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2024 Annual ReportOHIO INSURNCE INSTITUTEEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND DIRECTORSEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERSChairman: Terry McClaskey, Vice President, PersonalLines, Westfield InsuranceVice Chairman: Mark Russell, President/CEO, OhioMutual Insurance CompanySecretary/Treasurer: Thomas J. Obrokta,President/CEO, Encova Insurance GroupDIRECTORSSusanna Berna, CPCU, ChFC, CLU, FLMI, Counsel,State FarmChuck Crist, Claims Business Leader, ProgressiveInsuranceThomas Hogan, Executive Vice President and ChiefLegal Officer/Secretary, The Cincinnati InsuranceCompanyMark Howard, Executive Vice President and ChiefLegal Counsel, Nationwide InsuranceÉlise deLanglade-Spriggs, Senior Public AffairsOfficer and Director of Strategic Policy Enablement,Liberty Mutual Insurance CompanyCheryl Lebens, President of Personal Lines, GrangeMutual Insurance

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2024 Annual ReportOHIO INSURNCE INSTITUTESTAFFDean Fadel, President and CEOMichael Farley, CPCU, Vice President, Government Affairsand General CounselJody Foltyn, Vice President, Education and WorkforceDevelopmentBrittany Halpin, Director, CommunicationsAmanda Schroeder, Director, Membership and AdministrationNoah Johnson, Manager, Strategic Public AffairsPRESIDENT AND CEO’S MESSAGEOn behalf of the Ohio Insurance Institute, I am proud to providethe following annual report of the organization’s work in 2024. As a member-led trade association, our success is driven by theactive engagement of our companies, forward-thinking industryleadership, and innovative committee members. Togetherthroughout the year, we effectively advocated for several publicpolicy initiatives that will better position the industry and ultimatelybenefit Ohio insurance consumers. Additionally, we madesignificant strides in advancing insurance education and buildingthe workforce needed to meet the challenges of the future. We’re excited for the opportunities 2025 will bring and lookforward to working together to strengthen Ohio’s property andcasualty insurance industry for years to come.Dean FadelPresident and CEO

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INSURANCE IN OHIOOhio is home to275+ insurancecompanies.Ohio’s insurance industry infuses significantrevenue into state and local governmentcoffers, paying more than $765 million in premium taxes in 2023.Ohio ranks 6th nationally in insurance carrier and relatedactivities GDP, contributing $29.9 billion.Ohio’s insurance industrypaid more than $10.9 billion in wages in 2023.BY THE NUMBERS2024 Annual Report1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2 Ohio Department of Development213

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2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 20230204060801001201402024 Annual ReportOHIO INSURANCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT 2018 - 2023Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family ServicesNumber of People (In Thousands)YearOhio ranks 7th overall in insuranceemployment and 2nd within theproperty and casualty sector.8th LowestAuto Insurance PremiumsEmployeesalaries are50% higheron averagecompared toother privatesectoremployeesacross thestate. The robustcompetitionamong themanyinsurancecompaniesoperating inthe BuckeyeState givesconsumers awide varietyof choicesand some ofthe lowestrates in thenation.7th LowestHomeowners Insurance Premiums$776 average per year in Ohio$1,062 average per year nationally $920 average per year in Ohio$1,411 average per year nationallyAFFORDABILITYEMPLOYMENT3 Insurance Information Institute4 National Association of Insurance Commissioners1441

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HB536TESTIMONY2024 Annual ReportADVOCATES FOR ROADWAY SAFETYOhio’s insurance industry has a long history of advocating for legislation that makes roadwayssafer. The Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) and its member companies led efforts that ultimatelyresulted in lawmakers strengthening the state’s distracted driving laws in 2023. In the year since local peace officers and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) began enforcingthese bolstered distracted driving laws, significant strides have been made in saving lives andreducing the number of crashes. According to the OSHP’s preliminary data released in October, there were approximately 1,112fewer distracted driving crashes in Ohio from October 5, 2023, to October 4, 2024, compared tothe 12 months prior. Fatal crashes attributed to distracted driving dropped 19.4%. Overall, there were nearly 15,400 fewer motor vehicle crashes compared to the 12 months prior.The total number of traffic fatalities also dropped with 138 fewer people killed. Each April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the OII helped to bring awareness tothe new law by writing a column that was published in eight newspapers across the state.Distracted Driving Continues to Drop After Strengthened Laws Enforced

