Despite predictions of pending doom in the face of digital trends, insurance agents continue to be a vital piece to the industry's distribution and a trusted source of expertise during policyholders' most difficult times. In fact, 65% of consumers across cohorts said they plan to use an insurance agent in the future. On top of this, the vast majority of policyholders that have worked through agents in the past plan to do so in the future, according to a survey from Agentero. Recognizing the importance of agents to the property & casualty insurance industry, The Travelers Companies, Inc. recognizes a handful of individuals each year with its Personal Insurance Agent of the Year Award. The honorees exhibit best-in-class customer service and long-term profitable growth, according to Travelers. This year's recipients are:

• Gordy Bunch, TWFG Insurance Services
• Robb Frees, Frees Insurance
• Holly Herron, Assure Alliance, Inc.
• Bruce Humphrey, HomeServices Insurance
• John Mahoney, Weichert Insurance Agency
• Jim Mignone, ML Cutler & Co.
• Jeffrey Mongeon, Polly Insurance Agency
• Lisa A. Pouchak, Ten Eyck Group
• Karl D. Susman, Susman Insurance Agency
• Steven Tanner, Tanner Insurance Service Ltd
• Youngdon Yun, Premier Group Insurance

"We are fortunate to partner with thousands of outstanding agents, but this particular group of individuals has distinguished themselves by always putting the needs of our customers first," Michael Klein, executive vice president and president of personal insurance at Travelers, said in a release. "We appreciate their dedication and commend them for their achievements. We look forward to continuing and growing these successful relationships." Some of the 2022 award winners shared insights with PropertyCasualty360.com on the future of P&C insurance and the biggest trends hitting their agencies. Related:

• Travelers 2021 Agent of the Year winners
• Choosing the path to a successful agency sale
• Challenges and opportunities for insurance agents in 2022