MGAs (Managing General Agents) used to be specialists, operating as wholesalers for particular lines, specialty lines, or programs. But now they’re being seen in a new light, and they’re creating new possibilities. Some insurers are delegating underwriting authority to them. Some insurers are establishing their own MGAs. Others are using the model to augment capacity and increase speed to market. And some startups are using the MGA model as a step toward becoming an insurer.
All MGAs will increasingly rely on four things: (1) Capital in varying amounts, depending on their objectives and the infrastructures they choose to build and maintain.
(2) Technology. (3) Insurance acumen. (4) The right partners through which to acquire 1 through 3.
