When agents ask "which carrier is best?" the honest answer is:it depends on the client. The carrier that's cheapest for a 25-year-old renter in Texas is different from the one that's cheapest for a 55-year-old homeowner in Ohio. That's exactly why having 50+ carriers matters.
What to Look for in a Carrier
1. Competitive Rates
Rates vary dramatically between carriers for the same risk. A home that costs $2,000/year with one carrier might cost $3,500 with another. Having access to more carriers means you can find the best rate more often — which means higher close rates and happier clients.
2. Commission Structure
- New business rates: 10-20% depending on line
- Renewal rates: 8-15%
- Contingency/bonus programs: 1-5% of book annually
- Volume tiers: Higher production = better rates
3. Technology & Ease of Use
- Quoting speed: Can you get a quote in under 5 minutes?
- Binding capability: Can you bind online or do you need to call?
- Policy management: Can you make changes and issue certificates easily?
- Agent portal: Is it modern, mobile-friendly, and intuitive?
4. Claims Service
This is the most important factor — and the one agents often overlook when choosing carriers. Your clients judge YOU based on their claims experience. A carrier with great rates but slow, frustrating claims handling will cost you clients and referrals.
5. Underwriting Flexibility
- How do they handle older roofs?
- What about past claims on CLUE reports?
- Do they write non-standard risks?
- How flexible are they on coverage customization?
The 80/20 Rule of Carrier Usage
Most agents find that 80% of their business goes to 5-8 carriers. These are your "go-to" carriers — the ones you know inside and out, that are competitive in your market, and that you trust for claims.
The other 20% — non-standard risks, specialty lines, niche markets — is where having 50+ carriers matters. Without that depth, you turn away business. With it, you can serve virtually every client who walks through your door.
Why Carrier Access Through an Aggregator Works
Through an aggregator:
- Day one: Access to 50+ carriers without individual appointments
- No minimums: Write one policy or one thousand with any carrier
- Comparative rating: Quote all carriers simultaneously
- You discover your favorites: After 6 months, you'll know exactly which carriers win in your market
Bottom line: The best carrier is the one that fits YOUR client's specific needs. Having 50+ options means you find the right fit more often, close more deals, and keep more clients happy.