Agents who leverage technology and take a customer-centric approach to see growth opportunities.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Decades of predictions that the independent insurance agency distribution channel was positioned for extinction remain wrong. As the channel continues to evolve, opportunities for growth over the next three to five years include leveraging technology and becoming hyper-focused on client personalization, according to a panel of insurance executives at the Big “I” NH annual convention.
For the majority of his insurance career, Matt Masiello, AAI, CEO, SIAA, The Agent Alliance, has heard the threat that independent agents would be put out of business by everything from banks to the internet to direct writers. “The fact is the channel is doing really well. There are more independent agencies now than there have been in years. Even though we’re seeing a lot of consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, we’re seeing new agencies pop up all over the country,” said Masiello.
Insurance professionals who have worked as exclusive or captive agents are turning to the independent channel as their carriers have overhauled operations, negatively affecting agent contracts and compensation packages.
“For those of us that make a living either in or around independent agencies and property-casualty insurance, it’s a pretty bright future,” said Masiello. “There are opportunities around personal lines and small commercial lines as the captive agency channel continues to contract.”
Read the full article, featuring Matt Masiello, SIAA’s Chief Executive Officer, published October 19th, 2026, in The Standard. Reprinted with permission from The Standard, Copyright 2026, Standard Publishing Corporation, Boston, MA. All rights reserved.