5 Questions Carriers & MGAs Must Ask About Digital Distribution
The insurance world is moving fast, and digital is no longer just a buzzword – it’s how business gets done. Carriers and MGAs know they need a strong digital game to keep up and grow. But with so many digital distribution platforms available, how do you pick the right one? It’s not just about getting tech-savvy; it’s about finding a partner that truly helps you grow your business the right way.
Don’t just ask about bells and whistles. Ask the questions that get to the heart of profitability, efficiency, control, and accelerated growth.
Here are five crucial questions every carrier should ask before diving into a digital distribution partnership.
Independent Agents!
Accelerate Your Agency’s Success
Instant Access
No Fees
Top Commissions
#1: “How will your platform help us get the right kind of business that fits our goals?”
It’s tempting to think that more agents simply means more business. But for carriers and MGAs, it’s about getting the right agents, in the right locations, writing the right policies that truly align with your underwriting sweet spot. Growth is great, but profitable growth is even better.
When you’re evaluating a platform, dig into how they qualify agents. How do they make sure the agents connecting with your products are a good match for your target customers and risk appetite? At First Connect, we don’t just open the floodgates; we guide agents to the best-fit products, helping them quickly find opportunities that align with your specific underwriting guidelines. This approach ensures that fast growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of loss ratio.
#2: “How quickly and easily can our products be integrated onto your platform?”
We know your IT and development teams are busy. Adding new integrations can feel like a huge project. A truly strategic partner should make getting started as easy and quick as possible.
Ask platforms about their time to market. At First Connect, we pride ourselves on our custom-built solutions, designed to fit each individual partner’s needs, from tech-light to full API integrations. Our partners can implement quickly and start growing immediately, without complex IT requirements. This means less heavy lifting for your internal teams and getting agents writing business in record time.
#3: “What is your plan for launching new partners and products on your platform?”
Getting set up on a platform is only the first step. Digital distribution isn’t a “build it and they will come” situation. A robust launch plan is the bridge between product readiness and accelerated agent adoption.
Don’t just stop at the technical integration. Delve into how your prospective platform will proactively engage and prepare its agent network. Inquire specifically about their communication strategies leading up to launch, the depth of their agent training programs, and the mechanisms they have in place to ensure agents are fully informed, confident, and ready to start writing your business immediately upon activation.
Our proven launch playbook takes a hands-on approach and includes a series of pre-launch agent emails and a dedicated launch webinar. The goal is simple: how fast can you go from saying “yes” to having agents actively quoting and binding your products? We focus on making that journey incredibly efficient and effective.
#4: “What kind of ongoing support do you offer agents once they’re on the platform?”
A great digital distribution partner doesn’t just connect you with agents and then disappear. They nurture those relationships, ensuring agents stay engaged and productive for the long haul.
Ask how the platform supports agents after they start selling your products. Do they offer training, dedicated support, and helpful resources? How do they help agents resolve issues? Do they keep agents informed about new products, state availability, appetite, and incentives?
At First Connect, we know that when agents feel supported and in the know, they’re more productive, more loyal, and can deliver consistent quality business. That’s why we provide them with dedicated support, comprehensive carrier resources, and ongoing product updates. This includes proactively keeping them informed about new product launches, new state availability, carrier incentive programs, and other key partner initiatives, ensuring they always have the latest information at their fingertips.
In fact, we have more than 500 5-star reviews on Trust Pilot reflecting the high quality of our agent support resources.
#5: “How much control will we have over which agents can access our specific products and programs?”
Your brand, your underwriting integrity, and your market strategy are vital. You should always feel in control of who is selling your products.
Don’t shy away from asking about granular control. Can your company set specific criteria for agent access? Are there clear approval workflows? Can agents be segmented based on performance or strategic focus areas? A true partnership, like the ones First Connect builds, empowers you to maintain strategic oversight of your distribution. We make sure your products are only accessible to the agents who best fit your criteria, safeguarding your interests and maintaining the quality of your book of business.
Conclusion
Choosing a digital distribution partner is one of the most strategic decisions you can make for your profitability, efficiency, and market reach. By asking these five critical questions, you can look beyond the surface and identify a partner that truly aligns with your growth objectives, ensuring a robust and sustainable future in today’s digital insurance landscape.
Ready to see how First Connect answers these critical questions and helps you achieve your digital distribution goals? Let’s Connect!
