in 2025 proved unpredictable, fast-moving, and increasingly shaped by external shocks — from the adoption of AI to geopolitical tensions. A recent Similarweb analysis of global search behavior highlights how quickly interest surged, cooled, and reappeared across various industries, offering valuable insights for insurers assessing emerging risks and long-term exposure trends.

AI Adoption Accelerated — Along With Concern

Interest in artificial intelligence remained high throughout 2025, but it evolved unevenly. Searches for generative AI tools surged, followed by increased demand for AI detection and verification technologies. This pattern reflects a broader concern around authenticity, compliance, and accountability as AI-generated content becomes more common. For insurers, this trend signals growing relevance for governance, professional liability, and technology-related risk frameworks — particularly in education, publishing, and enterprise environments.

From Brand Loyalty to Cost Sensitivity

Search data revealed a notable shift away from branded queries toward generic, outcome-driven terms, particularly in the retail and apparel sectors. Consumers appeared less loyal to specific brands and more focused on affordability and function. This behavior aligns with broader economic pressure and suggests sustained sensitivity to pricing, which may influence claim frequency patterns tied to consumer goods, supply chains, and warranty-related exposures.

Lifestyle and Wellness Risks Are Changing Shape

Wellness-related searches told a mixed story. Interest in traditional mindfulness and meditation declined, even as overall wellness spending reached record levels. At the same time, demand rose for experimental anti-aging treatments and alternative lifestyle products, including non-alcoholic beverages. These trends suggest a shift toward personalized, sometimes unregulated solutions — an area that may present evolving liability, product risk, and health-related considerations.

Sustainability Remains a Long-Term Signal

Search interest in sustainable fashion and eco-friendly products continued to grow, reinforcing sustainability as a structural trend rather than a short-term cycle. For insurers, this ongoing shift may influence underwriting considerations related to materials, manufacturing practices, supply chains, and regulatory compliance, particularly as environmental disclosures and standards expand.

Short-Term Spikes Highlight Event-Driven Risk

Several trends demonstrated how quickly consumer attention responds to external events. Oil price searches spiked sharply during periods of geopolitical tension before dropping just as quickly. Seasonal travel behavior, such as increased staycation interest, followed similar patterns. These short-lived surges underscore the importance of preparedness for sudden demand changes, market volatility, and event-driven risk scenarios.

What This Means Looking Ahead

The data from 2025 reinforces a consistent theme: consumer behavior is increasingly reactive, fragmented, and data-informed. Interest shifts quickly, often driven by uncertainty, cost pressure, or technological change. For insurance professionals, these patterns highlight the value of monitoring early demand signals, reassessing exposure assumptions, and remaining flexible as new risks emerge and existing ones evolve.

Understanding how and why consumer interest changes is not about predicting the next trend — it’s about recognizing how volatility itself has become a defining feature of the risk environment.

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A second atmospheric river is forecast to bring heavy rain, flooding concerns, and significant mountain snow to California through Christmas Day. According to AccuWeather, the pattern follows weeks of atmospheric river impacts across the Pacific Northwest and will shift southward, affecting much of California during the peak travel period.

Two primary atmospheric rivers are expected to transport large amounts of Pacific moisture into the state this week. As a result, incidents of flooding, mudslides, and road washouts are expected to expand from Northern California into Central and Southern California. In extreme cases, the storms may pose risks to life and property.

Timing and Geographic Focus

The first atmospheric river is already underway and will continue to impact Northern and Central California into Wednesday. Meanwhile, a second system is forecast to develop Tuesday night and persist through Christmas Day, concentrating on Central and Southern California. Beyond Christmas, lingering moisture is expected to trigger additional rounds of showers and mountain snow.

Rainfall Totals and Flooding Risks

Through Wednesday, the Sacramento Valley and San Francisco Bay region are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts. AccuWeather reports that San Francisco may receive one to two times its historical December rainfall average by next weekend.

In the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada, particularly on west- and southwest-facing slopes, rainfall totals are forecast to range from 4 to 12 inches, with a Local StormMax of 20 inches. At times, multiple inches of rain may fall within hours, overwhelming drainage systems and causing small streams and short-run rivers to overflow. As soils become saturated, the risk of debris flows, hillside collapses, and road washouts will increase.

