PIA Announced 2026 Insurance Award Winners

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents honored top performers in the independent agency system.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Insurance

PIA Announced 2026 Insurance Award Winners

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The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents has announced its 2026 award winners. The honors recognize individuals and organizations that have significantly strengthened the independent insurance agency system.

Why it matters

These awards highlight key industry players who drive innovation and customer service excellence. Recognizing these leaders underscores the vital role independent agencies play in maintaining a robust insurance market for consumers.

Award recipients include Meg McArdle Kowar, recognized for 15 years of service, and Alyssa Hobgood, who is licensed to practice in 10 states. McArdle and Associates, where Kowar serves, was established in 1992.

The players

National Association of Professional Insurance Agents

This national trade association represents independent insurance agencies across the United States.

Meg McArdle Kowar

She is a professional at McArdle and Associates who was named the Professional Agent of the Year.

Erie Insurance

The company was selected by the association as the Company of the Year.

Roush Insurance Services

This organization was named Managing General Agency of the Year for its technology solutions.

Alyssa Hobgood

An insurance professional at BWO Insurance who was awarded Young Insurance Professional of the Year.

The details

The accolades celebrate diverse achievements, including Copeland Insurance Agency's development of an online consumer price estimation tool and Roush Insurance Services' provision of 24/7 policy management technology. Additionally, winners like Ruth Martin of Fulcro Insurance hold professional credentials such as the Certified Insurance Counselor designation.

McArdle and Associates was founded in 1992.
The 2026 award winners were announced by PIA National.

Market Dynamics

The awards reflect the evolving competitive landscape for independent agents navigating the regulatory framework of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. By rewarding innovation, the association is positioning its members to better compete against direct-to-consumer digital insurance platforms.

Consumers benefit from these industry advancements through improved digital tools, such as the online price estimators introduced by award-winning agencies. These innovations lead to more transparent policy management and easier access to insurance coverage across multiple states.

The takeaway

The insurance industry continues to modernize by integrating 24/7 digital document management and transparent pricing resources. Independent agencies that embrace these technologies often provide more efficient, client-focused service to their policyholders.