Core Insights - U.S. consumer auto insurance shopping remains elevated in Q1 2025, with shopping growth at 16% and new policy growth at 8.4%, indicating a slight cooling from Q4 2024 [1][9] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Macro factors such as tax refund season and tariff concerns are significantly influencing consumer auto insurance shopping behavior [2] - Direct channel shoppers contributed to growth across all age groups, with a 34% year-over-year increase, outpacing independent and exclusive agent channels [3] - The non-standard market segment experienced a 30% growth, driven by uninsured shoppers entering the market with tax refunds [3] Group 2: Regional Trends - Despite a shorter calendar in February 2025, many regions reported elevated shopping growth, with 10 states showing increases of 20% or more, including Hawaii (59%) and New Jersey (43%) [4] - New policy growth was bolstered by tax refunds and increased vehicle sales, with states like Nevada (39%) and New Jersey (31%) reporting new policy growth of 20% or higher [5] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Average policy retention dropped to 78% by the end of Q1 2025, down from 83% in early 2022, indicating a faster churn rate [6] - Historically loyal segments, such as policyholders aged 66 and older, are now more active in shopping and switching behavior, highlighting the need for proactive retention strategies [7][8] Group 4: Future Outlook - The full impact of proposed tariffs may not be felt until later in 2025, but current tariffs are already shaping the market, prompting consumers to fast-track purchases [10] - Insurers may need to refine their acquisition and retention strategies as auto and home policy activities increasingly influence one another [10] - Carriers face significant retention challenges, with declining rates potentially straining business models, necessitating disciplined underwriting approaches [11]

AMERISAFE, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMSF) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 27, 2025 10:30 AM ET Company Participants Kathryn Shirley - Chief Administrative Officer Janelle Frost - President & Chief Executive Officer Andy Omiridis - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Mark Hughes - Truist Matt Carletti - Citizens JMP Bob Farnam - Janney Operator Good day, and welcome to the AMERISAFE fourth quarter 2024 earnings call. Today's conference is being recorded. At this time ...