Choosing an insurance aggregator is one of the most consequential decisions an independent agent makes. The wrong choice costs you 10–30% of your commissions indefinitely — and potentially locks up your book of business.
This comparison covers the major players: Smart Choice, SIAA, FirstConnect, ASNOA, and IPA. We are one of the options on this list, and we are confident enough in our program to compare ourselves honestly against the others.
The Five Questions Every Comparison Should Answer
Before reviewing specific programs, here are the five criteria that matter most:
- Book ownership: Do you own your book from day one, unconditionally?
- Commission split: What percentage do you keep?
- Fees: Signup, monthly, technology, E&O, exit?
- Carrier access: How many carriers, which lines, which states?
- Exit terms: What happens when you want to leave?
Smart Choice Agents
Smart Choice is one of the largest aggregators in the country with broad national presence and strong brand recognition, particularly for personal lines agents.
- Model: Aggregator focused on personal lines P&C
- Commission split: Approximately 70/30 (agent keeps 70%)
- Carrier access: 50+ personal lines carriers, strong regional presence
- Book ownership: Generally yes, though contract details should be reviewed
- Fees: Startup fees vary; monthly fees may apply
- Strengths: Brand recognition, lead generation tools, large agent community, strong marketing support
- Considerations: The 70/30 split is below market rate for agents with volume; consider whether the marketing support justifies the additional 10% cost vs. alternatives
SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance)
SIAA operates through a master agency model — agents join through local master agencies rather than directly with SIAA.
- Model: Agency alliance with tiered master agency structure
- Commission split: Approximately 90/10 at the SIAA level, but master agency takes an additional split — effective rate depends on the local master agency
- Carrier access: 40+ carriers, strong personal and commercial lines
- Book ownership: Generally yes
- Fees: Startup investment required; varies by master agency
- Strengths: Strong carrier relationships, profit sharing, path toward direct appointments
- Considerations: The master agency layer adds complexity — your relationship is with the local master agency, not SIAA directly. Quality varies significantly by location.
FirstConnect Insurance
FirstConnect is a newer, technology-focused aggregator that has grown quickly through digital marketing and content — particularly among agents searching for carrier access online.
- Model: Digital-first aggregator with VC backing
- Commission split: Varies; generally competitive
- Carrier access: Growing carrier panel, personal lines focused
- Book ownership: Review contract carefully given VC backing
- Fees: Generally minimal fees for entry
- Strengths: Technology platform, digital tools, growing carrier access
- Considerations: VC-backed companies have investor return expectations that eventually affect agent economics. Understand the long-term incentive structure before committing.
ASNOA (Agency Network Exchange)
ASNOA focuses on helping independent agencies scale toward direct appointments, with a strong emphasis on agency operations and profitability.
- Model: Agency network with mentorship focus
- Commission split: Generally competitive
- Carrier access: Regional strength, personal and commercial
- Book ownership: Generally yes
- Fees: Membership fees apply
- Strengths: Mentorship, agency operations support, focus on long-term agency building
- Considerations: More suitable for established agencies seeking mentorship than new agents needing immediate carrier access
Insurance Pro Agencies (IPA)
IPA is an independent insurance aggregator built specifically for P&C agents who want competitive carrier access, fair economics, and genuine book ownership.
- Model: Independent aggregator, agent-first
- Commission split: 80/20 standard, with pathways to improve
- Carrier access: 50+ personal and commercial lines carriers
- Book ownership: Yes — unconditional, from day one
- Fees: No signup fees, no monthly fees, no exit fees
- Exit terms: Standard notice, your book goes with you
- Strengths: Clean economics, full ownership, commercial lines access, training and compliance support, technology (EZLynx)
- Considerations: We are smaller than Smart Choice and SIAA — which means more personal support but less brand marketing infrastructure
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Best for new agents who need immediate access: IPA, FirstConnect
- Best split for high-volume agents: SIAA (if master agency is strong), IPA
- Best marketing infrastructure: Smart Choice
- Best for commercial lines: IPA, SIAA
- Most transparent fee structure: IPA
- Best for mentorship-focused growth: ASNOA
Our Honest Recommendation
Every aggregator on this list has agents who are happy with the program. The right choice depends on your specific situation:
- New agent, need carrier access immediately, zero fees: IPA or FirstConnect (review FirstConnect contract carefully given VC backing)
- Established agent, primarily personal lines, want marketing support: Smart Choice — but negotiate the split if you have production history
- Agent with volume, want path to direct appointments: SIAA — but interview the local master agency carefully, as quality varies
- Established agency wanting mentorship and operations help: ASNOA
The most important thing you can do is read the full contract before signing anything. The marketing materials describe the best-case scenario. The contract describes reality.
If you want to learn more about IPA specifically, book a discovery call and we will walk you through our contract directly.