{"id":3551,"date":"2025-10-31T06:28:05","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T06:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.opendesignsin.com\/insillion\/?p=3551"},"modified":"2026-01-02T10:31:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:31:47","slug":"blog-pc-distribution-strategy-mgas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.opendesignsin.com\/insillion\/blog\/blog-pc-distribution-strategy-mgas","title":{"rendered":"Building a Winning P&#038;C Distribution Strategy for Your MGA"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1339.52px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"--awb-line-height:1.5;\"><p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/christopher-lowell\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chris Lowell,<\/a> Managing Director at <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW237981076 BCX0\">Inn<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW237981076 BCX0\">S<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW237981076 BCX0\">ure<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alexis-cierra-vaughn-77573862\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alexis Vaughn<\/a><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">insurance distribution <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">expert<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"> and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">CEO of Off Course Consulting<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"> return with a second vide<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">o<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">for<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW237981076 BCX0\">Insillion's<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"> MGA101 seri<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">es<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"> to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">unpack<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">initial<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\"> steps <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">involved in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">creating <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237981076 BCX0\">a strategic distribution plan as an emerging MGA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KBqMHZSWdXk?si=yTlEm1L77by2T7mO\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Early Distribution Planning Is Critical for MGAs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Below is a typical (grossly oversimplified) checklist an aspiring MGA founder might draft when planning to launch their MGA:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Times New Roman\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Develop Product<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Times New Roman\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Build or Buy Technology<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Times New Roman\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Secure Capacity<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Times New Roman\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Create a Distribution Strategy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While the items appear to be logically ordered, Alexis advises that distribution planning should be moved higher up the list<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">even before <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.opendesignsin.com\/insillion\/blog\/mga-risk-capacity-resource-guide\">seeking capacit<\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">y, in some cases.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once capacity is secured, the MGA\u00a0is expected to get\u00a0its product to market as soon as possible. Without a well-defined plan in place, many MGAs pause at this stage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While most possess the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.opendesignsin.com\/insillion\/thought-leadership\/startup-mga-tech-innovation\">expertise it takes to develop\u00a0their insurance product or technology<\/a>, they may lack the understanding needed to build an equally effective distribution strategy. Hiring or partnering with the right team of distribution specialists is imperative to hit key\u00a0milestones smoothly, and having an 18-month distribution plan from the get-go is Alexis's recommendation to achieve that.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Engaging with distribution partners early, getting their inputs during the product development phase and tweaking products as necessary can go a long way\u2014not only does this make the MGA's product more market ready, it builds\u00a0trust, increasing the odds of said agents and brokers being early adopters and advocates for the product when it first launches. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Arranging multiple meetings or demos with distribution partners is not an adequate substitute for the deep networks and connections distribution consultants bring to the table, explains Alexis.\u00a0Their association with a program lends credibility\u00a0to the\u00a0MGA's business strategy and strengthens market confidence in its products.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Launching an MGA vs. Partnering with an MGA vs. Partnering with a Carrier<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload aligncenter\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/dev.opendesignsin.com\/insillion\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Launching-your-MGA-vs-Partnering-with-an-MGA.svg\" alt=\"Launching your MGA vs Partnerning with an MGA\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Hiring or partnering with agents and brokers\u00a0isn't\u00a0the only way for\u00a0insurance\u00a0product\u00a0innovators to\u00a0get\u00a0their products to\u00a0market.\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">For distribution,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0They\u00a0can also choose to white label their products through a carrier or partner with an established MGA.