ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 9 -- Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America issued the following news release:

Duck Creek Technologies is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's Agents Council for Technology (ACT).

"To stay relevant in today's market, industry stakeholders continue to pursue technology solutions that let them respond quickly to the needs of their customers and the requirements of their business. It's a pursuit we fully support. Our software and services are designed to keep pace with the changing demands of agents, brokers and insurers around the globe," said Michael A. Jackowski, CEO at Duck Creek Technologies. "We are delighted to be a supportive member of this organization and look forward to sharing our expertise as they advance their technology goals."

Founded in 2000, Duck Creek Technologies provides comprehensive P&C insurance software and services for insurers of all sizes worldwide. Employing progressive technology, Duck Creek solutions enable insurers to optimize outcomes and enhance engagement through advanced digital and data capabilities and integrated functionality that can be delivered via the cloud or on premise. The global company has U.S. offices in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. Its international locations are in Australia, India, Spain and United Kingdom.

"ACT is proud to welcome Duck Creek Technologies as its newest technology provider member," says Ron Berg, ACT executive director. "We look forward to working with the Duck Creek Technologies team on efforts to improve effective technology solutions for independent insurance agents and brokers."

Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big "I") was founded in 1896 and is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance--property, casualty, life and health--as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.

The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) was established in January 1999 by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big "I") to provide a candid, action-oriented forum to address the critical workflow and technology issues facing the independent agency system. ACT helps participants understand the perspectives of the other stakeholders in the process and provides excellent networking opportunities with the participants who are shaping the future for the industry on these issues. For more information about ACT visit www.iiaba.net/act.

ACT members include:

Industry associations and consultants: AAMGA, ACORD, CSIO, IIABA, Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, NAPLSO, Angela Adams Consulting Services, Red Barn Consulting, Steve Anderson Consulting;

Technology providers: Applied Systems/IVANS, AssureSign, Citrix Sharefile, CoreLogic Insurance Solutions, Duck Creek Technologies, EZLynx, HawkSoft, ITC, InsureSign, My Insurance Videos, North American Software Associates, Simply Easier Payments/EchoSage, Strategic Insurance Software, Vertafore/QQ Solutions;

User groups: Applied Client Network, InStar Users Group, National Association of S.I.S. Partner Agents, Inc., NetVU, Nexsure User Group;

Carriers: Allstate IA, The Berkley Companies, Central Insurance Companies, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, CNA, Columbia Insurance Group, Dryden Mutual Insurance Company, EMC Insurance Companies, The Hanover Insurance Group, The Hartford, Kemper Preferred, Liberty Mutual Insurance, The Main Street America Group, Merchants Insurance Group, MetLife Auto & Home, Motorists Insurance Group, Nationwide Insurance, New York Central Mutual Insurance, Penn National Insurance, Progressive, Safeco Insurance, Selective Insurance Company of America, State Auto, Travelers, West Bend Mutual and Westfield Insurance.

New research reveals adult children and aging parents sidestepping conversations about life insurance, making assumptions that could create costly gaps in future preparedness

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
For September’s Life Insurance Awareness Month, Lincoln Financial has released new research that outlines key conversations adult children and aging parents may not be having related to coverage and family financial conversations.

According to Lincoln Financial’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker, 78% of families surveyed have not had an in-depth conversation about life insurance. Additionally, 60% of adult children believe their parents have life insurance coverage in place, while only 44% of parents say they actually do, underscoring a critical gap between expectation and reality among family conversations and future preparedness.

Lincoln’s research finds similar communication gaps around retirement funding, healthcare costs and legacy planning, suggesting this disconnect isn’t limited to life insurance.

“Families often assume these decisions have already been made, but our research points to a broader issue that when generations aren’t talking about long-term intentions or financial priorities, those assumptions leave families feeling unprepared when important decisions arise,” said Darrel Tedrow, Executive Vice President, President of Life Insurance and Retail Shared Services, Lincoln Financial. “Closing the conversation gap starts with having honest conversations. When families understand their options and priorities, they can make more informed decisions about the role life insurance plays in their long-term financial security.”

The call to action: Start before it’s urgent

Lincoln encourages adult children and aging parents to begin key retirement and long-term financial conversations as early as possible, as that clarity and alignment will create greater financial confidence and preparedness for the future. For families to align, Lincoln suggests:

• Host a family meeting where key members discuss financial protection, coverage needs and long-term goals; don’t assume everyone is already on the same page. Meet once a year or when any major life event may occur.

• Work with a financial professional to understand how life insurance fits alongside saving, investing and retirement preparedness.
• Have these conversations early. When families avoid discussing long-term financial goals, important decisions are often left until a major life event occurs, forcing loved ones to navigate complex and emotionally charged choices under pressure.

• Document key decisions. Once family conversations happen, make sure family members understand expectations, know where important information is kept, and are fully aligned on what decisions have been made.

“Life insurance should be part of a family's overall financial strategy. It should be considered alongside saving, investing and preparing for retirement as part of a broader approach to long-term financial security,” said Tedrow. “With that in mind, the most important part of any strategy is making sure the people it impacts understand it. A simple conversation today can create greater clarity and confidence for a family in the future.”

For more information on Lincoln, Life Insurance Awareness Month or their life insurance solutions, visit here.

FAQs

What is Life Insurance Awareness Month? Life Insurance Awareness Month is observed each September to help raise consumer understanding of life insurance and encourage families to evaluate their coverage needs.

What does Lincoln Financial mean by “closing the conversation gap”? It’s the disconnect between what families assume has been decided and what has actually been discussed and put in place. Lincoln Financial’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker found 78% of families surveyed haven’t had an in-depth conversation about life insurance, and adult children consistently overestimate the coverage their parents have.

Why do families avoid these conversations? Families often assume the topic has already been addressed, or avoid raising it out of discomfort, and the responsibility for starting the conversation can end up sitting with no one in particular.

Why does Lincoln Financial say life insurance is part of a comprehensive financial strategy, rather than a standalone product? Because it works best alongside saving, investing and preparing for retirement, not as a decision made in isolation. Treating it separately is part of why it gets left out of the conversation.

How can families start this conversation? Start with goals and long-term priorities rather than policy details, don’t wait for a milestone event to force it, and consider working with a financial professional to help align expectations across generations.

About Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial helps people confidently plan for their vision of a successful financial future. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 17 million customers trust our guidance and solutions across four core businesses – annuities, life insurance, group protection, and retirement plan services. As of June 30, 2026, the company had $366 billion in end-of-period account balances, net of reinsurance. Headquartered in Radnor, PA., Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. Learn more at LincolnFinancial.com. Products are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.

LCN-9085236-081926

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Source: Lincoln Financial