What is an insurance aggregator?
The short answer
An insurance aggregator is an organization that gives independent agents access to carrier appointments they couldn't get on their own. Instead of each agent meeting a carrier's volume requirements individually, the aggregator pools premium across hundreds or thousands of agents. The carrier sees one large account; the agents get access to markets they'd otherwise be locked out of.
Think of it like a buying co-op. You trade a small percentage of your commission (typically 2-4%) for access to 20, 30, or even 50+ carriers that would normally require $500K+ in annual premium to appoint directly.
Why aggregators exist
Most insurance carriers have minimum production requirements for direct appointments. Progressive might want $100K in annual premium. Travelers might want $250K. A new or small independent agent simply can't hit those numbers — not in year one, maybe not in year five.
Aggregators solve this by aggregating (hence the name) premium from many agents into one large block. The carrier deals with the aggregator as a single entity. The aggregator distributes appointments to its member agents. Everyone wins: the carrier gets distribution, the agent gets markets, and the aggregator earns an override on the business written.
Types of aggregator models
The industry uses several terms that mean slightly different things. Here's how they break down:
Aggregator / Cluster
Examples: SIAA, Smart Choice, Firefly
How it works: You join the group and write through their carrier contracts. You typically retain ownership of your book. The aggregator takes an override fee (2-4%) from your commission.
Best for: New or small agents who want carrier access with maximum independence.
Network / Alliance
Examples: Keystone, Renaissance Alliance
How it works: Similar to a cluster but often more selective about membership. May offer profit-sharing, collective bargaining for better rates, and shared services. Usually requires meeting minimum production levels.
Best for: Established agents looking for carrier access plus strategic benefits.
Franchise
Examples: Brightway, Goosehead
How it works: You operate under their brand and systems. They provide leads, technology, training, and carrier access. In exchange, they take a larger commission split (often 50/50 or 60/40). Book ownership policies vary.
Best for: New agents who want a turnkey business with built-in support, and are willing to share more revenue.
Managing General Agent (MGA)
Examples: Specialty carriers, E&S markets
How it works: An MGA has binding authority from one or more carriers. They can issue policies, handle underwriting, and manage claims on behalf of the carrier. Agents access specialty markets through the MGA.
Best for: Agents who need access to specialty or surplus lines markets.
What aggregators cost
Every aggregator has a different fee structure, but here's what you'll typically see:
Common fee structures
Override / commission share: The most common model. The aggregator takes 2-4% of your commission. So if a carrier pays 12%, you might receive 9% and the aggregator keeps 3%. This is invisible to the client — it comes out of the carrier's payout.
Monthly membership fee: Some aggregators charge $50-200/month in addition to or instead of an override. More common with smaller aggregators.
Startup fee: Ranges from $0 to $2,500+. Some aggregators charge nothing upfront; franchises can charge $10,000-$50,000+.
E&O coverage: Some aggregators include E&O insurance in their fee; others require you to carry your own.
The critical question: do you own your book?
This is the single most important question to ask any aggregator. If you leave, do your clients come with you?
Most reputable aggregators (SIAA, Smart Choice, Keystone) let you retain ownership of your book of business. You built it, you own it. If you leave, you can take your clients and policies to your next carrier arrangement.
Some aggregators — particularly franchise models — retain partial or full ownership of the book. This means if you leave, your clients stay with them. This is a dealbreaker for many agents and the #1 source of regret reported in agent forums.
Always read the contract. Look for language about book ownership, non-compete clauses, exit terms, and what happens to your renewals if you leave. If the contract is unclear, that's a red flag.
The top 10 insurance aggregators (2026)
Ranked by agent ratings on InSifter. The right network for you still depends on your state, your lines, and — above all — whether you keep 100% ownership of your book, so treat this as a shortlist, not a verdict:
- SIAA — The largest alliance network in the country — local master agencies under a national umbrella, with strong carrier access for new independents. (4.4/5 agent rating)
- Keystone Insurers Group — Partner network known for commercial-lines depth and genuine peer collaboration between member agencies. (4.3/5 agent rating)
- FirstChoice (MarshBerry) — Network backed by MarshBerry’s consulting and M&A muscle — popular with growth-minded agencies. (4.2/5 agent rating)
- Renaissance Alliance — Northeast-rooted network focused on premium growth and carrier leverage for established agencies. (4.1/5 agent rating)
- Smart Choice — Low barrier to entry with no upfront fees and a large carrier lineup — a common first network for new agents. (4.1/5 agent rating)
- Darkhorse Insurance — Fast-growing hybrid aggregator-franchise with modern tech, training, and mentorship. (4.1/5 agent rating)
- SecureRisk — Southeast regional network with solid market access for personal and commercial lines. (4.0/5 agent rating)
- Brightway Insurance — Franchise model with centralized service — you sell, they handle much of the back office. (4.0/5 agent rating)
- ASNOA — Midwest-focused network known for hands-on support services and agency development. (4.0/5 agent rating)
- First Connect Insurance — Digital market-access platform (Hippo-backed) with no volume minimums — appointments without joining a traditional cluster. (4.0/5 agent rating)
Compare all 34 side by side — fees, book ownership, and carrier access — in the aggregator directory, or model what a network would actually cost you with the aggregator cost calculator.
How to choose the right one
The right aggregator depends on where you are in your career and what you need most:
Questions to ask before you sign
Do I own my book of business if I leave?
What's the override percentage by carrier?
Is there a non-compete clause? How long? What radius?
What are the exit terms? Do I need to give notice?
Which carriers are available in my state?
Is there a startup cost or monthly fee?
Do they provide E&O coverage?
What technology and support do they offer?
Do they share profits or pay bonuses?
Common aggregator questions
What’s the best insurance aggregator? →Which should a new agent join? →Which has the lowest fees? →Which pays the most? →Which has the best contract? →Compare aggregators side by side
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