Does the thought of peak season create anxiety for you? It does for some brokers. But help is available when you partner with a General Agency.
Think you can handle it on your own. Just because you’ve done so in the past doesn’t mean you should continue to go it alone. Below are seven signs it’s time to add a General Agency (GA) partner to your broker toolkit.
7 Signs You’re Ready for a General Agency Partner
If you’re spending more time on paperwork than prospecting, losing clients at renewal without knowing why, or losing pitches to national brokerages with bigger back-office support, it may be time to add a General Agency partner. A GA like Word & Brown can take on quoting, enrollment, renewal support, and CE resources — freeing you up to focus on selling and growing your book.
1. You’re Spending More Time on Back-Office Work Than Selling
Quoting, enrollments, paperwork, and back and forth with carriers can really eat into your prospecting time. Partnering with a GA can get you back some of that time. Word & Brown, one of California’s and Nevada’s premier general agencies, has been working with brokers since 1985. We’ll relieve you of many back-office activities. That includes quoting, enrollment (alongside you or in your place), and case installation. This allows you to focus on what’s really important: new sales and growing your business.
2: You’re losing clients at renewal and don’t know why.
Retention is critical, but industry research says average retention is just 84%. Even for top agencies, it averages in the low 90s. Our partners’ retention is typically higher. Churn is rarely about price. It’s about responsiveness. We’ll add a layer of renewal support that most solo brokers cannot replicate on their own.
3: Clients are asking about options you can’t quote on your own.
Maybe it’s alternative funding, self-funding, PEOs, or something else. Industry data shows employers are more actively considering alternatives in 2026 – and they will continue to in 2027. If you’re turning away business, referring it elsewhere, or fumbling through conversation about these solutions, that’s a signal you need a partner that can help.
4: You’re competing more frequently against national brokerages – and you’re losing the pitch.
A GA can give your independent agency access to the same carrier relationships, speedy quoting, and enrollment support that larger shops use as a competitive edge. That levels the playing field for you – opening the door to new business without you giving up your independence.
5: You’re falling behind on industry changes or your Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
You know our industry is constantly changing. It can sometimes be challenging to stay up to date. Word & Brown helps brokers by publishing industry updates, blogs, and articles that enable you to stay on top on matters of importance. Those include ACA changes, minimum value reporting, HSA & HDHP limit changes, and more. Plus, we offer valuable CE Credits through our annual Week of Webinars, trade association presentations, and elsewhere.
6: You lack backup for client meetings or enrollment support.
Solo brokers are often a single point of failure. Sick days, vacation, being spread too thin across a diverse roster of clients – and other events – cut into your ability to fully serve the needs of your customers. When you partner with a GA like W&B, our field reps and enrollers can fill the void. They will act as an extension of your team at no cost to you.
7: Your growth has plateaued and you don’t know why.
We will work with you to help you get into new markets and attract new customers. W&B can expand your products and services portfolio. And we’ll assist with new carrier and health plan appointments. If you’re not already selling Large Group and Ancillary, our experts can help you write your first cases – with more to follow.
Having a GA partner can help you achieve write more, renew more, and earn more. Act now to take advantage of the many ways W&B can help you. If you have a W&B rep, call or email them today to reconnect. If we’re not yet working together, register today to get started.