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For innovators who are new to the\u00a0insurance\u00a0industry\u00a0and lack in-house\u00a0expertise, partnering with an existing MGA can feel like\u00a0a\u00a0more\u00a0strategic\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">comfortable<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0starting point. In these cases, Alexis\u00a0advises\u00a0having a clear, airtight contract, with a\u00a0clear understanding of the value each party brings\u2014ensuring the established MGA sees equal benefit in the relationship.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Another route is white labeling through a carrier. While launching\u00a0an\u00a0MGA can take 12\u201318 months, going live via a carrier\u00a0may\u00a0extend\u00a0the timeline to 2\u20133 years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ultimately, the\u00a0choice depends on what aligns best with the innovator's business model and internal capabilities. Aspiring MGA founders should evaluate all\u00a0business models\u00a0before selecting the one that fits their operational readiness\u00a0the best.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">MGAs, distribution partners, and distribution agencies are all distinct entities, each with\u00a0different functions\u2014so having clarity on who\u00a0actually qualifies\u00a0as an\u00a0MGA\u00a0and what role they play is crucial during this evaluation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where and\u00a0How\u00a0should\u00a0MGAs Approach Distribution Partners?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If an innovator chooses to set up an MGA,\u00a0here's\u00a0a more relationship-driven approach to securing distribution partnerships\u2014one that goes beyond mass email outreach and simply hoping that agents and brokers take interest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Attending events and conferences and being part of associations where trust has already been built is a great way to make connections<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2014MGAs should join\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.opendesignsin.com\/insillion\/blog\/blog-pc-mga-distribution-partner-expectations\">aiming\u00a0to\u00a0educate\u00a0and\u00a0be\u00a0meaningfully\u00a0involved\u00a0in their committees<\/a>\u00a0rather than\u00a0expect\u00a0new business\u00a0immediately.\u00a0Here are Alexis's\u00a0top recommendations for\u00a0associations\u00a0to join:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentagent.com\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Big I Regional-State Specific groups<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wsia.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">WSIA for Top 100 Brokers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plusweb.org\/events\/conference-symposia\/future-events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">PLUS\u00a0National\u00a0&\u00a0Regional Level\u00a0Groups<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalyit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Big National (Catalyit Group)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/keystoneinsgrp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keystone Conference<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The person on the MGA's team\u00a0leading these efforts\u00a0must\u00a0fit\u00a0naturally\u00a0into\u00a0the distribution space and\u00a0should be able\u00a0to\u00a0speak the language of the\u00a0insurance\u00a0agents\u00a0and\u00a0brokers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-content-boxes content-boxes columns row fusion-columns-1 fusion-columns-total-1 fusion-content-boxes-1 content-boxes-icon-with-title content-left\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:12px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:12px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:12px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:12px;--awb-title-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-margin-top:16px;--awb-hover-accent-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-circle-hover-accent-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-item-margin-bottom:40px;\" data-animationOffset=\"top-into-view\"><div style=\"--awb-backgroundcolor:#f1f6fc;\" class=\"fusion-column content-box-column content-box-column content-box-column-1 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 fusion-content-box-hover content-box-column-last content-box-column-last-in-row\"><div class=\"col content-box-wrapper content-wrapper-background link-area-link-icon link-type-button content-icon-wrapper-yes icon-hover-animation-fade\" data-animationOffset=\"top-into-view\"><div class=\"heading icon-left\"><a class=\"heading-link\" style=\"float:left;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLTnXUxRSolkQ4HH9uctr74YUGisG2qlVB\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><h2 class=\"content-box-heading\" style=\"--h2_typography-font-size:24px;line-height:29px;\">P&amp;C Distribution: The Expert\u2019s Guide<\/h2><\/a><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container\">\n<p>Get leadership-level insight into how MGAs build solid, rewarding distribution networks in Alexis Vaughn\u2019s 3-video masterclass.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><a class=\"fusion-read-more-button fusion-content-box-button fusion-button button-default fusion-button-default-size button- button-flat\" style=\"float:left;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLTnXUxRSolkQ4HH9uctr74YUGisG2qlVB\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Watch Now<\/span><\/a><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Engaging with distribution partners early, getting their inputs during the product development phase and tweaking products as necessary can go a long way\u2014not only does this make the MGA\u2019s product more market ready, it builds\u00a0trust, increasing the odds of said agents and brokers being early adopters and advocates for the product when it first launches. \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":776,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[48],"class_list":["post-3551","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-managing-general-agents"],"acf":{"event_date":null,"author_name":"Insillion 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