In a world of apps, websites, 15-minute quotes, and endless commercials, it’s fair to ask: “Do I really still need a local insurance agent?”

The short answer? Yes—now more than ever.

At Bragg Insurance Agency, we understand that insurance isn’t always exciting. Most people don’t wake up in the morning excited to review deductibles, liability limits, or policy exclusions. But when life happens—a storm damages your roof, your teenager has an accident, your business gets sued, or your rates suddenly increase—you want someone in your corner who knows your situation and is ready to help. Here’s why working with a local independent insurance agent still matters.

On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced an important update to property insurance requirements for federally-backed mortgages—and it’s one that could directly impact your borrowers, closings, and long-term client satisfaction.

The Big Change: Roof Coverage Flexibility

Historically, homeowners insurance policies for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans required Replacement Cost Coverage on roofs. As of March 2026 that has now changed.

• Replacement Cost is no longer required for roof coverage

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage is now acceptable

This is a significant shift—and one that creates both opportunities and risks.

Life Insurance Is One of the Few Things That Gets More Expensive With Age

Life insurance pricing is based primarily on age and health. Even if you remain healthy, rates increase as you get older — and once you lock in a policy, that rate typically stays level for the length of the term.

Here’s what that looks like in real numbers.

A common rule of thumb is 10–15 times your annual income.

For example: $75,000 income → $750,000 to $1,125,000 in coverage is a good baseline, but most families need to look a little deeper.

Every November, as the leaves turn and families gather around dinner tables across America, we pause to reflect on what we’re grateful for. It’s one of the few moments in our busy year when the world seems to collectively agree on slowing down, sharing a meal, and appreciating life’s blessings.

But Thanksgiving isn’t just about gratitude, it’s about directing that gratitude. It’s about answering a simple but profound question:

To whom are we thankful?

Everything is more expensive now. Is your insurance keeping up with the changing times?

When you purchase a homeowners insurance policy, you might think the process is complete once you’ve signed the application and your coverage is bound. However, most insurance companies nowadays conduct post-closing home inspections within the first 30–60 days of coverage. These inspections are a standard part of the underwriting process, designed to ensure the property meets the company’s safety and maintenance standards.