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In Governor DeWine’s 2024 State of the State Address, he called on the Ohio General Assembly totake legislative action to make seat belt violations a primary offense for law enforcement. Following hisaddress, on May 15, 2024, House Bill 536 (Cross, Miller) was introduced to make failure to wear aseat belt and failure to properly secure a child in the appropriate booster seat or seat belt a primaryoffense. While past attempts to do this faced significant roadblocks, the OII has renewed optimism that with anew narrative, real progress can be made on this issue. In May, OII President and CEO Dean Fadel spoke at the Ohio Traffic Safety Summit and introduced acompelling argument against the commonly heard claim that the decision to not wear a seat belt is amatter of personal freedom. In fact, the data shows it is not a matter of personal freedom, but ratherone of economic freedom. Fadel also provided proponent testimony on HB 536 in June. Additionally, the OII published a column inthe Columbus Dispatch that outlined the steep economic costs of seat belt nonuse and encouragedthe Ohio General Assembly to take legislative action.2024 Annual ReportChanging the Narrative on Seat Belt Enforcement“Currently, less than 20% of Ohioans do not wear their seat belts on a regular basis,but, according to Ohio Department of Public Safety data, more than 60% of trafficfatalities involved someone not wearing a seat belt. And we know that crashesinvolving fatalities and serious injuries are the most costly, both personally andfinancially. [...]According to the NHTSA, 54% of crash costs are paid by private insurers, 14% ispaid by other sources (doctors, hospitals, charities, etc.), and 9% is paid by publicrevenue. This leaves 23% paid by crash victims, meaning those not directly involvedin crashes pay 77% of the total cost, primarily through insurance premiums, taxes,and traffic congestion related costs. These costs are driven higher by theapproximately 20% of Ohioans who choose not to wear a seat belt and are involved inthe majority of the most serious and costly crashes. Put another way, every Ohioan – including those who wear their seat belt – pays forthose who don’t.”By Dean FadelTo save lives and money, Ohio must stop and charge drivers,passengers not wearing seat belts

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2024 Annual ReportSEEKING PUBLIC POLICY SOLUTIONSOhio’s property and casualty insurance market is stable and growing thanks in part to strongand fair regulation. The Ohio Insurance Institute serves its members by navigating the politicalclimate and acting as an industry advocate on legislation and regulations to ensure a healthyand competitive insurance environment. The following policy initiatives were enacted or madesignificant progress in 2024:In July, Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 175 (Lang), an omnibus piece of legislation thatupdated several important topics during this General Assembly. The bill’s provisions include:NAIC Pet Insurance Model ActOhio Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association modernizationsConfidentiality of information in connection with the merger or other acquisition of control of adomestic insurerAssigned Risk Plan anti-fraud languageOhio Fair Plan language modernizationsUpdates to the treatment of funding agreements in the event of insurer insolvency. At the direction of the Legal Subcommittee, OII staff worked to develop the bill’s provisions inclose coordination with the bill sponsor, Senate Insurance Committee Chair Bob Hackett, and theOhio Department of Insurance. Omnibus Insurance Measure Signed into LawFederal Rule of Evidence 702 amendments took effect on July 1, 2024. These amendments aredesigned to reinsert judicial review of experts and the material presented by expert witnesses.Ohio’s Rule 702 harmonizes with recent federal amendments and places the onus on theproponent to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the testimony meets the relevancyrequirements of the Rules. The amendment also clarifies that the preponderance of the evidencestandard applies to both the expert and the information presented. This is a more stringentstandard than what is currently used in most courts. According to published reports, the federalamendments are already producing the actions anticipated in federal courts.The OII took the lead in seeking an amendment through the Supreme Court of Ohio andsupporting the amendments to Ohio Evid.R. 702. Staff also formed a coalition of national supportto encourage adoption. This amendment will be a significant tool in stabilizing Ohio’s runaway jury awards.Evidence Rule 702 Amendments Take Effect