From Tuesday night through Christmas night, the second atmospheric river will deliver rain of varying intensity across Central and Southern California. The Los Angeles basin is forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain. Downtown Los Angeles recorded 5.53 inches of rain in November, nearly seven times its historical average. While December has remained dry so far, the upcoming storm may produce one to two times the city’s average December rainfall of 2.48 inches.

On the southwest-facing hillsides of the Transverse Ranges, rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected. Even the Southeastern California desert areas may receive between 0.25 inches and 1 inch of rain. As in Northern California, urban flooding, mudslides, and washouts remain concerns.

Travel and Aviation Disruptions

As heavy rain and gusty winds affect major hubs including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, airline delays and flight cancellations are expected. AccuWeather notes that these disruptions may ripple across the national airline industry as displaced aircraft and crews require rescheduling.

Wind and Coastal Impacts

The storm responsible for the atmospheric rivers may rapidly intensify offshore. AccuWeather meteorologists note that the system has the potential to become a bomb cyclone, though its impacts will be significant regardless of whether it meets formal criteria.

Strong winds are forecast along the Northern and Central California coast, with frequent gusts of 50 to 70 mph and higher gusts over mountain ridges and gaps. The AccuWeather StormMax for wind is 130 mph in elevated terrain. Along the coast, heavy wave action is expected, with overwash possible on Southern California beaches.

These winds may cause sporadic to regional power outages. Loose outdoor items, including holiday decorations, could become hazards. Crosswinds may also increase the risk of rollovers for high-profile vehicles.

Significant Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada

As colder air moves in, snow levels will drop across the Sierra Nevada and the Siskiyous. While Donner Pass along Interstate 80 may see rain mixed with a couple of inches of snow through Tuesday, heavier snowfall is expected from late Wednesday through Friday.

During that period, 1 to 2 feet of snow may accumulate at pass levels, potentially bringing travel to a standstill. Over the course of the week, AccuWeather projects that at least 10 feet of snow could fall across higher ridges and peaks in the Sierra Nevada.

While ski resorts benefit from natural snowfall during the holiday season, excessive accumulations may block access roads to resorts at higher elevations.

Conditions After Christmas

Late this week and into the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s, the overall moisture supply will diminish. However, enough residual moisture will remain to produce periodic showers statewide. With colder air in place, snow showers will continue in the Sierra Nevada and may also affect Southern California mountain passes, including portions of Interstate 5 and Interstate 15.

The same stormy pattern will continue to deliver rain and mountain snow to Oregon and Washington, where recent atmospheric rivers have already produced heavy precipitation. Ongoing moisture may worsen small-stream flooding at the local level. In addition, some Pacific moisture will extend inland, bringing valley rain and mountain snow to the Intermountain West into next weekend.

For the insurance industry, the evolving weather pattern underscores the potential for widespread travel disruptions, localized flooding, wind damage, and winter weather impacts during one of the busiest periods of the year.

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Extreme weather events caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damage and economic losses across the United States in 2025, according to preliminary estimates from AccuWeather experts. Although the total costs were lower than the catastrophic losses recorded in 2024, the financial impact remained substantial and widespread.

AccuWeather estimates that seven major weather disasters resulted in $378 billion to $424 billion in total damage and economic loss nationwide this year. Notably, these losses occurred without a single hurricane making landfall in the United States or a major wildfire striking a densely populated area during peak wildfire season.

Overview of Major Weather Disasters in 2025

AccuWeather identified several high-impact weather events that drove the year’s losses. The most costly disaster involved catastrophic wildfires that destroyed neighborhoods near Los Angeles. These fires alone caused an estimated $250 billion to $275 billion in damage.

In addition, a rare atmospheric river combined with a tornado outbreak in the central United States resulted in $80 billion to $90 billion in losses. Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage in the western Caribbean, with estimated losses ranging from $48 billion to $52 billion.

Other significant events included a flash flood disaster in the Texas Hill Country that claimed more than 100 lives and caused $18 billion to $22 billion in damage. A historic winter storm brought snow to the Gulf Coast, resulting in $14 billion to $17 billion in losses. More than 70 tornadoes struck the central United States during a May outbreak, causing $9 billion to $11 billion in damage. Tropical Storm Chantal triggered flash flooding in the Carolinas, producing $4 billion to $6 billion in losses. Additionally, an October tropical wind and rainstorm caused widespread coastal flooding with an estimated cost of $3 billion.

