Choosing an insurance aggregator is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as an independent agent. The right partner accelerates your growth. The wrong one can cost you years and thousands of dollars.
Here is a structured approach to comparing aggregators — the same questions, applied to every option, so you can make an informed decision.
Category 1: Book Ownership
Ask every aggregator these questions:
- Do I own my book of business from day one?
- Are there any buyout fees if I leave?
- Can I sell my book without your approval?
- Can I pass my book to a family member?
- If I leave, do I keep my carrier appointments or just my client list?
The ideal answer: You own your book from day one, with no restrictions on selling, transferring, or taking it with you. Anything less than this should give you pause.
Category 2: Commission Structure
- What is the starting commission split?
- Does the split improve as my volume grows? At what thresholds?
- Are there any fees beyond the commission split (technology, E&O, admin)?
- How is profit sharing calculated and distributed?
- How often are commissions paid? Is there an accessible reporting dashboard?
Red flag: A fixed split that never changes regardless of your growth means the aggregator earns more as you earn more — without providing proportionally more value.
Category 3: Carrier Access
- How many carriers can I access? Which ones?
- Are the appointments under a master code or direct to me?
- Can I get direct appointments as I grow?
- Do you have the specific carriers I need for my market?
- If I leave, which carrier appointments stay with me?
Key insight: More carriers is not always better. What matters is having the rightcarriers for your market — and understanding whether those appointments are portable.
Category 4: Training and Support
- What training programs do you offer for new agents?
- Is there ongoing training for established agents?
- Who provides support — dedicated people or a ticket system?
- Do you offer compliance support and guidance?
- Can I access experienced agents in the network for mentorship?
Test it: Call the aggregator's support line before you sign. How long does it take to reach a real person? That experience will not improve after you join.
Category 5: Technology
- What technology tools are included (rating, CRM, management)?
- Are there additional technology fees?
- Can I export my data if I leave?
- Is training provided on the technology platforms?
Category 6: Culture and Reputation
- How selective are you about the agents you accept?
- Can I speak with 3-5 current agents as references?
- What is the average tenure of agents in your network?
- Have you ever lost a carrier relationship? Why?
- How is leadership accessible to individual agents?
The Comparison Matrix
Create a simple spreadsheet with each aggregator as a column and these categories as rows. Score each one honestly. The aggregator that scores highest across all categories — not just the one with the best sales pitch — is likely your best partner.
Do not rush this decision. Take the time to do the research, ask the hard questions, and verify the answers. Your future self will thank you.