Over the last few years, the commercial insurance world has seen a wave of broker mergers and acquisitions. Large firms are getting even larger, promising clients more resources, more carrier access, and more buying power. But for many middle-market businesses, the experience after consolidation can feel different than expected. More size doesn’t always mean better service. In fact, the opposite is often true. So, what does broker consolidation mean for you and how can you make sure your business still gets the attention and advocacy it deserves?
What You Might Lose in a Broker Merger
While large brokers can offer some benefits, such as broader market reach and advanced technology, there are real risks:
- Loss of the personal touch – Your trusted account manager may be reassigned, and your calls routed through a corporate service center.
- Slower response times – Bigger often means more layers of approval and less agility.
- One-size-fits-all service – Consolidation can lead to standardized processes that don’t flex to your business’s unique risks.
- Account team turnover – Post-merger restructuring often means staff changes, disrupting the continuity of your service.
What a Local or Independent Broker Brings to the Table
Here’s why many middle-market companies are choosing to stick with or return to smaller, independent brokers:
1. Direct Access & Responsiveness
You know exactly who’s handling your account. No corporate phone tree, no rotating service team, just direct access to the people who know your business inside and out.
2. Customized Risk Solutions
Your insurance program isn’t built from a standard corporate template. Every policy, every carrier, every coverage term is tailored to your industry, size, and specific risk profile.
3. Agility in Decision-Making
Independent brokers don’t have to run requests three layers up for approval. Quotes, certificates, and claims support can be turned around quickly when you need them most.
4. Industry Expertise that’s Personal
In industries like manufacturing, distribution, and services, we track the regulatory changes, market trends, and claims patterns that matter to you, not just the ones that make corporate headlines.
5. Claims Advocacy that Fights for You
When a loss happens, you want someone pushing back on the carrier, when necessary, not just settling quickly to clear the file.
6. Stability Without Corporate Shake-Ups
You don’t have to worry about mergers changing your account team or service approach. The people you work with today will be the same people supporting you next year.
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to insurance brokers. While large, consolidated firms can bring certain advantages, middle-market businesses often find more value in personalized, agile, and consistent service from independent brokers. When you choose a broker, you’re not just buying insurance, you’re choosing a partner to help protect your business. Make sure that partner is invested in you, not just their next merger.