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2024 Annual ReportAfter languishing in the Senate for several years, both the Ohio House and Senate passed SenateBill 63 (Lang), a bill to require a plaintiff in a tort action alleging an asbestos claim to file specifieddisclosures. This legislation is intended to address the practice of over-naming, which is a type ofabuse that is prevalent in asbestos lawsuits. The OII has been actively working with the OhioAlliance for Civil Justice to ensure that the correct defendants are being sued in asbestos cases. As of December 19, 2024, SB 63 was in the process of being sent to Governor Mike DeWine forhis signature.Asbestos Litigation Over-Naming Reform Measure PassesThe OII leads a robust process of member-approved amicus briefs filed on behalf of Ohio’sinsurance industry. The amicus process seeks to ensure the judiciary understands the potentialimplications their rulings could have on consumers and the state’s property and casualtyinsurance marketplace. The OII’s program is an essential component of encouraging stable caselaw and predictable judicial outcomes. The following amicus briefs were filed during the2023/2024 session of the Supreme Court of Ohio:Sherwin Williams v. Certain Underwriters (Supreme Court of Ohio)Following in the line of the “Masters Pharmaceutical” case in 2022, this case answered ifdamages for lead paint constitute “bodily injury” or “property damage.” This is another caseinvolving the public nuisance theory. The Court held that payment for abatement funds dealingwith future remedies is not subject to indemnity. The OII filed an amicus on July 17, 2023. Eddy v. Farmers (Supreme Court of Ohio)This matter seeks to clarify the application of Boone v. Vanliner to bad-faith litigation materialsand when an in-camera inspection should occur. The OII filed amicus briefs in the jurisdictionphase and at the merit phase of briefing. Oral arguments should occur in mid-2025. One Church v. Brotherhood Mutual (Supreme Court of Ohio)This matter related to evaluating the effects of appraisal awards and the binding nature of theaward for insurance policies. Together with NAMIC and APCIA, the OII filed an amicus brief insupport of the Supreme Court of Ohio accepting jurisdiction on September 23, 2024. OnNovember 26, 2024, the Supreme Court of Ohio declined to accept jurisdiction in the case.Amicus Briefs

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2024 Annual ReportBOLSTERING FINANCIALLITERACY AND INSURANCEEDUCATIONA solid understanding of how insurance works not only helps to create responsible and informedconsumers, but it also provides a foundation of understanding for a rewarding career within theindustry. The Ohio Insurance Institute and its member companies partner with educators acrossthe state to help students understand property and casualty insurance so they can makeeducated decisions about their finances and their future.One important way the OII promotes insurance education and financial literacy is through theannual Insurance Educator of the Year Award, which recognizes Ohio high school teachers whosurpass expectations by delivering insurance concepts in dynamic and engaging ways. At an event in April at Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati, OII President and CEO Dean Fadel honoredTim Gannatti with the 2024 Insurance Educator of the Year award for excellence in insurance education.He was nominated by a colleague, who explained how he is fostering an understanding of howinsurance products work and their significance by offering “concrete examples of how insurance willimpact and contribute to the future lives of students… Ursuline has a saying that, ‘We learn not forschool, but for life.’ Tim’s work in financial literacy and insurance is helping students do just that.”Tim Gannatti Named OII's 2024 Insurance Educator of the YearGannatti teaches personal finance, business,and science courses at Ursuline Academy. Hereceived his bachelor’s degree in businessadministration from the University of Notre Dameand his Master of Education from XavierUniversity. He also serves as an officer in theU.S. Navy Reserve.As part of the award, Gannatti received a cashprize of $1,500 and an additional $500 wasawarded to Ursuline Academy. The award alsoincluded reimbursement of course fees forsuccessfully completing a graduate-creditworkshop or course designed for high schoolteachers.

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2024 Annual ReportAs the demand for standards-aligned financial literacycurriculum grows, Ohio's insurance industry is well-positioned to serve as the trusted expert on insurance-related matters. At the 2023 OII Annual Meeting, the Education andWorkforce Development Committee lent its support formodernizing the OII’s high school insurance educationefforts to better align with the state’s learning standardsand model curriculum. Modernizing the OII’s High School Insurance Education EffortsIn July, the OII joined K-12 educators from across Ohio at the University of Akron H.K. Barker Centerfor Economic Education's Teaching Financial Literacy Summer Institute for a panel discussion onteaching risk management and insurance. Panelists included:Roc Starks, CIC, CRM, ARM, MBA, Associate Teaching Professor, Bowling Green StateUniversityTracey Lamerson, Teacher, Unioto High School, 2023 OII Insurance Educator of the YearWhitnee Dillard, Executive Director, InvestSince then, the OII has worked closely with the Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) and Invest toreview curriculum and curate specific modules that meet Ohio’s financial literacy requirements. Thegoal is to simplify access for teachers by focusing on relevant materials, including video textbooks,quizzes, and case studies that bring insurance education to life in a more engaging way. The Ohio-specific material will be hosted on a separate page within the Invest learning managementsystem and will be accessible at no cost through the OII website. OII Leads Panel at Summer Financial Literacy institute