First-Half Disasters Drive Annual Losses

This year marked the first time since AccuWeather began issuing preliminary damage estimates in 2017 that the costliest weather disasters occurred during the first half of the year. The most destructive event struck in early January when wind-driven wildfires swept through neighborhoods near Los Angeles and Malibu, destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

During the same period, a historic winter storm brought snow and ice to the Southeast and Gulf Coast. In April, a rare atmospheric river delivered months’ worth of rain in just days across the central United States, leading to widespread flooding. Severe weather outbreaks in May produced dozens of tornadoes, including one that tore through parts of the St. Louis metro area. Dozens of lives were lost during these early-year events, and recovery efforts continue in several affected communities.

Comparison to 2024 Losses

While 2025 losses exceeded $300 billion, they remained lower than those recorded in 2024. AccuWeather estimates that nine weather disasters in 2024 caused between $479 billion and $532 billion in combined damage and economic loss. According to AccuWeather, the absence of major disasters during the second half of 2025 provided a temporary reprieve for families and businesses still recovering from prior years.

Climate Factors and Economic Disruptions

AccuWeather climate experts reported that extreme weather over the past two years has disrupted agriculture, supply chain logistics, tourism, and travel. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which increases the potential for extreme rainfall and flash flooding. At the same time, rising ocean temperatures extend the window for tropical development later into the year.

A climate analysis released by AccuWeather in November found that extreme rainfall events have increased significantly across the contiguous United States over the past 30 years, even as average annual precipitation declined by 2.7% during the same period. This trend increases flash flood risks while also intensifying long-term drought and wildfire concerns.

Experts also noted that development continues to expand into flood-prone river valleys, fire-prone hillsides, and low-lying coastal areas, placing more people and businesses at risk. Global temperature data indicates that 2025 is on track to become the second hottest year on record, likely tying 2023 and trailing only 2024.

Record-Breaking Weather Events in 2025

Several extreme and record-setting weather events occurred during the year. The Atlantic hurricane season ended without a U.S. hurricane landfall, although Hurricane Melissa produced record-shattering impacts in the Caribbean, including a 252-mile-per-hour wind gust. The first EF5 tornado since 2013 was confirmed in North Dakota. Scientists also confirmed the world’s longest lightning flash, stretching from Texas to Missouri.

More than 3,000 high temperature records fell during a major heat wave, and March became the windiest on record. Global sea ice reached a new record low, and Florida recorded more seasonal snow than Alaska following a Gulf Coast snowstorm.

How AccuWeather Estimates Losses

AccuWeather calculates total damage and economic loss by evaluating both direct and indirect impacts from extreme weather events. These estimates include insured and uninsured losses, property damage, job and wage losses, crop damage, infrastructure impacts, supply chain disruptions, evacuation costs, emergency response expenses, and short- and long-term health effects.

AccuWeather first issued widely cited total damage estimates in 2017 during catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey. Since then, these assessments have helped provide a broader understanding of the full financial and societal impacts of extreme weather disasters across the United States.

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Outmarket AI Inc. announced the launch of Outmarket Proposal Builder on December 18, 2025, marking a new development in insurtech for commercial insurance brokers. The company stated that the new AI-powered workflow significantly reduces the time required to create customized insurance proposals, turning a process that typically takes hours into one completed in minutes.

Overview of Outmarket Proposal Builder

Outmarket developed Proposal Builder to address one of the most labor-intensive tasks in commercial insurance sales: preparing detailed, client-ready proposals. Brokers often spend extensive time copying coverage information from carrier documents, adjusting limits, and reformatting agency templates. Proposal Builder automates these steps, allowing brokers to focus on client relationships while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

Brokers upload policy documents directly into the system, which then converts them into modular proposals that follow selected brand layouts and styling. From there, brokers can edit text, visuals, and layouts within the platform. Outmarket designed the tool to generate fully branded proposals that incorporate required sections and pre-approved content.

Key Features and Capabilities

Outmarket highlighted several core features of Proposal Builder:

• Rapid content generation: Automates proposal assembly and reduces turnaround time from hours to minutes.
• Modular outlines: Integrates policy-specific content such as coverage summaries, risk assessments, and company information.
• Bring your own templates: Allows brokers to upload existing templates, cover pages, team pages with photos, agency details, and disclaimers while maintaining brand standards.
• Brand template controls: Enforces approved branding guidelines and standard outlines to eliminate repetitive reformatting.
• Complete customization: Enables users to edit content directly or use AI tools to refine text, layouts, and visual elements like charts and diagrams.

