P&C insurers are continuously looking to increase share andbring new produts to market, but that often sems to be a one-wayconversation. What about the ways that independent agents seethem? What qualities or characteristics do producers lookfor in their carriers?

In one of the most comprehensive studies of independentagents in the U.S. ever completed, NU, theNational Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) andFlaspöhler, part of NMG Consulting, joined forces to conduct the2017 Independent Agent Survey — a project whose findings providerevealing insight into the demographics, books of business andindustry challenges of independent Property & Casualtyinsurance agents, as well as their most highly rated carriers.

Today, we look at what indications of quality our survey respondents value in a P&C carrier (and how much),from commission plans to state-of-the-art IT systems, consistentunderwriting, and overall financial strength, among many others. Ifyou're a carrier executive, some of the findings may surpriseyou.

We also asked producers to rate several factors (on a scale from1 to 9) how important several key factors were to them whenevaluating a commercial carrier. These include superior productsand coverages; a strong, positive brand reputation; and a strongclaims-handling record.

Those interested in learning more about subscribing to thereport can contact Rick Flaspöhler, Partner, at [email protected].

Throughout this week and next, we'll continue to share the results of the study, which can be foundin full in our March print edition. Check back on Monday for arevealing look at what independent agents said are the biggestchallenges to their business.

See also: Which P&C insurance carriers were voted tops byproducers?

//