Stuckey & Co. Blog

Your 2026 New Business Playbook: Markets Agents Overlook (But Shouldn’t)

Written by Stuckey & Company | Feb 11, 2026 5:00:05 PM

A new year often brings big goals: write more business, grow accounts, and strengthen relationships with clients. But sometimes, the biggest opportunities aren’t brand new risks — they’re already sitting in your book.

As market conditions continue to shift, many agents are finding that familiar classes are becoming harder to place, slower to quote, or easier to overlook altogether. That doesn’t mean the opportunity is gone — it just means placement strategy matters more than ever.

Here are a few areas where we see untapped potential.

Contractors & LROs: Still Strong — Just More Specific

Contractors and LROs remain core classes for many agencies, but underwriting has become more selective in certain states and for certain operations. Because of that, these accounts are sometimes pushed aside or delayed longer than they should be.

The key isn’t avoiding these risks — it’s knowing where they fit best and how to approach them with clarity. With the right guidance, these can still be dependable, repeatable placements.

Professional Services: Steady Demand, Growing Need

Professional services continue to be one of the most consistent areas of opportunity, yet they’re often under-prioritized.

This includes:

  • Medical offices and healthcare-adjacent professionals
  • Accountants and CPAs
  • Engineers, designers, and technical consultants

These businesses face increasing liability exposure tied to advice, expertise, and professional decisions — and many are actively seeking better coverage solutions. When placed correctly, professional services accounts can become long-term, stable relationships.

Business & Personal Services: Everyday Accounts with Real Upside

Some of the most overlooked opportunities are also the most common:

  • Consultants and advisors
  • Barber and beauty shops
  • Pet care services and veterinary offices

Because these risks feel familiar, they’re sometimes treated as “easy” or routine — which can lead to missed options or slower placements. In reality, these businesses often benefit from thoughtful market selection and clear underwriting support.

Financial Services: A Quiet Opportunity

Financial planners, insurance agencies, mortgage bankers, and advertising agencies don’t always come top-of-mind when thinking about growth areas — but they should.

These businesses operate in high-responsibility environments, and coverage needs are becoming more complex. With the right approach, financial services can be a strong addition to a well-rounded book.

Retail & Restaurant: Not Easy — But Still Worth Understanding

Retail and restaurant risks come with restrictions, changing appetites, and tighter underwriting — which is why many agents approach them cautiously.

While not every account will fit, understanding where these risks can still be placed effectively helps you move faster and set better expectations with clients.

A Smarter Way to Look at Your Book

New business doesn’t always mean new industries. Often, it means:

  • Recognizing familiar classes differently
  • Knowing where opportunities still exist
  • Having confidence in how to start the placement process

This month, we’re focused on helping agents take a closer look at what they’re already writing — and how to place it more efficiently in today’s market.

Next up: we’ll explore why some solid accounts still feel harder than they should… and what’s getting in the way.

Curious where certain classes fit best right now? Reach out — we’re always happy to talk through options.