According to Outmarket, the platform combines automation with intelligent assembly to ensure proposals remain tailored to each client and aligned with the complexities of commercial insurance, reinforcing its position within the insurtech market.

Customer Feedback and Early Results

Outmarket reported that pilot customers experienced measurable efficiency improvements after adopting Proposal Builder. The company stated that early users became more responsive to clients while maintaining precision and consistency across proposals.

Vishal Sankhla, CEO of Outmarket, said the proposal process often slows relationship-driven sales. He noted that customers requested this capability and that Proposal Builder reflects how AI can improve insurance workflows. Sankhla compared the tool’s impact to how spreadsheets changed financial operations.

Customer feedback supported these claims. Taine Wilson of Houchens Insurance Group stated that the ability to generate proposals that strictly follow brand guidelines represents a significant advancement. Kevin Hawkinson of Commercial Insurance Associates cited the broker-focused design of the platform. Troy Moody of Moody Insurance said the technology accurately interprets complex carrier quotes and converts them into client-ready proposals, a capability he described as long-awaited in the industry.

Platform Integration and Availability

Proposal Builder operates alongside other Outmarket workflows, including tools for policy and quote comparisons and coverage gap analysis. Outmarket positions the platform as an end-to-end insurtech solution that supports brokers throughout the entire client relationship. The company reported that customers have seen immediate returns on investment, with some organizations citing tens of thousands of hours saved annually and up to $1 million in cost savings per year.

Outmarket confirmed that Proposal Builder is now available to all customers. The company, headquartered in San Francisco, reports that more than 200 insurance agencies use its AI platform, which is built specifically for insurance brokers to improve efficiency, reduce operational risk, and support revenue growth.

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The global light therapy market continues to expand as awareness grows around sleep health, mental health conditions, and non-pharmaceutical treatment options. According to industry estimates from SNS Insider, the market was valued at $1.17 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.79 billion by 2033. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate of 5.50% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2033.

Market expansion is supported by rising diagnosis rates of sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorder, depression, and circadian rhythm disruptions. At the same time, patients and providers are increasingly turning to non-invasive and non-pharmacological therapies. As a result, light therapy devices are seeing broader adoption across both clinical environments and homecare settings.

Shifting Care Models and Technology Adoption

The move toward home-based care plays a significant role in current market performance. In 2025, homecare light therapy devices accounted for approximately 55% of total device sales. Consumers continue to prioritize convenience, privacy, and accessibility, particularly for chronic conditions affecting sleep and mood regulation.

Technological developments also shape adoption patterns. Wearable, portable, and app-connected light therapy devices are becoming more common, particularly in North America and Europe. These devices support personalized therapy programs and improve patient compliance through mobile integration. As a result, wearable and portable devices experienced double-digit adoption growth during the analyzed period.

In parallel, professional demand remains strong. Mental health and wellness clinics accounted for nearly 40% of professional device usage worldwide in 2025. Clinical applications continue to expand as providers integrate light therapy into broader treatment programs.

U.S. Market Outlook

In the United States, the light therapy market is projected to grow from $0.34 billion in 2025 to $0.49 billion by 2033, representing a CAGR of 4.95%. Market growth in the U.S. is driven by increased diagnosis of sleep and mood disorders, rising homecare utilization, and broader adoption of wearable and portable solutions. Expanding workplace wellness programs also contributes to increased demand for devices.

Product and Application Trends

By product type, light boxes held the largest market share in 2025 at 42.67%. Clinical acceptance for treating seasonal affective disorder and suitability for at-home use supported this position. However, wearable devices are expected to grow at the fastest rate, with a projected CAGR of 7.23%. This growth is attributed to portability, daily usability, and compatibility with health applications.

By type of light, blue light dominated the market with a 38.91% share in 2025. These devices are widely used for treating seasonal affective disorder and regulating the circadian rhythm. Red light therapy is projected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 6.87%, driven by rising awareness of skin health, anti-aging applications, and preferences for improved sleep quality.

Application data shows that seasonal affective disorder represented the largest segment in 2025, accounting for 45.12% of market share. More than 1.9 million units were used globally for this application, supported by strong clinical evidence and higher prevalence in temperate regions. Sleep disorder applications are expected to grow at the fastest rate, with a projected CAGR of 7.01%. Growth is linked to at-home- care convenience, app-based monitoring, and interest in non-drug treatment options.