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2024 Annual ReportSTRENGTHENING OHIO’SINSURANCE WORKFORCEOhio’s insurance sector has long been recognized for its proactive leadership in workforcedevelopment, and Insuring Ohio Futures (IOF) is proud to be at the forefront of these efforts.This commitment to addressing workforce challenges is more important than ever as Ohio’sinsurance industry faces an anticipated need for nearly 108,000 new workers over the nextdecade.Partnering With the Ohio Department of Insurance and Ohio’s RiskManagement and Insurance Programs to Highlight the Benefits of anInsurance CareerIn 2024, students had the ability to pursuean insurance-specific education at 10 Ohiocolleges and universities, including a newlylaunched minor at Wittenberg Universityand a short-term certificate at LorainCounty Community College. The OII maintains strong relationships withOhio’s Risk Management and Insurance(RMI) programs, providing regular Ohioinsurance industry updates andparticipating in student-focused events.This year, the OII partnered with the OhioDepartment of Insurance to showcase careeropportunities at events like Ohio DominicanUniversity’s Insurance and Risk ManagementAcademy, the University of Akron’s RiskyBusiness event, and an insurance industryshowcase for Ohio’s higher education careerservice centers.

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In April, IOF engaged with proven partner Werth to deliver a comprehensive branding effort for allexternal-facing materials and marketing collateral, including a new website. IOF conductedextensive surveys and focus groups with company recruiters, higher education programs, andother key stakeholders to ensure that the new messaging and tone would resonate with thetarget audience. These efforts culminated in a research report released in May, highlighting several key findingsfrom stakeholder interviews and valuable insights for the rebranding of the website. The overarching message of the rebrand is clear: “Insurance is the ideal industry to begin acareer, offering a wide variety of job opportunities for people with nearly every skill set and thebenefits that job seekers expect. With more than 275 insurance companies across both rural andurban communities, Ohio is an amazing place to start an insurance career. Insurance iseverywhere — including your future.” Launched in October, the website is organized into key focus areas: Workforce: Claim Your CareerEducation: There’s No Risk with an Insurance EducationCommunity: Insurance Covers Ohio2024 Annual ReportLaunching the New Insuring Ohio Futures Website and Brandwww.OhioInsuranceCareers.org

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2024 Annual ReportThe Ohio Insurance Institute offers unique opportunities for member companies tocome together to establish goals for the benefit of the entire property and casualtyinsurance industry. At the OII’s Continuing Legal Education Symposium, and Mid-Year and AnnualMeetings, members help guide the organization’s priorities, discuss industry topics,speak with key public figures, participate in committee meetings, and engage withfellow members.2024 MEETINGSOhioDepartment ofEducation andWorkforceDirector Stephen Dackin

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2024 Annual ReportThe 2024 symposium covered a variety ofinsurance law-related topics, including apresentation from former Ohio Solicitor GeneralBenjamin Flowers on major appellate courts, aswell as a preview of major cases anddevelopments, Insurance and Bad Faith,Cybersecurity Ransomware and “Direct PhysicalLoss”, and Trends in National Litigation andEfforts to Improve Legal Climates.Continuing Legal EducationSymposium: March 7, 2024Held in Columbus, the meeting included committeemeetings and reports, as well as a presentationfrom Ohio Department of Insurance Director JudiFrench. Additionally, members heard from OhioSupreme Court candidates Judge Dan Hawkins andJudge Megan Shanahan, Tod Bowen from the OhioRestaurant and Hospitality Alliance, and OhioDepartment of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson.Mid-Year Meeting:March 8, 2024Held in Columbus, Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judi French provided a regulatory update. BrettRoubinek, president and CEO of TRC Ohio, also gave attendees an overview of their extraordinary highwayand development operations happening in East Liberty, Ohio, and how their research is driving innovationand safety across the automotive ecosystem.On the education and workforce side, leaders from several of Ohio’s higher education risk managementand insurance programs gave members an overview of the work they do to attract students and build arobust talent pipeline for the industry. Members also heard from Stephen Dackin, director of the newlyformed Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Director Dackin provided insight on how thedepartment’s priorities will help to better introduce Ohio’s students to career pathways and prepare themfor the workforce of the future.Annual Meeting: October 22-23, 2024In November, the OII hosted the annual Ohio State Highway Patrol Blue Max Awards banquet, whichrecognizes troopers who have recovered stolen vehicles.OII Hosts Annual Blue Max AwardsThis year’s banquet honored 45 Ohio statetroopers with the Ace Award – a designationearned by recovering five stolen vehicles in onecalendar year. Additionally, Matthew D. Boyerwas awarded the Blue Max Award for the fourthconsecutive year for recovering the most stolenvehicles of any trooper in 2023. Special thanks to gold sponsor Nationwide andbronze sponsors The Cincinnati InsuranceCompany, Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, andWayne Insurance Group for their support of thisevent.

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