An update on Agency Checklists’ proprietary list of agency acquisition activity in New England for Q1-2026
Main Content
Latest News
TrustedChoice.com to Rebrand as Momentum Edge on June 1st
TrustedChoice.com will rebrand as Momentum Edge on June 1, expanding its technology platform for independent agents with data-driven matching and workflow tools.
When Limited Market Access Meets Surplus Lines: An E&O Problem
Massachusetts producers face E&O risk when surplus lines placements lack documented diligent effort. A breakdown of BR-7, §168, and defensible file practices.
OPTIS: Insurance Agency M&A Down 6% in Q1 2026, With Signs of Stabilization
OPTIS reports 148 insurance agency M&A deals in Q1 2026, down 6%, with private equity buyers driving activity and signs the market may be stabilizing.
Liberty Mutual Retires Safeco Brand, Consolidates Personal Lines Under Single Name
Transition Ends Safeco Branding While Preserving Agent and Policyholder Relationships
2026 InsurSec Report: Average Ransoware Loss Now $441,000
New data from At-Bay shows rising cyber claim severity, ransomware losses, and third-party liability driving structural changes in risk.
Risk Strategies Sues Defecting Directors in Latest Brown & Brown Poaching Dispute
Risk Strategies alleges that, within days of two managing directors resigning to join Marshall & Sterling, a Risk Strategies competitor, more than 15 accounts representing nearly $900,000 in revenue submitted broker of record letters in favor of Marshall & Sterling.
Insurance Coverage Cases
When Limited Market Access Meets Surplus Lines: An E&O Problem
Massachusetts producers face E&O risk when surplus lines placements lack documented diligent effort. A breakdown of BR-7, §168, and defensible file practices.
Court: No Defense Coverage Owed In Title Insurance Dispute
A useful reminder for insurance professionals with regard to title insurance
Latest Agency Sales
Insurance Agency Mergers & Acquisitions in Massachusetts | Q1-2026
OPTIS: Insurance Agency M&A Down 6% in Q1 2026, With Signs of Stabilization
ACORD: Carrier M&A Has Become a Smaller-Volume, Higher-Risk Game
Davis & Towle Insurance Group Announces Partnership with The Insurance Source
Insurance Fraud
Verisk AI Study Finds Many Would Alter Image For Insurance Claim
A Verisk study finds AI-driven insurance fraud is increasing, with more consumers willing to manipulate claims and insurers struggling to detect altered documents and deepfakes.
BL Insurance Fraud: New Bedford Broker Couple Pleads Guilty to $750K Premium Scheme”
BL Insurance Brokerage owners pleaded guilty to a $750,000 premium diversion scheme, involving fictitious binders and unpaid policies affecting clients across Massachusetts and beyond.
Ratings & Results
US Property/Casualty Rating Affirmations Rose in 2025
Liberty Mutual Reports $6.8 Billion in 2025 Net Income as Combined Ratio Improves
AM Best Revises Outlook to Positive for Plymouth Rock Assurance Group
Q4 2025 Showed Very Soft Market Conditions, According to The Council’s P/C Market Survey
Berkshire Reports Lower 2025 Operating Earnings; Insurance Combined Ratio at 87.1%
CNA Financial Corporation Reports Record Core Income for 2025; AM Best Upgrades Financial Strength Rating
New England Newswire
Connecticut Bill Would Impose 5% Surcharge on Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Insurance Policies
Risk Strategies Sues Defecting Directors in Latest Brown & Brown Poaching Dispute
Don’t be Scammed – The Bureau of Insurance Warns Public of False Websites Claiming to Represent the Fortify Maine Homes Program
Connecticut Insurance Department Launches Updated Captive Division Website with Eligibility Tool
Economic & Legislative News in Massachusetts
Healey offers $305M response to stiffer global competition
Maura Healey proposes a $305M economic development bill to cut startup fees, expand tax credits, and attract investment to Massachusetts.
Chamber: Quarter of Young People plan to leave Greater Boston
Chamber Survey Highlights Outmigration Risk
Unemployment Ticked Back up in February, to 4.8%
Massachusetts Job Growth Streak Ends as February Payrolls Fall
Senate Extends 20-Cent Fee on Ride Services
Massachusetts imposes a 20-cent per-ride fee on transportation network companies, which is set to expire in January 2027.
Accord Gives Governor Control of Downsized Cannabis Commission
Bill doubles legal marijuana possession limit to two ounces
Paley: AI Skills Race is on for Workers, Industries
Massachusetts Pushes AI Workforce Development Strategy
Company Newswire
Rhode Island’s Amica Celebrates 2025 Philanthropic Impact
Rhode Island Auto Insurer Highlights Nearly $6.5M in Support for Mission-Driven Nonprofits
Arbella Insurance Foundation Announces Total 2025 Donations and Organizations Supported Across New England
Arbella Insurance Foundation Donated $2.4 million to Support Local Nonprofits
Union Mutual Commits $50,000 to Montpelier Performing Arts Hub
Donation to Help Unlocking Major Foundation Gift and Advancing Historic Gary Library Acquisition
Simply Business Wins “SMB InsurTech Solution of the Year” in FinTech Breakthrough Awards
Proprietary Solution Built on Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4.5