End-User Distribution

The homecare segment held the largest share among end users in 2025 at 48.76%. Approximately 2 million individuals adopted light therapy devices for home use, reflecting growing awareness of sleep and mood disorder management. Hospitals and specialty centers are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.95% as clinical applications expand, and non-pharmaceutical therapies are increasingly integrated into patient care programs.

Regional Performance

North America led the global market in 2025, accounting for 39.84% of total revenue. High awareness of sleep and mood disorders, established healthcare infrastructure, and increased adoption of home-based therapy contributed to this position. Growth is also supported by the expansion of mental wellness services and a consumer preference for non-pharmaceutical treatments.

Asia Pacific represents the fastest-growing region, with a projected CAGR of 7.09% from 2026 to 2033. Rising awareness of sleep and mood disorders, as well as the expanding adoption of wellness, are key drivers. More than 750,000 devices were used across homecare and clinical settings in the region, with blue light boxes and wearable solutions accounting for a significant portion of use.

Competitive Landscape and Recent Developments

The market comprises a diverse group of manufacturers and technology providers, including Koninklijke Philips N.V., Beurer GmbH, Verilux Inc., Northern Light Technologies, BioPhotas Inc., and PhotoMedex Inc., among others, across the medical, wellness, and consumer health segments.

Recent product and technology developments highlight ongoing innovation. In December 2024, Beurer introduced the TL35 and TL95 daylight therapy lamps, designed to mimic natural sunlight and support mood, energy, and sleep patterns. Earlier, in September 2025, Philips unveiled new CT and MR platforms at the ASTRO 2025 conference, focused on improving accuracy and efficiency in radiation therapy workflows.

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When a law enforcement officer is injured while performing their duties, many assume that medical bills and related costs are fully covered. However, reporting from KOCO 5 in Oklahoma shows that this is often not the case. Injured officers can face long-term financial challenges because workers’ compensation and employer-provided benefits do not always cover the full scope of expenses tied to a serious injury.

KOCO 5 has documented multiple cases in which families, colleagues, or community members have organized public donation efforts to help cover costs for officers injured in the line of duty. These appeals highlight a gap between public perception and the actual structure of workers’ compensation coverage for law enforcement personnel.

Workers’ Compensation Does Not Always Cover All Line of Duty Costs

According to Mark Nelson, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, most expenses related to an on-duty injury are initially addressed through workers’ compensation or by the city, municipality, or county that employs the officer. Coverage depends on how the employer structures its workers’ compensation insurance. However, coverage does not guarantee that every medical or recovery-related expense will be paid.

Workers’ compensation operates as a state-regulated insurance system. Under this framework, employees relinquish their right to sue their employer for negligence in exchange for defined benefits. State laws dictate what is considered covered care, which typically includes necessary medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and partial wage replacement.

Severe Injuries Can Lead to Long-Term Financial Strain

Recent examples include Sgt. Justin Hackbarth of the Norman Police Department, who a driver struck on Highway 9, Sgt. Joseph Wells of the Edmond Police Department, who was injured during a pursuit, and Deputy Mark Johns of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, who was shot in 2022. In each case, additional funds were sought following the injury to address expenses not fully covered by existing benefits.

Nelson noted that workers’ compensation can fall short in cases involving severe or permanent injuries. Situations such as amputations or long-term mobility limitations often require extended medical care and support. As a result, injured officers may be responsible for certain costs or must seek alternative avenues to manage medical expenses.

State Laws and Employer Resources Shape Available Benefits

In Oklahoma, workers’ compensation wage replacement is typically calculated at 70% of an employee’s average weekly wage. State law also requires specific periods of time for an injured employee to be off work for recovery and rehabilitation. Nelson stated that some municipalities, including Oklahoma City, provide benefits beyond the minimum state requirements, but these enhancements do not always prevent financial hardship.

Police departments have limited authority to supplement workers’ compensation benefits. According to Nelson, departments cannot independently fill coverage gaps left by workers’ compensation programs. Funding availability and policy priorities determine the amount of additional support departments can provide.

When disputes arise, employees can challenge workers’ compensation claims through the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Because workers’ compensation laws vary by state, benefit levels and coverage outcomes differ across jurisdictions. For this reason, the Fraternal Order of Police continues to advocate for stronger workers’ compensation protections for first responders, to improve financial outcomes for injured officers and their families.

For insurance professionals, these cases illustrate how statutory workers’ compensation frameworks function in practice for high-risk occupations. They also show how benefit limits, employer resources, and state regulations can intersect, sometimes leaving injured workers dependent on community fundraising to address remaining financial needs.

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Digital Insurance has named Kari Allen, Vice President and Head of Sales at Insureon, as a 2025 Women in Insurance Leadership honoree. The recognition highlights Allen’s leadership and contributions to the insurance industry. Insureon announced the honor on December 16, 2025.

Recognition by Digital Insurance

The Women in Insurance Leadership program recognizes senior executives across the insurance industry. Each year, the Digital Insurance editorial team selects honorees based on strategic vision, innovation, and measurable impact. In addition, the program highlights leaders who advance organizational transformation, improve customer outcomes, and influence the broader insurance community.

Allen’s Role and Impact at Insureon

Since joining Insureon in 2021, Allen has led a comprehensive revitalization of the company’s sales organization. First, she rebuilt the team structure and established clear career pathways. Next, she enhanced training and performance management while fostering a culture centered on mentorship and professional growth.

Allen also helped implement new leadership roles and create standardized onboarding and development resources. Moreover, she introduced peer-led Spark Sessions, which support real-time collaboration and shared learning across teams.

To further support consistent onboarding and continuous development, Allen created a dedicated Learning and Development role. This function led to the design and implementation of a structured training program. As part of this effort, the team centralized best practices and daily operating routines into a Sales Playbook that supports every team member. As a result, Insureon strengthened employee retention, improved producer performance, and reinforced its focus on serving small business owners.

Leadership Perspective

Jeff Kroeger, President of Insureon, commented on the recognition. He stated that the honor reflects Allen’s passion, vision, and commitment to customers. He also noted that her leadership has supported a collaborative and growth-focused culture aligned with Insureon’s mission to serve small businesses.

Insureon’s Broader Commitment

Allen’s recognition also reflects Insureon’s focus on leadership development and digital insurance solutions. As part of HUB International, Insureon operates as a digital agency for small business insurance. The company leverages technology, access to top-rated carriers, and industry expertise to deliver scalable insurance solutions nationwide.

Learn more and see the complete list of 2025 Women in Insurance Leadership honorees at https://www.dig-in.com/news/the-2025-women-in-insurance-leadership-honorees.

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Amwins Access, a leader in small business insurance solutions and personal lines coverage, has released its 2026 State of the Market report, providing an in-depth analysis of emerging trends and market conditions across key segments, helping brokers and clients stay ahead in a dynamic insurance landscape while capitalizing on evolving conditions. The report outlines key shifts shaping next year’s placement environment, including softening in property, selective firmness in casualty, and the ongoing influence of digital tools and valuation discipline. “Retail agents continue to navigate a market that’s stabilizing but still highly nuanced,” said Troy Santora, chief underwriting officer at Amwins Access. “Our 2026 outlook is designed to help our partners anticipate changes and deliver strategic guidance to their clients.” “Small business and personal lines are entering 2026 from a more stable position than we’ve seen in years,” said Nate Mathis, president at Amwins Access. “Our goal is to give retailers clarity and confidence, helping them anticipate changes and compete effectively in a market that’s still moving quickly.”

2026 Market Landscape

Heading into 2026, the small business and personal lines marketplace reflects a mix of selective softening, returning appetite, and disciplined underwriting. After several years of disruption and rate escalation, property is easing across many territories, while casualty, garag,e and certain CAT-exposed regions still face upward pressure. Technology continues to advance underwriting efficiency, and valuation accuracy remains a defining factor in carrier decision-making.

Key Highlights

• Property market softening accelerates: The property segment shows notable and consistent softening, with rate reductions emerging across most territories, particularly in non-CAT and moderate-CAT regions. Deductibles are easing, new entrants are returning, and underwriters are expanding appetite, including exploration of “brokerage light” structures for small and mid-sized accounts.
• Homeowners market stabilizes, with appetite returning: Standard personal lines homeowners continue to stabilize, with coverage breadth improving and rates flattening or decreasing in many low-CAT areas. CAT-exposed markets, especially in California, remain selective due to capacity concentration concerns, ZIP-code accumulation limits, and ongoing wildfire exposure challenges. In high-value homeowners, capacity is returning to difficult regions, though selective underwriting and strategic layering remain common. Affluent insureds continue adopting higher deductibles and sublimits to manage costs while keeping meaningful coverage.
• Casualty and garage maintain firm conditions: Casualty rates remain moderately firm, driven by social inflation, litigation funding, and severity trends. Clean accounts with strong risk controls are seeing more competitive outcomes, while higher-hazard classes still face pressure. In garage, rising repair costs, theft exposure, and regulatory requirements continue to influence pricing. Dealers face elevated deductibles and rate pressure, while repair-only operations are beginning to see modest softening. Surplus lines flexibility in several states is helping absorb displaced business as admitted capacity contracts.
• Technology integration continues to transform the ecosystem: Digital platforms, automated rating, and AI-enabled submissions remain central to accelerating speed, accuracy, and transparency. Retailers are leveraging these tools to enhance client conversations, improve comparisons, and strengthen the quality of submissions. Amwins’ digital infrastructure, powered by Amwins IQ and data-driven underwriting insights, continues to offer retailers a competitive advantage in navigating rapidly shifting market appetite.

Navigating Change with Amwins Access

With expanding carrier partnerships, specialized expertise across hundreds of classes, and a growing suite of digital tools, Amwins Access continues to equip retailers with the intelligence and market reach needed to navigate shifting small business and personal lines environments. Early submissions, transparent risk practices and ongoing valuation management remain key differentiators for brokers seeking improved outcomes in 2026. Explore the Full Report For more information, visit: Amwins Access State of the Market Report: 2026 Outlook About Amwins Access Amwins Access specializes in small business insurance solutions and personal lines coverage, offering streamlined access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. With expertise spanning a broad range of risks, Amwins Access delivers customized insurance solutions that help retail agents meet their clients' needs efficiently and effectively. Backed by the resources and relationships of Amwins, the Access division combines local expertise with global reach to provide unmatched service and innovative product offerings. For more information, visit Small Business Insurance | Amwins.

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Investment to support organic growth and M&A efforts of MGA platform

Starfish Specialty Insurance has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Peloton Capital Management to support its growth trajectory and position it to make strategic acquisitions. Starfish was launched in 2021 by Jeremy Hitzig along with co-founders Tom Lane, Margret McBurney, Michael Thabet, Brooks Chase, and James Flynn. The investment will give Peloton a significant minority stake in the company alongside the founders. Since its launch, Starfish has steadily added underwriting teams and programs in multiple verticals: Community Associations, Real Estate Investors, Aviation, Staffing/PEO’s and Crisis Response. Commenting on the capital raise, Hitzig said, “We are very excited to welcome Peloton as an investor in the company. It’s an exciting time as we look to scale rapidly. In addition to the capital infusion, Peloton brings a wealth of expertise in the insurance industry and specifically within the MGA space. We are looking forward to working closely with them to execute on our long-term objective of building one of the premier independent MGA’s in our industry.” Peloton Co-founder and Managing Partner Mike Murray commented, “We are pleased to partner with the founding team at Starfish. They’ve built a great foundation with a robust and modern technology platform and strong support from some of the top insurance and reinsurance companies in the program space. Our initial investment and ongoing capital commitment will enable the company to accelerate its growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.” Starfish recently expanded capacity for their Non-Owned and Hired charter aviation program (from $50 to $100 million per risk) and added an Aviation Excess Liability program. They also recently launched a partnership with Crux Underwriting to provide up to $400 million in per-risk Terrorism coverage in the United States. Additional new products are slated to launch early next year. About Starfish Based in New York, Starfish Specialty Insurance is a fast-growing independent MGA underwriting admitted and surplus lines programs. They are supported by a panel of high-quality insurers and reinsurers. The company currently offers more than ten products across five verticals: Community Associations, Real Estate Investors, Aviation, Staffing/PEO’s and Crisis Response. For additional information please visit: www.starfishspecialty.com About Peloton Capital Management Peloton Capital Management is a private equity firm that utilizes a long-term investment philosophy and sector-focused strategy to partner with founders and management teams to help build exceptional businesses and create attractive returns for its investors. PCM has a proven team with deep expertise and value-creation capabilities in the financial, healthcare, consumer, and business services sectors and focuses on North American middle-market companies. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Peloton was founded and is led by a team with extensive private equity experience. For more information, please visit: www.pelotoncapitalmanagement.com.

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